Chevrolet Volt fuel comsomption
The purpose of this class action was to compensate consumers who have purchased a Chevrolet Volt automobile or rented one long-term. The Plaintiff alleged that General Motors (GM) made misrepresentations about the Volt’s fuel consumption. More specifically, the Plaintiff alleged that when the battery still has power and the outside temperature is below -4⁰C (or -10⁰C for customers who have changed the default settings), the Volt consumes fuel. The Plaintiff also alleged that GM never informed buyers or renters of this fact.
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The trial was held from January 28 to February 2, 2023. On July 31st, 2023, Justice Karen M. Rogers rendered her judgment. Justice Rogers dismissed the class action, concluding that the defendants did not make false and misleading representations and, therefore, did not violate the Consumer Protection Act.
After analyzing the judgment, we decided, with the representative, not to appeal.
Summary of the class action
In late fall of 2012, when cold weather arrived, Mr. Duguay was surprised to find that his Volt was using gasoline for short trips while the battery was fully charged. He found that he was not the only one in this situation. In fact, the Volt necessarily consumes fuel when the outside temperature is below -4⁰C (or -10⁰C for customers who have changed the default settings), regardless of the battery charge level. GM never have informed Volt buyers or renters of this fact. The fuel savings anticipated by these owners or renters are therefore less than expected.
In May of 2014, Mr. Frédérick Duguay filed a class action suit against GM for misrepresentations regarding the Chevrolet Volt’s fuel consumption.
The class action was authorized by the Superior Court of Quebec on April 8, 2016 for all owners and tenants of Volt in Canada.
The action sought a price reduction as well as punitive damages.