Production on the Chevrolet Volt will cease for four weeks in the early summer, as General Motors deals with slow sales of the existing model and prepares to transition to the next iteration of Chevy’s relatively popular hybrid.
According to GM, the Detroit-Hamtramck plant that hosts manufacture of five models, including the Volt, will most likely be open in the summer, even with production halting in June and July for four weeks. This facility is also prepping for the manufacture of Cadillac’s new flagship car, the CT6, aside from the 2016 Chevy Volt.
Though the Volt has been quite well-loved in the green car market, cheap gasoline prices have taken their toll on electric and hybrid car sales. Gas prices are now at $2.40 per gallon as of today, down 35 percent from the 2014 high of $3.70. Volt sales have suffered accordingly, as Chevrolet has sold just 1,874 Volts, a 48 percent decrease from March 2014’s year-to-date tally. Right now, dealers have supply of Volts for 210 days, which is far more than the 60-day supply considered ideal in the automotive market.
Pricing on the Chevrolet Volt is at $34,170, excluding a government credit of $7,500. Mileage figures are at 38 miles per charge on battery power alone. As for the new Volt, reports suggest this figure will go up to about 50 mpg, while the car’s design may undergo a sportier transformation, with additional room inside the vehicle for occupants. On a similar note, Chevy also has a second green car, the all-electric Bolt, which is set to arrive for the 2017 model year with an electric range of 200 miles.