When the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) moved into its new head offices in London, it chose the Chevrolet Volt to become the first vehicle to grace its new exhibition area.
The new showroom-style exhibition area within the Westminster premises provides an opportunity to highlight the breadth and scale of the modern UK automotive industry to visitors and passers-by in a prime, central London location. In choosing a unique and innovative range-extended electric vehicle (EREV), the society chose to showcase how the motor industry is developing new, practical low carbon alternatives to traditional gas-guzzlers.
In fact, Chevrolet’s new range-extended Volt model even managed to be driven onto its new display stand in electric-only mode and avoided London’s Congestion Charge en route thanks to its electric drivetrain. Capable of recharging from mains electricity for emission-free electric-only driving, the Volt also features a petrol engine which can generate power for the battery, to extend the vehicle’s range to over 300 miles. The new model is set to arrive in UK showrooms early next year.
It went on sale in the US earlier this year and has already won several awards over in the States, including North American Car of the Year, as well as winning recognition from titles such as Motor Trend and Automobile Magazine.
The Volt goes on sale in the UK in March 2012, and is eligible for the full £5,000 from the government’s plug-in car grant scheme.
The exhibition space at SMMT can hold up to two vehicles and is reserved for the use of SMMT members.
Customers interested in finding out more about the Chevrolet Volt can visit the dedicated Volt customer site at www.voltchevrolet.co.uk.
Faye has been writing about cars and environmental issues since 2007. A suspected eco-warrior working on the corporate inside, Faye mainly likes the weird, quirky vehicles that show a distinct environmental advantage. Her ideal car has enough room to fit a bale of hay in the boot. When not working, she likes nothing better than to head out on her bicycle and explore the countryside.
Faye Sunderland
September 02, 2011
Filed under: Chevrolet
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