The order books for the 2016 Chevrolet Volt may have been open for some time in California, but the rest of the U.S. has been patiently waiting to use their federal tax credits to step into a next-generation Volt.
Unfortunately, it looks like the majority of the U.S. won’t be receiving the 2016 Volt at all.
Inside EVs originally obtained a Chevrolet dealer document, showing a received timeline for 2016 Volt orders and production. The original schedule had the 2016 Volt launching in California exclusively in August and September, with 11 other states following behind shortly after. The rest of the country would be graced with the all-new Volt this November.
Now, General Motors has confirmed the timeframe has changed. The 2016 Chevrolet Volt will see an extremely limited model year in the 12 confirmed states this fall, while the 2017 model year Volt will begin production in February of 2016, with an early spring availability.
GM spokesperson, Kevin Kelly, delivered the official statement saying:
Chevrolet has a shortened model year for the 2016 Chevy Volt that will have a limited distribution network. The 2016 Volt will be sold in our strongest EREV markets. The 2017 Chevrolet Volt will begin production early this spring and will be available throughout the country.
If you must have a Chevrolet Volt this year, the current 2015 Volt remains one of the hottest automotive deals, however. Until then, many will have to wait until next spring to hope behind the wheel of the latest Volt.
Comments
They’re also delaying introduction of the new Cruze diesel to a similar time period.
That is unfortunate. The Volt has never been marketed very well, and it seems like GM goes from one poor decision to another with regards to the Volt.
I really like my Volt, but I don’t think GM shares that affection.
If GM management was half as skillful as the engineers that designed the Volt, GM would be making a lot more money and wouldn’t be viewed nearly as negatively.
General Motors’ 2nd GEN Volt should be a winner; but it would be interesting if Chevy were to put a CUV body over the Volt’s drivetrain or something sporty like their Code 130R.
And you are a bullshit!
Why am I not surprised by this news? I’m hoping this has EVERYTHING to do with the upcoming BOLT rather than any other “rationale” GM might conjure up.
Between the Volt’s initial limited availability and “market adjustment” price gouging by dealers in the past and add to that the “limited market availability” of the Spark EV, this crap is getting old – real fast! If thy pull this with the BOLT, I’m going to begin looking toward a Prius or a Leaf. If GM isn’t going to make these vehicles available in some of the worst traffic congested markets (D.C metro area, for one) they’re not doing me any good. My hard-earned money will spend just as well at other makers and buy just as much if not more than at GM. TYPICAL for GM to be jerking people around like this.
I do definitely agree with you about GM’s masturbation session.
But beware the Leaf is a terrible handling car. The Volt handles nicely- like a car.
Well that just means they better have more improvements for the supposed 2017 model since what it already has should be available now in 2016, i.e. increase mileage a little more for 2017 would be nice…then by 2018 I might upgrade from gen 1!
I give up. I’ve been watching and waiting for the 2016 since January and i really need new car. Nissan Leaf here i come.
ha you can’t wait a little longer? even if the Leaf was made by GM I would not buy it…it is beyond fugly.
GO test drive one. I have and the handling is abysmal.
Why not just buy a current version of the Volt? The base model can be had for less than $19k after tax rebates.
Well here is the deal.
Where are most electric cars sold? California.
Where are the most placed to charge a car? California
Where is the most customers that are the most likely to consider a car like this? California.
GM stated clearly that this time they would market the Volt strong and extensively in markets that held the most customers. #1 being California and then pocket areas around the country with many Eviromental type buyers. {Not a typo}
If they can make a strong presents in one of the largest car markets in the world and establish themselves with the type of people that already love these kinds of cars they can help spread the love for it to other parts of the country. This is a game of playing to your strengths.
I see many Volts here in Ohio but most are discounted Employee purchases and fleet sales. Not much for profit or image here.
This is not a Cruze and should not be treated as a Cruze as it has a whole different segment.
Might note too the Leaf was out for about 2 years before I saw one in the mid west as most were sold in California and Arizona and other warm areas.
Now where GM did drop the ball last time was marketing. They started strong out of the gate for a year and a half and then it was like they forgot they even offered this car. You heard nothing of it or about it. I suppose they had a reason that I have heard several theories about but it still was not a good thing.
Where is the place trends are often set and emerge to spread across the country? California.
Where did Tesla really establish it’s self in the market first? California.
Where do they end up selling Volts mostly in fleets because of the lack of interest? Not California.
I expect the Bolt to be marketed similar to people in markets that hold the most interest first. Large sales in strong markets are key as if you take them to Chicago in the dead of winter and try to sell a electric car to a market with few eco minded folks trying to keep warm in the dead of winter you are going to look bad.
These cars are slow growth and it will take time for them to be accepted nationally. Not a majority wants a electric car yet and it will take time and growth in technology and markets to gain more appeal.
I like them but not everyone here feels the need for one and there is a lot of unknown about them to many people yet.
Makes me wonder if the remaining inventory of 1st Gen Volts will be moved to other 38 states.