(July 7, 2010) DETROIT — The Chevrolet Volt gave a new meaning to freedom over the Independence Day Weekend, completing a trouble-free 1,776 mile Freedom Drive from Austin, TX, to New York City.

“While our engineers are still working on our final calibrations, we could not have asked for the Volt to perform any better than it did," said Tony Posawatz, vehicle line director, global electric vehicles and Chevrolet Volt.

The drive began on July 1, shortly after GM Chairman and CEO Ed Whitacre announced the addition of Texas, New York, Connecticut and New Jersey to markets where the extended range electric vehicle will be sold later this year.

The first leg was 527 miles from Austin to Little Rock, Arkansas, with a stop at the Dr. Pepper Museum in Waco, TX, along the way.  The Volt tacked on 773 miles on July 2, traveling from Little Rock to Salem, VA, including stops at an interesting piece of architecture  in Nashville, and the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in Knoxville.

After a brief rest in Salem, VA – the hotel was located off Electric Road -- the Volt traveled another 223 miles to Fairfax, VA, where it participated in the town’s Independence Day parade.   Thousands of fans of the Volt turned out along the parade route with dozens stopping by the Volt staging area to ask questions about the car.  The Volt then traveled another 197 miles to Philadelphia, with a dinner stop along the way at the appropriately named Volt restaurant in the Washington, DC area.

Finally, on July 4, the Volt completed its journey in New York City at the home of Lady Liberty.  

“The Freedom Drive proved the Chevrolet Volt can be your primary vehicle, whether you are commuting across town or across the country,” Posawatz said.