Chevrolet Volt Takes Crown as Most Popular Plug-In Electric Vehicle in 2012

Waterville, 01/10/2013 / SubmitMyPR /

Taking the crown as America's most popular plug-in electric vehicle in 2012, the Chevrolet Volt sold more units than the Toyota Prius Plug-in and Nissan LEAF combined. Not only did the Volt outsell its competitors, but it also more than tripled its sales from 2011, moving 23,461 models for the year. In fact, the electric Chevy accounted for about 44 percent of the roughly 53,000 plug-in vehicles sold in the United States in 2012.

Unique in the electric-car segment, the 2013 Chevy Volt pairs an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery, which can power the car for about 38 miles, with a gas engine that offers an additional 340 miles of traveling. Capable of putting out 273 pound-feet of torque, the Volt doesn't feel short on power, yet it still earns 98 MPGe in combined city and highway driving. Inside, the Volt features available leather-appointed seats and two interactive LCD screens that allow drivers to monitor how efficiently they are driving.

"As more people see the Volt in action, they begin to better understand its flexibility and reliability," said Bo Hendrick, general sales manager of Waterville, ME Chevrolet dealer Central Maine Motors. "Customers are becoming more confident about the performance of electric cars, especially when they have the 'real-car' functionality of the Volt."

For buyers that prefer gas-only drivetrains but still place a high priority on fuel efficiency, Chevy's other small cars, including the Sonic and Spark, are proving to be popular choices. During its first full year of sales in 2012, the Chevy Sonic became the best-selling subcompact in the United States, moving 81,247 units. Returning up to 33 mpg in combined city and highway driving, the Sonic sports the only available turbocharged engine in its class to create a fuel-efficient ride that is also highly responsive. Meanwhile, a 60/40 split-folding back seat and nearly 15 cubic feet of trunk space help maximize room in the small sedan.

Chevy's even-smaller Spark minicar went on sale in July 2012 and has quickly made its mark on the segment, selling 2,229 units in December 2012 and 12,385 units between July and the end of the year. Available in bright colors like Jalapeno, Salsa Red, Lemonade and Techno Pink, the Spark was designed to stand out on city streets while saving cash for expensive urban living, thanks to its low starting price and 34-mpg combined rating.

"More and more, customers are demanding vehicles with great fuel economy, and that is helping to develop the market for small cars," added Hendrick. "That doesn't mean that buyers want a cookie-cutter econobox though, and with four very different small cars that each net more than 30 mpg in combined driving, Chevy can accommodate a variety of needs and lifestyles."

About Central Maine Motors:
Part of the Central Maine Motors Auto Group that has served New England drivers since 1935, Central Maine Motors is dedicated to creating a superior car-buying experience that leads to lasting relationships with their customers. Maintaining high standards of integrity, the staff at their Maine Chevrolet and Buick dealership is fully trained to find the right vehicle for each customer, along with expert service down the road. Visit Central Maine Motors at 420 Kennedy Memorial Drive in Waterville, call them at 888-709-1265 or browse their inventory of new and used Chevy and Buick vehicles online at www.centralmainechevybuick.com. They can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CentralMaineChevroletBuick.