The Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid landed atop Consumer Reports’ annual owner-satisfaction ranking for the second straight year. Find out more after the jump! Funk Flex
Auto Talk: Next-gen Chevy Volt To Ditch 1.4-liter Engine In Favor Of 2.0 Turbo?
No one at General Motors is talking publicly about a rumor post over at InsideEVs that claims the 83-horsepower, 1.4-liter range-extending gas engine currently used in the Chevrolet Volt will “definitely not” be the engine that is used in the 2014 model-year Volt. And, by no one talking publicly, we mean that our emails have gone unanswered. InsideEVs just got an “Unfortunately, we do not comment on future product details, so I cannot provide any information related to your inquiry,” from GM spokesperson Kevin Kelly. Funk Flex
Auto Talk: GM Shutting Down Chevy Volt Production For Five Weeks
Even with the new HOV-eligible 2012 Chevrolet Volt models heading to California and sales up in February, General Motors has reportedly decided to shut down production of the plug-in hybrid for five weeks because of overall sluggish sales. Funk Flex Find Flex On Google+
(Video) Auto Talk: Chevy turns to aliens to pitch Volt in Super Bowl ad
Just when you thought you’d seen all the Super Bowl ads there were to see, Chevrolet is jumping in with a whole new spot for the Volt. The General Motors plug-in hybrid has been struggling to make sales headway for a number of reasons, including a now-closed government investigation into the vehicle’s safety. With negative press at its peak in January, Volt sales took a nosedive last month – GM managed to move a paltry 603 units. With some Chevy dealers refusing their allocations, the automaker is understandably keen to put the spurs to Volt sales. This Super Bowl ad features a host of very curious aliens attempting to comprehend the science behind the propulsion system in the Chevrolet Volt. Funk Flex
Auto Talk: Some Chevy dealers rejecting further Volt allocations
General Motors is having a hard time with the Chevrolet Volt. First, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened a probe into the vehicle over the possibility of post-crash fires, and now some of its dealers are refusing to take their allocations of the extended-range plug-in hybrid. For example, according to Automotive News, GM set aside 104 Volt models for 14 dealerships across the greater New York City market. Of those vehicles, dealers took just 31. The problem isn’t just out East, either. The report claims one California dealer turned down all six Volt models allocated to him despite the fact that his franchise sold 10 of the vehicles last year. Funk Flex
Auto Talk: GM now willing to buy back Volts from worried owners
According to the Associated Press, GM CEO Dan Akerson has said General Motors will buy back any Chevrolet Volt from owners who are concerned about the vehicle’s fire risk. Akerson said that his company isn’t making the move because the plug-in hybrids are unsafe, but because GM is committed to keeping its customers happy. The CEO also said that GM is prepared to recall the 6,000 Volt models currently on the road if the federal government deems such an action necessary. As you may recall, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration discovered that the Volt could catch fire several days after a severe side-impact crash and rollover. Funk Flex
