The Chevrolet Volt is going into production with several different interior and exterior options visible in the image above and gallery below.
Previously I reported that I had ordered my Chevrolet Volt, but chose the white as opposed to dark console because though I’d prefer it, the dark console wouldn’t be available immediately at launch. How could I not be the first guy on my block without a Volt?
This led to some confusion and speculation both on this site and others as to exactly what options will be available at launch.
Volt marketing director John Hughes was kind enough to shed some exact light on this issue.
“Looks like AFI interior will be limited for the first three weeks of production and then should be okay after that,” said Hughes. “Not a real big deal.”
The AFI interior is specifically the jet black leather seats with dark console.
It is not the leather seats themselves that are delayed nor apparently the neutral leather with black console combination (AFF).
Hughes did not say why the delay is taking place. It is possible this combination is proving most popular, and/or that it was added latest in the development cycle.
Angie is a Customer Service Advisor who regularly checks in and posts on the GM-Volt Forum. She offers the following comment on the matter:
Chevrolet is working hard to have all interior color options available at start of production. At times there may be a delay with various vehicle options. When the dealer submits an order for production, they will be made aware of any options that are not available at the time. The dealer will be able to consult with their customer accordingly before the order is placed. The Jet Black Seats/Dark Accents Interior (AFI) was added to the vehicle build plan earlier this year, and we are working to have it available at start of production or shortly thereafter.
So what combination did you order? Take the polls below:
This entry was posted on Thursday, September 9th, 2010 at 7:26 am and is filed under Interior. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.
+15
Sep 9th, 2010 (7:30 am)I know it can seem agonizing to have to wait any longer, but it’s not that long and hey, the car is finally here!
I remember when they first came out with the concept and I thought to myself “Wow that would be an awesome idea, but GM will never do it” Well they did. I’m sure there are lot’s of others that have been waiting eagerly since then. A little longer to get the combination you want won’t kill you. I definitely prefer the darker console, but I don’t hate the white one. I just think the darker one might hold up better over time.
+4
Sep 9th, 2010 (7:36 am)I am guessing that the dark dash and interior help reduce glare on the display.
+3
Sep 9th, 2010 (7:38 am)Black on Black looks great for this car.
Only way to go in my opinion.
+1
Sep 9th, 2010 (7:54 am)On the September 5th topic it looks like black leather/white console has a design print on the door panels. The black leather/black console has unprinted gray panels on the doors. I hope this is the case. I strongly urged my Chevrolet dealer to make an effort to complete the paperwork by December 31st. Need the tax credit this year.
=D-Volt
+2
Sep 9th, 2010 (7:57 am)In 2013 i will choose from what is then available because they will not be available here before then.
Still waiting in Illinois.
Tom
Sep 9th, 2010 (7:57 am)Black leather with white console seems pretty dramatic and different. Black on black is too much like the car I have now. I might even consider the white seats. How about white seats AND white console! If I am going to buy a car that is different, I want something to indicate that.
+1
Sep 9th, 2010 (7:58 am)I’m going with black paint, neutral leather seats, dark console and cannot wait to take delivery! It will be a nice christmas gift this year, hehe.
-34
Sep 9th, 2010 (8:03 am)(click to show comment)
+7
Sep 9th, 2010 (8:18 am)I seem to be one of only a couple that ordered fabric seat because they will be cooler in Florida. I was surprised at how few ordered this option. I cannot wait until my Volt gets delivered in March. My wife has told me I have gotten cheap because I am not spending a cent I don’t have to before my car gets here. The County has gotten cheap where I work. They have stopped raises for 4 years, cut out all overtime, made us pay more for health insurance, increased medical copays, and take 8 unpaid furlough days this next year. It is going to be really tight to still get my Volt. I have turned into a miser.
Take Care,
TED
+2
Sep 9th, 2010 (8:22 am)I like the White console. It gives the interior sort of a ‘science fiction’ look. The Black looks more European, non-descript in the daylight but I’m sure looks awesome at night.
+8
Sep 9th, 2010 (8:24 am)Off Topic but interesting.
Firm celebrates opening of lithium-ion battery plant
A123 Systems will host a celebration Monday to mark the opening of the nation’s largest lithium-ion automotive battery facilities in Livonia.
From The Detroit News: http://www.detnews.com/article/20100908/BIZ/9080345/1001/biz#ixzz0yyNCk0Ku
+6
Sep 9th, 2010 (8:26 am)The VOLT will look spectacular in anyone’s driveway in ANY COLOR COMBINATION! JMHO!
For those lucky enough to get one of the VOLT’s built in the first few weeks of production, likely meaning actual delivery by December 2010, then a slight compromise on color is the trade-off. But the delay on Jet Black Leather/Dark console is not likely to affect too many orders as it will become available shortly after SOP. My guess is that the hold-up is not the Dark Console itself, but rather the door panels which appear to be unique on this color. The Dark Console is shared with the Light Neutral Leather, so it is available. The door panels are the only thing that is unique.
+3
Sep 9th, 2010 (8:28 am)Thank you Lyle for making this issue into a front page article! And thanks to GM’s John Hughes for providing his comment. As I said in the forums a couple days ago, it would probably take such an article to really drive more information out of GM on this.
A few weeks delay is fine, but what was rumored originally (a week ago) was that it might take until next March before those packages would make it out. So for the past 6 days I’ve been wringing my hands over whether I should change my order to something I like less just to get the car sooner. All sight unseen. Yes, yes, dry logic says I should just wait, but I’m committed to being the earliest of early adopters on this car and don’t want to get my car that far down the line.
So I’ll stick with my AFF package (neutral seats, dark console) for now and hope that this article will drive out further confirmation that the trim packages are really OK, at worst a couple weeks of delay for some.
Regarding exterior color, I see a lot of votes for Cyber Gray. Be advised that my dealer told me that it was very dark, almost black.
+3
Sep 9th, 2010 (8:30 am)Good luck to you who have ordered a new Volt!!
It will be very interesting to follow the reviews of the press but even more interesting to follow the reviews of the owners commenting on this site and forums.
I hope I sometime (2013?) will be an owner of the Ampera version 2
+4
Sep 9th, 2010 (8:31 am)How about an option for those of us that can’t yet order a Volt???
Like:
What color options do you think you will order when the Volt is available in your area?
We second class “No Volt” citizens don’t really like to have it rubbed in our noses…..
Just kidding – Kind of.
Lyle – IMHO, call your dealer and change the order to a dark console!!!! I agree with all your other color choices!
+6
Sep 9th, 2010 (8:36 am)When I can order one in New Mexico, I plan on White Diamond Tricoat, Neutral Leather Seats, and Dark Console.
+5
Sep 9th, 2010 (8:48 am)I will opt for the same combo in 2013 assuming we have the volt in IA by then…
Isn’t it awesome how 3 years ago we were all debating whether or not this car would be produced, now we are debating what color combinations will be available at what point of time!
Looking forward to volt ownership!
+10
Sep 9th, 2010 (9:03 am)Maybe next summer, “Jolt Blue” will be a limited edition color for the opening of Transformers 3.
+2
Sep 9th, 2010 (9:05 am)/this
+1
Sep 9th, 2010 (9:05 am)You can do a search on the intertubes for “cyber grey” and see many corvettes with that color. Doesn’t look too dark IMHO.
+1
Sep 9th, 2010 (9:08 am)The lighter interior/exterior choices will be much more popular where it’s hot for much of the year (like the outskirts of Atlanta, where I’m posting from).
I wonder if there will be an option for a light-colored roof by the time Volts are available here. The only practical reason I can think of for the black roof is to capture more heat in snow country. It seems like a bad idea in the Deep South. Hopefully, it will remain limited to the prototypes I’ve seen, and won’t make it onto the production vehicles.
BTW, that light leather doesn’t look very “neutral” to me (though it is definitely what I would go for).
+1
Sep 9th, 2010 (9:12 am)I ordered Cyber Grey/Dark leather/Dark trim. What I really want is the Ampera interior trim they have been showing which is a Piano Black trim with red inserts on the doors and seats!
do a intertube search for “ampera interior”
+3
Sep 9th, 2010 (9:15 am)Looking at the calendar, Chevy Volt Job-1 is 9 weeks from today!
Sep 9th, 2010 (9:18 am)Looking at the ordering guide there are 4 interiors and 6 exteriors possible. 2 of the black/greens are not offered (with red and viridian -good deletion). So there are 22 possible combinations. For such a limited production run, I am just visualizing the assembly guy organizing little runs of each combination. Seems like he’ll need to be careful.
“Here come the reds. OK now, don’t put a black/green in there, don’t put a black/green, don’t put a black/green.”
Sometime later at the end of the line, “Hey who put green in all of the viridians!?”
“Ah mannn … I thought those were the silvers!”
-Book
Sep 9th, 2010 (9:20 am)Actually, you can just click on the cyber grey pic in the gallery at the end of the article above,
to see the VOLT in cyber grey.
-25
Sep 9th, 2010 (9:20 am)(click to show comment)
Sep 9th, 2010 (9:28 am)OK. I understand aesthetics, but which colors are available isn’t holding my interest. Reminds me of a story from the “Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy”. The Golgafringans crash on ancient Earth and have to rebuild their civilization. They’re having a problem with inventing the wheel. Ford Prefect comments on how ‘The wheel is one of the most simple and basic inventions in the universe”. The Golgafringans response is ” Well, if your so smart, you tell us what color to make it.”
I wonder how often available colors really is a deal breaker for an innovative and limitedly available product. You think they wouldn’t sell every one if they were only available in green?
+2
Sep 9th, 2010 (9:31 am)The Rumors, in this case, are not exaggerated.
+1
Sep 9th, 2010 (9:34 am)Possibly, but I note that the “signature” color, Viridian Joule, is currently running last in our poll …
I agree, except for the “limited edition” part. [+1]
+7
Sep 9th, 2010 (9:41 am)Watching the roads, it seems to me that many drivers have done the subtle-color thing (beige/champagne/what-the-heck-is-that-color-anyway) nearly to death, and are ready for some strong colors: an unambiguous red and mid-deep metallic blue especially; and I’ve even seen orange and caution-sign yellow.
Except for Victory Red, it’s hard to prove any of this from the Volt exterior color choices. Please, GM; give us a strong metallic blue.
Sep 9th, 2010 (9:56 am)Early on, shortly after the production-intent design was announced, there was discussion of the grill design; which is largely a non-functional style element (cooling air enters through a small opening near the bottom). I suggested then that the grill could be treated like a decal, and given different colors/tints to match specific paint jobs. Differing grill treatments would be the same overall shape, and would attach on the line in exactly the same way. At least a couple or three grill-decal designs might widen color possibilities for the exterior theme designers …
+1
Sep 9th, 2010 (10:01 am)Not easy to get the voting system right. I like the slashdot and similar ones. Most people can only vote up – and only a few experienced (&trusted) ones can vote down. That way only trolling is voted down – but not unpopular opinion.
Sep 9th, 2010 (10:04 am)Boy am I jealous of all you folks who are able to order a Volt this year. Anyway, if I was buying I would order the black on black but would prefer either black seats with brushed nickel console or grey leather with black console…two options that don’t (yet) exist.
Sep 9th, 2010 (10:10 am)You’re not the son of Richard Boone from Have Gun Will Travel, are you? LOL
+5
Sep 9th, 2010 (10:11 am)I ordered mine (Crystal red with neutral seats and black trim) from our own Corvette Guy!!
A true professional in every sense of the word!
Sep 9th, 2010 (10:18 am)Heresy for sure but the bowtie doesn’t do anything for me. It’s just big and clunky. Generally speaking the front end of the Ampera looks way better to me — fewer distinct areas. The Volt certainly reflects the Chevy design language, which was doubtless one of the goals the design team had, so the design can be called a success, but personally I’m not that fond of the Chevy design language. Looks better on the SUVs and CUVs than on the cars.
+2
Sep 9th, 2010 (10:18 am)Studying the gallery pics more closely, I can see black roofs.
Here’s an idea, GM; offer some kind of rigid, reflective cover that clicks over the roof during the summer to lower A/C load. Put it on in the Spring, take it off in the Fall (and in the Deep South, remove it for maybe a couple of months out of the year, lol).
+2
Sep 9th, 2010 (10:23 am)GM briefly used a smaller, crystal blue bowtie on some of it’s models. That would look much better on a small car that the for-Tahoe-sized gold-billboard they’re plastering onto everything now.
+1
Sep 9th, 2010 (10:24 am)Ted, mine is also cloth (Red exterior color) and from the same dealership. Yes, saving my dollars for March.
Sep 9th, 2010 (10:31 am)Very JEALOUS of you lucky orderers
Black on Black at this time without looking at the cars/colors in person
I often find that pictures don’t do colors justice and when you see them in person certain colors dance on a car differently because of the lines of the cars.
The Malibu looks great IMHO in dark blue and red but blah in many other colors.
No need to worry it will be 18 months before one will even be available (Seattle) – shame on GM
+4
Sep 9th, 2010 (10:33 am)You could have a tripartite voting system. “I agree/like this” … “I disagree/don’t like this” … and “Bury this troll, please.”
+1
Sep 9th, 2010 (10:37 am)I spoke with an electrician that did work at DHAM to install equipment in support of the black roofs. He claimed it was expensive and only going on Gen1 Volts.
Sep 9th, 2010 (10:44 am)Wow, I hope he was right about “Gen I only.” That’s another reason to feel less bad about having to wait. Thanks!
+7
Sep 9th, 2010 (10:44 am)GM,
Please get Mr. Lyle Dennis a Cyber Gray Volt with black leather and gray console and trim A.S.A.P.. Not only would giving him favor and a price break earn you a great deal of points with a whole group of folks here that have followed Lyle into the great Volt journey and support for your company, but it also would generate a whole lot of “Volt Smiles” on the thousands of visitors who regularly frequent GM-Volt.com.
Might I take this opportunity to squeeze in a plug for my “Transformer Blue” Volt to be available as soon as Volt will be allocated to us soggy and very green Americans up here in the Great NW.
RECHARGE!
James
*mine’ll have the aftermarket carbon fiber center console, custom leather door inserts, body matching door sills/kick plates and some form of aero alloy or clear plastic discs over the wheels with low profile run-flat 19″ rubber. Maybe a custom Eco Cruze type grille wind deflector to fill the openings for EV mode would be in order too…. Creating a fair amount of “Volt Envy” – lol.
+1
Sep 9th, 2010 (10:53 am)IIRC, it’s a special high-tech paint that should reflect infrared or some such, hence not contributing to hot interiors. But, as with so many things I hope for, it may also be little more than a beautiful dream.
+3
Sep 9th, 2010 (10:57 am)Too dark of a blue. I want this color:
This was my first car…..
Are you listening GM???? We want some Volts in BLUE!!!!
Sep 9th, 2010 (11:20 am)I went down to the dealer nearest to my work to see if they had any marketing material that really shows off Viridian Joule as I don’t think it is showing up well on any of my computer monitors. They didn’t have any but they did take me outside to see a Camaro that was painted in the Cyber Gray Metallic. It is definitely pretty dark but I liked it and will probably pick this color. The Gray also covers up any dirt quite well (not that I would let my new baby get very dirty). I would suggest going to your local dealer if you want to see the colors in person.
Sep 9th, 2010 (11:27 am)If that is right, it seems to mean that the black roof is only a vestigial design element left over from the all-glass solar-oven on the original concept. And it costs more than a body-colored roof? I wonder if this special paint actually reflects more heat than the body color would. If not, I’m tempted to be annoyed.
-19
Sep 9th, 2010 (11:30 am)(click to show comment)
+4
Sep 9th, 2010 (11:35 am)Good Grief, Charlie Clone!
Sep 9th, 2010 (11:38 am)That Viridian Joule color (sheez what a name!) is unique to the Volt. Emerald Lightning would have been much better.
Sep 9th, 2010 (11:40 am)I’m also in Atlanta. I’ve had black leather for 10 years on my current car, and it’s OK, but I decided to just get the neutral leather this time as a change of pace. It’ll only be for three years anyway, after which I’ll move on to a high performance EV
Pictures lie, especially colors on computer monitors (anybody remember the Netscape color cube?). My dealer was advising me how Cyber Grey looked in person. Silver is what I have now and good enough for me for the Volt.
Thanks Kup, I hadn’t considered that. Does anyone know if color names across model lines (e.g. a Corvette in Cyber Grey) have consistent color and finish?
Well, anyone can order a Volt if they want. You just have to be willing to take a risk buying it from far away from home, with possible shaky local dealer support for the first year or so. And also possibly be willing to pay a premium. Some of us have decided that now is the time.
And, well, it may be too late by now, 6 weeks after the pricing announcement and our rush to the dealers!
Sep 9th, 2010 (11:54 am)Very nice!, how about getting rid of the sideview mirrors and replacing them with cameras?.. GM cant do this but you should be able to.
+2
Sep 9th, 2010 (11:56 am)I am surprised no one has covered this yet but there are various reasons people pick certain colors and certain things the choice says about the person:
Silver = practical, no extra cost, looks mature and classy, doesn’t stand out, modest person.
Black = no extra cost, professional, sharp, serious person. However it shows water spots and absorbs the heat.
Red = Proud, extroverted and energetic person. Doesn’t mind standing out in the crowd. Possible negative backlash from those not daring enough to take a stand.
White = practical but at an extra cost, least heat absorption, doesn’t show water spots. This person likes things clean and organized.
Gray = conservative, no extra cost. Person doesn’t want to appear too formal (black) or too mature (silver), just blend in as if that would be possible in a Volt.
Viridian Joule = adventurous spirit, and patient -would have to be to explain that color several times a day. Proud of their environmental statement and hopeful that the green tint comes through the silver because it’s hard to tell from the photos.
If you have other psychological reasons for color choice feel free to add them.
-Book
Sep 9th, 2010 (12:01 pm)I drove a Mach I just like that one at a gas station for the owner. The rear window is so horizontal that there is no rear view.
But I want the deep metallic blue Volt, like the Autobot Jolt. I can wait until 2015 (when my 1995 Buick Regal is twenty years old) for that Volt to be produced and brought to Puerto Rico, or else I will buy it stateside and ship it home.
Raymond
+1
Sep 9th, 2010 (12:04 pm)You could have submitted it (pretty good color-name suggestion IMO)… there was after all, a color naming contest.
Sep 9th, 2010 (12:05 pm)What about Blue?
+3
Sep 9th, 2010 (12:10 pm)From the exterior pics posted above I see they have an Urban Fresh listed, but no Viridian Joule. Am I correct in assuming that these are one and the same? Have they decided to change the name or was that just the previous name; or, is Urban Fresh an entirely new color?
+2
Sep 9th, 2010 (12:22 pm)Not psychological, but how about practical/safety?
Silver looks great on a sunny day, and should reflect heat well; but it tends to reflect the color of the sky. When the clouds are dark gray, the car is too. Turn on your lights.
White is also best for overall visibility, especially at night. This might not be the case in snow country. Black might be better there (stand out against a mostly white background), and absorbs more heat in country where this is desirable.
Black is worst for overall visibility (except as noted above). Why are so many drivers of dark-colored cars always the last to turn on their lights at night, or during conditions of reduced visibility?
Gray can disappear in the shadows of buildings out West during their clear, clear blue sky sunny days (it’s the color of asphalt, which is kind of asking for trouble to begin with, IMO).
Pastel colors may be more visible than dark, but are less noticeable, don’t stand out.
Strong colors may be less visible than pastel (not always), but are more noticeable.
Red is for no-holds-barred, “hey, look at me” sportiness, and is perhaps the tops in visibility/noticeability during daylight hours. It’s visibility is closer to black’s at night. (It also attracts special attention from our law enforcement officers; hence the popular nick-name “arrest-me red”).
A strong green color (not the pale “viridian”) would be a terrible idea anywhere other than out West, where trees are rare. In the East (most of the South and North), it could disappear against a predominately growing background.
In case this sounds like a car should have no color at all, I’m just saying that for safety’s sake be aware of the potential trade-offs. When purchasing a dark color, make the decision to always be first on the road to turn your lights on. Order accessory lighting such as fog lamps, if optional; and turn them on with your headlights.
Sep 9th, 2010 (12:22 pm)HaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHa!!! Now it’s +2.
click
click
click
click
click
Sep 9th, 2010 (12:25 pm)My entry into the color naming contest was Emerald Joule. I am still bitter on the loss….
Sep 9th, 2010 (12:26 pm)I only covered the currently offered Volt colors. If you desire another color you are an individualist that feels in this great land you should be able to get any color you want, and you can but it’ll cost you as part of an after market modification.
And yes there are practical/safety reasons for color choice but psychological reasons are easier to make fun of.
Sep 9th, 2010 (12:34 pm)Chevrolet’s (don’t know about Volt, but Silverado and Impala) have an ‘auto’ setting on the headlight switch. Engine_on = Lights_on. DRL (daytime running lamps).
Missouri, for one, has a state law that if the wipers are on, the lights must also be on. This should be standard and automatic for all cars imho.
I always run with lights on. Even going under a bridge can make seeing other cars difficult. People still try to run into me and succeed on occasion.
Sep 9th, 2010 (12:38 pm)Another point on the practical aspects of color:
In general, the larger a vehicle is, the less important visibility/noticeability becomes. A behemoth SUV is pretty noticeable in pastel (and do you really want that much eye-eating fluorescent orange on the road?). By the same token, one of the ways smaller cars can compensate for reduced visible area is with obnoxiousness (at the extremes). This seems to be instinctive, on some level: A strong/noticeable color tends to look better on a small car than on a larger one. This is another reason why the Volt colors need a bit more ‘kick,’ in my opinion. The Volt is not a roller-skate, but it isn’t large either.
Sep 9th, 2010 (12:39 pm)The Bricklin only had five “safety” colours: white, red, green, orange and suntan. Very high visibility like fire engine green and school bus yellow.
Sep 9th, 2010 (12:54 pm)I just re-read something I said, and I don’t want it to appear that I think the Volt colors should actually be “obnoxious.” I do think that designers used to larger vehicles should temper their judgments based on the needs of smaller ones. This is going to be increasingly important for the new GM, moving forward.
Sep 9th, 2010 (1:08 pm)Yeah, and “EMF Metallic” better still (EMF == electromotive force, an engineering term).
+4
Sep 9th, 2010 (1:15 pm)If Apple built the VOLT, the white console wouldn’t be available for several months after production started.
+2
Sep 9th, 2010 (1:57 pm)Personally I prefer the Crystal Red. I had the opportunity to see one of the crystal red models driving around and it really looked sharp. Wish they would offer a lighter colored interior though, for those of us who live in warmer states.
On a different note, I recently had the opportunity to go for a short ride in the volt. What a wonderful vehicle! The acceleration was excellent, even with three people in the car and the AC on full. The car felt a little heavy for its size yet it was still very zippy. The transition to and from generator mode was only apparent from the display and couldn’t be heard over the noise from the AC fan. Later when a lower fan speed was selected, I could hear the engine running quietly. My only complaint is the levers that adjust the front seat backs were difficult to find and access.
-4
Sep 9th, 2010 (2:16 pm)Lyle,
With only a few of us able to actually order a Volt, I don’t see the basis for this poll. I know it may help those few of us who are the “lucky” ones, but it brings home once again our lack of capability for those outside the ordering process. Thanks for nothing.
+6
Sep 9th, 2010 (2:30 pm)Anyone can order a Volt. We all know that GM chose only a few markets for launch, but they are looking at the addresses of ALL customers who have placed an order. If all 50,000 on Lyle’s list actually went to ANY Chevy dealer and placed an order, I believe they would announce an increase in production. If the dealer in your area is not part of the initial launch and refuses to take your order, call another dealer. You already know you won’t get a car until next year anyway, even if the order goes thru today. GM needs to know the real demand. That will not happen unless you place an order. If they don’t build it in 2011, then you would be at the head of the line in 2012. Don’t give up! Tell GM that you are a ready buyer. It will make a difference.
-2
Sep 9th, 2010 (3:01 pm)If moderation is in the interest of not thread-jacking a subject to soon be covered — ok. But otherwise — especially on a fairly mundane mechanical subject — and now that we’re into the time period when people are putting money down on the car …….
Sep 9th, 2010 (3:20 pm)Granted I do have an order in but I thought the poll was pretty interesting just to find out that as of this moment there are 125 of us.
I’d be curious to know how many of those orders were placed from outside of the few cities where this initial batch is being released.
The forum had an interesting thread about just how far some people are traveling just to get a Volt!
+1
Sep 9th, 2010 (3:50 pm)Nice to see these details coming out… can’t wait to hear more real world experiences from owners. I will love to hear of the first 100mpg+ story. This is a great leap in technology.
From what I see .. the media still has a lot to learn. A lot of clueless coverage going around.
+1
Sep 9th, 2010 (4:17 pm)===================================
Then IMHO, GM is self deflating demand for the car. If they truly want to know how many of us are willing to buy this car, then we should be able to drive a few miles and order from a dealer we are familiar with and not have to deal long distance with dealers we know nothing about. If GM cares where we are from, and is demanding service be available from dealers in all 50 states, then why have a limited release area in the first place? If the goal was to limit the delivery area just in case there was a large scale problem that would need to be fixed, and they wanted the cars all to be in close proximity, then “out of the release area” sales should not have been permitted. The fact that they are, means that the whole idea of the limited release area is ridiculous. I am sorry, but this just makes no sense to me at all.
This is nothing personal against you, CG, it is just something that I think many of us here feel is the right way to buy a car. Especially when we are talking close to a $50K purchase. When that kind of money is involved, I want to know whom I am dealing with.
I am #1 on my local dealer’s Volt list, but I can’t order a Volt from him at this time. So I am a bit confused at your statement that we should go “to ANY Chevy dealer and place an order”.
And since 61% of the people on the poll have not yet ordered a Volt may mean that many more people may agree with me on this issue…..
I am ready to order. I can afford it. But GM thinks I will just sit around and wait 12-18 months for the privilege of buying from them. That may or may not happen, based on what else is available from other manufacturers at that time. GM may lose the advantage they now have, because of stupidity in marketing.
Or am I missing something?
Lets just say that I understand why N Riley is pissed….
-3
Sep 9th, 2010 (5:37 pm)If after 2 weeks, GM’s order book is still very low (as the “what did you order” poll would indicate) then that would explain a lot.
/not saying that’s what’s going on, I’m just saying….
Sep 9th, 2010 (5:49 pm)I was unclear….I am “unable” to buy a Volt not because of availability, but because I couldnt hold out any longer and had to buy another car (my old one died)…plus I’m a one car family so I’m also holding out for an EREV CUV (I really wanted that Caddy to be built).
+2
Sep 9th, 2010 (6:16 pm)I totally understand the frustration. I have never had to deal with this kind of rollout before. I consider myself lucky that I just happen to be in one of the ‘initial markets’ or I would be writing a few nasty posts on the wall myself.
But it is true, based on the ‘Sales Training Modules’ I’ve mentioned here before… Any Chevrolet Dealer could take your order today, HOWEVER, we all know that the order would stay in suspense until… a) GM increases the production run to greater than 10,000 for 2011 which is what we all hope… or b) Your order would be re-submitted at the proper time for the 2012 model year production schedule.
Now, about that 12-18 month wait… I’m not sure what I could say to any customer about that except the truth: Right now the Volt is a limited-production vehicle. I wish that were not the case. I do not know WHY it is the case in the first place, since we have read that the assembly plant and the battery plant can handle 60,000 units per year. In fact, I’ve had several calls from customers who are unwilling to wait that long… so I’ve lost that business…
Please know that I am not defending GM. It will be 2012 model year before my wife gets one. In either case, it is to everyone’s advantage to let GM know you really really want a Volt as soon as possible. Then, hope for the best.
+2
Sep 9th, 2010 (6:30 pm)I don’t like the name ‘Viridian Joule’. Sorry, but I just had to get it off my chest.
+1
Sep 9th, 2010 (8:38 pm)Wow, still ruminating on that? I understand the feeling, but in the greater scheme of things…. Well, life’s too short. JMO.
Be well,
Tagamet
+1
Sep 9th, 2010 (8:47 pm)Congrats on the Volt Smile! I just saw my first Cruze commercial, and darned wasn’t it in my favorite (RED) color! I still *hope* to get a Volt, but that will need to wait a bit.
Be well,
Tagamet
+3
Sep 9th, 2010 (9:00 pm)Amen, and well-said. +10
Be well,
Tagamet
+1
Sep 9th, 2010 (9:07 pm)Chris, I know what you mean about computer monitors. I was just saying its a start, and comparing the grey, black, and silver images above gives you some idea how dark the cyber grey is.
In fact, my wife and I went to our Chevrolet dealer in May (I think they were a Chevy dealer then
), and looked at 5 of the 6 initial colors on other Chevrolet vehicles (a Malibu in White Diamond, a Cyber Grey HHR, etc.). There wasn’t a VJ then since it’s only for the Volt, but we weren’t interested in it anyway.
Then we went home and each of us ranked the 6 colors in our preference. Then I combined our scores numerically. That’s how we came up with White Diamond Tricoat as our first choice. Red was my 2nd choice and Grey was her second choice.
+1
Sep 9th, 2010 (9:15 pm)How many orders are listed on the Nissan blog… 157 like this site? So far I have only counted about 15… These polls are for fun and not anywhere near scientific.
One year from now we will have the answer
+1
Sep 9th, 2010 (9:19 pm)Did someone mention just 9 weeks until start of production on the 2011 Volt?
=D-Volt
+1
Sep 9th, 2010 (9:30 pm)If they didn’t, they should have (g).
Be well,
Tagamet
Sep 9th, 2010 (10:53 pm)Still trying to order. Connecticut dealers aren’t very good.
Sep 9th, 2010 (10:55 pm)The Connecticut Chevy salescrew didn’t even know what I was talking about when I connected using GM’s site. Disgusted at the support and I’ll wait for the car to get to Colorado.
CHEVY VOLT: American-made, American-FUELED. Buick, which I bought many, now imports the transmission from China, and the Engines from Germany. Not American anymore.
Sep 9th, 2010 (11:07 pm)Off topic:
The Chevrolet Volt and Cruze have both been added to the “Chevrolet Showroom” iPhone App.
Sep 9th, 2010 (11:08 pm)/OT/Volt trivia – at the Woodward Dream Cruise there were two Volts on display and one of them had the trunk opened and the “floor” pulled up. There was an interesting device there that could have been confused with the 120 volt charging chord. It had a handle and two cylindrical shaped things on either end with an electric wire wound around it. One of the cylindrical things was a container that held what looked like pink dishsoap. Turns out it was a tire patching/repair kit. I’m guessing that the liquid is turned into a thick foam by a pump in the other cylinder.
Sep 9th, 2010 (11:13 pm)/more OT: I saw my first for sure Volt in the wild this evening near home. How exciting! Oddly, I have no idea what color it was. It was a light cream color – suppose it could be the white tricoat. Did not look metalic, but did not look white to me. But what do I know.
Sep 9th, 2010 (11:31 pm)White Diamond Tri-coat looks like “mother of pearl.” It’s a premium color that I was told came from Cadillac. Not “cream colored” but more iridescent than plain white.
Sep 11th, 2010 (1:45 pm)Colors can also have spiritual significance. All-black color schemes kind of look like Darth Vadar’s color preference to me. Stick with the light side of the Force, Luke. And “There is no darkness in God, God is light.” says the Bible. But at least drivers aren’t required to wear black leather with the Volt (I hope) like with Harley riders.
Sep 11th, 2010 (6:56 pm)Ordered mine with Black paint, Jet Black leather seats with dark accents…..I live in Vegas!
With the added polished wheels it is going to look HOT!!!!
I hope the AC is strong!!!
P.S. Just got my personalised plates…….120VOLT