DETROIT & HAMTRAMCK, Mich. -

The impending delivery of Chevrolet Volts to customers in key states prompted a pair of announcements by General Motors Tuesday. The automaker rolled out an auction promotion centered on the electric vehicle as well as the plan to hire more engineers and researchers to work on broadening technology associated with these units.

The company explained the first Volt available for retail sale is set to be offered at public auction with the proceeds benefiting math and sciences education in the Detroit Public Schools. The unit bears the vehicle identification number ending in BU100002.

Company officials highlighted the Volt offered in the auction has a Viridian Joule exterior, Light Neutral interior with dark accents, premium trim package, rear camera and park assist package, and polished wheels. The auction package also includes a 240-volt charging station and home installation.

GM said the opening bid is $50,000.

“Every aspect of the Volt — from its aerodynamic shape to its battery chemistry — is a testament to the importance of math and sciences,” insisted GM North America president Mark Reuss.

“By encouraging Detroit-area students to pursue these topics, we hope to cultivate the next generation of engineers who will build upon the Volt’s innovative technologies,” Reuss continued.

Reuss announced the auction during an event at Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly where the Volt is manufactured. He also revealed the first Volt built during regular production is set to be retained by Chevrolet in recognition of the team’s efforts to bring the vehicle from concept to reality.

However, the company reiterated the unit that’s up on the auction block is going to raise funds for the Detroit Public Schools Foundation. The goal is for money to support initiatives such as robotics competitions — including students’ entry fees, travel costs and competition-related equipment. 

Leaders of the tax-exempt Detroit Public Schools Foundation noted that in addition to science and math enrichment, it supports fine and performing arts programs, early childhood investment, building academic and athletic leadership and college preparatory investment.

“One of our primary focus areas is science and math enrichment,” stressed Chacona Johnson, the foundation’s president and chief executive officer.

“Knowledge of science, technology, engineering, and math is critical for the success of our students in higher education, and in their future careers in the 21st century workforce,” Johnson added.

Robert Bobb, Detroit Public Schools emergency financial manager, also described how critical the funds raised through the Volt auction will be.

“An estimated 80 percent of jobs in the next decade are going to require skills based in math and science. With the support of GM, Detroit students will be better equipped to make a difference in Detroit, in Michigan, and in the United States,” Bobb declared. “We appreciate General Motors’ support in developing the next generation of engineers.”

The OEM said bids for the first retail Volt will be accepted at www.bidonthevolt.com until 6 p.m. on Dec. 14. The winning bid will be announced by Chevrolet two days later, and the winner’s Volt will be delivered later in the month.

GM Bolsters Engineering Department

Along with the fundraising campaign, GM revealed that beginning Tuesday it will add 1,000 engineers and researchers in Michigan during the next two years. The strategy is meant to significantly expand its vehicle electrification expertise and lead in the development of electric vehicles from hybrids to electric vehicles with extended-range capability

The commitment by GM CEO Dan Akerson coincides with preparations for delivery of the first Chevrolet Volt electric vehicles with extended-range capability to customers in key states.

The automaker contends the new jobs will build on its strategy to develop, validate and manufacture automotive battery, electric motor and power control technologies in-house as core competencies.    

“GM is going to lead the industry in the adoption of various vehicle electrification technologies, whether its electric vehicles with extended-range capability, like the Chevrolet Volt, or the recently introduced eAssist technology that will debut on the 2012 Buick LaCrosse,” Akerson explained.

“We want to give our customers energy choices other than petroleum and to make the automobile part of the solution when it comes to the environment,” he added.

GM believes its deep experience and expertise in batteries, electric motors and power controls should ensure the OEM can provides the best possible electric vehicle choices to customers around the world.

Moreover, the automaker contends the 2007 reveal of the Chevrolet Volt has spurred a flurry of activity in the electrification of the automobile and has become an economic multiplier for the state of Michigan.

The company pointed out its electric vehicle engineering investment expands on the more than $700 million GM has invested in eight facilities in Michigan to support Volt production. 

The manufacturer thinks it has the industry’s largest and most technologically advanced battery systems lab at its Warren, Mich., Technical Center. Executives highlighted they have invested $336 million at their Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant where the Volt is manufactured along with another $43 million at their battery pack manufacturing plant in Brownstown Township, Mich. 

GM also reiterated that an additional $162 million investment was announced last week to support powertrain operations in Flint and Bay City, Mich., and Defiance, Ohio.

In addition to GM’s investments, management highlighted that suppliers such as LG Chem, utility companies such as DTE Energy and organizations including the University of Michigan and Wayne State University, are investing in Michigan jobs to support Chevy Volt and electric vehicle development.

“The state of Michigan is proud to continue our long partnership with GM as it drives toward a leaner, greener future,” Gov. Jennifer Granholm insisted.

“As we work to diversify our state’s economy both within the auto industry and outside of it, electric vehicles will play a major role in re-establishing Michigan as the North American center of automotive manufacturing,” she concluded.