Despite handling the Chevrolet Volt fire-risk issue brightly going to great lengths to dispel current owners’ fears and satisfy them, media headlines seem to have taken their toll on the extended range EV's sales after all.
According to CNW Marketing president Art Spinella, a new survey conducted by his research company reveals “a decline in the consideration of the GM vehicle”.
The study shows that the number of early adopters “Likely” or “Very Likely” to buy a Volt between July and December decreased by 20.5% after the fire reports, a percentage that was double among the general public. Electric vehicle enthusiasts are the only ones not affected by the reports, yet analysts expect the Volt to will miss its 2011 sales target by around 20%.
NHTSA has instigated a federal investigation on the issue of lithium-ion batteries after a crash-tested Volt's batteries caught fire last May, and on subsequent crash tests, there was a case of sparks and smoke.
General Motors stated that there is a certain protocol concerning the handling of the battery pack after an accident, which, in the first case, was not followed. Nevertheless, the Detroit maker continues to cooperates with federal agencies in the investigation, and has already changed the battery handling protocol and may even make modifications to the battery pack.
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