They stated they had a goal of 10K by the end of the year, but they tested in only 7 markets (mostly CA and NY). They have produced about 300 per month and have sold those easily! At 300 a month the best the could produce in a year is 3600 cars, well short of 10K.
By contrast, Nissan is selling 1,300 Leafs a year. The market is there, yet GM is holding back! Not quite understanding it.
I think the electric car is the future, but I am anxious to get that future started now!
By contrast, Nissan is selling 1,300 Leafs a year. The market is there, yet GM is holding back! Not quite understanding it.
I think the electric car is the future, but I am anxious to get that future started now!
Chevy Volt sales don't have expected spark - chicagotribune.com
Bottom line, he said, GM is still selling every Volt it can build. It just needs to build more.
The plant is capable of producing 600 Volts a week, Peterson said, or roughly 2,400 cars a month.
If demand turns out to be weaker than expected, said Mike Omotoso, an analyst with J.D. Power and Assoc., GM may take steps to strengthen sales to make sure they hit its number.
"If they're way below their target in a month or two, they could ramp up incentives on the Volt," he said.
The Volt is already eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit, which brings its effective base price down to about $32,500. Also, it's available at a relatively low lease rate of about $350 a month.
Phil Gott, an industry analyst with IHS Global Insight, agrees with Peterson that the Volt's current lagging sales status is no indication that demand for the car is flagging. Still, he said, it also doesn't mean the ultimate demand for the car is that huge, either.