Some dealers ripping off consumers that want a 2011 Chevy Volt

GM recently announced official pricing and production of the 2011 Chevy Volt and most of its dealers are scrambling to get as many as they can while consumer demand is so intense. Other dealers see an opportunity to price gouge, in one case about 1.5x the original price! This sort of behavior certainly creates negative buzz for GM, and the company isn’t happy with dealers who are considering such tactics.

Americans citizens and GM have an intimate relationship right now, whether everyone likes it or not, because loans financed with tax dollars saved the company from going under. That means price gouging at dealers almost becomes a slap in the face because consumers are paying a ridiculous price for a vehicle that was made possible because of community (government) funding.

Edmunds reached out to one dealer in particular expressing interest in a Chevy Volt and received this response:

Hello *****

Thank you for your online request, as you know the Volt is going to be a very limited production vehicle for the first 2-3 years. Demand is going to far exceed supply for this vehicle, initially our asking price for the Volt is going to be MSRP plus $20,000, we are expecting only receive 9 Volts all of next year.

I will keep you in my customer base for when the Volt comes out and I will contact you with any information as I receive it.  We are taking orders right now for the Volt, if you would like more information, please let me know and I will be more than happy to help you. Thank you.

***** *****, Internet Specialist
******* Chevrolet
********, CA

That’s a high price to pay to be an early adopter and certainly doesn’t build goodwill between consumers and GM.

GM has indicated that it watches dealer transactions for all of its vehicles and encourages consumers to shop around because the majority of dealers will respect MSRP. GM builds in $1,800 of revenue in the $41,000 price tag for dealers.