Chevrolet and OnStar join forces to provide Safety Training on Chevy VOLT

First Responders Offered Safety Training on Chevy Volt

SAN FRANCISCO - Chevrolet has joined with OnStar and national first-responder organizations to announce the first automotive manufacturer-sponsored training program to educate first responders nationwide on electric vehicle technology. 

The training sessions will feature the Chevrolet Volt and will begin at the IAFC's Fire-Rescue International Conference, Aug. 23-27 in Chicago. The training will include animation and illustrations of the Chevrolet Volt, highlighting locations of high-strength steel, cut points for extrication, first-responder labeling, automatic and manual electrical shut-off, and more.

Chevrolet made the announcement at the San Francisco Fire Department with leaders of Chevrolet, OnStar, the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and the National Emergency Number Association (NENA).

"Technological changes in the automotive industry require changes in fire and emergency service operations as well," said Chief Jack Parow, first vice president of the International Association of Fire Chiefs. "The IAFC is proud to work with Chevrolet and OnStar to ensure that fire responders are adequately trained in how to work with the new technology, both for their own safety and the safety of those they serve."

Together with OnStar, Chevrolet will also display the Volt at the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials conference Aug. 1-4 in Houston, and at the NENA conference, June 5-10 in Indianapolis. Chevrolet and OnStar will host first-responder sessions in Volt retail markets later this year including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Detroit, and Washington, D.C.

Chevrolet has been collaborating with first-responder representatives from national safety organizations to develop educational materials for firefighters, law enforcement, emergency medical technicians, and emergency dispatchers nationwide.

The feedback is being incorporated into training materials that will be available on the tour and posted on a targeted Web site for departments unable to attend the training sessions.

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Read more details at the GM-VOLT website.

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June 3, 2010

NEW CANAAN, CT - In anticipation of the start of production for the 2011 Chevrolet VOLT, KARL Chevrolet has been working with local municipal and state CL&P officials to encourage forward planning for infrastructure, including the installation of charging stations at Metro North and other commuter parking lots.  We also plan to work closely with local area Fire Departments, like New Canaan Fire Company #1, and Emergency Response personnel to ensure all parties are kept up to date with training.

While the innovative Chevy VOLT will provide its drivers with approximately 40 miles of pure electric driving - using no petroleum - the on-board gasoline engine generator will provide enough battery recharge to take you another 300 miles on a tank of gas.  This extended range Electric capability will make the Chevy VOLT uniquely qualified to handle the dialy commute for most Fairfield County drivers without ever using any gas.  Yet, the VOLT will allow owners to take weekend trips to Vermont; travel to Florida on Vacation; or even tour the USA all the way to the West Coast.  No other Electric Vehicle will be able to provide its owners such flexibility without stopping to recharge for hours every hundred miles or so.

The electric vehicle is coming... and the Chevy VOLT is leading the way.  KARL Chevrolet will be ready.  As we get closer to introduction, we will continue to bring you updates through our blog ... and be sure to sign up for our monthly email newsletter at www.karldirect.com