Chevrolet Volt amazes Findlay sales manager

Special to Drive

The future of the automobile may be best characterized by the Chevrolet Volt, which uses generator-produced electricity and traditional fuel to create the perfect combination for Findlay Chevrolet Sales Manager Doug Fleming.

Fleming, an 11-year employee of Findlay Automotive Group, lives, eats and breathes the Volt. He owns a 2012 Volt, illustrating his belief in the vehicle while also maintaining a key level of knowledge about the car.

As technology in the car business continues to change, Fleming is certain the Volt is not only stylish but powerful and energy-efficient.

Fleming is impressed with the Volt, which he has driven for three months. He said when he needs to recharge the vehicle's lithium batteries he simply plugs the vehicle into any outlet.

"There is nothing to it," he said. "In the car business, we talk about the five key elements including safety, style, performance, economy and reliability. The Volt has the full gamut. The performance is amazing. In addition, there is the peace of mind knowing that General Motors gives you a 100,000-mile warranty on the drive train, power train and battery along with road side assistance."

Fleming said he really enjoys the response the car gets from friends and automobile enthusiasts.

"It's amazing and it's so unique," Fleming said. "I get looks wherever I go. The Volt will travel as fast as you safely want to go. It fulfills all of my driving needs, that's for sure."

The Volt comes with a variety of modern technology and the latest gadgets, including a touch-screen display and BlueTooth connectivity.

"The entire console is known as the iPod-like central cluster," Fleming said. "When it's lit up at night, it's unbelievable."

The Bose sound system is 30 percent smaller, 40 percent lighter and requires 50 percent less power than a standard Bose system while also generating 100 percent crystal clear sound.

Fleming said the acceleration provided by the Volt is unbelievable.

"The Volt has 149 horsepower with 273-pound-feet of torque," he said. "The response is instant. In addition, it gets 37 miles per gallon and will go up to 375 miles combined with electricity and gas. The savings on fuel costs is huge."

The car comes equipped with OnStar, eight air bags, rear vision camera and second row bucket seats.

Easy on maintenance, the oil needs to be changed only once a year.

Findlay Chevrolet is between Rainbow and Jones boulevards off the Las Vegas Beltway in the southwest valley. For more information, call 982-4000 or visit www.findlaychevy.com.