General Motors has only sold 1,703 copies of the Chevrolet Volt through April, but the automaker plans to crank up the volume for the 2012 model year. GM has announced that it will shut down its Detroit Hamtramck plant for four weeks to prepare for 2012 Volt and Opel Ampera production. The upgrades will enable GM to build 16,000 total units this year, and in 2012 production will grow to 60,000 units; 45,000 of which will be destined for U.S. consumption.

When the 2012 model comes online, GM will begin to open up sales throughout the U.S. The 2011 model is only being sold in California, New York, Connecticut, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia and Washington, D.C. The Volt and Ampera will also be shipped to Canada, China and Europe beginning later this year.

During the lengthy shutdown, GM will add new tools, install overhead conveyor systems and other equipment. The General will also set up the plant to build the 2013 Chevy Malibu during the four-week shutdown, though more work will be completed before the mid-size sedan is launched. Hit the jump to read over the GM press release.Continue reading GM boosting Chevy Volt production, preparing for first exports

GM boosting Chevy Volt production, preparing for first exports originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 May 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.


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