This week, this first Chevrolet Volt offered for sale was sold through an online auction for $225,000. While that may seem like a stiff price for a car whose starting MSRP is $40,280, the proceeds of the auction go to a good cause – science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education initiatives from the Detroit Public Schools Foundation. The lucky auction winner is none other than Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports, chairman of Hendrick Automotive Group, and an avid car collector.

Students like these from the Detroit International Academy
will benefit from the sale of the Chevrolet Volt at auction.

"This was an opportunity to own a piece of history while giving back to the community," said Hendrick. "I have been a Chevrolet dealer for more than 30 years, and the Volt is one of the most exciting and important new cars since we opened our first dealership in 1976.”

The Detroit Public Schools Foundation will use the money to help students participate in a number of STEM-related programs, including science fairs, robotics competitions, and space camp.

"Every aspect of the Volt – from its aerodynamic shape to its battery chemistry – is a testament to the importance of math and sciences," said General Motors North America President Mark Reuss. "Now, the first Volt will help cultivate the next generation of engineers who will build upon the Volt's innovative technologies."