By Joseph Szczesny
Chevrolet dealers in all 50 states will begin taking orders for the 2012 Chevrolet Volt electric car and is lowering the base price slightly.
 The suggested retail price for the award-winning Volt will start at $39,995 (or $32,495 assuming a full federal tax credit of $7,500, which is subject to the customer’s eligibility). The price includes an $850 destination freight charge but excludes tax, title and license fees. The starting price of the 2012 model is more than $1,000 below the 2011 base model.
 The lower base price is possible in part because of a wider range of options and configurations that come with the expansion of Volt production for sale nationally. The 2011 model was available in only seven states, including Michigan, and the District of Columbia.
 “We are giving consumers greater choice of content as the Volt becomes available nationwide by the end of this year,” said Cristi Landy, Volt marketing director. “This gives us the opportunity to be more flexible in our pricing and still provide additional high-tech content to customers who want to purchase it.”
 The Volt will be available in two additional interior accents, white and spiced red and two new exterior colors - Summit White and Blue Topaz Metallic. For 2012, consumers will be able to choose from a total of seven option packages compared with only three for the 2011 model. A loaded Volt, with leather appointments, backup camera, navigation system and premium paint and wheels is priced at $46,265 including delivery or $38,765 net of full tax credit.
  GM announced last month it was closing the Poletown assembly plant where the Volt is built for four weeks beginning in June for planned upgrades to prepare for a significant increase in the rate of Volt production, along with assembly of the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu midsize sedan.
 “The Volt will be available to customers nationwide by the end of 2011,” Landi said. “By taking the time to reconfigure the plant, we will be better able to meet the tremendous consumer demand.”