GM to add second shift at Volt plant

DETROIT, March 9 (UPI) -- General Motors is expected to add up to 1,000 jobs this year at a Detroit plant that makes the Chevrolet Volt, a plant manager said.

Teri Quigley, the manager of the Detroit-Hamtramck plant said a second shift would be added at the plant late this year, the Detroit Free Press reported Wednesday.

GM is ramping up its production expectations for the electrically powered car that can run up to 50 miles on battery power before a gas-powered generator kicks in to provide more power. Originally, GM intended to make 10,000 Volts this year. The new target is 40,000.

A new target for 2012, under debate at the company's head office, is for 120,000 Volts next year, up from a previous target of 45,000.

The national average price of gasoline topped $3.50 this week and looks to be heading higher with political chaos continuing in the Middle East.

U.S. consumers have long loved their big cars, SUVs and pickup trucks. But rising gas prices should give Volt sales a boost, the newspaper said.

GM's Chief Executive Officer Dan Akerson has said he expects the Volt, currently priced at $41,000, should make a profit within three years.

Consumers can expect tax credits worth about $7,500, when purchasing a Volt, the Free Press said.