Chevrolet to ramp up Volt production after factory overhaul 05/20/2011
General Motors has announced that it will be upgrading its Detroit-Hamtramck facility in order to increase production of the Chevrolet Volt and Malibu, although the company will have to temporarily shut down the plant to do so.
Beginning in June, the factory will be shut for four weeks in order to accommodate the major changes. Once completed, the automaker believes that it will be able to produce more vehicles on a consistent basis. Even though they'll be losing four weeks, the company will be able to produce 16,000 Volts this year, as opposed to the previous target of 15,000.
The company will reap even more benefits in the future. The Volt's targeted production for 2012 has been increased from 45,000 to 60,000, largely in response to rising fuel prices. GM has rolled out the Volt to smaller markets thus far, where it's sold well. Yet the company wants to make the electric Volt more available for drivers desiring high fuel economy, and is planning to make the vehicle available on a much larger scale beginning in 2012.
In addition, the factory will begin making the 2013 Malibu, with productions slated to begin next year.