Chevy Volt: GM Says Competition Fierce in Paint-Color Naming Contest

DETROIT — General Motors says about 6,400 entries were submitted in the first three days of the contest to name the silver-green paint color for the Chevrolet Volt. Nearly 1,800 entries were submitted in the first four hours of the online contest to name the unusual exterior color of the extended-range electric vehicle.

The frenzy over the naming contest is yet another indication of interest in what may be the most unusual GM alt-fuel vehicle in postmodern times. The first prize in the contest is the chance to test-drive a preproduction Volt. The winner will be announced on December 1 in a tie-in with the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show.

General Motors has also posted a video that goes into further details about the Volt's unusual silver color with an emerald hue. Chris Webb, a GM designer, explains that "customers want color" and says the unusual Volt shade is a three-layer combination of silver, green and clear coat. He notes that color is of such growing importance to consumers that 62 to 90 percent of them pick general merchandise based on color.

GM has yet to reveal any of the names that have been submitted for the Volt's silver-green color.

Inside Line says: Now you know how the competition is stacking up in this tough contest. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent