According to Lyle Dennis, a neurologist based in New York, his website-driven list shows that 33,411 people intend to buy the battery-powered, rechargeable Volt when it’s released in 2010.
The highest concentration of potential Volt purchasers is in California, Texas, Florida and Michigan. Electric car fans from 46 othe countries also say they are interested in the Volt.
According to General Motors the first generation of the Volt, which is equipped with a massive lithium-ion battery pack, will cost $40,000 to build – far less than the average $31,261 prospects say they are willing to pay for the car.
Most automakers, General Motors included, usually keep a tight lid on new car development and avoid pre-publicity. However, General Motors is doing the opposite with the Volt, actively consulting enthusiasts like Dennis and placing high-profile ads for the concept version of the Volt, including a television spot broadcast during the Olympics.
In light of plummeting sport utility and truck sales and historically high gas prices, General Motors is rushing to finish development of the Volt in time to launch the car as the centerpiece of its attempt to break the company’s traditional and costly association with gas-guzzling, big vehicles.