GM Donates Chevrolet Volt to Colorado Conservation Trust

Electric vehicle auction to benefit conservation projects

DETROIT--May 17, 2012:  General Motors will donate a Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle with extended range to the nonprofit Colorado Conservation Trust. The vehicle will be presented June 21 to the winner of a silent auction at the annual "Q for Conservation" event that generates revenue for conservation projects throughout the state.

"It's a perfect fundraiser for our crowd of environmental leaders, fueling our work to conserve Colorado landscapes," said Linda D. Campbell, chairwoman of Colorado Conservation Trust. "I am a proud Volt owner and enjoy driving electric on a daily basis. The Volt is a smart solution to rising population concerns and resource scarcity as drivers don't have to change their daily driving habits to be more environmentally conscious."

The sixth annual Q for Conservation will focus on the effects of population growth on land, water and resource management, and how conservation will shape the future of Colorado.

"We are dedicated to resource preservation throughout our operations, and this donation enables more great work to be done to protect our environment," said Mike Robinson, GM vice president of sustainability and global regulatory affairs. "It's fitting since the Volt is often the vehicle that allows us to tell our sustainability story. It all starts with building efficient vehicles that fit peoples' various needs and lifestyles."

Colorado residents can save on purchasing a Volt through a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 and a state of Colorado income tax credit of up to $6,000. Gov. John Hickenlooper proclaimed May 17 Electric Vehicle Day in Colorado in recognition of Colorado Renewable Energy Society Electric Avenue and the American Lung Association's Project FEVER (Fostering Electric Vehicle Expansion in the Rockies) events.

"GM is to be applauded for delivering an outstanding vehicle with a positive environmental touch," said Brian Ross, executive director of Colorado Conservation Trust. "The Volt represents the kind of innovative product the world needs."

The Volt has a total driving range of up to 379 miles, based on EPA estimates. For the first 35 miles, it can drive gas and tailpipe-emissions free using a full charge of electricity stored in its 16-kWh lithium-ion battery. When the Volt's battery runs low, a gas-powered engine/generator seamlessly operates to extend the driving range another 344 miles on a full tank. Volt owners have travelled more than 65 million miles since the vehicle launched late last year. Roughly two-thirds of those miles were powered by grid electricity.