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2011 Chevy Volt Danger: Rapacious Dealer Surcharges Could Turn Off Buyers

 
998 views Aug 3, 2010
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Last week GM announced pricing for its upcoming 2011 Chevrolet Volt, revealing that its range-extended electric vehicle will have a MSRP of $41,000. This came as quite a shock to many considering that the similarly advanced Nissan Leaf all-electric vehicle will have a starting MSRP of just $32,780.

Well, the shocks just keep on coming, with news coming out today that some Chevrolet dealers are already telling potential Volt customers that there might be a significant markup on the first batch of cars because of limited supply. Some estimates put the markup as high as $20,000 on top of the Volt’s $41,000 MSRP.

"We have had a couple indications that some dealers out there are doing this," GM spokesman Rob Peterson revealed to the Detroit Free Press. "Other consumers have reported positive experiences."

Unfortunately, GM has no power to stop the practice from happening and recommends customers shop around if they’re being faced with steep premiums on the Volt. Still, it doesn’t appear as though GM will have any trouble selling its first batch of cars. Just last week the automaker announced that it would increase 2012 production of the Volt by a remarkable 50 percent due to strong and increasing public demand.

It’s not all bad news, however, especially for lease customers. The three-year lease price for the Volt will be around $350 a month, with a $2,500 down payment--only a dollar more than the lease for the Nissan Leaf, despite the Volt's much higher purchase price.

[Detroit Free Press]





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Comments (2)

  1. By George Parrott Posted: 8/3/2010 7:24am PDT

    Yes, I am still waiting for ANY of the 5-6 regional Sacramento dealers to confirm an order price for me on the Volt. I have been contacting them since early June with initial promises from several "to get back to me as soon as they have details on the pricing..." but as of now...NO FOLLOW UP CONTACT from any of them. I have called several the day after prices were announced and they told me "they are waiting for market price decisions..." I am also getting a Leaf with NONE of these pricing hassles and I will absolutely NOT pay a penny of dealer markup on the Volt. Chevy dealers will drive AWAY many of us who are interested and willing to be early adopters, but not willing to worship at the concept of "supply and demand" or dealer exploitation. I am going to replace both of our family cars at the end of this year, and the Leaf will replace our 2006 Prius, our 2007 Camry Hybrid will could be replaced with the Volt, but if Chevy dealers continue to try to exploit the Volt, then the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is a really attractive alternative....
     
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  2. By George Parrott Posted: 8/5/2010 6:17pm PDT

    Back already....I have now found an HONEST Chevrolet Dealer. For buyers in the SF-Sacramento area, check out Fairfield Chevrolet and ask for Danny Austin one of their internet/fleet people. These guys are taking confirmed Volt orders at MSRP.
    I had to totally give up on ALL of my closer Sacramento central Chevy dealers. But I have a $1000 deposit on the first-to-be-customer delivered RED with neutral premium leather interior and the backup camera/parking assist option with a "confirmation number" and by Monday should have the build and delivery schedule as well....
     
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