DETROIT, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- The major U.S. automaker GM announced Monday at the North America International Auto Show (NAIAS) that two U.S. states will launch markets for its Volt extended-range electric car.

    Chevrolet boss Jim Campbell told reporters in Detroit that Michigan will join California as launch markets for the Volt extended-range electric car, which goes on sale late this year.

    At last month's Los Angeles Auto Show, Chevrolet announced the Volt would be sold initially in California.

    General Motors Co. will build a pure-electric vehicle by expanding the Chevrolet Volt's battery pack and removing its internal combustion engine, GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz said Monday.

    It's the next step for the Volt, a car the company says can run40 miles on a charge from a standard home power outlet. After the battery wears down, a 1.4-liter four-cylinder internal combustion engine takes over and generates electricity to power the car.

    The Volt equipped with the internal combustion engine was unveiled three years ago. Once it goes on sales later this year, it will qualify for up to 7,500 U.S. dollars in tax credits.