Will the Chevy Volt ‘enhancements’ spiral into a PR disaster?
The automaker is carefully handling the announcement that its electric-hybrid car needs ‘modifications’ after crash tests led to fires.
Don’t worry; there’s no immediate danger to the hybrid-eletric car. But GM plans to call back—not recall, mind you—about 8,000 Volts for “modifications” and “enhancements.” The fires occurred after crash tests were conducted on the car.
According to The Los Angeles Times:
“GM said the fires were caused by a coolant leak that occurred when the battery pack in the vehicle was punctured during the tests of severe side crashes by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The fires occurred hours to weeks after the tests as the coolant leaked and eventually created a short circuit.”
Mary Barra, senior vice president of global product development at GM, called the move an “unprecedented response” by the automaker.
“Our commitment is to provide our customers with the best ownership experience in the industry and we’re focused on delivering that every day,” she said in a blog post.
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