Volt Will Spearhead Safety Features New to GM Holden

GM Holden says the Volt extended-range electric vehicle will introduce advanced safety features to the General Motors subsidiary’s range when it goes on sale in Australia at the end of the year.

Forward-collision alert and lane-departure warning will be offered for the first time in a GM Holden vehicle.

The Volt’s forward-collision alert features front-sensor indicators positioned on the windshield signaling the driver via an audible alarm if the car is traveling too close to the vehicle in front.

John Elsworth, executive director-GM Holden sales, marketing and aftersales, says the auto maker has tailored the EREV to the Australian market.

“(The) Volt will offer some of the most advanced electric vehicle technologies in Australia,” Elsworth says in a statement. “With all of the standard premium features, the Volt makes a very compelling choice for car buyers who may not have considered an electric car before or may be looking at premium European vehicles.”

Volt pricing in Australia is confirmed at A$59,990 ($61,493), plus dealer delivery charges and related taxes. The U.S. sticker price of about $40,000 is reduced by a $7,500 tax credit.

GM Holden confirms an 8-year/100,000-mile (160,000-km) warranty will be offered on the Volt battery and Voltec components. The warranty includes all 161 components of the battery and electric-drive, charging and thermal-management systems, and is transferable to other vehicle owners.

Prospective Australian buyers can place an order now, with deliveries starting before year’s end.

GM Holden also unveils a fresh advertising direction with the introduction of its first television commercial for the Volt. Marketing Director Simon Carr says the new approach is designed to inspire and excite viewers.

“In the last year, we’ve been conducting consumer research to better understand what Australians think of Holden,” he says. “We wanted to understand what came to mind when they thought of our brand.”

What the auto maker found was that despite refreshing its portfolio over the past 18 months, some buyers weren’t aware of the changes being made to its lineup.

“(The) Holden Volt really signifies that change,” Carr says. “It offers new technology that buyers may not associate with the Holden brand.

“Put simply, we’re not just about large cars, and as a brand we’ve got some work to do with the next generation of car buyers to get into their consideration set.”