Chevrolet Volt Plant Prepares For Production Boost, Exports

General Motors' GM Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly plant, home of the Chevrolet Volt, will close for four weeks beginning in June for planned upgrades to prepare for a significant increase in the rate of Volt production, along with assembly of the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu midsize sedan. Already in tight supply, the number of Volts available for delivery to retail customers will be further restricted over the next three months before production resumes and the Volt and the Opel Ampera begin being exported to Europe and China. "The Volt will be available to customers nationwide by the end of 2011," said Cristi Landy, director of Chevrolet Volt Marketing. "By taking the time to reconfigure the plant, we will be better able to meet the tremendous consumer demand." * Planned Four-week shutdown to prepare for 2012 Volt and Opel Ampera * 2012 production rate to increase significantly for additional U.S. and global markets * Exports of Volt and Ampera to Canada, China and Europe begin later this year