Chevy Volt Not Out Of Juice… Just Re-Charging

The recent announcement of a five week shutdown of the Detroit-Hamtramck plant that produces the Chevrolet Volt set off a murmur of cynicism about America’s first domestic electric car.

A 6300 unit inventory — or 154 day supply of a single model — is not an alarming situation in the auto business. And with February Chevy Volt sales jumping to 1023 units — up from 603 units in January — it would be too soon to pull the plug on Detroit’s electric entry.

Indeed, after more than a dozen years on the market, hybrids and electrics comprise less than 4 percent of the entire market. Toyota continues to lead with its Prius and other Synergy Drive models including its popular Lexus RX450h small SUV. Notable competition comes from the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, which by all standards of quality and performance is really brilliant!

Among European car-makers hybrid and electric development has advanced more slowly as the leading carmakers of the continent still favor the high performance and efficiency of clean diesel technology.

Mercedes-Benz just upped the ante with the all new E300 BlueTEC Diesel HYBRID. The flawlessly executed luxury sedan claims mileage of up to 56 miles per gallon, with a top speed of 150 miles per hour.