DETROIT, MI--(Marketwired - Jan 13, 2015) - Automotive News World Congress - Bob Lutz, Chairman of VIA Motors and father of the Chevy Volt, announced today the 2015 production launch of the VIA Electrified 4WD Chevy Silverado and Chevy Express cargo and passenger vans at the 2015 Automotive News World Congress in Detroit. Lutz, former vice chairman of General Motors, is well known for his advocacy of extended range electric vehicle technology that allows mainstream production vehicles to be electrified today.
"The combination of VIA's extended range electric technology, in the number one selling vehicle in America, the pickup truck, means electric vehicles are now headed for the mainstream, lead by VIA Motors. This is one of those historic events where yesterday's vision is today's reality," said Lutz.
VIA's electrified Chevy Silverado will be built in VIA's new high volume production facility located near the GM Silao plant in Mexico. VIA's plant will be capable of producing up to 10,000 vehicles per year in a unique process that transforms conventional production vehicles into electric vehicles by integrating VIA's V-Drive™ technology which includes two powerful electric motors and advanced Lithium Ion batteries. VIA's drive technology provides "unlimited extended range" with a 16 gal tank that delivers an additional 400 miles of generated electric driving.
"VIA has invested 5 years in the development of our proprietary electric drive technology and the establishment of a solid fleet market base. We are proud to now begin commercial production and plan for a rapid ramp up to initially fill the present and growing demand by fleet customers," noted VIA CEO, Pablo Acedo.
Upon making the announcement, Mr. Lutz stood for a photo op outside the GM corporate headquarters where he launched the Chevy Volt a few years earlier. This time, however, he was standing beside VIA Motors' beautiful 2015 electric version of GM's top selling Light Duty Chevy Silverado.
Lutz took a minute to explain the vehicle's 240V and 110V Power Xport option located in a panel on the side of the truck that turns the vehicle into a mobile power plant. This highly attractive feature can be used for any number of purposes, such as powering a construction site or a home, in an emergency.
About VIA Motors
VIA Motors is a privately held electric vehicle development and manufacturing company. VIA employs a streamlined up-fitting manufacturing process to integrate its proprietary V-DRIVE™ power train into new OEM vehicles, then sells directly to fleets under the VTRUX™ brand name. VIA VTRUX delivers up to 40-mile battery range and unlimited extended range, averaging up to 100 mpg in typical daily driving. More information at: VIAmotors.com.
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