PulteGroup partners with Chevrolet to showcase Volt electric vehicle at Del Webb's Sun City community in Florence, Arizona

Lorena Madrigal

FLORENCE, Arizona , November 3, 2011 (press release) – The nation’s leading builder of homes for people 55+ is teaming up with Chevrolet to showcase its new electric vehicle, the Volt. Valley residents can test drive the Volt at Del Webb’s Sun City Anthem at Merrill Ranch community from 3 to 6 p.m., Thursday, November 3.

This is the only special Volt test drive event that Chevy is hosting in the Valley. Food and beverages will be available at no cost for participants. The event will be at the Sun City Anthem Union Center, 3855 N. Sun City Boulevard, in Florence.

“The baby boomer market is trending to more energy efficient options because these consumers see the short and long-term economic savings, as well as the benefit to sustaining our environment,” said Graham Epperson, Vice President of Sales for PulteGroup in Arizona.

“Del Webb’s experience has found that this large, green boomer segment is often more demanding of quality in the products and services they buy. Other third-party data has validated our findings that the tendency to buy environmentally safe brands correlates directly with age, with mature consumers even more likely to be green.”

Del Webb, which offers solar and energy efficient homes at its Sun City new home communities in the Valley, is offering the public the unique opportunity to learn more about the Volt from experts and drive one of the new cars by visiting Sun City Anthem by Del Webb. Del Webb representatives also will be on hand to discuss the solar and enhanced green technologies in Del Webb homes.

“By including more eco-friendly standard features in our homes we are responding to Baby Boomers’ desires both to be green and to reduce the overall operational costs of their homes,” Epperson said, adding that Del Webb offers homes that save consumers 50 to 79 percent off their energy bills compared to typical new built homes.

"Volt owners tend to be early adopters in the market who are looking for technology solutions that enhance today's active lifestyle," said Cristi Landy, Chevrolet Volt marketing director. "The Volt is ideal for those navigating the suburban/urban streets in the Valley as it is an electric vehicle with extended range."

A national survey conducted by Del Webb found that Boomers are willing to invest significantly in green technology. In fact, 54 percent said they had interest in purchasing an electric vehicle. Nearly 87 percent of Boomers reported that they considered investing in green technology that would reduce their utility bills to be very or extremely important. Their interest isn’t exclusively in cost savings but also in the environment.

About Chevrolet
Founded in Detroit in 1911, Chevrolet celebrates its centennial as a global automotive brand with annual sales of about 4.25 million vehicles in more than 140 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. The Chevrolet portfolio includes iconic performance cars such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long-lasting pickups and SUVs such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers such as Sonic, Cruze, Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers "gas-friendly solutions including Cruze Eco and Volt. Cruze Eco offers 42 mpg highway while Volt offers 35 miles of electric, gasoline-free driving and an additional 344 miles of extended gasoline range, according to EPA estimates. Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown.

About Del Webb
Del Webb, a PulteGroup brand, pioneered active adult retirement communities and has been the leading builder of developments for people 55+ since 1960. By building quality homes and communities that help active adults optimize their next phase in life, Del Webb’s amenities and programs enable homeowners to easily engage creatively, socially, athletically and intellectually. In concert with Baby Boomer residents, the brand is continually redefining retirement and retirement living. Del Webb communities have grown to include more than 50 communities currently open for new home sales. For more information on Del Webb, visit www.delwebb.com. To learn more about how to plan a smart future, check out financial tools at delwebb.com/value.

* All content is copyrighted by Industry Intelligence, or the original respective author or source. You may not recirculate, redistrubte or publish the analysis and presentation included in the service without Industry Intelligence's prior written consent. Please review our terms of use.