Volt | featured news

It’s been a tough year for the Volt, General Motors’ plug-in hybrid.  But perhaps it’s about to see its fortunes turn as a jury of continental journalists declare Volt the European Car of the Year.

The Chevrolet Volt has won the 2011 North American Car of the Year at the Detroit auto show. The car that runs on electricity for 40 miles before a backup gas engine kicks in beat out the Nissan Leaf, another electric, and Hyundai Sonata in the annual ceremony on the first day of media previews for the Detroit auto show.

The carmaker has begun taking orders for the plug-in vehicle, which is expected to be at dealers in November.

OnStar is already one of the most handy features you can get in a GM vehicle but soon it will be even better thanks to a little help from Google. Together, the two will develop a number of new mobile app features that strengthen Chevrolet’s commitment to providing Volt customers with the most connected vehicle experience possible.

In the city, most drivers will rely on the rechargeable battery and should get at least 230 miles per gallon, G.M. said.

General Motors frequently holds up the Chevrolet Volt as a symbol of its future and a testimony to its ingenuity when it asks Washington officials for billions of dollars in federal aid.