Jan 08
GM Chiefs: Volts Before November, Price Meaningfully Less Than $40,000, Sky’s the Limit in Volume
Look out, a lot of good news here!
Ed Whitacre is GM’s new CEO, at least temporarily. The keen, sharp-witted Texas businessman is a man of few words but lots of action.
He attended and spoke at the Battery Plant unveiling, and spoke to reporters in the days before.
He was asked about whether car would be released prior to the November 2010 deadline.
“We’re going to put out some early and drive ‘em,” he said. “How early? I don’t know.”
Asked specifically if he was referring to putting those cars in the hands of consumers he said “Yeah,” but didn’t elaborate.
According to some reports he was referring to getting them to “high-profile citizens” and “image leaders,” and that it would be on a small scale.
Whitacre also hinted the Volt is just the beginning of vehicular electrification for GM.
“There’s a lot more to come,” he said.
“The Volt and the battery that powers it are part of a broader portfolio of vehicles and technologies that we’re developing to meet the countries energy and environmental goals,” he added.
Whitacre also conceeded GM hopes to build very large volumes of electric cars. ”It could be a lot if the vehicle is successful,” he told reporters after the event. “If it goes like we think, the sky’s the limit.”
And as if the idea of getting Volts early, and a broad Voltec portfolio isn’t good enough, executives are beginning to suggest a lower-than-expected price.
You will recall that I had been given a hint that the $40,000 price tag bandied about may actually be a decoy (see post).
Now GM VP Jon Lauckner told the Wall Street Journal the Volt could be notably less than $40,000.
“We have until this summer to figure that out,” he said.
According to reporter Sharon Terlap who interviewed Lauckner, she asked if he meant “like $500 less” and he replied, “No, that would not be meaningful enough.”
This entry was posted on Friday, January 8th, 2010 at 7:17 am and is filed under Financial, Launch. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.
+24
Jan 8th, 2010 (7:20 am)Every car GM makes should be electrified.
I am happy to hear the price might be lower that $40K.
If they really do that, GM may have a run away winner.
It is about time that GM shows the world why they were the leader for years.
Gosh darn it. I want this car so badly.
-32
Jan 8th, 2010 (7:21 am)(click to show comment)
+7
Jan 8th, 2010 (7:24 am)The plot thickens!
Actually, I suspect that Whitacre may be talking about taking some of the preproduction validation models and putting them in the hands of people who are not GM employees.
Regardless, putting some cars in the hands of opinion leaders would be a smart move.
+6
Jan 8th, 2010 (7:26 am)This is all good news but I’m still dying to know when it’ll be available in my area!
In the “not just thinking of me” department, I hope to hear that the government will plan to buy into the platform to replace their vehicles with EREV designs. This would have a far more dramatic impact on oil imports than consumer purchasing. It would be a much better use of “bailout” money in my mind. It also provides a proving out opportunity for the technology in a wider variety of applications leading to a better Gen 2.
+22
Jan 8th, 2010 (7:30 am)Here in Connecticut, I see a lot of government cars on the road.
They have many Priuses. (sp).
If all the State and Federal governments supported American car companies (in this case the Volt), it should make a big difference on multiple levels.
+10
Jan 8th, 2010 (7:43 am)The best news I’ve heard yet!
I was really afraid that since Whitacre is an Exxon board member that he would put the brakes on the Volt program, But now he has publicly stated his support and with enthusiastic comments like “If it goes like we think, the sky’s the limit.” I am much more confident that he will act in GM’s best interest not in ExxonMobile’s.
+18
Jan 8th, 2010 (7:43 am)I think the price will be $37,450, coming down to $29,950 after the rebate. this puts it in the same “bracket” as the prius, and $29,950 sure sounds like a lot less than “over $30,000!” or even “close to $40,000!” which is what people will say if it’s a penny over $35,000.
In dreamland this makes the Ampera only £23,400, but after our usual level of gouging i guess it’ll still be close to £30,000 ($48,000 in todays money). The cheapest Cruze you can get here is £12,795 ($20,450)
+12
Jan 8th, 2010 (7:49 am)If Volt came out initially at about 7% or more below the $39,500 base price once discussed here, that would be around $36,750. This would be a threshhold number that far more people would consider workable. Although the workable number would require a lot of work to achieve, many would work hard to acheive it because of the complete offset of that $150. a month to possibly even as high as $350 a month in gasoline no longer needed. (Where finances for a given month may require a double charge to completely eliminate gasoline where very high monthly miles are needed, and the cost of crude goes up like it did a while ago.)
This is why there ought to be plans to ramp up production expeditiously.
This better costing *will* be an astonishing breakthrough that solidifies public perceptions as to the well-placed good faith that current federal leadership has executed very well.
Voltec will be here accross the board before you know it.
-4
Jan 8th, 2010 (7:55 am)Purchase price and battery life.
These are the 2 primary factors in the Volt’s viability. If they could somehow:
1. work the purchase price comfortably below $30,000 (before any tax credits) — unlikely
2. get to the 10 year point with 8kwh usable — possible, but probably won’t be known until 5 to 6 years into the actual life of the car . . .
then the Volt has some chance at success even if my predictions on real world MPG and AER (both low 30′s) are accurate.
+3
Jan 8th, 2010 (8:01 am)Good news to be sure. I just hope all of this wind in our sails is true. That’s not to say it isn’t. I just take these publicized proganda announcements with a grain of salt. The battery plant startup and the little things done and said on the side have more weight. Fortunately, those indications are mostly positive too.
I do like John Laukner speaking of prices being less than the highest end of the $35-$40K range. His voice rings true with me and I back to a higher comfort level the price will be just below $37,500 for base sticker. How easy it will to procure this configuration is another matter.
+4
Jan 8th, 2010 (8:02 am)I really want a Volt badly… in case you haven’t noticed, gasoline is at its highest price since October of 2008, and the price looks to be going higher.
+7
Jan 8th, 2010 (8:03 am)Is it 2007 again? All we need now is a announcement for a polycarbonate roof and beltline.
(Apologies to my non-BBC getting US friends, but I can’t miss the rare opportunity to post the TARDIS. Personal note: Going to miss David Tennant)
+1
Jan 8th, 2010 (8:16 am)Time to submit our “want list”!!!!!
+2
Jan 8th, 2010 (8:19 am)Price will be dependent on the price of gas this summer, and future projections. I assume the goal will be just under $30K after the rebate.
+3
Jan 8th, 2010 (8:24 am)Off topic but did anybody hear auto nation?? interview with John Laukner when he said that they were first releasing the Volt in California and Michigan?????
+12
Jan 8th, 2010 (8:26 am)I agree with many of the prior posts, a price at or below $37,500 would be meaningfully less than $40,000. But in my opinion, still too high. On the other hand, a price of $33,500 before rebate would blow the doors off the Prius PHV. Lets hope GM can get meaningfully close to that number.
-13
Jan 8th, 2010 (8:33 am)(click to show comment)
+13
Jan 8th, 2010 (8:39 am)The battery will last 10yrs and even longer. Its in a heat controlled pack and they are 16Kw and they set up for a everyday use of 8kw. In 10yrs maybe the pack is only a 14kw or 12kw pack but there is still the 8kw to use. Also in 10yrs we will be into gen 3 packs and thats the point. Not to have the perfect pack in Gen 1 but to build Gen 1 and get to future Gens. That factory can build 60k packs and it could build 3 times that amount on 24/7 shifts, it also has a lot of room in the factory to expand , the sky is the limit for pack building. GM needs voltec cars in all four core brands. It needs voltec CUVs also. That battery pack is cheaper to make than most think, it expensive but not crazy, It was a good day yesterday.
+4
Jan 8th, 2010 (8:40 am)If this is true, absolutely great news! I hope that they succeed in every way, and that this technology becomes the new standard for automotive transportation… at least until battery tech improves sufficiently to eliminate the ICE and still have 500+ miles range.
Maybe GM could even change their abbrevation to stand for “Generated Miles” or something else to reflect that the energy for their cars comes from generated electricity. Hmm, there’s gotta be a better expansion of “GM” than that though, help me out people!
-5
Jan 8th, 2010 (8:44 am)A major problem (with or without the Volt) for GM is that they’ve got no low price high volume gas price safety valve. The US version Cruze might help, but has yet to be seen (or tested).
Meanwhile, the competition is revealing yet another safety valve.
Toyota’s newest smallest hybrid to be revealed at the Detroit show next week.
Unconfirmed:
- 3+1 seating
- 100 to 120 hp and probably about 2,000 lb (i.e. performance shoud be satisfactory)
- 60 mpg
- $15,000
If the plethora of airbags can overcome safety concerns and we see another gas price spike, I think more than just hip young urbanites will be giving this one a look.
http://www.egmcartech.com/2010/01/07/report-toyota-to-show-scion-iq-hybrid-for-the-u-s-in-detroit/
+3
Jan 8th, 2010 (8:46 am)Excellent news Lyle! Plusses all around on me!
-18
Jan 8th, 2010 (8:50 am)(click to show comment)
+4
Jan 8th, 2010 (8:53 am)I’m all excited with this news. I may just come out of retirement and save my earnings to buy the Volt.
The Obama administration has already stated that it would begin replacing its fleet with electric vehicles. I would assume it will be the GM Volt and whatever EV Ford produces.
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.
+3
Jan 8th, 2010 (8:56 am)Does this mean if the Converj cost (2) Volts, then its price is going down by twice as much? Maybe a sub $70K Converj. If they make it more peppy, it would steal many Telsa/Fisker customers.
+3
Jan 8th, 2010 (8:58 am)A lot of guesswork here.
First, let’s try to make a reasonable guess what is a real cost of the Volt.
Comparable gasoline car is, of course, Chevy Cruze with 15K price tag.
From pure mathematical point of view we can call this the lowest estimation for Volt price. We also know the highest estimation – 40k.
Well, now we know more or less how Volt is different from the Cruze: add battery, electric motor, generator, replace AC with the electric version, remove transmission. We know that battery has the biggest price tag attached, close to 8-10k, other components should technically fit within 5k.
So, roughly, we can estimate the base price as 30K.
Yes, yes, I know about R&D cost, but this cost can be returned over time and not exclusively on a single pilot model. GM tells us about future electrification of a car and this is drastically different from the situation when company builds a unique car with non-reusable technologies.
The rest is purely a strategic question.
It seems, original idea was “Volt for masses” and that one assumed a 30K price tag. Later on, when oil price dropped dramatically we saw the “Volt for elite” strategy emerged. Now everyone started to quote 40K and $7500 tax credit. And what we see now looks like a return of the original concept revised toward some inevitable price increase. Let’s say $29999 after tax rebate looks good, but not good enough. The 25K magic number would be a huge success for GM, but I afraid that makes Volt profit negative, so my bet is $33499 before the tax rebate, $25999 after. Mentally it means Volt costs 25K, though in reality out of pocket expenses are close to 30K of course.
In short, my bet: $33499.
+7
Jan 8th, 2010 (9:01 am)Ok, I’m ready for my $29,999 Volt (after rebate) with leather seats and nice wheels. My check already made out…
Come and get it GM.
Ed Whitacre’s pricing/volume decisions will be the starting point to see if we can get off foreign oil and keep all that money and jobs right here.
-7
Jan 8th, 2010 (9:02 am)The “after Tax credit” price is a mute point for everyone who pays no tax.
For instance, my 73 year young retired father-in-law pays no tax and is not about pull $40K out of his retirement nest egg to buy a Volt. Now if sticker price was $32K, he would consider it since he likes the idea of reducing the countries oil dependency. Maybe GM could make a special promotion for seniors not eligible for tax credits.
NPNS!
+4
Jan 8th, 2010 (9:05 am)A price of $36,500 would be an even $29,000 after the tax credit, which would fulfill GM’s original promise of “nicely under $30K”.
Also, at that price, the Volt and the Prius would cost the same to own.
Assuming 230 MPG EPA average, 12,000 miles per year, and $4/gal, the Volt will save $7000 in fuel costs over the 10-year lifetime of the car. You may not own the car for 10 years, but saving $700/year over the Prius will surely raise the Volt’s resale value. So either way, cost of ownership is the same.
As for the Prius PHEV, I believe that will be too expensive for what you get. So the regular non-plug-in Prius is the price to beat.
+5
Jan 8th, 2010 (9:05 am)Has anyone seen any information on financing? Does GM currently offer a 6yr (72 month) option?
Would the Volt qualify for that 72month option and if so, at what rate?
This may be a big factor in the minds of a lot of purchasers as well.
+2
Jan 8th, 2010 (9:06 am)I saw a Buick ad last night…the La Crosse base price is 27 and change, probably 31 with options. This car is going to start as a premium vehicle, with the next one being a people’s car. I’m guessing 36,950, which with a 7k government rebate, puts the effective price under 30 for a basic model, but does not lose the premium price label.
Remember that the benefits of this vehicle are not limited to energy independence and climate change…the impact may in fact be greater in reducing urban air pollution.
+4
Jan 8th, 2010 (9:09 am)Just put another $30 of gasoline in my truck yesterday. Been driving 30 to 35 miles per day.
Good to hear the latest from Ed Whitacre. Move em’ out Ed.
http://garfwod.250free.com/Volt_Rawhide_clip.mp3
=D~
+6
Jan 8th, 2010 (9:12 am)Not true. If you have no or low income and have a tax credit coming to you, then you will get a check from the IRS after you file.
The real issue for seniors will be the amount of daily driving. If you don’t drive much, then a regular ICE car would definitely be cheaper to own.
+3
Jan 8th, 2010 (9:17 am)When you say :”pays no tax” do you mean he doesnt file? If he bought a 40K Volt, I assume he would just file that year and get a check from Uncle Sam for $7500.
+2
Jan 8th, 2010 (9:21 am)I’d say, if you dont drive much, a pure BEV would be the best option (assuming they live in sunny retirement states like FL or AZ)
+3
Jan 8th, 2010 (9:21 am)LOL, come on Statik…. it’s a beautiful winter day, give us break, Santa was just a few weeks late
+2
Jan 8th, 2010 (9:30 am)If the Prius PHV hits the showrooms in late 2011 as a 2012 model, then seniors will have a choice. We do not know what either will cost, but if the Volt is more than $4000 more than the Prius PHV, seniors whose driving pattern fits the Prius PHV profile will opt for the Prius in my opinion. Thus, if GM can get the Volt price down to $33,500 before rebate, it will probably be within the $4000 tipping point (i.e both cars might cost the same after rebate) where it will make economic sense to all plug-in buyers to GO Volt!
+2
Jan 8th, 2010 (9:36 am)The lure of posting a obscure Doctor Who picture was just too hard to resist. /my apologies
(=
+5
Jan 8th, 2010 (9:37 am)The good old TARDIS! Not sure what category it fits into – PHEV, BEV or EREV but it sure would cut down on the amount of oil we import. Do you think it qualifies for the $7,500 tax credit? Next the trolls will comment that it is butt ugly.
+6
Jan 8th, 2010 (9:40 am)I doubt that this is purposeful verbal trickery but the quote reads,
“No, that wouldn’t not be meaningful enough.”
Um, that is a double negative! Which would mean that $500 IS meaningful enough! It is either a misspeak or a misquote as I really wouldn’t, couldn’t believe a serious executive would try such a gradeschool trick.
Everyone needs to relax a bit on the Volt roll out. Yes I want one terribly bad as well but realistically here in Minnesota we will not see one until 2012 or 2013 at the earliest. Put yourself in GM’s shoes. If I was running it I would be doing the same thing they are – as much as it ticks me off sometimes! They are down to their last pitch at the plate and they are not going to double down (sorry for the mixed metaphors!) on Volt. They can not afford to put out at a 250,000/yr clip and have something major go wrong. It would kill them. They can be just as sure and as excited as the most biggest fan on this board but sane thinking has to prevail and they have to take it slow. I hate to say it but they need to keep the price relatively high to temper demand a bit until they have some real consumer experience and time with it. That way they can re-stimulate further demand with price cuts and come up with a bunch of PR BS to trumpet it.
You know what is nice though? I’m 45 years old and just watched a couple of weeks ago my kids go through the excitement and anticipation of waiting for Christmas and for the first time in 30+ years I have captured a bit of that feeling for myself. Except I still have several years to wait to “open my present” while I’ll have to watch others (California) open theirs first.
+7
Jan 8th, 2010 (9:40 am)It is shameful that government takes taxpayers money and sends it to Japan to buy Priuses. This is TREASON!
The people responsible should be fired!
+5
Jan 8th, 2010 (9:40 am)I’d rather get a Chevy Spark
http://spark.chevrolet.com/geneva-v1/en_US/flash/index.htm
+4
Jan 8th, 2010 (9:41 am)Yes Rachid, me too
JC NPNS
+2
Jan 8th, 2010 (9:42 am)And, in two or three weeks, addition markets will be announced.
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.
+7
Jan 8th, 2010 (9:42 am)initial volt price : 24 + 16 ( 2 battries ) = 40
Now as confidence on battery increases and suppose a failure rate of 1:8 is assumed : 9 k for battery with warranty : so volt price : 24 + 9 = 33.
After rebates : 33 -7.5 = 26.5 k
( hot cake ??? )
+3
Jan 8th, 2010 (9:45 am)Agreed,
JC
+1
Jan 8th, 2010 (9:45 am)I wish GM would come out with a “Volt pre-purchase program” to get your name on the wait list. To get on this list, you would be required to install a charger in your garage. This way, only the folks serious about buying would get on the list and GM would have an excellent idea as to the size of the pipeline. This should start ASAP so the kinks in installation of chargers would be ironed out BEFORE the cars start rolling off the assembly line.
Brian
Jan 8th, 2010 (9:46 am)Expect the initial 9000 Volt to sell before delivery. It’s very likely that NGMCO will offer national test drive days (in June?) and take pre orders at that time. Really looking forward to the test drive. Will go in with an open mind and compare the comfort, quiet, and overall value of the Volt next to the other vehicles on the market.
=D~
+4
Jan 8th, 2010 (9:46 am)I am thrilled to see Whitacre and the other executives comments on the Volt’s price and volume!
If GM really wants to make Toyota scream, then the price (before rebate) should be $29,900 and with the $7,500 tax credit (which should be a cash incentive instead of a tax credit, IMO), the price would be $22,400, directly matching the Prius.
Toyota wouldn’t know how to react and the Volt would sell like hotcakes. A $7,500 cash incentive should be extended to the first 2 million vehicles; this will encourage GM to get the volumes up even more.
Imagine, the Volt being a common sight on the roads, as our country is freed from foreign oil!
Keep up the good work, GM!!!!!!!!
+13
Jan 8th, 2010 (9:47 am)GREAT NEWS, EH, STATIK ? I’ve tossed a couple crows in the crock pot already ! How do you like them seasoned ( I tossed in a pink tie for a little extra flava ) ? I’m guessing they’ll be ready sometime late this summer !
Jan 8th, 2010 (9:48 am)An e-Spark ?
Link :
http://green.autoblog.com/gallery/new-delhi-2010-espark
JC NPNS
+8
Jan 8th, 2010 (9:56 am)Wow! Everyone has their checkbooks out.
Guess I’d better order a couple of nice “VOLT” polo shirts.
It’s gonna be a good summer for car sales after all…
Jan 8th, 2010 (9:59 am)Are you going to name yours TARDIS?
Jan 8th, 2010 (10:02 am)2010 Prius $27,270.00 (with NAV)
=D~
+4
Jan 8th, 2010 (10:05 am)Not sure the required charger portion of that is good since one of the Volts big selling points is that you don’t need a charger. IMHO – most Volt owners will opt for the 110v over night charging option.
+1
Jan 8th, 2010 (10:07 am)Boy, it’s getting better by the day! But let’s try to maintain some humility so we won’t be crushed if some bad news comes down the pike. The Volt is one of the rare good news stories in this time of turmoil. Let’s hope it continues to be.
Jan 8th, 2010 (10:08 am)I’ve GOT to believe that there will be announcements at the Detroit Auto Show. Remember too, that “the show” really starts the week before the public show. I would guess that most announcements are made during “the press days”, two days (don’t know the specific dates).
Jan 8th, 2010 (10:18 am)I love these quaint older-generation sayings…
Why is “the sky” the limit? We’ve already played past that limitation.
I am thinking the (near-term) limit is replacing all vehicles world-wide with VoltEC technology! Now, there’s a goal for ya Ed.
+2
Jan 8th, 2010 (10:20 am)I’m not sure I would assume that, when you consider who benefited most from the ‘cash for clunkers’ program…
+5
Jan 8th, 2010 (10:22 am)I agree it’s a “mute” point. Shhhhh. Let’s not talk about it.
+5
Jan 8th, 2010 (10:25 am)In thinking about when would be a good time to release the first volts, I think Tag has had it right for a long time. July 4th 2010, even if it is just 1 vehicle to Ed Begley, it sure seems like a great time to re-declare our independence. Heck, if GM wanted to throw us a bone, they could get Lyle one on the same day, although, Lyle does not yet have his own TV show
.
I look forward to the day.
+2
Jan 8th, 2010 (10:26 am)How about this: rather than the last few hundred dollars mark down, use GMAC to give an “instant rebate” on the tax rebate? That would be POWERFUL. Having to wait till tax time and do the nasty paperwork really puts a damper on things. Remove that and you have a powerful attraction – remove those strings that are attached.
Jan 8th, 2010 (10:26 am)The press preview is Monday & Tuesday
http://www.naias.com/the-2010-show/overview.aspx
+1
Jan 8th, 2010 (10:28 am)This was my first reaction when reading the article (and Dan Petit’s comment). But keep in mind that unless they produce these vehicles in volume the MSRP will largely be irrelevant unless they have a mandatory lease deal. At the end of the day price is all about supply and demand.
OT for Carcus on the MPG in CS mode: Yesterday either Posawatz or Lauckner said the range after the 40 EV miles would be 300 miles. Nothing new here really, but at this point they’re more or less confirming the CS mode range. So now the MPG in CS mode depends on knowing how big the gas tank is. We know it’s somewhere between 8 (my guess) and 6, but in any case to get a good idea of the MPG in CS mode all people have to ask is how big the gas tank is. Then we can stop looking at the video of the console gauges! LOL
Jan 8th, 2010 (10:38 am)So… I guess all the Japanese manufactured electronics that the government purchases are grounds for treason as well, not to mention all the stuff that inevitably comes from China. I suppose all those Blackberries that the US Military purchases from Canada should be grounds as well.
Wait a minute… Where is YOUR television made? Your stereo? Your microwave? Traitor!!! It’s the death penalty for you!
Relax man, welcome to the global economy.
Jan 8th, 2010 (10:39 am)Do you have a link for this? Not that this is concrete, but looking at my Ipod OnStar Ap, it says 40miles EV range 300 miles Total range.
+5
Jan 8th, 2010 (10:40 am)“According to some reports he was referring to getting them to “high-profile citizens” and “image leaders,” and that it would be on a small scale.”
======================
So how do we get to become high-profile citizens or image leaders, so we can get in on the early release Volts???
Thinking it might help me in my quest, I asked my wife if she would call me “Jimmy The Great”. She laughed, and said, “No way, but would you settle for Jimmy The Pretty-Good?”
Do you think that will count with GM????
+2
Jan 8th, 2010 (10:41 am)I have always said that I thought the Volt would come out for $35000. With the $7500 government rebate, that would make it $27500 which is competitive with the Prius. I hope I can get one of the early ones – or any one soon.
Jan 8th, 2010 (10:42 am)I said it before and I’ll say it again:
I want a small, 4-door pickup with e-flex and the ability to do full V2G and most importantly power a jobsite or function as back-up power for my home with 120/240 OUT!
+2
Jan 8th, 2010 (10:43 am)The first point we need think about is that A LOT of people don’t pay any income taxes. In fact something like 43% either pay nothing or get a check from the government. Tag should like this since he’s always concerned about the poor not being able to pay gas taxes.
Many of these folks do of course pay payroll taxes, which actually feel about the same as income taxes if you’re paying them.
Depending on the credit you can get a check if you don’t pay any income taxes. The only requirement is that you have to file.
But here is a question: If your income is so low that you don’t pay any taxes, should you be in the market for a $40K car? Just asking.
+1
Jan 8th, 2010 (10:43 am)GM please note: It’s definitely time to start emailing offer-related news, updates, availability details and other specific Volt information to gm-volt.com’s want list of >50,000 Volt enthusiasts!
PS: Jean-Charles, much as I’d like touring Europe it’s beginning to look like (thanks to the likely Volt selling price reduction & the tax rebate) I’ll be buying a Volt here rather than an Ampera in Germany.
Jan 8th, 2010 (10:55 am)Excellent News! Thanks for the late Christmas gift Lyle!
I believe that Ed Whitacre’s main mission is to get GM profitable as quickly as possible – and build positive momentum and a new image for GM as a technology, safety and fuel economy leader. The VOLT will lead the image and perception change – and we can only hope that they can ramp up production (while keeping quality absolutely first on the list) to begin meeting the demand that is REAL in the market place. Despite what any naysayers have to say, there is enough demand to absorb any VOLT’s that GM can build for the next several years. By the time Gen2 arrives, battery technology will improve and pricing will come down, allowing the VOLT and other EREV models to expand into new markets.
One key during this time – the next five years – is that GM will need to continue selling many other models in significant volume. Thus the Cruze becomes critical. Based on the success of the Malibu and Equinox, I have no doubt that – with an aggressive price point – GM will have another winner in the Cruze. On these mainstream vehicles, it is important for GM to realize that public perception right now will not allow them a premium – it will not be enough to equal the competition – they need to roll up their sleeves and do battle in the marketplace to win over new customers each and every day.
+4
Jan 8th, 2010 (10:57 am)Yes, but supply follows demand. Increased demand will eventually increase sales volume, which will will lower prices.
I believe demand will be very strong…
Jan 8th, 2010 (10:58 am)missed my edit window.
Also in the app it shows “Last Trip 12 miles, 12 EV miles, and calculates the MPG as the infinity symbol”. I assume this is just for theatrics and would hope in the future it would be in kWh/mi.
+1
Jan 8th, 2010 (11:00 am)Leave your information with the local GM dealership. I visited them 2 months ago and had a good straight talk on vehicle preference. Requested that they email Volt information as soon as they have it. Our meeting was no pressure and left me feeling good about the dealership. Holding the managers card in my wallet.
=D~
Jan 8th, 2010 (11:07 am)It was on the Autoline Interviews. I think it was Lauckner but it might have been Posawatz. Sorry that I can’t help you with a specific time. http://www.ustream.tv/channel/autoline-live
Very interesting that the iPod OnStar application uses the same 300 mile number. Must be coincidental, right? More seriously, one very interesting aspect of this site is how different people with different interests can help one another connect the dots when they share information. i never would have thought to play with the iPod application though I might now.
I’ve been thinking a lot about how information sharing works on this site given the events over Christmas which suggests that our intelligence agencies continue to share information on a “need to know” basis.
+1
Jan 8th, 2010 (11:15 am)I think seniors will be a small portion of plug-in sales. Plug-ins are mostly for people who:
a) are not afraid of new technology, and
b) drive around 10,000 miles a year or more.
While there are always exceptions, I believe most seniors don’t fit that demographic.
+1
Jan 8th, 2010 (11:17 am)I agree with you that supply with follow demand and I agree that demand will be strong. My point is that a lot of people are worrying about MSRP, but if supply is very limited MSRP is irrelevant.
There is not much to this puzzle. Price is set by supply and demand. If demand is high and supply is low, putting MSRP below the market price, then either the dealers will sell the cars for more than MSRP and capture the difference (and CorvetteGuy can go to Tahiti) or people will buy and resell them, capturing the difference.
+9
Jan 8th, 2010 (11:23 am)Agreed. Personally, I think everything the government buys should be built in America. Not just for the jobs it would keep, but also the the economic circle to work better.
Jan 8th, 2010 (11:23 am)A very positive thought! But likely overly so for Gen 1.
Gen 2… I absolutely expect this.
Jan 8th, 2010 (11:23 am)OK. Then why hasn’t it done so already? Because the Volt will allow maximum reduction in the use of gasoline!
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.
+2
Jan 8th, 2010 (11:27 am)Taking the Voltec platform to it’s logical conclusion (IE: *all* GM vehicles) would be a good way to get rid of the obsolete 12v systems.
Higher voltage systems and higher KWh batteries allow smaller wiring and a lot more capacity for electronic/electrical subsystems.
Other obsolete items that will be eliminated:
- Need to ‘idle’ for 100% availability of P/S, assisted braking and HVAC systems.
- Less belt driven accessories which translates to less noise.
- Better ICE system management.
- Assisted initial acceleration requiring less max HP in the ICE systems. The transaxel that Volt uses could easily be modified to use both ICE and electric traction simultaneously.
- Much higher over-all gas mileage. Way beyond the current gov’t mandates.
- All vehicles using Voltec would have regenerative braking standard further saving brake components and energy.
- Lower overall maintenance costs. Brakes, ICE and other components would last longer due to less stress.
+1
Jan 8th, 2010 (11:32 am)This is really great news! Let’s hope they can reset the Volt’s price downward, the lower the better, and then there’s the $7,500. rebate as well, wonderful!
+1
Jan 8th, 2010 (11:38 am)ConvetteGuy, order me so too please. Large. Thanks.
Jan 8th, 2010 (11:39 am)I mostly agree with you with one exception.
There are already transmissions like you suggest, GM calls it 2-mode, Toy calls it HSD and Ford has a similar thing in their Hybrids.
Jan 8th, 2010 (11:39 am)Except, of course, the things that are no longer manufactured in America, or are not manufactured to a competitive/required level of performance.
I don’t disagree that it would be prudent for a government to source competitive products domestically, but it doesn’t sound ver “free market america” to force the government to by things simply because they are manufactured at home. Why should the Government be hamstrug by a lackluster manufacturing base?
The solution is for the government to support and develop a thriving manufacturing base domestically, with world class innovation and quality.
+5
Jan 8th, 2010 (11:39 am)Wow, I really think the Volt will be in the high $20K’s after the government rebate.
+4
Jan 8th, 2010 (11:49 am)I am Rashiid Amul, and I approve this message.
+2
Jan 8th, 2010 (11:54 am)By definition, seniors are not early adopters of new technology, except maybe for some medical breakthroughs designed for their needs. Also by definition, new tech is more expensive.
GM is not in a financial position to take that segment of the population into account when pricing the Volt. When that technology will become widely spread, the price will fall and the doubts will vanish. Seniors will then be more inclined to buy such a ‘novelty’.
+5
Jan 8th, 2010 (11:56 am)I agree! We already have a 120 AC outlet right next to where the car will be parked and an overnight charge will meet our needs just fine. Plug it in at night and the Volt is ready to go the next morning.
+3
Jan 8th, 2010 (11:57 am)Hrmm, “image leaders,” who could that be? Hope you get one, Lyle.
My guess is 37,499 = 29,999
Jan 8th, 2010 (11:57 am)Remember who the majority shareholder of GM is right now. While they still are under gubment ownership the Volt isn’t going to die.
+1
Jan 8th, 2010 (11:59 am)If they are driving anything other than Priuses, it is shameful that government takes taxpayers money and sends it to Saudi Arabia, Iran and Venezuela. This is TREASON!The people responsible should be fired!
+3
Jan 8th, 2010 (12:02 pm)I own a house but don’t have a garage. I intend to charge my Volt on the regular 110 plug and take 8 hours to charge. Should I be left out for that ?
Jan 8th, 2010 (12:02 pm)will you be able to submit for the tax credit even if this would be your first car, and your just turning 16 at the time of the volt release.
+4
Jan 8th, 2010 (12:06 pm)No one should be left out.
+4
Jan 8th, 2010 (12:07 pm)If they really want to sell them faster, make the $7,500 tax credit an instant rebate type, similar to the Cash for Clunkers program. make the tax credit assignable to either the dealership or straight to GM. That way you won’t be taking out a loan for the higher amount and then waiting for the tax rebate. Now that would be winner.
+4
Jan 8th, 2010 (12:08 pm)The GM Volt should proudly bear the label “Made in the U.S.A.”.
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.
P.S. If the government doesn’t buy “Made in U.S.A.” vehicles, it’s time for a new political party. However, I am confident that they will purchase only GM EREV and Ford PHEV!
+3
Jan 8th, 2010 (12:08 pm)They should be fired, but not for the reasons you state. We are all committing treason (by your definition) because we are all buying gas and oil from those maniacs.
But the State government should support American companies first, not foreign companies.
+2
Jan 8th, 2010 (12:10 pm)I think so also.
Jan 8th, 2010 (12:13 pm)But when will it be available outside of California?
Or more importantly for me in NJ.
+3
Jan 8th, 2010 (12:15 pm)GM has already stated they won’t sell a Volt to anyone who lives in New Jersey.
On a serious note: We probably will know in a few weeks.
Jan 8th, 2010 (12:16 pm)Well said. Thanks.
+9
Jan 8th, 2010 (12:21 pm)The Japanese and others will put huge tariffs on the VOLT…
I say .. whatever tariff they put on the VOLT we should put on the Prius … and pay off some of our nation debt. If a Chevy Cobalt costs $45,000 in Japan now after tariffs .. I can just imagine how much a Volt will cost there.
+2
Jan 8th, 2010 (12:23 pm)You guys are crazy. You know senior citizens aren’t going to put any cash down until the Converj is out. It IS a Cadillac.
+1
Jan 8th, 2010 (12:29 pm)I plan to opt out of the 220V charger. 120V overnight is good enough for me.
+3
Jan 8th, 2010 (12:31 pm)They could buy Ford Fusion Hybrids? just chiming in….
Jan 8th, 2010 (12:37 pm)We have about 25 company vehicles at my workplace. These range in size from a GEM car to Matrix to Crown Vic to small truck. The electric GEM car has 5000 miles on it. The only time it’s been to a gas station, that I know of, is to buy a gallon for someone who had run out of gas.
The electric motor still feels as good as new. We had the GEM in for repair due to someone running into a curb with the rear quarter panel. This caused a foot long crack in the plastic work. The entire rear casing, one tire, and a wheel cover were replaced at $1200.
=D~
+1
Jan 8th, 2010 (12:42 pm)I really hope that Whitacre means it, and he’s not just saying it to get temporary good publicity. That said, I suspect that volume wise he’s talking about the future. Not the first year. Which means any price reduction will probably result in a corresponding dealer mark-ups. At least in the short term.
But this gives me hope they’ll produce 100,000 Volts in 2012…
+4
Jan 8th, 2010 (12:46 pm)GM has already said they’re not planning on selling the Volt in Japan. They know a lost cause when they see it.
Jan 8th, 2010 (12:46 pm)Sort of OT, but if GM wanted to make a lot of sales and also expose the Volt to a lot of people, they should team up with Zipcar. Zipcar already has the mobile phone features for unlocking the car, paying for it, etc. Just seems like these would go hand in hand since the idea is saving gas. The Zipcar spots could also have the 220V chargers so most ppl would always be driving electric.
http://www.zipcar.com
Jan 8th, 2010 (12:52 pm)OT. I just posted the following in the General Forum in the thread Detroit Auto Show
Would it not be good for GM-Volt.com enthusiasts to wear something that makes it easier to spot one another at the auto show? A teeshirt is probably not so practical. Something that we could print out, cut and clip to a cap or collar would be cool. Best if it were brightly colored but catchy and cool and easily associated with the Volt. Any ideas???? Some Help!
+1
Jan 8th, 2010 (12:53 pm)You mean like California’s HOV sticker for the Prius and the Honda Civic GX? And New York’s recent mandatory hybrid taxi program? And NYC’s hybrid Nissan Altima police car program?
At least with the Volt (and the Ford Fusion hybrid), they now have the option of using less gasoline, improving air quality, and supporting American manufacturing at the same time.
+7
Jan 8th, 2010 (12:53 pm)+1 kgurnsey Says:
January 8th, 2010 at 10:38 am
zipdrive: It is shameful that government takes taxpayers money and sends it to Japan to buy Priuses. This is TREASON! The people responsible should be fired! (Quote)
—————————————————————————-
So… I guess all the Japanese manufactured electronics that the government purchases are grounds for treason as well, not to mention all the stuff that inevitably comes from China. I suppose all those Blackberries that the US Military purchases from Canada should be grounds as well.
Wait a minute… Where is YOUR television made? Your stereo? Your microwave? Traitor!!! It’s the death penalty for you!
Relax man, welcome to the global economy.
———————————————————
You are missing zips point. Lots of stuff we DON’T make here anymore must be bought overseas. Like TVs and other electronics.
We have PLENTY of choices for cars made here though. And the damage a government does to it’s own economy by using tax money to buy goods from other countries when they COULD be supporting their own tax base here is enormous and downright FOOLISH.
This is completely aside from the fact that it is NOT a free-enterprise two-way street. The Japanese and other countries impose HUGE restrictions on our stuff being sold in their contries.
+2
Jan 8th, 2010 (12:58 pm)You’re suggestion on credits of $7500 for 2 million Volt purchases would have a $15 Billion price tag. Already it will be $1.875 Billion for the first 250,000 Volts. What’s the old saying in Congress? “A billion here and a billion there and pretty soon your talking about real money.”
+2
Jan 8th, 2010 (1:10 pm)Who are the likely buyers of plug-in hybrids? Probably the same group that now buys hybrids. They are older than the average car buyer (i.e 50 rather than 40) are better educated and make more money than the average car buyer. And because hybrid buyers are satisfied with their cars (almost 100%) it is likely that for the same reasons they bought or considered a hybrid, they will be drawn toward buying a plug-in. So seniors are a significant market, whereas folks under 24 are an insignificant market (less than 2%). Last point, the baby boomers are becoming seniors, and as a group they care about our environment.
Bottom line, if GM can get the price of the Volt within $4000 of the Prius PHV, the seniors will have no basis to reject the Volt, and that is a good thing.
+3
Jan 8th, 2010 (1:11 pm)Oh, I got zip’s point just fine. I am fully aware that the real world is much more comlicated than an idealistic concept such as the free market. I was simply responding to the overbearing harshness with which zip referred to the act of purchasing foreign goods as treason.
Unwise, perhaps. Treason? I think not. Treason is a very serious crime, and the penalty for treason isn’t as light as simply being fired. In many places it’s death.
Fortunately the government now has more domestic choices when purchasing fuel efficient vehicles. This is a recent development though, not so long ago there wouldn’t have been much competative choice if the government wanted to buy a hybrid. I can imagine that many of the Priuses still driving around were purchased when there was little or no domestic alternative.
All I’m saying is, don’t force the government to buy an inefficient vehicle just because we don’t make hybrids. Just make more hybrids and the government will have something competative to buy! Forunately this is increasingly the case, and when the Volt arrives in signifigant enough numbers, then the government will have an even more compelling reason to buy domestic. Because it’s the best available option on the market.
+2
Jan 8th, 2010 (1:12 pm)My sentiments exactly. Well said. +1
Jan 8th, 2010 (1:20 pm)That car is really ugly, and not just ugly like the ugliest Scion has built yet.The young and the hip still have good taste even if it is cheap. It will not sell in mass, I think way more likely to flop than volt.(aka no competition for the volt.)
+6
Jan 8th, 2010 (1:26 pm)Your point about the word “TREASON” is well taken.
Perhaps I should have used the words “SUICIDAL MADNESS” to describe any government that takes taxpayers money and sends it overseas unneccessarily, when they could be supporting the very economy that they collect taxes from!
And there are PLENTY of great quality econmy cars that the American cars companies make. It is selfish and short-sighted for government to stab its own hardworking people in the back by taking their money and puchasing foreign products. They are either stupid, or hateful of the very people they represent.
—————————————————————————-
Jan 8th, 2010 (1:34 pm)I just popped on to tell everyone that I’ll be away from the Internet (most likely) for just over a week, and to tell Tagamet and the other stalwarts to hold the fort down — but wow, what great news for me to go out on!
+1
Jan 8th, 2010 (1:44 pm)hi kdawg 41 …
Had a look at the Spark gallery. The motorcycle style display is a great idea.
=D~
+4
Jan 8th, 2010 (1:56 pm)I just received an item from ( AutoLine Detroit) They are stating that GM said they will be able to produce the battery for the Volt at half the cost for the gen. two Volt.
This sounds like some good news.
God Bless America,
Tom
+1
Jan 8th, 2010 (2:00 pm)If you buy a Volt how can you only drive 12,000 miles a year? How can you buy it and park it in your garage. You have to drive at least 40 miles a day, just for the fun of it!
+6
Jan 8th, 2010 (2:04 pm)Again, I agree. Our government should support its own people first.
+2
Jan 8th, 2010 (2:05 pm)I’d rather have the blond.
Jan 8th, 2010 (2:07 pm)Well, they won’t sell me gen 1 anyway. I don’t live in the right place.
So I guess this works out for me.
+2
Jan 8th, 2010 (2:08 pm)The times seem to demand Catastrophism and Despair. But Why?
What do you mean things are terrible? The economy is in the cesspool, but its not like 1929… yet.
The Cold War is over. Nuclear Armageddon is now unlikely. Although a city or two could go up in nuclear fire before the GWOT is done. Or war between two limited nuclear states, like Pakistan-India or Israel-Iran. A disaster surely; but then Hiroshima and Nagasaki were too. And the World didn’t end.
The Oil cartel is suffering. Real Substitutes are appearing in every single one of their oil markets now. For the first time in Transport as well. The Oil cartel’s time is coming to an end.
Hello EREV Volt and PHEV Prius and PHEV Fusion. Hello to a more balanced Balance of Trade, eventually.
The day until Peak Oil, has receded by a couple of centuries, due to the recent enormous petroleum finds; and the commercialization of heavy oils under the excesses of the cartel’s price umbrella.
The US auto industry has been bankrupted and reorganized in 3 months. Unlike the 30 years it took to go through bankruptcy and reorganization of the US steel industry into the most profitable, lowest cost, and highest quality, producer in the world. The same portends.
ICE cars are now routinely ZERO pollution vehicles, unexpectedly. And the US battle for clean air and water is almost won, without it, anyway.
The hysterical religious cultists of AGW have been exposed, as well as their absurd, and ridiculous catastrophe theories. Think! They say the world will become uninhabitable, by a change in temperature less than you see every single day and night of your life! What utter drivel.
In any case, the US has met the sequestration objectives already; and sequesters all the CO2 it generates, and more besides, even as it is the world’s largest advanced, industrial economy. So it proves that it can be done.
ITER is firmly under under construction now in Cadarache France. This is the first pre-prototype of a commercial Fusion power plant. The next one will be a prototype of a commercial Fusion power plant. It will add power to the grid. The Energy black cloud is lifting form our heads, after forty years.
AIDs is contained.
The human Genome has been mapped and the benefits of it are starting to flow.
Pluripotent stem cells from the Self can be generated. That implies new organs from the Self, (and not rejectable), are coming, eventually.
Charlatanry in Climate and Embryonic stem cell research has been recognized as such. You can’t fool ALL the people, ALL the time.
Three of the biggest countries in the world are rapidly industrializing and joining the ranks of the developed world. Hooray for China, India and Brazil.
The Earth has a higher proportion of developed peoples and nations than ever before.
The last minorities in America are being assimilated, at last. Black intermarriage and education rates are approaching the American norm. Gays are muddling toward an acceptance of their ‘lifestyle’, in America.
As a wise man said: All we have to fear, is fear itself.”
Jan 8th, 2010 (2:09 pm)Nathan, anyone can file a tax return, but you have to be at least 18 to legally buy a car. So that is going to be the big issue for you at 16 unless you have someone else buy it for you.
+3
Jan 8th, 2010 (2:15 pm)Yes, but as demonstrated many times, the Volt credit is more than an incentive to buy a car, it directly reduces the amount of US dollars that leave the country to purchase oil from our enemies. The $7500 PAYS for itself by reducing the purchase of foreign oil, and eventually will save us military costs as well as LIVES.
Do you know how much cost and risk we will be facing if Israel attacks IRAN this year, and Iran chooses to try and stop shipping from passing through the Straitz of Hormuz? 40% of ALL shipped oil passes that narrow point and our boys could be in a shooting war with IRAN trying to keep the OIL flowing.
This madness has to end.
All cars should have at least 12 miles AER, all Fuel oil homes should convert. And we need credits to use Natural Gas for some trucks.
Jan 8th, 2010 (2:17 pm)Lyle – how about making up some VOLT lightening bolt pins – we’ll all buy one and wear them to auto shows this year!
+1
Jan 8th, 2010 (2:21 pm)You can watch the video from yesterday at this link:
http://fastlane.gmblogs.com/archives/2010/01/live_webcast_milestone_technology_event_for_chevrolet_volt.html
At about 31:00, they interview Denise Gray. She states that it will take about 3 to 5 years to get to the next generation of batteries.
McElvoy states that he understands that the battery pack costs about $10,000, and her response seems to hint that it is less than that. At about 46:30 into the webcast, they discuss battery cost, and Denise believes it is possible to reduce the price of the battery pack to more than half in the next generation.
An excellent interview with Lauckner, Posawatz, Gray, and others.
Jan 8th, 2010 (2:22 pm)Seniors are, as a group, by far, the wealthiest demographic in America . Absolutely, GM should pay attention to them. But most of them file tax returns on investment income. Those who don’t probably shouldn’t be in the market for a $30,000 car with or without the tax credit issue. .
+2
Jan 8th, 2010 (2:23 pm)As great of a car that the Ford Fusion Hybrid is (I’ve test driven one and also heard wonderful reviews of it), it is NOT an American-built car. Yes, it is supporting an American company, but the Fusions are built in Hermosillo, Mexico.
I’m not knocking down the Fusion, because it is a great car, but you cannot say that buying that car is supporting American jobs, because you’re not; you’re supporting Mexican jobs.
Now the Chevy Volt is a different story, as the final assembly of the battery and the vehicle itself will both be taking place right here in the U.S.A! So, by buying the Volt, you will be supporting American jobs!
So, all I’m saying is that the Volt is American designed and American built; the Fusion is American-designed, but Mexican built.
Jan 8th, 2010 (2:24 pm)That depends on what State he lives in.
+3
Jan 8th, 2010 (2:28 pm)Just another note, at 21:00 into the interview (see post 130), Tony mentions that some of his “Mini-E” friends driving in New York are having range issues in the cold weather.
I wonder who he could be talking about?
+4
Jan 8th, 2010 (2:30 pm)Mexican jobs are good too, keeps those families on that side of the border so we don’t have to give them free medical.
But I agree. Volt is American assembly for car and battery, and each Volt sold is about $20,000 dollars that stays in our economy creating jobs instead of going to our enemies to fund terrorists.
Jan 8th, 2010 (2:32 pm)Easier said than done, unfortunately. I use fuel oil and hate it.
We don’t have gas lines so I would need a tank and then convert.
Most people don’t have that kind of money.
+4
Jan 8th, 2010 (2:37 pm)I’d pick American-designed and Mexican built over Japanese designed, and Japanese built any day. At least they’re employing US engineers. Those jobs matter too. And the United States would benefit from a stronger wealthier Mexico, since they’re on our border. Also, they buy American goods. So trade with them is not a one-way street. Japan–not so much.
But aside from that, the Ford fusion has some American parts. As far as I know, the Prius has zero. Also, Ford’s profits (if they have any) stay in the US. Toyota’s stock is 97% domestically owned. So 97% of the profits go to Japan.
+1
Jan 8th, 2010 (2:45 pm)Only if you don’t understand peak oil. At its core, peak oil is just common sense and applies to just about everything, including building lots. Peak oil just says that the best and easiest stuff gets snapped up first. As time goes on, you have to use the less desirable or harder to get to stuff. Farmland, grapes, copper, diamonds, you name it, this is how it works. Those large oil fields you’re talking about make the point. These are very expensive to develop — the exploration rig is something like $150,000/day — which means that unless the price of oil keeps going up they’re not available. If the price of oil continues to go up the then the reserves are available but priced too high.
We’re not in any danger of running out of oil, it’s that oil is too scarce and therefore too expensive a commodity for fueling continued economic growth. It’s also located in some less than ideal countries, but that’s a different story.
Jan 8th, 2010 (2:51 pm)That makes sense. Did you know that Toyota was actually planning on assembling the Prius in Blue Springs, Mississippi, until they halted work on the plant over a year ago, citing “economic reasons”? They said that demand for hybrids had slumped and it wasn’t feasible to build them in the U.S.
We currently use propane, but the tank can be converted to use natural gas. They are talking about building a natural gas pipeline between Buffalo and Camdenton, Missouri and the path goes right by our property. We would have access to the natural gas. It would be a relief, because propane is outrageously expensive.
I’m wondering, could the Volt’s gasoline generator be modified to use natural gas?
+3
Jan 8th, 2010 (2:54 pm)Every one who keeps talking about Absurdly low price points for the Volt need to recall
Volt is C-segment Fastback
The Volt’s Powertrain is work a good 10k over ICE cars of the same class. 5K over Strong Hybrids. This is due to the massive savings of electric over gasoline and 100,000 miles of ownership.
The development cars we have seen have numerous features that push standard ICE cars in the segment until the Low 20s and the Strong Hybrids into the Mid 20s (Or Higher, the MSRP for a Prius with the Development cars Kit is into the 28,000 dollar range). If GM call sell the development cars we have seen for ~29,500 Post rebate, they will have a product that -value- wise blows the doors off the compedition. Even at 32,500, post rebate, the Development cars we have seen provide reasonable -value- comparison to other current cars on sale in the same segment. There is no need to match the Prius I (Fleet Sales Only) on Initial price to destroy the Competition. The Prius sells for a 5K premium over other C-Segment Hatchs… it doesn’t have to sell for the same… and its an inferior -car- in most respects. The Volt should be an equal -car- that happens have superior TCO.
+1
Jan 8th, 2010 (3:02 pm)What do you mean that oil being in less than ideal countries is a different story. Thats been the story for over 40 years since our own oil production peaked.
Oil is not cheap and we buy it through the nose from our enemies.
Earlier I said this is just madness, but as someone corrected me thats the definition of addiction. Just like cigarettes, doesn’t make much sense to smoke but people are addicted.
And just like smoking, we don’t need a 40 year plan to quit the bad habit. We can stop importing oil in 5 years and our economy would benefit at the same time.
We need an all out effort to drill for our own oil in Alaska and the Gulf, increase renewable and Nuclear electric generation, upgrade our GRID, convert all homes from fuel oil to anything else. 50% of new cars sold by 2013 should have 12 miles AER. 75% BY 2014, 90% BY 2015. Also immediate credits to convert some trucks from diesel to CNG.
The above plan would end our unemployment problem, improve our trade and budget deficits, improve our air, and lay the groundwork for cheap energy again to sustain our economy for generations
Jan 8th, 2010 (3:02 pm)When you start splitting hairs like this you need to go all the way. You can say the Ford is Mexican final-assembled, but not built, or sourced. You need to go thru all of the components and see where they were sourced from and who designed them, etc. Its a very deep rabbit hole. I’ll just throw out a number for the sake of argument, but lets say 50% to be conservative. Compared to foreign (Asian) cars, this is a huge number. The amount of American engineers , logistics people, suppliers, etc..required to support an American car, in this case the Ford Fusion, is much more than a Japapanse Prius.
I’m not a protectionist, but I hear the “built in Mexico” argument a lot. (note, there are also a lot of Americans employed in those Mexican plants)
For sh1ts and giggles you can check out this site. #1 is the Camry, but I dont think they take engineering into account on this website among other things. If anything, its interesting.
http://www.cars.com/go/advice/Story.jsp?section=top&subject=ami&story=amMade0709
Jan 8th, 2010 (3:06 pm)New homes could use geothermal. Existing homes can just convert to Electric furnace. This is same deal, government can give rebates for this. Remember Fuel oil can be expensive in he future also, so homeowners can benefit from switching. I’d be ok with a $500 – $1000 credit (depending on size of home /furnace being replaced).
This is the same deal, the credit pays for itself because instead of buying fuel oil and our money leaving the country, folks would be replacing with a domestic fuel source (CNG, electric, COAL, whatever but money stays here).
Jan 8th, 2010 (3:19 pm)#114
FWIW, I’m a “senior”, over 65, and the only new car I would consider buying is a Volt. Otherwise, we’ll just keep the old Impala running for another 15 years. So GM, if you want to sell the Park family another car, LJGTVWOTR!!
And ditto for my S-10. I will keep it going until a small truck or delivery van version of the Volt arrives.
Jan 8th, 2010 (3:28 pm)Rashid,
What about a heat pump? it’s pure electric. We just converted from oil and we love our care-free heat pump. They are super efficient, although some areas are not suited for them.
+2
Jan 8th, 2010 (3:45 pm)OOPS, sorry Rashiid, I misspelled your name. I apologize.
Jan 8th, 2010 (3:59 pm)Rashiid
You might consider a geothermal heat pump.
Quiet, efficient.
+1
Jan 8th, 2010 (4:02 pm)Tom,
you left out solar PV panels on our homes roof. Many construction companies have begun offering them as an construction option.
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.
Jan 8th, 2010 (4:02 pm)Whitacre confirms two of three issues that answers critics. First, signaling a production push. The closer to now – more likely VOLT will be relevant. And secondly cutting ties with VOLTS $40,000 albatross. Now we’re talking! The third issue and paramount to success, is range. If nothing else, increase tank size. Why all of a sudden Whitacre’s embracing EV’s? Hard to say. When RH was summarily thrown out you’d never thought there was such thing as a VOLT. Now having identified himself as an EV guru … he must still for a long time to come; at least until we see a 3x breakthrough in Li-ion electrode development … sell 750,000 car per month.
Jan 8th, 2010 (4:07 pm)Re Whitacre’s comments, maybe we should be optimistic but cautious. Whitacre was speaking at the battery forum, so naturally he wanted to please that audience. While all the points posted sound good, they are not specific as to numbers and dates.
So it is great to hear cheaper and sooner and lots of EREVs, but maybe we can save some of the pleasure until the time when we get a few more details.
Jan 8th, 2010 (4:11 pm)$15 billion is the cost of 15 weeks of occupying Afghanistan – less than 1/3 of a year – I don’t see that kickstarting a new industry or contributing to a thriving American economy, yet the money always seems to be there for keeping American soldiers in 800 military bases in 140 countries.
Spending $636 billion for “defense” in 2010 is perhaps not the best use of this public treasure. A country that is “penny wise and pound foolish” is soon broke. World War II ended 65 years ago – outspending the rest of the planet on military expenditures is no longer compatible with maintaining a world class economy.
That $636 billion does not include the interest on past Defense budgets funded by borrowing, or Homeland Security, or Veterans Affairs, or the nuclear weapons of the Energy Dept., or the bioweapons of the Agriculture Dept, etc…
I’m all for Congress deliberating wisely about how to spend $15 billion, as long as they deliberate 53.3 times longer about spending $800 billion.
Jan 8th, 2010 (4:44 pm)Glad that “Great Mirage” is fading…
Jan 8th, 2010 (4:47 pm)Ditto for my Dodge Dakota and Dodge Intrepid. And Ditto on age (I am over 55).
I know a lot of folks over 55 (although they *are* in IS/IT) that would buy a Volt. Just the thought of going to a gas station only 4 times a year is enough for me.
Wanted: Volt SS in Caddy White with leather.
Jan 8th, 2010 (5:03 pm)It’s really hard for me to disagree with you (g). I’m excited about the early releases and lower price tag, but (although I understand it) putting the first wave of Volts into the hands of just celebrities is a bit unsettling. I think the point that GM needs to convey is that the Volt can and will meet the driving needs of regular everyday folks. There is something very wrong if Lyle isn’t honored with one. Although he’s a “star” here, he may not fit GM’s definition of celebrity.
Missing the opportunity for an Independence Day kick-off would IMHO be a huge blunder. Sad really.
Just got in from a very cold day at work. Maybe I’m just cranky.
BBL,
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Jan 8th, 2010 (5:08 pm)You’ll be missed!
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Jan 8th, 2010 (5:16 pm)Rashiid,
Isn’t what you have seen and read today; evidence that government at all levels is doing what you said. There are many examples of this administration assisting in establishing business in the green sector as they have done here. DOE grants to those cities interested in building their charging infrastructure like in Phoenix (AZ), Tucson (AZ), San Diego (CA), Portland (OR), Eugene (OR), Corvallis (OR), Seattle (WA), Nashville (TN), Knoxville (TN) and Chattanooga (TN). DOE has also made grants to other U.S. battery companies. We can also include the assistance given to GM to get them through the recession and bankruptcy. There are numerous other examples.
I like you believe Toyota buyers should not have been given the rebate because of Japans trade practices not being fair to foreign automotive companies. Any country that discriminates against any U.S. company should not be given trade preferences. But to find fault with the governments action because of one particular issue shows a lack of understanding of what was done. The reason for the Cash for Clunkers program was an attempt to get gas guzzlers off the road and judging by the numbers it was a success. Also, government agencies buying Prius cars is an example of buying what offers savings in fuel. It just happened that Toyota’s Prius were and are one of the vehicles with great gas mileage. It helped many dealers and their salesmen survive. It is not likely that government will change its policy of giving rebates for hybrids manufactured by foreign companies.
The choice is in the hands of American citizens. Judging from the your opinion, you will buy American. And I applaud you for doing so. We need more individuals to see that buying “Made in U.S.” does make a difference in how well our economy is going! The saying “a penny saved is a penny earned” does not always work out in our favor. IMHO, we need to examine whether or not we are better off buying a cheaper foreign product than a U.S. made one that sells for slightly more.
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.
P.S. IMHO, GM will be giving us a quality product for a great price!
Jan 8th, 2010 (5:50 pm)Hee, hee, maybe I’ll win that pool I didn’t start:
http://gm-volt.com/2008/06/18/lutz-40000-is-breakeven-price-for-the-chevy-volt-and-first-generation-will-not-make-money-for-gm/#comment-46953
I predicted 38k with a 5K govt rebate, but I was rounding to thousands
. A few posts later I noted that $38k was 25% more than 30k rounded up. If you take that (rounded to hundreds) 37.5k number and the $7.5k rebate, that’s $30k.
but that $38 ($37.5k?) number is looking better as I really think Flaninacupboard is on the right track in thinking they’ll try to get the price with rebate just a hair below $30k.
I lose some pool position for getting the rebate amount wrong
At least for the basic model.
If you want the nav system to indicate your location with a pink Lutz bowtie shaped pointer, that will cost you extra (and you know who you are, Statik). 
Jan 8th, 2010 (5:58 pm)Off topic, but when I saw this photo I couldn’t help but wonder if there’s some Volts sitting outside looking like this and how they’re doing in this weather:
http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/blowing-winds/photo//100107/480/ec7478207d4a49eda45b137ef1240964//s:/ap/us_winter_weather
Jan 8th, 2010 (6:52 pm)Yes, but if they new our government would be strong on fair trade (hint possible opportunity for lobbyist real value) then maybe they could afford to call Japan on it.
Jan 8th, 2010 (6:56 pm)lol. I do it too. Don’t sweat it, my friend. Enjoy your weekend.
Jan 8th, 2010 (7:01 pm)Beautiful picture, DaveP. My kids love seeing the school bus buried in snow.
Jan 8th, 2010 (7:38 pm)+1 on that my friend! My point was that people focus more on where the car is made vs. how much fuel it burns. The security of our country is far more compromised by the latter.
Jan 8th, 2010 (7:53 pm)Hmm, now if I trade in my Red HHR, use all my GM card rebate, get an instant Gov rebate, sell off my two electric car projects, get my five grand friend of Lyle discount…
GM will be paying me to drive a Volt! WoW
Jan 8th, 2010 (8:28 pm)#152
Amen brother. Preach on! I totally and absolutely agree.
We have been having fits with our internet access the last couple of days, so i haven’t been able to participate much. But this really is great news. Maybe tomorrow will be a better day.
+1
Jan 8th, 2010 (9:06 pm)DOD spending is the closest thing the United States has to an industrial policy. Spending on “defense” created large industries that went on to become major contributors to the American economy. Commercial airplanes. Jets. Computers. The Internet. Transistors. Even most modern electronics. And we invented those industries, which is a much harder thing to do than subsidizing your way into an already developed industry.
It doesn’t work nearly as well as it used to. For a variety of reasons. (For one thing, other countries are buying their spin offs before we have the chance to transform them into industries.) But that doesn’t mean we should stop the funding. I’m not saying don’t cut defense. I’m all for getting our troops out of Afghanistan and Iraq. And drastically reducing our presence overseas. But don’t cut DOD research. And be very careful with the procurement contracts.
Darpa, in particular, along with the NIH and NASA, are literally the last things I would cut out of the budget. They are, IMHO, the best hope we have of maintaining a competitive economy for the long term. They are investments in America’s future. And we do way too little of that.
Jan 8th, 2010 (9:51 pm)I hear that they may release the Volt early and sell it for less!
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
+1
Jan 8th, 2010 (10:09 pm)+1
Jan 8th, 2010 (10:10 pm)I’ve heard that they’re resuming work on the factory. They’ve said it will be in production “before 2011.” But that doesn’t change the fact that all the components are from Japan. The engineering and design are from Japan. And, the profits are also going to Japan.
Jan 8th, 2010 (10:14 pm)We call them on things like this all the time. Nothing ever comes of it. They listen politely, and then do exactly what they originally intended to do.
In fairness, we do exact the same thing to them and a lot of other countries when there’s something we really want to do. Only we skip the listening politely part.
+1
Jan 9th, 2010 (12:31 am)True.
I’m familiar with some of ARPA/DARPA history, especially the development of integrated circuits and the Internet.
It could be argued that the UK co-invented the modern electronic computer…
I think the Germans could claim the largest chunk of inventing jet airplanes (many say the Messerschmitt Me 262 could have had a huge affect on WWII if the Germans had more oil … but they lost the battle for Stalingrad, and with it the oilfields of Baku in Azerbaijan. Americans at the time noted that without oil, wars could be lost).
But yes, spending vast amounts of money by the Pentagon has led to some truly useful things.
My main point had been that there are vast sums of money that get little notice by the taxpaying public – where does the $636 billion of the DoD get spent ? Why does the public get showered with pundits and talking heads yelling about GM getting bailed out, but entire $100 billion blocks of money for things like ships, planes and weapons systems that might be designed for enemies we will no longer encounter never get mentioned ? Can’t the “defense” strategy ever get scrutinized ?
$15 billion could get lost in a footnote in that context, but when it’s suggested for subsidizing a new auto industry, it gets the microscopic scrutiny of a skeptical Media. “We really don’t like Government intervention in things, you see.”
Unless it’s something like Boeing losing a major military contract to Airbus, then the Government is asked to intervene ASAP…
I hadn’t realized the NIH was an Agency of the Department of Health and Human Services – it consists of 27 separate institutes and centers, such as the National Cancer Institute. Budget about $26 billion.
And I would add the National Science Foundation (NSF) to your list of worthy research agencies: budget of $6 billion.
DARPA has a budget of about $3.2 billion: NASA, $18.7 billion.
Yes, it’s amazing what a few 10′s of $billions can do, spent wisely.
I wish “competitive economy” was considered a part of “national security”.
+1
Jan 9th, 2010 (12:48 am)So, you’re saying, you want a Viridian Joule Volt, for $29,500 (after tax credit), this summer?
Jan 9th, 2010 (12:57 am)That would seem to fit. Nice picture!
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
+1
Jan 9th, 2010 (1:52 am)There’s a legitimate national security issue with releasing certain defense information to the public. After all,we don’t want Al Queda knowing all our weapon plans. That said, I’m sure there is a lot of waste going on, and someone should do something about.
But it’s not like no one’s talking about it. I hear all the time that Iraq and Afghanistan is what got us into the fiscal hole. And, sure, it made matters worse. But it’s not why we’re in trouble financially. Even if it cost $3 billion (which is the largest estimate I’ve seen), that’s one fourth of the federal debt. And around 5% of our total unfunded long term obligations. They also seem to think that if we left tomorrow, it would solve our debt and unfunded liability problem. And it wouldn’t. Not even close.
I agree. I also wish that the media and the public would be more accepting of the government’s role in directing the economy. If we could drastically reduce our department of defense budget and replace it with a direct industrial policy, it would be cheaper and more effective. We might have held onto some of the industries we’ve lost if the DOD had focused on making sure the spin offs happened in the US. Not overseas.
But we have to work with the political situation as it is. And not the way we want it to be. Most Americans hate the thought of an industrial policy. And then there’s the WTO to worry about… And since we can’t have an actual industrial strategy, having the DOD is much better than not having anything.
I just wish we could at least make certain defense contracts contingent on Boeing not outsourcing certain critical technologies. Like, say, the wing….
DOD research spending and it’s overall contribution to the economy goes well beyond DARPA. First of all, most of their research spending is done through grants. Most of which are made to American universities. I believe their total R&D budget for fiscal 2008 was around 75 billion dollars.
http://comptroller.defense.gov/defbudget/fy2008/index.html
Second of all, their role in spawning industries goes beyond basic research and all the way through the line through development. For example, the Boeing 707 was basically the FC-135 with windows. Boeing already had the assembly line all set up because of their defense contracts. And, even now, profits from their defense division supports their commercial aviation division.
That said, I agree about the NSF. And I would add the DOE. Their spending on alternative energy start-ups might just allow us to participate in the new “clean energy” industry. I doubt we’ll be a major player. It’s probably too late for that. But at least we might show up.
Jan 9th, 2010 (4:00 am)First I heard that Whitacre is an Exxon Mobile Board Member. If that is not a colossal conflict of interest then I am a Dutchman. The Volt is not just another car – its much more than that. It is a strategic weapon of mass destruction of the Oil Industry that was build around the ICE auto mobile and hence why we all spend so much time on here discussing it.
p.s. I am a Scot in actual fact who happens to speak Dutch.
Go Volt. Go Michigan. Go USA. Stop Exxon.
NPNS
Jan 9th, 2010 (5:19 am)Saturday January 9, 2010, 5:10 am
LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) — Gunmen attacked a Chevron Corp. oil pipeline in Nigeria’s restive Niger Delta, causing an unknown amount of damage, a government spokesman said Saturday.
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Nigeria-Chevron-pipeline-apf-328897559.html?x=0&sec=topStories&pos=main&asset=&ccode=
_____________
Watched oil prices yesterday. They had shot up around noon EST. Wonder which came first? The attack on the pipeline or the price increase? Looks like the plan is to head back to the $90-$95 per barrel range.
=D~
+1
Jan 9th, 2010 (5:36 am)12:31 p.m. PT, Fri., Jan. 8, 2010
NEW YORK – Crude prices edged higher to end the week, despite huge supplies and tens of thousands of lost jobs in the U.S. last month.
Energy prices have rallied for weeks on some signs that manufacturing activity had picked in the U.S. and China, but again it was the falling dollar that inflated the price of crude Friday.
Crude and gasoline futures are up 15 percent since mid-December and prices at the pump this week are higher than at any point last year.
=D~
Jan 9th, 2010 (6:27 am)Sunny? Florida??! I’ve seen the sun for about 1 day out of the last week and a half, and my local forecast included sleet or possible flurries for today.
Dang global warming….
Jan 9th, 2010 (6:45 am)LeoK, bravo for your idea, I support it and will wear it all year long until and after I’ll get a Volt or an Ampera.
Regards,
JC NPNS
Jan 9th, 2010 (6:55 am)Yeah!! Where’s that purgatory from last Summer when you needed it? (grin).
That smaller polar ice cap had better get bigger again to be able to keep all this cold air contracted back up there in the future, for our provincial/localized thinking to be accurate (NOT!). (lol).
15 degrees here in Austin this morning.
Jan 9th, 2010 (7:21 am)What’s up with that anyway. I’ve got 300 channels. I can drive to Canada in less than a work day. I get no BBC (except what PBS borrows). I get Univision, but no other foreign channels. I’d take me at least 48 hours of driving get to Mexico or Miami. Hey t.v. execs, it’s a global world, give us some more global choices.
Jan 9th, 2010 (7:30 am)Probably the more important part of the rationale was to stimulate car buying for a dormant auto industry. From an environmental standpoint it was a mild success, but it could have been much stronger. From a jobs stimulus standpoint it also could have been stronger if there had been standards for U.S. content. As Volt competitors (and alternative GM-produced Volt-like vehicles) emerge, a huge factor in my choice will be the number of U.S. jobs supported, and not just the location of the badge’s headquarters.
Jan 9th, 2010 (7:41 am)Did the pipeline attackers take a long position in oil before attacking?
Jan 9th, 2010 (7:59 am)Great webcast! I’m not too concerned with the cost of gas influencing my Volt purchase decision. I would be surprised if oil ever exceeded $100/barrel again. I just don’t think OPEC wants to “fuel” the transition to electric vehicle more than they already have.
Jan 9th, 2010 (8:06 am)Seems to me that if the decision to not market the Volt in Japan is based on the fact that there would be tarrifs or other “unfair” financial obstacles placed in the way, then GM should go through the effort of offering it there if they had the confidence that our government would place like obstacles in the way of the Prius. My understanding is the that the Japanese consumer is more of the impediment to foreign sales in Japan. In this case, only the American consumer can take action.
From my own experience in lighting, I find it odd that the rest of the world relies on 3 major manufacturers (Osram/Slyvania, Phillips, and GE) for lightbulbs, yet in Japan they are virtually non-existant. If this is due solely to consumer psychology then I’m OK with our government’s mostly laissez fair approach, but if not then we need to change.
Jan 9th, 2010 (8:12 am)Better to suck up to Lyle and see if he’ll let you go with “Lyle’s lil’ buddy Jimmy”
This does sound good for Lyle and our hearing his real world accounts sooner rather than later.
Jan 9th, 2010 (8:18 am)And it shall be done. Hopefully with the first round of propagating the Voltec powertrain. This, like the Converj, is a profit NOW market. Get Voltec into as many of these ASAP so the broadest markets met profitably sooner as well.
Jan 9th, 2010 (8:32 am)We are a representative democracy. Perhaps if the citizens were more concerned about purchasing domestically, then the government would be too. Let’s start with “the man in the mirror.”
Jan 9th, 2010 (8:55 am)Great point, AND it would broaden the effect of getting the electrification of transportation snowball rolling!
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Jan 9th, 2010 (11:32 am)Wow – what an awesome post !! My hats off to you for this work !
+1
Jan 9th, 2010 (3:27 pm)It’s good to be optimistic in the New Year, but there’s no need to get carried away into “delusional” territory.
No, Peak Oil is all about production rates. There are no “recent enormous petroleum finds” that will push back Peak Oil by centuries. Are you referring to the oil sands of Canada, the shales of Western US, the heavy oil of Venezuela ? These do not replace declining production rates of megafields like Ghawar, Cantarell, and Burgan.
Do you mean fields like Brazil’s deep water find that “might” yield 33 billion barrels ? Even if “might” becomes “does”, it will take at least 10 years to begin production from deep, difficult wells, and by then another ten years of depletion from the megafields will have occurred. It’s all about production rates.
Swifthack did not “expose” anything, except that in private the climate scientists call climate skeptics “idiots”.
An increase of three degrees C is a big deal when that is the average temperature increase of the entire planet. Try to comprehend this important point:
Notice the fluctuations of climate (not weather) have been less than 1.5 degrees C since the last Ice Age – this is the climate that Agriculture and Civilization developed within. The scientists don’t say the planet will be “uninhabitable” – small bands of hunter-gatherers will do fine. It’s global Civilization they are worried about. Increasing droughts, changes to fresh water availability (such as the disappearance of the Himalayan glaciers), agriculture zones shifting from country to country, climate tipping points (permafrost melting, methane hydrates bubbling up). Nobody is talking about the Earth becoming Venus.
This is just drivel.
The only CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage) power plant even planned in the US is FutureGen, on which construction hasn’t even begun since George W. Bush announced it in 2003:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FutureGen
A “fast track” plan to a commercial fusion power plant has been sketched out. This scenario, which assumes that ITER continues to demonstrate that the tokamak line of magnetic confinement is the most promising for power generation, anticipates a full-scale power plant coming on-line in 2050, potentially leading to a large-scale adoption of fusion power over the following thirty years.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ITER
2050 to 2080 – that’s when we might have fusion power coming online.
Unless they devote a lot more resources to this important research area.
As another wise man said: Everything should be made as simple as possible, but no simpler. — Einstein
-1
Jan 9th, 2010 (7:40 pm)The deciding factor on whether the Volt lives or dies will not be its price but whether it is a reliable vehicle or the same old crap GM has been producing for decades.
Jan 9th, 2010 (7:59 pm)I’m a senior and I resent your comment. I drive a BMW 535i and love pushing it. Have to leave the wife home, though, since she prefers the ride of her Cad. The Volt probably won’t handle like a BMW, but Lyle’s reports indicate it’s going to handle nicely. With instant torque and no gas! Or very little (g). Not all of us ‘oldsters’ are ready for the rocking chair. I look at Bob Lutz, he’s same age as me, and still piloting jet fighters!
Jan 9th, 2010 (8:56 pm)dwwbkw:
Pay no attention to the infants. Lutz pretty much drove the Volt all the way to this momentous place. Plenty of good ideas and wisdom from old timers as from whippers.
This is good news from Whitacre. He apparently got the message that this will be a keystone to the rebirth of a manufacturing sector in the U.S. The list of image makers include:
Clinton (Bubba)
Garth Brooks
Clooney
Sarah Palin
Howard (Ron)
Oprah
Rush Limbaugh
Adam Sandler
Steve Chu (DOE)
Letterman
Shigeru Miyamoto
John Kerry
Leno
Willie Nelson
Leo DiCaprio
Rudy Giuliani
Steve Colbert
Jan 9th, 2010 (10:18 pm)Yeeeehaaww Tag! Welcome aboard the Voltec express. I know you’ve always been a proponent but with the Star Wars’ platoon leader’s commanding voice of “stay on target” to JGTVWOTR first.
+1
Jan 9th, 2010 (10:51 pm)Thanks, 10kyearman. Don’t normally get irritated by the kids, but just wanted it known that not all of us ‘seniors’ are ready to roll over.
I agree that this is the key to the rebirth of the manufacturing sector in the U. S. Always was amazed at how this country just stood by while the rest of the world took over manufacturing. Where do these people in the USA think wealth comes from? It comes from making things that are superior and affordable that everyone wants to buy. We’ve done it before and there is no reason we can’t do it again.
I don’t know if Bob Lutz realized at the time that he had come up with a better mousetrap – I’m sure he had help from his technical guys – but he had the idea born from intuition and experience that became a great concept. And the fact he is a car guy and knows what great cars are. The Volt concept is brilliant – it can be powered from any fuel through the conversion of the fuel’s energy to electrical energy. The car is not constrained to burning gasoline for trips over 40 miles – it can be powered from any fuel, even Hydrogen in the distant future. The driver then becomes what is the most cost efficient fuel available at a particular point in time, that is compatible with the environment. The series hybrid concept provides huge flexibility to the design process. It is truly a step forward for GM’s flex-fuel concept. Because of the 40-mile AER, even with gasoline the generation of pollutants will be greatly reduced. Imagine the Volt running on non-polluting fuels!
Yes, us old folks get it. We’ve been waiting a long time for this.
Jan 9th, 2010 (11:02 pm)I believe that we are quickly approaching the day when “LJGTVWOTR” will be in the rearview mirror! What a SWEET day that will be! It seems like yesterday that statik and I were debating whether the Volt would *get* those first wheels on the road.
There are *so* many more neat accomplishments that will be built from that day forward. The real fun is just beginning!
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Jan 9th, 2010 (11:12 pm)Well said!
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Jan 13th, 2010 (1:26 pm)I have two aging Gm cars and my next purchase will be a Volt. Under 40k makes it more realistic.
Jan 18th, 2010 (1:04 am)There’s not gonna be a waiting list for these like there were/is for the hybrids right?
Jan 18th, 2010 (3:55 am)I believe that it’ll be the same thing. They’ll be bought before they arrive for at least a year. Could be wrong, but I don’t think that I am. Low volume/high demand.
Be well,
Tagamet