DETROIT - During a live webcast, Chevrolet confirmed plans to produce 10,000 Volts by the end of the 2011 calendar year, and an additional 30,000 Volts during the 2012 calendar year.

Chevrolet Volt Marketing Director Tony DiSalle also confirmed that the first Volts available for retail sales will be sold in California; Washington, D.C.; Austin, Texas; and the New York City metropolitan area later this year. Volts are expected to arrive at dealerships in Michigan, New Jersey, Connecticut, as well as the balance of Texas and New York in the first quarter of 2011.

Additional markets will be added as production volume increases during the second model year, with Volts available in all 50 states 12 to 18 months after the initial launch, Chevrolet said.

Before receiving Volts for retail sales, dealers will be required to complete specialized sales and service training, and install 240-volt charging stations at their dealership. Chevrolet expects to have nationwide service coverage available through Chevrolet authorized Volt service dealers during the 12 to 18 month national rollout.

DiSalle encouraged consumers interested in purchasing a Volt to visit www.chevrolet.com/volt. There, they can register to receive news updates as Volt approaches the national launch, and they can request to be contacted when dealers have available Volts in their area.

The webcast is available for replay at www.chevroletvoltage.com.