GM is planning to extend a production slowdown for its extended-range electric car, the Chevy Volt.
Last month, Michigan Radio's Tracy Samilton reported that GM was halting production of the Volt for five weeks in March and April to reduce inventory, in part because of lower-than-anticipated demand.
Samilton wrote:
The car has been highly praised, but it’s expensive. Even with a $7,500 federal rebate, the Volt still costs about $32,000. Meanwhile, people can buy a highly fuel-efficient regular car for much less – including GM’s own Chevy Cruze, which costs about $19,000.
Additionally, the Volt facility was scheduled to be shut down for two weeks in July---a common practice for car factories---but GM has now extended that period to three weeks, again citing a need to reduce inventory.
But according to the Associated Press, "a spokeswoman says the company sold a record number of the electric cars in March and may cancel the extra week if strong sales continue."
-John Klein Wilson, Michigan Radio Newsroom
