GM not adding second shift at Chevy Volt plant; will keep production target

Earlier this year, word was General Motors would add something like 900 to 1,000 jobs and a second shift to its Detroit-Hamtramck plant to increase production of the Chevy Volt from 16,000 a year to 60,000. With Volt sales not exactly smashing records, the AP is now reporting that GM will delay adding that second shift until mid-2012. The plant makes more than just the Volt, and the new shift will coincide with the start of 2013 Chevrolet Malibu production.

Have no fear, Volt supporters. GM says that some extra workers (around 300) will still be needed and that GM will still be able to make more Volts according to schedule, it just found ways to squeeze more cars out of the single shift. As GM spokesman Chris Lee told the AP, “This decision will significantly reduce costs, and has no impact on the plant’s ability to make 60,000 Volts and Amperas. This approach is just a more efficient way to make the same number of vehicles.”

But, TheDetroitBureau notes, GM may be setting the groundwork for lowered Volt sales expectations by defining them as when they leave the plant, not when they are actually bought by a customer. Might the change in adding a second shift have something to do with this? We’re certain Volt detractors will let us know their opinion soon enough.