For over two years GM has held to its plan for launching the Chevy Volt in November of this year. But there have been a lot of changes since then including the surprise seizure of the CEO position by Ed Whitacre. Whitacre spoke to the Detroit Press about the Chevy Volt and his eagerness to get the car into consumers hands.
“I wish it were on the market today,” he said. “We’re going to push as hard as we can to get this vehicle out there. It’s a complicated process.”
Whitacre also said he expected the car to cost consumers $32,000 after tax breaks.
He suggested a significant motivation for building the Volt at least in his eyes, is for the environment.
“This is a bold journey for us. We want to do this for the environment. … We think this is part of the future for us,” he told the reporter. “We’re putting a lot at risk here, but we’re going to do it.”
Earlier reports suggested that Whitacre and the board have been pushing to beginning selling the Volt earlier than the long cited November timeframe, as long as quality measures can be achieved.
The new goal according to anonymous sources: late September or October.
Whitacre has also been surprised by what its like driving the Volt
“I was prepared for something like a golf cart. This is no golf cart,” he told the Press. “This is very powerful, a lot of acceleration, it feels really solid and it goes fast. It’s a very impressive car.”
The first three markets the Volt will be sold have now been revealed.
“The first markets that we anticiapte retail sales will be California and Michigan,” Lauckner told Autoline Detroit last week.
According to the Detroit Press the third region will be Washington DC.
Source (Detroit Free Press)
This entry was posted on Sunday, January 10th, 2010 at 9:29 am and is filed under Launch, Marketing. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.
-47
Jan 10th, 2010 (9:36 am)(click to show comment)
+2
Jan 10th, 2010 (9:37 am)Well, we’re getting closer to (my) predictions. There’s still time….
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
+25
Jan 10th, 2010 (9:53 am)God help us.
GM please understand that for many, perhaps most Volt customers, the environment isn’t our main concern. It’s about Energy Independence.
+19
Jan 10th, 2010 (9:58 am)Michigan is a good pick. What a moral boost to see your vehicle in your own town.
+13
Jan 10th, 2010 (10:00 am)Our zebras come in a lot of different stripes (g). He’s probably just being political (given the current push for green tech).
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
+1
Jan 10th, 2010 (10:03 am)Preach on brother. Living in Detroit, I’m prepared to be amongst the first, even with the pilot premium attached. Somehow, I need to figure out how to satisfy the garage requirement. Easy enough to have 40k set aside for the car, but the garage (or likely a whole new house) is going to cost a whole lot more.
+9
Jan 10th, 2010 (10:07 am)This great news, Tagamet. Your prediction would be fantastic; I’d even set off fire works for that. This will insure that GM firmly establishes a major share of the RV market now and into the future. If they fall back to the original date, November, then it is one more sign that they are insuring quality.
As for:
I can say only one thing to this commentor. After everything that we have heard and seen, the “ball-out” of GM is appearing to be a success. The next quarterly report will tell whether or not they are regaining market share from sales of their traditional ICE vehicles and realizes increased revenue. Who in their right mind would want to see GM fail now. It would be political suicide to do anything but help GM succeed and anyone who thinks otherwise is insane.
GM accomplishments are important for America: it represents thousands of jobs. For it to fail now would mean the end the United States of America as we have enjoyed it for hundreds of years. To wish that GM would fail is unpatriotic.
IMHO, Whitacre gets IT! He understands what needs to be done and is forging into the future by putting GM on a solid footing by advancing EV technology for America!
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.
+14
Jan 10th, 2010 (10:08 am)Three very savvy choices. Go for the land of the early adopters, California. Huge market, 75% of the Volt’s will probably be sold there initially. Detroit gives the home team a boost, the pride of seeing an American ER-EV in production numbers before any of the foreign competition shows up in anything but dribs and drabs. And DC/NOVA/MD is a huge center of Prius sales, it will be great to see the Volt kicking the Prius pride to the curb this year. And DC’s position as the home of our parliament of whores can’t be overstated. They may be fools, but they are the fools that are in charge and we should use any tool in our possession to convince them to keep the federal tax credit in place and to possibly extend it to the first 500,000 Volts produced, rather than the first 250,000. Plus, they could tailor the bill carefully to ensure that only domestically produced ER-EV’s and BEV’s qualify. Look at Japan’s trade policy regarding importing American vehicles and tailor the bill in a similarly protective manner.
We need to work to lessen our addiction to foreign oil, and the release of the Volt in these three areas will be the beginning of that process.
+4
Jan 10th, 2010 (10:08 am)All positive arguments on behalf of the Volt are all the very same positive things. They are **all** extremely positive, because fossil fuels have had the economic stranglehold against electrification for one hundred years, and now, electrical technologies are lashing back with incredible determination, taking their rightful places.
We have all been paying all manner of high costs for “cheap”[sic] fossil energy, and, just the turning off of the usage of fossil energy is what is solving all these problems, all at exactly the same time, and in exactly the same precisely-equal measures.
Anyone’s preferential planetary problem is being solved at exactly the same time and rate as anyone elses preferential planetary problem. The solving of all these problems in exact unison is what Tag said about a year ago, as “it’s all good” [to solve all these problems].
Hey Tag,
Would the Volt ****reallly**** be your first ***new*** auto??
+2
Jan 10th, 2010 (10:13 am)Yep, it’s on my “bucket list”.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
+13
Jan 10th, 2010 (10:15 am)How about this, to help the Volt:
RINO REVOLT
- Every time there’s a Terrorist Attack raise the Gas Tax One Quarter!
- Why is Osama a CIA problem? He should be a Saudi Secret Police Problem. Let’s Give the Saudi’s the INCENTIVE they need to Capture this guy and Kill Off Al Qaeda!
- Let’s stop Kissing the Oil Industry’s…
+4
Jan 10th, 2010 (10:20 am)It’ll be fun to watch that map turn green over time.
It sounds like Whitacre is starting to truly believe that the Volt will be a success for GM and that he is also concerned about losing market share to competition. He is a “let’s get the job done” kind of a guy which sounds a lot like LJGTWONTR to me.
Jan 10th, 2010 (10:20 am)I hadn’t heard that phrase before. What’s “bucket list” referring to?
Jan 10th, 2010 (10:23 am)The bucket list is the list of things a person wants to do before they assume room temperature (read croak).
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
+2
Jan 10th, 2010 (10:27 am)Then you’ll just have to..
Stay Well, my friend.
Lets Just Get **Tag’s** Volt Wheels On The Road!
+10
Jan 10th, 2010 (10:28 am)It will also give GM a lot more data, a lot quicker, in a cold-climate environment relative to long-term battery performance. As well, GM has more engineers and labs in Michigan than anywhere else – makes sense to launch a slew of them close to the people who will be closely monitoring their performance – especially early on.
Jan 10th, 2010 (10:30 am)Washington DC is a good choice–it works for me!
+1
Jan 10th, 2010 (10:33 am)Agreed, with the small proviso that the job needs to be done WELL. The Volt needs to be spot on perfect when it *is* released, or it’ll do more harm than good. Whitacre hasn’t been there throughout the Volt’s development so I hope he has an appreciation for just how “cutting edge” (and therefore possibly problematic) the tech is. I have faith that he’s surrounded himself with people who are good advisers (fingers crossed).
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
+1
Jan 10th, 2010 (10:38 am)Thanks for the kind words, friend. It’ll be the way He’s got planned. The Volt itself is the important issue – it needs to be “right” before the release, but *if* it’s just in the polishing stages, let’s get those wheels on the pavement! (g).
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
+13
Jan 10th, 2010 (10:42 am)“Whitacre also said he expected the car to cost consumers $32,000 after tax breaks”
Well, we can all speculate some more, but this puts the price back to 39,500. Which does not go along with the person that asked the question about being “significantly under $40k” and the reply being $500 is not significantly under $40K.
Hawk
+1
Jan 10th, 2010 (10:44 am)I think the entire country is beginning to rally behind GM and Mr. Whitacre’s and the rest of GM’s hard work. In as much as a great number of things are entirely new for GM to put out here in all these different climate zones, I think that America will be patient where GM sees a need to attend to gradually marketplace the Volt strategically, pending the long term tests results as greater benchmarks are achieved. As systems prove more and more reliable, then marketing to less and less moderate climates might be the sequence.
+3
Jan 10th, 2010 (10:45 am)Its very sad that the collective intelligence of the population at large is so much smarter than our government or corporate leaders.
Yes electric cars are about economic and national security issues.
But our governement and corporations think it is about global warming.
Another example of government stupidity is a $7500 credit instead of even $7000 cash at time of purchase.
This is why I plan on buying at end of 2012 so I don’t have to wait a year to get my credit. If they had the incentive at time of purchase I’d be planning to buy as soon as available in my area. This is not a $500 credit for insulation, $7500 is a lot of money and it will cause end of year order spikes that cannot be filled.
+1
Jan 10th, 2010 (10:46 am)Dan #13
The term “bucket list” refers to things you want to do before you die, or “kick the bucket” as the old saying goes.
The term was popularized by a movie of that name a while back. It featured Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman as two guys who meet in the hospital as they find out they are going to die. Then they create their own “bucket lists” and go out and do those things together.
Pretty good movie. Worth renting IMHO. If for no other reason than to get us all motivated to get busy on our own bucket lists.
There was one scene where the two of them are racing their fantasy cars which many of this sites readers would probably enjoy.
And as of this morning 51,001 people might just have owning a VOLT on their bucket lists. (Today’s Want List count.)
GO VOLT!
+3
Jan 10th, 2010 (10:46 am)They *also* said that the price wouldn’t be set until the spring, so we’ll know in a few months.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
+9
Jan 10th, 2010 (11:02 am)LRGVProVolt – I can see where my post may have come across as being anti-GM. If you knew me you would know that that would be impossible. I am and have always been very biased to GM products. (Currently own about 16 GM products – only non GM is a 1924 Nash) I am referring to the pick of DC as being one of the initial roll out areas. I doubt I am alone in seeing this as a politically motivated decision. If I am alone then no big deal. If lots of other Americans see it the same way then it could turn into a PR disaster for GM. There is a really big backlash towards govt right now and in particular I think the back lash is bigger amongst typical GM customers. I bet if someone did a poll it would back me up on that. If GM is seen as pandering to govt officials with where they roll out cars and giving govt officials other kinds of preferential treatment it isn’t going to play well to their customer base.
As for the bail out that is arguable if it has been a success. GM did indeed go bankrupt so it wasn’t really a bail out like Chrysler was in the 80′s. The buyer for GM ended up being the US govt. I have no doubt there would have been a private buyer if the govt had not stepped in. Would GM be smaller? Probably. Would the Volt have survived? Don’t know and it would have really sucked if it hadn’t. But the re-electrification (read your automotive history) of the automobile is inevitable with or without GM leading the way. GM and the Volt are pushing it up by a couple of years and that is good in my opinion but it is coming one way or another. I just want the Govt out (as much as they ever really will be “out”) of my favorite car company.
I think Tag might be on to something with his prediction though. July 4th could see the first Volts in public hands even if it is just a handfull to guys like Jay Leno or Ed Begley.
Jan 10th, 2010 (11:11 am)LOL, you say that as if there was some DOUBT! (g).
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Jan 10th, 2010 (11:16 am)Yet another great milestone! Thanks for pointing it out – I hadn’t noticed it.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
+2
Jan 10th, 2010 (11:18 am)“He suggested a significant motivation for building the Volt at least in his eyes, is for the environment.”
And to save what is left of Democratic Party support prior to the mid-term elections. They took a lot of heat for bailing out the auto industry while other industries went into the toilet.
“We’re putting a lot at risk here, but we’re going to do it.”
Plans for the VOLT were in place before the bailout. The only risk was GM actually changing their priorities: Like putting ‘Quality’ first. (Which they have succeeded at in my opinion)
The good news is: The VOLT will be in our showroom (we hope) early. The bad news is: “Limited numbers…”
Since earlier reports here on GM-VOLT.com suggests that the car will be sold at a loss (in the early going), then I expect that there will be little profit in it for the dealers. (Just a halo)
So, no matter what price we put on the car, we will catch hell from the consumers.
1) If the boss agrees to let them go for MSRP, then whatever number of cars we get will disappear faster than you can say “statik”. Then when the tv ads hit, people will come in to see a VOLT and be angry it’s not there. (memories of Camaro launch comes to mind)
And if we do manage to keep one in the showroom to show and take orders from, I am not looking forward to the 10,000 pissed off people who will say, “I’m not going to buy one until I get to test drive it.” (and 9,990 of those are just lying ___holes wanting a joyride, just like with the Camaro SS)
2) If, because of the limited numbers and low margins, the boss chooses to place ANY kind of markup (which we tried on the first Camaro and it still sold in 5 days), even if it was a small amount then the press and/or blog sites like this one might begin posting lists of dealers who are “gouging” the poor consumers, thereby stealing the savings on gasoline that they might have otherwise realized.
Like I said, either way, we’re screwed. Hopefully, one of you will get the first VOLT from me. And I hope that you are at least understanding of the crap we have to deal with every day.
+6
Jan 10th, 2010 (11:18 am)DC is surrounded by the 3 highest median income counties in the nation. I see Prius’ and hybrids around the area more than anywhere I have been in the US.
DC should be top on the list for a limited roll out with or without any politics. This is business and this area is filled with buyers. Also, the DC area is not in a recession like the rest of the country and unemployment is not too high (spiked up to a little over 7% in MD lately). The Govt. money flows out all around this region and their are many potential buyers for the Volt.
This rollout makes sense to me.
CA is symbolic
+1
Jan 10th, 2010 (11:19 am)DC is a relatively small area. One thing I can relate to everyone about even **well established** technologies, being taught to very experienced technicians even, it is this.
**Seeing is [what it takes for] believing.**
or many/most just are unable to relate the facts. There has to be a visual and sensory “locus” or “location” based on touching, seeing, hearing, and new thinking, that sets up a new group of newly formed neurons in the brain (learning), that results in a new “locus”/”location” of knowledge. It will take these same “hands on” requirements for governmental officials to
“establish the concepts and the reality” of Voltec wisdom by having “hands on”. It is not privilege, it is practicality.
Governmental officials do not work in a decisional omnicience.
They must be shown what all those billions in loans are doing to perform the justice of the decision to make those loans. GM is doing the right moral thing in **proving** to the federal officials, that they are indeed producing a winner. This can only be proven by getting some Volts into the hands of those officials, and, it is certainly the right thing to do. There won’t be a very high number proportionally of Volts going to DC I’d bet, but DC has to be listed as one of the beginning places. And, DC has just the right moderate “Winter/Summer” temperature variations blend anyway in the first place for the real world testing of systems.
California is very EV “mild” to the battery. Michigan is very EV “cold”, and DC would be a mix of those. The Texas heat migh have us Texans waiting a bit longer as all the benchmarks are known more fully. It’s based on scientific selection and not anything else from how I see it, and, Texans will have to be more patient than the rest of the country apparently. That’s OK. We’ll just wait our turn to buy when GM is ready to sell here.
+2
Jan 10th, 2010 (11:19 am)$32,000 after rebate puts the MSRP around $39,500. Not what I would call “meaningfully below $40,000.”
As far as the introduction date, that seems meaningless because it is a “limited availability” date. Whether Nov or Sept, if only a handful of cars show up in the show rooms, the actual availability date for the “average” Volt buyer remains late in 2011 or whenever production ramps from less than 1000 per month (8-10 thousand first production year) to about 5000 per month. Or so it seems to me.
But the fact the CEO is at least paying lip service to getting the car to the consumers sooner is certainly a good thing.
Jan 10th, 2010 (11:22 am)Nuclearboy – You may indeed be right. But you are arguing reality and I am talking about perception. Perception almost always trumps reality in public opinion.
+1
Jan 10th, 2010 (11:33 am)As long as it’s a base model price and not black, I’ll sign up on a **wait** list and buy it sight unseen. That would be a way to deter the joyriders. Many of us here will sign up on a **funded wait list** and just set up drafting instructions pro-actively even before it comes in.
The Chevy Store, (or any other dealer) ought not have to put up with cheapness and bad faith and ingenuous/false claims of interest or capability to buy.
Maybe posting signs in the showroom regarding a “pre-approved funded customer waiting list, sight unseen” (color non-preference and pre-arranged MSRP) procedure like this might help prevent some of the problems.
Jan 10th, 2010 (11:36 am)I am thrilled that they picked Michigan! I was worried, given the economy here, that they may be scared off. But I’m going to be in line to get one. Speaking of that, has anyone figured out how and where to get on the official “list” (you know, the one they say they don’t have but really do)
-1
Jan 10th, 2010 (11:43 am)I understand the issues you talk of and it looks like a lose/lose situation. What can GM do so that the Dealers don’t suffer quite as much? Roll out high numbers to a limited number of dealers? What are some possible solutions?
A problem you didn’t mention is the loss of a lot of maintenance income that the dealers will have to deal with. As I understand it, the maintenance on the battery will be limited to swapping out the entire battery.
I don’t envy the Volt dealers until after they get substantial numbers of Volts. THEN I envy them!
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
+6
Jan 10th, 2010 (11:52 am)Dave G. I’m not trying to change your mind, but don’t speak for me. Not everyone is interested in the Volt for Energy Independence only. I, for one, am looking forward to the Volt’s positive impact on energy independence AND the environment.
Jan 10th, 2010 (11:52 am)I think once the MSRP is announced, that of itself may cut out most of the difficulties. One policy that GM may put out there, is that the ultimate purchaser is to have “retroactive rights” to not have their Volt previously driven by someone who has not already set up drafting instructions good for sixty days on pre-approved credit/cash balance. The sooner that a system is set up, then, there could be preset conditions to “just say yes”, and, things like production/distribution of a certain number of colors and base models, for instance, might help greatly in the distribution process.
Whatever would cause the sale to ***not*** happen, such as color and cost, would just have the Volt arrival go to the customer who ***does*** want that color/cost, all in prearranged paperwork. That sort of a system publicly dislcosed 90 days ahead of release, might be the way to make for smooth and enjoyable Volt purchases for both the true buyer as well as for the Chevy Store.
Jan 10th, 2010 (11:52 am)This JUST in from the Institute for the Incredibly Obvious!
Just teasing, Dan. (g).
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
+2
Jan 10th, 2010 (11:53 am)Dan,
I would suggest that when they say DC that that implies the entire VA-MD corridor with all of the associated nearby cities. Many DC workers live in MD or VA. This region is very densely populated. DC (actual city limits) is tiny but the DC area is not.
Jan 10th, 2010 (11:55 am)Agreed.
But.. I still would argue it is good business to sell the car in this area for the reasons I noted above (and for the obvious political reasons).
Jan 10th, 2010 (12:06 pm)Very definitely a lesson learned the hard way for at least the first eight of the last 9 years. (lol).
Jan 10th, 2010 (12:09 pm)Indeed and I cross my fingers too!
Jan 10th, 2010 (12:13 pm)why wud anyone buy prius is beyond me …ICE + battery headaches of both the systems ..complicated & wud require any maintenance from the dealership & they dont come cheap ..solution is to go EV or Volt & low maintenace … once the EV begin to appear & cities put the charginginfrastructure in place ..death of ICE will be quick ..
Why EV cost so much is beyond me ! with so many less parts than ICE ..(yes battery costs 10-12K) but still Leaf & others >30K ? wonder why?
Jan 10th, 2010 (12:14 pm)Can already feel the gas prices going up -its a $1.12 in Vancouver. I cant even imagine what it will be on summer. Buy June i think people will be again crazy looking for small cars and fuel efficient ones.
May be by Spring a couple of fuel efficient cars may help to fly sales. Even i think GM is getting forced to modify 2010 equinox as ford is coming up with unibody ecoboost 2.0 ltr explorer (may be a hybrid too ). Game is getting to next level.
Was reading a “Continental announces Android-based Autolinq to compete with Sync” wondering any of the GM ones are going to be Android based system ( as its open source and GM can port all the current stuff to applications without much effort and it gives free publicity ) ?
Jan 10th, 2010 (12:14 pm)Sounds a lot like Statik. Just a personal observation (and fond memories).
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Jan 10th, 2010 (12:17 pm)I much prefer the tax credit method, so there are no illegals getting my tax money.
I can see where you’re coming from, but I think it’s a wise move to get policymakers interested in the vehicle. They’d be much more enthusiastic about a product they own than some random gadget they heard about in a commercial.
I don’t think it’d be as bad as you say because it’s not as if DC was the ONLY area getting the car. In fact it’s 3rd on the list, and there are many interested consumers there, not just politicians.
+2
Jan 10th, 2010 (12:18 pm)When Ohio goes green on the map, call me……
Re: Corvette Guy:
I am sorry that you feel that most of your prospective customers are “lying ___holes wanting a joyride”.
I would be glad to put down a sizeable deposit for a pre-order, but it is my money, and there would have to be conditions.
1. I would have to have a test drive, and the car would have to meet the specs we have been hearing here for years..
2. It would have to be the color and trim level I want.
3. Warranty specs would have to be listed in detail.
4. You would have to prove that your dealership would provide service with techs already trained on this vehicle.
5. Tack on anything over MSRP, and the deal is off.
6. I want my Volt delivered in the order of the people on the pre-order list. I don’t care if Tom Cruise shows up, he does noy get my car.
If those conditions are met, the deal is done. If not, I want my depost back.
That seems pretty simple to me. If that makes me a lying ____hole, then so be it…….
Jan 10th, 2010 (12:25 pm)CorvetteGuy,
What do you think of my ideas at post #37?
I think lots of buyers would like to do it this way.
+1
Jan 10th, 2010 (12:30 pm)Somebody should tell Mr. Whitacre about this website:
http://www.setamericafree.org/
Jan 10th, 2010 (12:36 pm)Wish the initial release could be the entire U.S.A. and Canada. But, happy to see the Volt released in California, Michigan, and DC.
Looking at the map. Texas and Florida seem like fertile areas for the gen 1.5 Volt. Followed by all points in between for gen 2.
These cars will be difficult to find. Hope demand doesn’t push the price higher. Really can’t blame NGMCO if it does.
=D~
Jan 10th, 2010 (12:40 pm)
Jan 10th, 2010 (12:44 pm)From the linked article:
“In Texas, Whitacre’s home state, he predicted the car will do “very well” in the metropolitan areas such as Dallas and Houston.”
Since I live in the metro-mess (Dallas-FtWorth-Arlington), I am hoping that having a Texan as CEO will help us get some Volts here!
Texas is, after all, second on ‘the list’ after California. Add up California, Texas and Florida and it’s the first model-year’s production!
+2
Jan 10th, 2010 (12:46 pm)Started hearing of “gen 1.5″ about a month ago. Even with extensive testing GM will quickly find that minor tweaks need to be made. Looked what happened with the release of win 98. Quickly changed to win 98a with offers of free upgrade from 98. Another prime example is Windows Explorer. Need I say more?
=D~
Jan 10th, 2010 (12:47 pm)““I was prepared for something like a golf cart. This is no golf cart,” he told the Press. “This is very powerful, a lot of acceleration, it feels really solid and it goes fast. It’s a very impressive car.””
I think this just goes to show how the management not directly involved with the volt views it, very disconcerting.
+2
Jan 10th, 2010 (12:52 pm)Texans have a tendency to be reserved and understated (most anyway (g.)). Don’t be concerned with how Ed says things. For a Texan to say what Ed just said, that’s as impressive as things most often become categorized down here. So, that’s a really strong and positive statement.
+1
Jan 10th, 2010 (12:57 pm)I’m with Dan on this one. What exactly are gen 1.5 and gen 2.0? Are we referring to model years (2011, 2012, 2013)?
I haven’t seen anything showing a substantial difference in these model years except possibly the battery generations. Battery gens could be slip-streamed into production with little substantive differences in the look and feel of the car.
-22
Jan 10th, 2010 (12:57 pm)(click to show comment)
+2
Jan 10th, 2010 (1:00 pm)I’m sure it’s just human nature, but the closer we get to the Volt’s actual release, the harder it’s getting to be patient. I (humbly) consider myself a patient person, but the thought of their impending debut really stokes the fire. Many of us have been watching the Volt’s development through Lyle’s portal for 2 or 3 years. The thought that it’ll be another 2 or 3 years, though not a surprise, is nonetheless difficult.
Sorry, just needed to vent. I need to put my Cheerleader outfit back on, grab my megaphone, and get back to work.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Jan 10th, 2010 (1:06 pm)Then I think that Ed needs to ratchet up his wording so that it’s clear to the country (not just Texans) that the Volt is truly impressive – not just when compared to a golf cart. JMO.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
+1
Jan 10th, 2010 (1:09 pm)I think it is important to recognize a convergence here – EVs are good for the environment and to reduce foreign oil consumption. It is not helpful to be making ideological comments.
Ofcourse, it is a foregone conclusion that reduction of foreign oil consumption will happen not by choice but by force. We are at Peak oil now and as the world economy improves we are again going to hit a ceiling in oil production.
I won’t be surprised if we have oil rationing by 2015.
+1
Jan 10th, 2010 (1:12 pm)There are 25 Chevy Dealers within a 50 mile radius of the Whitehouse.
I wonder which one will have the Volt first.
ROSENTHAL CHEVROLET/JEEP-EAGLE
3400 COLUMBIA PIKE
ARLINGTON VA 22204-4264
Phone: (703) 920-8700
OURISMAN CHEVROLET CO., INC.
4400 BRANCH AVE
MARLOW HEIGHTS MD 20748-1899
Phone: (301) 423-4000
ALEXANDRIA CHEVROLET
1800 OLD RICHMOND HWY
ALEXANDRIA VA 22303-1858
Phone: (703) 329-1300
DARCARS CHEVROLET
7710 ANNAPOLIS ROAD
LANHAM MD 20706-1395
Phone: (301) 459-1300
KOONS CHEVROLET
2000 CHAIN BRIDGE RD
VIENNA VA 22182-2589
Phone: (703) 356-0400
JACK WINEGARDNER CHEVROLET, INC.
11001 INDIAN HEAD HWY
FORT WASHINGTON MD 20744-4020
Phone: (301) 292-6500
MIKE PALLONE CHEVROLET, LLC
7722 BACKLICK RD
SPRINGFIELD VA 22150-2209
Phone: (703) 451-4511
SPORT CHEVROLET COMPANY, INC.
3101 AUTOMOBILE BLVD
SILVER SPRING MD 20904-4999
Phone: (301) 890-6000
JIM MCKAY CHEVROLET, INC.
3509 UNIVERSITY DR
FAIRFAX VA 22030-2313
Phone: (703) 591-4800
OURISMAN’S ROCKMONT CHEVROLET
15301 FREDERICK RD
ROCKVILLE MD 20855-2120
Phone: (555) 555-5555
FOX CHEVROLET OF LAUREL
501-505 WASHINGTON BLVD
LAUREL MD 20707-4697
Phone: (301) 725-2700
OURISMAN CHEVROLET OF BOWIE
16610 GOVERNOR BRIDGE RD
BOWIE MD 20716-3617
Phone: (301) 262-7600
KEN DIXON CHEVROLET-CADILLAC
2298 CRAIN HWY
WALDORF MD 20601-3145
Phone: (301) 645-7000
CRISWELL CHEVROLET, INC.
503 QUINCE ORCHARD RD
GAITHERSBURG MD 20878-1497
Phone: (866) 833-0791
STERLING CHEVROLET, INC.
46990 HARRY BYRD HWY
STERLING VA 20164-1816
Phone: (703) 450-7500
POHANKA CHEVROLET, INC.
13915 LEE-JACKSON HWY
CHANTILLY VA 20151-2901
Phone: (703) 819-8302
WIN KELLY CHEVROLET BUICK PONTIAC GMC
12421 AUTO DR
CLARKSVILLE MD 21029-1266
Phone: (410) 988-3522
LINDSAY CHEVROLET
15605 JEFFERSON DAVIS HWY
WOODBRIDGE VA 22191-4114
Phone: (888) 366-3311
DUDLEY MARTIN CHEVROLET
8000 SUDLEY RD
MANASSAS VA 20109-2880
Phone: (703) 368-2111
TATE CHEVROLET, INC.
1833 WEST ST
ANNAPOLIS MD 21401-3928
Phone: (410) 295-7740
DAMASCUS CHEVROLET
26100 WOODFIELD RD
DAMASCUS MD 20872-2021
Phone:(301) 253-2151
MILLER BROTHERS CHEVROLET-OLDSMOBILE-CADILLAC, INC.
9035 BALTIMORE NATL PIKE
ELLICOTT CITY MD 21042-3931
Phone: (410) 465-2100
J. B. A. CHEVROLET
7327 RITCHIE HWY
GLEN BURNIE MD 21061-3195
Phone: (410) 766-6300
JERRY’S CHEVROLET AND OLDSMOBILE, INC.
18 FORT EVANS RD NE
LEESBURG VA 20176-4495
Phone: (703) 771-8300
FOX CHEVROLET
6633 SECURITY BLVD
BALTIMORE MD 21207-4058
Phone: (410) 277-3011
NPNS!
Jan 10th, 2010 (1:17 pm)That’s a good point Tag.
Though execs that are numbers-crunchers don’t usually make for good advertising figures, excepting as a reassurance of competancy at the top, which *is* definitely Ed. But media folks are going to corner him however, and ask any question they like. They just need to keep in mind that the process is not sensational in every department at GM, because different people are gifted in widely different ways.
I’m really comfortable that Ed is there. Also, one might keep in mind that as he has been affiliated with all the other kinds of corporations in America, Ed is in the perfect position to keep any possible “shananigans” away from the Voltec mission. That value ought to be recognized and appreciated here also. (Thanks Ed.)
-1
Jan 10th, 2010 (1:17 pm)Somone should tell those site promoters about sustainability. Burning food to drive a gas guzzler is criminal.
Jan 10th, 2010 (1:45 pm)The same system used for ordering regular stock for the dealership is used for doing pre-paid orders for customers. The only difference is that ‘paid orders’ are accepted by the factory first and built ahead of regular stock.
This is why I am hoping we can keep a VOLT in the showroom for show.
If early deliveries are planned for September, I hope to see the VOLT ordering info appear in GM Dealerworld sometime in June. If that happens I’m sure it will be announced here.
The bigger question is whether GM will consider Lyle’s Want List and somehow get the appropriate names to the dealers.
Dang! I can’t even tell you if we are on the approved California list yet. I hope so. I also would like to know how many we will get between September and the of the year.
Jan 10th, 2010 (2:02 pm)GM would be well advised to limit the number of dealers able to sell the cars and price it close to market. Taking the second point first, since it’s simpler, your problems of pricing disappear if the car is priced close to market. If MSRP is below market then you will have a lot of the issues you’re referring to. MSRP can of course give the dealer a better margin than other cars. At the end of the day MSRP is more all about positioning than reality. A lot of people on this Board want GM to set the price as low as possible but this would be a mistake. It won’t change the transaction price and will just make a lot of potential people, especially all those who in theory fervently believe in the free market.
Related to this, I’d think GM would be well advised to limit the number of dealers and to make sure each dealer which is carrying the vehicle is allocated something of an adequate supply. The Volt will be different than the Camaro in that your service department will need far more training. A new ICE car like the Camaro is a different flavor of an existing product whereas the Volt will be a new product type. As such, the Volt will involve considerably more training costs. Personally, if I were a dealer, I wouldn’t want to have to train the service department for the privilege of selling a couple of cars a month. Hard to see how that makes sense.
OT: I’ll buy a Volt from you, no problem, so long as I don’t have to go to OC for service.
+4
Jan 10th, 2010 (2:03 pm)(emphasis added)
It would be good if you led by example. Within this post and your very next post (re criminal ethanol) you make remarks that are “not helpful” (ideological). Just an observation.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
+4
Jan 10th, 2010 (2:03 pm)This is why GM needs to distribute the non saleable preproduction cars to dealers like you to use as demonstrators!! Typically, GM will build hundreds of cars when it’s an all new model to test out the assembly line, provide examples for crash testing and use for promotions prior to launch. After the car is launched these cars are recalled and destroyed. GM needs to find a way to get them to dealers to use as demonstrators for a period of time. That way you can sell at MSRP and have something to show prospective customers.
Jan 10th, 2010 (2:03 pm)Witacre says Michigan, Lyle says Detroit. I’d like some more clarity on this. Detroit proper is not where you really want to sell cars. I’m thinking Detroit metro. However it would be great if Flint, Lansing, and Grand Rapids also got some cars.
+3
Jan 10th, 2010 (2:05 pm)Your list of demands does not make you a liar or an ___hole. It makes you a dreamer.
With all due respect, after reading every post and viewing every video on this site for almost 3 years… If you even remotely think that the VOLT is going to ‘drive like crap’ and you would be so disappointed that you would cancel your order… Then you do not REALLY want a VOLT.
I’ve personally sold 21 Camaros so far this model year, ‘sight unseen’, and not one of them after doing paperwork and taking delivery ever came back from their orientation drive and said, “give me my money back”.
So, if any dealership doesn’t meet all of your demands, it will only be you disappointing yourself by your own inflexibility.
Good luck on your search. I hope you get a VOLT someday.
Jan 10th, 2010 (2:12 pm)I don’t think this is that big of a deal. If you were to poll the service department, I think you might find that a lot of work they do is not on engine and drive train. All the accessories, body parts suspension will be as it is now. Also, if a dealer can reduce the number of mechanics, it would no doubt help the bottom line of the dealership.
Jan 10th, 2010 (2:17 pm)I’m thinking that we shouldn’t count on this list for anything.
Everyone wanting an early Volt (2011 model) needs to establish a relationship with their local Chevy guys and sign-up on every ‘net list that GM provides.
Even if Lyle’s list is used, I don’t see it having any priority over more aggressive buyers. There are just going to be too many buyers for the limited 2011 year production.
Yeah, we are showing support for Volt here, but, where the rubber meets the road (literally) is at a local Chevy dealership. Until dealers start getting pressure from buyers, nothing will happen.
What would be helpful is knowing which dealers have allocation so we can target our effort. Of the 25 dealers within 50 miles of DC, for example, which ones are more likely to get allocation? I am thinking the larger ‘Vette dealers would be a good start, but, I haven’t been in the auto business or market for a while.
Jan 10th, 2010 (2:18 pm)You may well be correct. I was just parroting what I’d read on other blogs where dealers were voicing the concern. As such, I have no actual data to support it.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Jan 10th, 2010 (2:28 pm)Ha, there’s already a profit built into the MSRP, so if you sell it at that price, what’s the problem?
Don’t try to make it sound like you’re getting ripped off when most of the time it’s you guys who are ripping customers off, especially when it comes to trade-ins and financing.
(Bad car buying experience, can you tell?)
-3
Jan 10th, 2010 (2:30 pm)There is nothing idelogical about that. Infact my views on that have changed as I read about the EROEI, water, food and top soil issues. Sustainability should not be confused with ideology.
Jan 10th, 2010 (2:33 pm)Pretty sweeping generalization there. Was your bad experience with Corvette guy? (kinda doubt it).
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
+1
Jan 10th, 2010 (2:36 pm)“I was prepared for something like a golf cart. This is no golf cart,” he told the Press. “This is very powerful, a lot of acceleration, it feels really solid and it goes fast. It’s a very impressive car.”
I’m not focusing on the sad fact that this statement shows the ignorance of a top level GM Exec, but it does point out the big misconception many have ingrained in them that electric vehicles are wimpy (like a golf cart).
Electric drive is new and people are ignorant about it. People have grown up with one perspective, that a car runs on gas and accept the ICE car as it is.
What is a car?
A car is something that takes you where you want to go and pretty fast. It has an engine and lots of wires and hoses and stuff under the hood and when it breaks you take it to the shop to fix…and get a big bill. You have to fill up, it goes a long distance until you have to fill it up again. Gas is really expensive but oh well, you have to buy it. You have to start it and it rumbles. The bigger the rumble, the more impressed others are but the more guilty you feel about the environment. It’s smelly. Never run it in a closed garage. You take for granted that when you press on the gas pedal, it gets louder, vibrates more and after a bit you start to feel that satisfying surge of power. An electric car? um, like a golf cart, right? Small, slow, uncomfortable, ugly and you certainly can’t go out on the highway with “real” cars. Isn’t it amazing how misplaced perception can be?
Enter the Volt…
- Takes you everywhere you want to go and really fast.
- Doesn’t need much maintenance (hopefully this apples to Gen 1).
- Plug it in when you get home and make the rare trip to the gas station.
- You know when it’s on because the dashboard lights up.
- Noise? Only when the climate control air blows.
- Everyone you know is impressed (ok, maybe not, but they should be)
- You now take for granted that when you press on the pedal, it is quiet, oh so smooth and just goes, immediately! Talking about a satisfying surge of power, what was I thinking before! A gas car? um, I used to drive those. Big, expensive, smelly, finicky, and yes nostalgic…I still see them on occasion being driven by sad trolls.
- Yep the electric bill is higher but, smile, the credit card bill is great!
- At night when watching the news…Mid-East turmoil…oops, did I plug in my Volt?…checks the cell phone…oh good, I did
Consumers need to be educated about EVs and the differences between them and cars as they know them. This will do 3 important things IMO.
1. Seeing the advantages, will convince people that they definitely want an EV of some kind.
2. Teach them which variety is right for their lifestyle.
3. Let people know that this is the future and it is a good thing.
I think this is one area where the DOE should put some resources.
+4
Jan 10th, 2010 (2:36 pm)I couldn’t agree more.
+4
Jan 10th, 2010 (2:38 pm)Ideological was your choice of words. I’d have gone with dogmatic or inflexible. Shrug.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Jan 10th, 2010 (2:44 pm)Excellent peek at the future and entertaining to boot!
Thanks,
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
+1
Jan 10th, 2010 (2:59 pm)Hopefully that sales price is wrong. I am hoping for an MSRP less than $30K with the tax break.
+2
Jan 10th, 2010 (3:03 pm)Please keep on topic guys.
Nice to hear the VOLT is not a golf-cart. I was afraid that GM/gvmt would detune it to the point where it was.
I realize a lot of us here want to save the world and give big oil what they deserve and … but just keep it friendly.
+3
Jan 10th, 2010 (3:05 pm)“cost consumers $32,000 after tax breaks”
Maybe Whitacre is including sales tax and fees for title, registration and license plates, which could run a few $thousand.
Sales tax in California is 8.25%. If the sticker price of the Volt was $29,500, the sales tax alone would be $2392.50, bringing the “cost” to at least $31,892.50, plus fees.
How does that $7500 tax credit work ? If the sticker price of the Volt is $37,000, do they pay an extra $618.75 in sales tax to California (on the $7500), then get the $7500 credit the next time taxes are done ? Is the registration fee based on the higher $37,000 price also ?
Too bad that incentive money can’t just be cut off the sticker price, it would simplify things for everyone.
$37,499 –> $29,999, sticker price.
-4
Jan 10th, 2010 (3:11 pm)“I was expecting a golf cart”. I am sorry but I just do not trust Whitacre. Maybe he is going to call his buddies in Exxon and tell them that they must really start to get worried and take some action.
NPNS
Jan 10th, 2010 (3:15 pm)to prevent scalping, maybe GM can offer the Volt only to dealers who will sell it at MSRP?
Jan 10th, 2010 (3:40 pm)Probably not going to happen for a while. Dealers are in business to make a profit just like the rest of us. It’s going to be a fine balancing act for GM to price the car similarly to other cars this size and yet get a good profit for the dealers.
The actual price that the first 10k or so buyers pay will be driven by the market not by the MSRP. No matter what spin the CEO is putting on it, this is selling cars. Competition (yes, there is plenty of competition at $35-40k) and demand will determine what you actually end up paying.
I don’t know about anybody else here, but, a $600 car payment is a pretty tough sell at my house. Should it be a Volt, a Lucerne, a 300C, or a Taurus? Before the contract hits the table, all these choices will be evaluated, believe me.
+5
Jan 10th, 2010 (3:49 pm)You are right, sir.
For those of you who are serious about getting a VOLT… And I mean really serious, not just dreaming or wishing or ‘maybe someday when the price comes down’… I suggest you stop by your local Chevy Dealer… Meet the Sales Manager or General Manager or the Owner…. Introduce yourself… Bring your checkbook … Make your offer… (whether MSRP or more, it doesn’t matter)… Get that decision maker to accept your “bonafide order” and get it into the system as soon as possible…
If the success of early deliveries in 3 states will determine the production levels for late 2010 and early 2011, then GM needs to know the true demand. That’s basically how it went with Camaro. We started taking orders 6 months ahead of the first delivery.
Why wait?!
The reality is: First come. First served.
(at least here it is)
Good luck!
+2
Jan 10th, 2010 (3:59 pm)I can guarantee you that DC won’t be one of the first locations to get the Volt, there are no GM dealerships in DC. It would have to be Maryland or Virginia (or Both), probably Virginia.
+4
Jan 10th, 2010 (3:59 pm)Dear Mr. Whitacre,
Could you immediately place Corvetteguys’ Chevy Store on the very top of the Approved California Volt sales list? This is because he has been relentlessly involved with the Volt education which has been happening here on this site. He deserves the first place on that list because of this dedication.
Thank you for considering this request.
Respectfully,
Dan Petit.
Austin TX.
P.S. And, how many will he be assigned? Thank you.
D.P.
Jan 10th, 2010 (4:02 pm)What!!!? Whitacre cans GM’s CEO on some really lame excuse about getting rid of the old guard and then finally drives what everybody has been clamoring about for several years. “It’s a very impressive car.” … How does he think GM got there? Everything about VOLT’s clay to pre-production run was overseen by FH. and/or his team. Its a certainty that Whitacre wouldn’t know a pert chart from the back end of a turnip truck.
+2
Jan 10th, 2010 (4:09 pm)I find the most interesting part of this announcement, is that they will be starting in Michigan.
The concern of the severe impact on range and battery longevity related to operating in a more extreme climate, is likely not as great as I and many others have suggested. It actually leads me to believe that the robustness of the battery thermal management is truly meeting its objective.
Hats off to GM if they can get GEN I to operate in MI when the temps are 15 below zero!
+3
Jan 10th, 2010 (4:17 pm)DITTO.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Jan 10th, 2010 (4:21 pm)Launching the Volt sooner will be much better than waiting untill November. The US economy will be coming back in the fall and the Volt will capture some of the renewed vigor with its bold concept, I also like the introductions in both California and Michigan. This will determine how the Volt reacts to two very different climates.
I guess Washington DC was thrown in for political reasons.
Jan 10th, 2010 (4:50 pm)Our last day at CES. It’s been fun to check out the VOLT and see it in person for the first time.
Go GM. Go VOLT!
Jan 10th, 2010 (4:58 pm)Congrats!
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Jan 10th, 2010 (5:31 pm)In the video he said low 30s 32-33 but did not specifically mention a tax break. THAT would be significantly under $40K.
-1
Jan 10th, 2010 (5:47 pm)California: Press, Politics
DC: Politics, Press
Michigan: Engineering
/so much for the “price surprise”
+3
Jan 10th, 2010 (5:54 pm)Iran approves uranium enrichment
http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/europe/10/31/iran.nuclear/index.html
“After the vote was passed, several lawmakers stood up and shouted “Death to America.”
World’s Top Oil Exporters
Country ………………….. millions of barrels per day
Saudi Arabia …………….. 8.65
Russia …………………… 6.57
Norway ………………….. 2.54
Iran ……………………… 2.52
United Arab Emirates ….. 2.52
Venezuela ………………. 2.2
At $78barrel, 2.52 million barrels per day works out to $71 billion per year.
If U.S. oil imports were significantly reduced, other countries would not be as Dependant on Iranian oil, so meaningful sanctions against Iran would be possible.
It’s not that hard to connect the dots. Foreign oil will kill us.
It’s about Energy Independence.
+3
Jan 10th, 2010 (6:10 pm)100% agree. Except its been killing us for years. And our government argues about healthcare while our economy falters while our money emboldens and strenthens our enemies.
We need a 5 year plan to end imported oil and solve our unemployment problem and dollar weakening trade defecit problems.
- electrify our cars (50% new cars with min 12miles aer by 2013 70% by 2014 90% by 2015)
- convert homes that use fuel oil to anything else
- convert some deisels to CNG
- Drill for oil in Alaska and the gulf
- upgrade our grid
- charging stations in work place and apartment parking lots
- invest in renewables
Jan 10th, 2010 (7:44 pm)Even Ed Whitacre said, ““I was prepared for something like a golf cart. This is no golf cart,” he told the Press. “This is very powerful, a lot of acceleration, it feels really solid and it goes fast. It’s a very impressive car.”” and he should be just a bit more informed about the Volt than a number of politicians in DC.
Jan 10th, 2010 (8:10 pm)to some it is the environment
Jan 10th, 2010 (8:12 pm)Wow! Just got back to MI from Ohio! I checked in at the site this morning, but the whole world has turned around! This is GREAT! I noticed over the weekend (lots of driving) there was a lot of talk on the radio about the Detroit auto show with a very high emphasis on electric vehicles. The world seems to have changed. I guess we just have to make sure there is follow through.
Now I have nearly 100 comments to catch up on.
Jan 10th, 2010 (8:15 pm)Hope this is not redundant, but when Ed talks about doing this for the environment, I hope at least a major reason to do this is for PROFIT, if not immediate, at least long term.
+1
Jan 10th, 2010 (8:15 pm)Now that he has actually driven a Volt, I guess he’s got a better idea of what it’s like than we do. Good for him!
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
-1
Jan 10th, 2010 (8:28 pm)…. and now for something completely different . . .
Paquin VS Silver Bullet
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUVEH7AoEnw
Jan 10th, 2010 (8:38 pm)Sad.
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
+2
Jan 10th, 2010 (8:41 pm)Every Volt test drive video we have seen includes someone saying, “This really does have good pick up” or “We really are accelerating aren’t we?”.
Feels like the first time?
Young people flock to new technology. Especially something they can generationally call “ours”. Hard acceleration off the line with no engine strain, no puff of blue smoke from the exhaust pipe, and starship like silence.
Once people, especially the young, experience this quiet rush. Going back to a key crank gasoline engine will be unacceptable. Only well tuned V6 and larger can match Voltec torque. And many drivers, especially the young, will often opportunity charge at remote locations.
What will the age 25-30 business people be driving in 2016? A $50k Audi or BMW? More likely a Converj or Ampera.
As I stood at the 2009 L.A. Auto Show Volt exhibit. I overheard people talking about the Volt . The most common murmurings were regarding price. I heard one 45 year old man say, “Probably about $50,000″.
We are in for some real excitement watching GM scramble to make enough product to meet demand.
=D~
Jan 10th, 2010 (8:43 pm)That’s called the Rip Van Winkle effect (g).
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Jan 10th, 2010 (8:54 pm)Buy a Volt!
Because you don’t want to stop economically leaning on the middle east, only to start economically leaning on Japan, by buying their vehicles. Both think much less of the rest of the world and want to dominate it however possible.
Jan 10th, 2010 (8:55 pm)You do realize of course that if we assume the Cruze is a comparable ICE vehicle, then $39K is considerably above the worst case pricing (for consumers) presented by the NAS report that you (and in fairness a whole lot of people) thought was overly pessimistic.
Jan 10th, 2010 (8:57 pm)From your lips to God’s ear.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Jan 10th, 2010 (9:07 pm)Please put on your cartoon thinking caps…
Picture this: Lutz and Whitacre are sitting down at a fancy restaurant in Detroit. Outside the temperature is well below zero and lots of snow (very cold right now around many parts of the world). There’s a long chain of limos next to a Gucci luxury store with Saudi kings walking back with bags of treasures and laughing with each other. There is a homeless Iraq war veteran reading the headlines about the “Underwear bomber”….
Lutz replies to Whitacre: Yeah I agree, the Volt is all about global warming.
Dear Mr. Whitacre, Please include other reasons than just the environment. Unfortunately, Americans are too worried about jobs and the economy to give a rat’s *** about the environment. It’s all about costs, wars, price of gas, etc. Play up ALL the angles and don’t just drop the “environment” bomb with no air cover. All you will hear from your potential customers is the sound of crickets.
+1
Jan 10th, 2010 (9:14 pm)Assuming of course that the remainder of the world was not increasing their consumption by even more than we might reduce our consumption, which seems preordained, and that sanctions would be effective, which they generally are not.
Transitioning away from fossil fuels has a lot to recommend it, but such a transition is not a panacea.
+2
Jan 10th, 2010 (9:33 pm)There are so many good reasons to “go electric” that I don’t see much to gain by singling out any one of them as *THE* reason to buy one. I hope the marketing dept touches on all of them and excludes none of them. Maybe we’re just saying the same thing.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Jan 10th, 2010 (10:07 pm)The reason way Washington DC was chosen has to do with demographics. DC has attracted a lot of young people who are well educated and get paid well. They are considered most likely individuals that will buy an EV, i.e., the Volt.
I almost forgot to say that DC is also one of the areas moving to install charging infrastructure.
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.
Jan 10th, 2010 (10:18 pm)Actually since we’ve imagined so many times, test driving, making slight but polite corrections for the salespersons instructions (except for the ones like corvetteguy), driving it home, driving in all the familiar situations, showing it to friends and family for years, I think Mr. Whitacre will need to sleep on it and toss and turn over for a few more weeks for me to concede, right or wrong, “guess he’s got a better idea of what it’s like than we do.”
Gotta admire his enthusiasm and vision for what it means for GM though.
Jan 10th, 2010 (10:38 pm)And I thought that *I* was the one with the tentative grasp of reality!(lol). Actually, I think you very accurately expressed how many of us feel about the Volt (and driving it). Somehow, it doesn’t seem like he’s paid his dues the way we have. I guess rank does have its privileges. Who knows, maybe he’s hanging out here now (g).
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Jan 10th, 2010 (10:47 pm)CorvetteGuy-when you mention walking into the dealership with the checkbook, are you suggesting something like a $500 deposit or $40k?
I’m a dreamer who lives in Michigan, unless the bank says I’m a buyer… Received an ad from a bank saying I was prequalified for a $25,000 loan. Asked about refinancing my 2003 Honda Civic Hybrid with 163,000 miles and a balance owed under $5,000, rejected…. My status should be better in the fall, unless the wife buys a Mercedes/BMW, new flooring, new horse, etc…. (all on her wish list…). Should have her new bathroom done in a week or so.
Passed by the GM/Honda dealerships today to look at the Camaro and Honda Civic Hybrid. Both cases none found.
Take care.
Jan 10th, 2010 (11:24 pm)Environment? I can’t wait for the two motor, zero to sixty in 6 seconds performance version so I can burn as much gas as I want to.
Jan 10th, 2010 (11:24 pm)A problem you didn’t mention is the loss of a lot of maintenance income that the dealers will have to deal with. As I understand it, the maintenance on the battery will be limited to swapping out the entire battery.
Tag,
there will be new maintenance issues for dealerships to derive revenue from. Expect to see the Volt repair shop divided into mechanical and electronics. While we do not want to see a rise in materials failure – we can expect there to be repair costs for accidents and hard usage. The Volt is the first truly electro-mechanical road vehicle. Regular maintenance will include battery stability testing, software upgrades and mechanical parts replacements.
Many because the Volt has both an electric and ICE motors – dealers can expect to see mechanical repairs about the same as with a non hybrid and additional “tune ups” for the electronics packages. I expect GM will be able to market a series of add-on or plug-in upgrades that provide user experience enhancement, the way iPods and cell phones sell skins and ring tones and accessories.
Likewise third party vendors given a few developer hooks into the non-volatile operating system onboard, can build add-on software accessories. For example different voices for text to speech display options. Or verbal system status updates: “Hello Tim, your Volt is traveling at an average speed of 52.5 mph consuming 4.6kWh of energy. Our destination is 17 miles ahead and our OnStar link shows no traffic interruptions at this time.”
GM is becoming a car company and a transportation environment company. They will make as much money from selling enhanced travel experience as they will with the hardware itself. The future for U.S. automakers looks bright.
+2
Jan 10th, 2010 (11:40 pm)“I was prepared for something like a golf cart.” WOW! A money quote from exactly the kind of man that shouldn’t be a top executive at a car company.
That’s kind of like a new Boeing CEO saying “I was surprised the plane could even fly. It’s made of metal, after all, which is heavier than air.”
+1
Jan 10th, 2010 (11:44 pm)I love it! As a Michigan citizen, I am seeing first hand how this vehicle is starting to revive a much needed area of our economy and I am very happy that my state will be one of the first to experience this game changing car!
Jan 10th, 2010 (11:46 pm)====================
I guess you do things differently in CA…..
I bought my last three cars (Dodge Stealth, Mitsubishi Eclipse and Chrysler Crossfire – Serial # 2476) using the same specs I have listed for the purchase of a Volt, and all three dealers had no problems with my requests.
So like the Volt, dreams can become reality!
And BTW, I stopped by my local Chevy dealership last August. I have spoken with the GM, and my name is #1 on the Volt list. I was told that as soon as an order can be placed, they will call me to talk about what car to order.
So yes, I expect to have a Volt when they become available in the great state of Ohio!
Jan 11th, 2010 (12:03 am)I hope you’re right. Seriously. GM and their dealers need every income flow they can get. They have a great hand to play!
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
+1
Jan 11th, 2010 (12:23 am)Ouch.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Jan 11th, 2010 (12:40 am)Good for the country too.
My military career seemed bent on defending Oil Barons rights to take America’s money. In return for the hundreds of billions of dollars going toward caste families, they repay us by despising our democracy, our religious and politcal freedoms, and libertarian way of life. Over a trillion dollars spent on defending the oil flow, not to mention the blood of our youths, and with our trade partners paying nothing by any meaningful comparison for that same oil. Now that’s a subsidy!! I hope anyone complaining about subsidizing at a rate of pennies on the dollar in savings to switch this nation over to electric can go beyond the politics of the question. Our trading partners certainly don’t mind us paying their way. Let’s pay a little now to go a long way and get off foreign oil.
Jan 11th, 2010 (12:43 am)“Breaking: Volt May Launch Before November in California, Detroit, and Washington DC”
…”and Lyle’s garage.”
Jan 11th, 2010 (3:03 am)While it is disapointing that GM only selected 3 states to sell the Volt, I am pleasantly surprised they chose Michigan. To me this shows confidence in the cold weather ability of that battery which is of great importance to me living in MN.
The other 2 states are pretty obvious choices.
-California to show the interest and market potential of the Volt.
-DC to keep law makers thinking about the product and continue getting government tax breaks and good will.
I am just worried with such a small initial market area it would be a major blow if GM is unable to sell the initial 10,000 units (especially with a 40k initial cash outlay).
Jan 11th, 2010 (3:11 am)Maybe Barack Obama will be one of the first Volt buyers in Washington D.C. you know he’s trendy when it comes to being green.
Jan 11th, 2010 (5:38 am)Um, Detroit? I was surfing around and happened to watch part of Apocalypse Man the other day and wondering where in the world did they find all those abandoned buildings and hospitals, etc. I thought maybe destroyed parts of New Orleans or something but it turns out it was Detroit:
http://www.michiganfilmoffice.org/Made-in-Michigan/Coming-Soon/Default.aspx
“Apocalypse Man, debuts on The History Channel on Wednesday, January 6 at 9:00 PM with repeated air dates. Survival expert Rudy Reyes journeys through abandoned buildings showing us some surprising survival techniques, including making fire from steel wool, finding safe houses and creating shortwave radio transmissions. Apocalypse Man was shot in the Metro Detroit area.
And I remember reading this a few months back about the inability to sell properties in Detroit for even as little as the $500 minimum bid:
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE59O17F20091026
It might sound like I’m complaining about choosing Detroit as a launch city, but I’m not. Makes sense for the folks who build the Volt to be able to buy one, I’d want the same if I were making one.
I guess I just wanted to say that to those of us who are thousands of miles away, things sound very grim there, indeed. I wish the best for those who are there.
Jan 11th, 2010 (7:00 am)I have to admit to being disappointed, here in central NC, to seeing Volts go elsewhere but not here. I can see gm’s rationale for each of the places, but it makes the Volt seem more and more like a car for people with connections..
The good part is that Nissan likes us
and has invited people here to a special demo in Raleigh toward the end of the month 
I don’t like LEAF as much as Volt for all the reasons discussed so many times, but you have to work with people who want to work with you.
Jan 11th, 2010 (7:16 am)Sure wish FL was added to that list of early launch locations.
As to a launch date earlier than November, I’m concerned. The Volt will have some problems, just like any new car. But, those problems will likely be magnified in the press by saying something along the lines of “GM rushed the Volt to maket”. They couldn’t say that so easily by sticking to the November launch date.
Jan 11th, 2010 (8:26 am)Global Warming may well be a hoax for the purpose of expanding socialism and undermining free market economies, but please do not equate fear of global warming with concern for our environment. I grew up in the LA area of California. Smog and unhealthful air are not hoaxes.
I know it is wrong to think of others as stupid, but when I see vehicles with four exhaust pipes and those diesel RAM pickups with huge exhaust pipes, I think these folks are without a clue. Exhaust pipes spew poison. Go Volt!
Jan 11th, 2010 (8:54 am)I’ll be driving to Detroit and buying my black Volt as soon as I can.
Jan 11th, 2010 (9:22 am)Absolutely. This is the kind of decision where the money people undermine the engineers. I am an engineer, and I can tell you that you never ever finish a major project significantly ahead of schedule without compromsing something. The more time given to the engineers and production people, the more problems can be caught and fixed. DO NOT release the Volt ahead of November!
Jan 11th, 2010 (11:24 am)Yes!
If you have a typical commute, say less than 20 miles, and top off during off peak times while at work, that would be exactly no gas, no matter how much like a racer you drive. Compromises, none. Electric drive is so much more efficient, with plug in capability, that for typical commutes you can have a luxury (liquid smooth acceleration) race car with better efficiency than a Prius.
Jan 11th, 2010 (11:47 am)Hey,
Whatever happened to our friend Dagwood55? He seems to have vanished since the problem about the Prius brakes came to light.
Jan 11th, 2010 (12:22 pm)Shhhhhush. (g)
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Jan 11th, 2010 (1:41 pm)#124
Amen brother, as always. Preach on!
Jan 11th, 2010 (1:49 pm)#112
I completely agree. Well said. +1.
I care deeply about the environment. as do millions of other Americans. I also care deeply about the need to reduce oil consumption, for all of the reasons Texas has so correctly pointed out. They both are inextricably linked, and equally important to the future of our country and the world, IMHO.
Fortunately, the Volt will have a very positive impact on all fronts, and all of these wonderful benefits should be heavily advertised and promoted.
Jan 11th, 2010 (1:59 pm)#81
Yup. Having bought Chevys with rebates in CA, I can tell you that they even tax the rebate. They run the whole thing down to the bottom line with the tax, and then subtract the rebate. Same thing with your GM card credit. AND, the sales tax is 9.25% in LA County. OUCH!
Jan 11th, 2010 (3:37 pm)If that was not jolly well the most dangerous thing I’ve seen…LOL! That much moving mass that close to mortals. What was this in France or Quebec?
Fighting flu. Marathon next Sun.
Higgins and the Lads
Jan 11th, 2010 (4:56 pm)I’m not following you on this one.
Jan 11th, 2010 (5:10 pm)Hey Higgins,
That’s what I thought too. If anything were to snap loose mass carnage would surely follow! It’s a truck rodeo in Quebec. ( I thought redneck was a southern thing — guess not).
It’s been too cold to run, that’s probably why you’re sick. I just stay inside, play with the thermostat and drink warm beverages . . . . call it “preventive medicine”. Where’s the race?
/p.s. I figured Monty Python fans would appreciate my intro on that post.
Jan 11th, 2010 (5:23 pm)Woohoo, I am in Metro Detroit, and coincidentally drive past the GM Tech Center every day. As a EE I am quite interested in the Volt as a cool nerd toy, to go along with my electric model airplanes (LiPo powered of course). However I’m pretty skittish about the whole “version 1.0″ thing, it’s usually best to wait for at least a version 1.1. So they would have to give me some kind of early adopter incentive, fat chance I know. Maybe by 2012 the initial bugs will be zapped.
If I can pop some balloons while here…
“environmentally friendly” — huh? 70% of our electricity is made from fossil fuels. Solar? Run the numbers and see how much it will cost you for panels to generate enough juice for 40 miles/day, especially here in Michigan.
“efficient” — huh? The Volt will require more basic energy to go x miles down the road than the Cruze, since it’s heavier. In going 250 miles to Mom’s house it appears likely it will use more gasoline than my little Saturn Coupe (40 mpg at 70 mph freeway), despite the first 40 being electric. It sure would impress the neighbors once there though! Even if you only ever run on plug-in electricity, that still pollutes the precious Earth.
“battery lasts x cycles so it will last 10 years for me” — my hobby LiPos are pretty much toast after 4 years or so, regardless of usage. This definitely makes me nervous.
“running out of lithium” — Lithium is an element, it doesn’t get used up or worn out. The batteries will be recyclable into new batteries.
As an overpaid single engineer I can easily afford a Volt, but I sure wouldn’t be driving it in the winter, with all of the salt they dump on the roads around here. It would just be a summer toy for me.
I’m enjoying the new-tech buzz if nothing else. I suppose the main benefits of the Volt would be 1) stick it to those foreigners 2) avoid paying the ridiculous state and federal taxes on gasoline 3) it’s cool.
Roger
Jan 13th, 2010 (3:32 pm)Gee, sounds like a troll to me… The Prius has almost no battery issues, and requires very little maintenance. I have one with 160,000km’s (100,000 miles) that has had nothing more then a set of front pads and oil changes. It’s rated one of the most reliable vehicles on the road, and believe it or not it’s because is it LESS complicated then many vehicles… no alternator, no starter, no hydraulic power steering etc…, and the CVT transmission is extremely simple and reliable. That being said, the Volt should be even simpler then the Prius as it won’t even use a CVT, and should be just as reliable, if not more if engineered right. The ICE’s in both the Volt and Prius has and will lead a very easy life, racking up many less “miles” then the a non-hybrid vehicle, and these Atkinson cycle engines also do not generate as much HP, or have to deal with the range of RPM’s as non-hybrids. Dealers are going to take a big kicking in the service dept’s with these vehicles.
Jan 13th, 2010 (4:01 pm)RogerE33: Your an EE? If you are then you’d know that car high voltage batteries are babied to the point they should last for 10 years or more. Just look at actual stats on the Prius. I see no difference for the Volt, even though they are using Lithium rather then NiMH batteries.
Yes, the US needs to get off fossil based electricity, especially coal. Ontario is using only about 20% fossil, and attempting to reduce that further. I’ll take nuclear over fossil any day. Even with all the coal used in the US, it would still be better to use electricity then to burn gasoline. It would produce less CO2, and reduce dependence on offshore oil. And why wouldn’t you drive a Volt in winter? I would think the balance of weight and center of gravity would be very good, making it a very good winter car.
Jan 15th, 2010 (4:58 pm)> car high voltage batteries are babied to the point they should last for 10 years or more. Just look at actual stats on the Prius
I hope this is correct, although NiXX and LiPo batteries are totally different (and I have lots of experience with each for my hobby), so the Prius data is not of much use here. As I said, some of my batteries are completely unused and stored in a cool place, but they still aren’t so happy after 4 or 5 years. Some are even LiMn, which I believe is being used in the Volt (lithium-manganese).
My issue for winter driving would be the salt. The roads are white with it here in the wintertime. I’ve had brake and fuel line failures on my van due to the salt eating things up.
Interesting that despite my seemingly negative (or realistic, I’d like to think) posts here about the Volt I could potentially be one of the first to get one. In Metro Detroit – check, DTE customer – check, techie person – check, work for Uncle Sam who may have employee incentives and “connections” with GM – check! I wonder if the 100+ vehicles going to DTE will go to customers, or only their employees? I will definitely be looking at my DTE bills more closely now (actually, looking at the inserts with the bill).
-1
Jan 16th, 2010 (10:33 pm)I would like to say that I have drove a chevy for many years. But due to current changes in chevy I don’t think that I will be buying another one.
First of all the governent giving GM 80billion dollars. Where do you think that money comes from. The guys that build their cars can make up to 150 dollars a hour not to say anything about their great insurance. I don’t make a 150.00 dollars a hour and work in health care.. And I was cut 5000.00 dollars a year recently. Just take from the poor and give to the rich. That has become the American way. GM union workers refused to take a cut in pay. Not to mention the price of the volt will be way out of my price range!!
Second Toyota, Honda, Nissian are now being built here in the USA by American workers not being paid 150 dollars and hour and producing a higher quality product for less money so do your math.
In conclusion I would like to say I have not got as good of service out of my 2000 chevy half ton which is in the shop now. Or my 2002 chevy trailblazer. During these hard times it would have been nice to have a dependable car and truck that would not be eating at my wallet and breaking down. The foreign made cars do last longer and don’t break down as much. Better service for less money THAT IS WHAT AMERICAN PEOPLE NEED. HIGH MPG IS ALSO A MUST FOR NEW CARS AND TRUCKS. IF THIS COUNTRY IS GOING TO SURVIVE AND REBULD. AMERICANS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN HARD WORKING PEOPLE. WE CAN NOT SPEND ALL OUR MONEY IN GAS AND CARS. OUR COUNTRY IS TO LARGE AND SPREAD OUT. AMERICAN CAR COMPANY SHOULD HAVE SEEN THIS COMING A LONG TIME AGO. INSTEAD THEY CLOSED THEIR EYES AND RAISED THEIR PRICES.
I AM SAD TO SAY THAT CHEVY HAS NOT ONLY FAILED THEIR COMPANY AND INVESTORS BUT ALL THE AMERICAN PEOPLE. I PRAY THEY WILL CHANGE THEIR WAYS AND COME BACK TO HELP REBUILD AMERICA.
Jan 20th, 2010 (12:16 pm)I can’t wait to see what the actual specs are. I hope GM releases that information soon. November can’t come fast enough!