In light of the recent federal investigation into the safety of its newest hybrid vehicle, General Motors addressed the press during a Monday call.
North American chief Mark Reuss and head of global product development Mary Barra assured reporters of the Chevrolet Volt’s safety, despite recent concern that the battery in the plug-in vehicle is catching fire after accidents.
The New York Times reports the duo insisted no Volts caught fire immediately following an accident, adding that the “post-crash” occurrences posed no immediate fire risk.
“We are contacting all Volt owners to assure them and reassure them that our cars are safe to drive,” said Reuss.
The investigation comes on the heels of a crash-tested Volt setting a Wisconsin storage facility on fire in June, three weeks after its accident, and a Thursday fire caused by a battery intentionally damaged by the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.
For Volt owners still worried about the safety of their cars, GM said it will offer free loaners until the issue is resolved.
“When electrical energy is left in a battery, it’s similar to having gasoline in a tank of a car that has been damaged,” Barra explained, saying that batteries subject to accidents need to be “de-powered” to prevent possible fires.
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