Chevrolet to increase Volt production capacity by half

General Motors said that thanks to strong public interest in the Chevrolet Volt, the extended range electric vehicle, it will increase American production capacity of the new car by 50 percent – from 30,000 units to 45,000 units – in 2012.

The announcement came as United States President Barack Obama toured the Detroit-Hamtramck facility, where the Volt is being produced now for sale later this year.

The expanded domestic production capacity is the latest in a series of positive developments for the Chevrolet Volt. Recently, participating Chevrolet dealers in launch markets began taking customer orders for the 2011 Chevrolet Volt, following the release of retail and lease pricing.

The brand also recently announced unprecedented battery and vehicle limited warranties. And the number of American launch markets for the vehicle recently was raised from three to seven. In the past few weeks, more than 25,000 people have joined the Chevrolet Volt enthusiast list.

The Detroit-Hamtramck plant received $336 million in new investment to prepare for production of the Volt, part of more than $700 million GM has invested in eight Michigan facilities to support Volt production since 2008. This includes a 33,000 square-foot battery systems lab in Warren; a battery assembly facility in Brownstown Township; and supporting engine and stamping operations in Grand Blanc, Bay City, and three plants in Flint.

Besides direct GM jobs, the Volt has helped spur additional supplier employment and investment. Earlier this month, battery cell supplier LG Chem/Compact Power Inc. broke ground on a $300 million, 650,000 square-foot plant in Holland, Michigan, to support Volt production, creating 400 jobs. In addition, the Volt helped start an electrification trend. Since its debut in January 2007, other automakers have announced 30 plug-in hybrid or electric vehicles.