GM begins shipments of Chevrolet Volt

Dec 13, 2010, 5:45pm ET

It's been quite a while since the Chevrolet Volt debuted in concept form, but the electric four-door has finally begun shipping to dealers.

It's been a long time in the making, but General Motors has finally begun shipments of the Chevrolet Volt. The first few examples of the Chevrolet Volt rolled off GM's Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Plant on Monday, destined for awaiting customers in California, Texas, Washington D.C. and New York.

"Today is a historic milestone for Chevrolet," said Tony DiSalle, Volt marketing director. "We have redefined automotive transportation with the Volt, and soon the first customers will be able to experience gas-free commuting with the freedom to take an extended trip whenever or wherever they want."

The first customer deliveries are expected to happen within the next few days. A total of 160 Volts are expected to be shipped this week.

The Volt will initially be restricted to just a handful of U.S. cities, but a nationwide rollout is expected within the next two years.