We’ve been waiting a very long time to find out one not so insignificant detail about the Volt; how much it will cost.
Recently we learend from Tony DiSalle, the Volt markting director that GM will be releasing the price this summer.
Now there is a report out of EV World that the official pricing announcement will take place in 3 days, on Tuesday July 27th. I contaced Bill Moore who is the Editor and founder of EV World, a website that has been tracking electric cars long before they became fashionable. Bill says he is “very certain” the announcemnt will take place on that day.
The Plugin2010 conference will be the backdrop. The conference runs from July 26 to July 29 in San Jose California, and Tuesday is the public day.
According to GM spokesperson Dave Darovitz whether the announcement will take place on that day is “pure speculation” and thus will not confirm or deny it.
I expect it will occur, and as you can see, GM is not giving this author any privileged inside information about it.
GM will be releasing not only a price but will also spell out the Volt options packages and their prices as well. Since 90% of launch market Chevrolet dealers have now agreed to sell Volts and are beginning to build local waiting lists, it seems important to start letting everyone know how much they will be paying finally.
And then the long-guarded, speculated about and discussed secret will finally be known.
+2
Jul 24th, 2010 (9:48 am)GM should have a contest to guess the price…I should not have to suggest a prize.
+7
Jul 24th, 2010 (9:51 am)Well, I will soon be able to breathe easier. This hyperventilation is making me dizzy.
+1
Jul 24th, 2010 (9:55 am)“And then the long-guarded, speculated about and discussed secret will finally be known.”
So in addition to the price another secret is to be released???
+5
Jul 24th, 2010 (10:02 am)I just hope they don’t get stupid and depend on the government rebate program to jack up the price. We all know that the dealers are going to go way beyond MSRP at least into mid 2011.
+7
Jul 24th, 2010 (10:03 am)There is the manufacturer’s suggested retail price and the dealer price. Until the VOLT is in the showroom, the actual price that some will pay won’t be known until then.
+2
Jul 24th, 2010 (10:06 am)Good chance CS mpg will be announced before pricing is announced. GM will do well pricing the Volt before the end of the Summer. Have already seen new cars on the road with styling cues from the Volt. Each manufacturer will attempt to catch a piece of the wave. The sooner GM rolls the Volt out. The fresher the product.
=D-Volt
BTW: I have a wager with JEC that the Volt will not be delivered, owned, and in the garage of a non-GM employee by the middle of November 2010. We’re coming down to the wire on this one.
+1
Jul 24th, 2010 (10:08 am)The trick is to breathe *out* too!
Be well and believe,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****NPNS
Jul 24th, 2010 (10:11 am)Does that mean the EPA ratings will be released also? Are we going to find out the price, but not those specifications everyone is debating about?
+3
Jul 24th, 2010 (10:12 am)But it’ll be a much better starting point.
A year and a half ago (I think) I guessed 25K after tax break, so that’d be 32.5K as MSRP.
Be well and believe,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****NPNS
Jul 24th, 2010 (10:20 am)Heavy duty extension cord?
+1
Jul 24th, 2010 (10:20 am)I hope it is affordable and that is the reason they waited so long to make the announcement.
Take Care,
TED
+1
Jul 24th, 2010 (10:20 am)OK. Looks like it will be right around the time of the public offering. Coincidence? I think not…..
+3
Jul 24th, 2010 (10:30 am)I like you’re “year & a half ago” estimate of $32.5k before tax rebate, Tag —how else can GM’s CEO/Chairman Ed Whitacre avoid widespread media criticism/embarrassment over his fairly recent public announcement the Volt would start in the “low 30′s”?!?
BTW, did you note LeoK’s recent post encouraging GM to roll the $7.5k federal rebate into lease deals (like Nissan plans for the Leaf) and for Volt customers to consider leasing if they do so? I’m really inclined to take that approach if GM and the banks they work with make it available, for more than one reason, including lowering the monthly payments (an important consideration at my age).
Jul 24th, 2010 (10:32 am)Oops! I thought it said August 27th. It’s July 27th! I read this as good news. I think the price could be lower than we expected and they want to get it out weeks before the public offering to increase the buzz about the car. They wouldn’t announce 40k now only to disappoint everyone weeks before the IPO.
+1
Jul 24th, 2010 (10:43 am)Okay here is my prediction…the Volt will be priced at $40k But wait there is another announcement…Gen 2 Volt can be also ordered as a pure BEV at a price (speculated) below the LEAF.
Let’s Get the EV’s on the Roads!!!
+1
Jul 24th, 2010 (10:43 am)Yes, I saw that post about the leasing option, and I agree that it’s go a *long* way to reducing those darn monthly payments. The place I’m buying said “Absolutely no Volt leases”. Since they met other criteria that are important to me (us), I’m still going with Gaithersburg, MD. Already faxed therm the P.O. and deposit. I’m so excited I could Plotz!
Be well and believe,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****NPNS
+1
Jul 24th, 2010 (10:46 am)Ford drops hybrid markup – 07/22/2010
I think that says it all.
Jul 24th, 2010 (10:48 am)Just a thought: if the CS MPG is really good then the price could be higher, but only if the MPG is known. So if the price is going to hurt then most likely a good MPG would be announced either before the price is announced or shortly after to blunt the hurt.
‘Course what if both the price is low and the MPG is high? ….??
+2
Jul 24th, 2010 (10:49 am)Hope GM plays their cards right …make profit on Volt & thus make it a viable program ..GM is not exactly rolling in $$$ to take a loss …they have the right car at the right time US citizens will not take to BEV any time soon ..GM is all by itself & can sell Volt at premium & make profit ..imo they should keep it as Premium car and keep production tight and make quality Volts …
Jul 24th, 2010 (10:49 am)“And then the long-guarded, speculated about and discussed secret will finally be known”
You mean the fuel economy in extended range mode?
It would seem to make sense to announce fuel economy figures before announcing pricing, but since next week is a PLUG-IN Conference, it doesn’t make much sense to talk about liquid fuel there.
Jul 24th, 2010 (10:49 am)Here’s the announced schedule for that morning at Plug-In 2010. The event, being held in San Jose, CA is in the Pacific time zone so some time between 11am and 12:30pm EDT you’ll know. Plus this type of information is usually leaked to the press the night before or a few hours before in order to attract more publicity for the actual announcement. In the lineup is “TBD, Chevrolet”
Plenary Sessions
Agenda at a Glance | Pre-Conference Workshops | Breakout Sessions | Plenary Sessions
Tuesday, July 27
8:00 am – 9:30 am PDT
OPENING PLENARY SESSION
Moderator: Mark Duvall, Director, Electric Transportation and Energy Storage, Electric Power Research Institute
Sam Liccardo, Council Member, City of San Jose
Chris Johns, President, Pacific Gas & Electric Company
Brad Wagenknecht, Napa County Supervisor &
Bay Area Air Quality Management District Board Chairperson
Lee Slezak, Program Manager, Vehicle Technologies Program,
U.S. Department of Energy
Carlos Tavares, Executive Vice President, Nissan Motor Co. Limited
TBD, Chevrolet
Dan Sperling, Director, Institute of Transportation Studies,
University of California, Davis
http://www.plugin2010.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=48&Itemid=49#tues0830
Jul 24th, 2010 (10:56 am)EXACTLY! Just like the acquisition of the lending corp.
In *any* case the IPO should be “interesting”.
Be well and believe,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****NPNS
Jul 24th, 2010 (11:06 am)I just have to note that this is an EV conference and that there is another one three months later, “The Business of Plugging In” which is in what city? Ya guessed it, Detroit, MI. Last year it was held at a local casino. The last day had a portion open to the general public (this conference is meant for companies trying to expand their presence in EV or related activities. I went to the public part last year. I was blown away when I was actually able to sit in a Volt. This year instead of being in the casino it is going to be in a very prominent building in Detroit that just happens to also be… the GM World Headquarters, the Renaisance Center, Oct 12-14.
So, if there is anything left to be announced by then it does seem like that would be a good venue. Last year they had the chance to drive EV’s (but not the Volt). This year????
+5
Jul 24th, 2010 (11:07 am)Some will be happy.
Some will be sad.
Therefore,
I hold in my right hand a stack of Purchase Orders.
I hold in my left hand a stack of Kleenex Tissues for your tears…
Which will YOU want to use?
Jul 24th, 2010 (11:10 am)Why so much interest in CS mode MPG when it will seldom be used? With even a 50 mpg hybrid you forgo the ability to use no gas at all.
+1
Jul 24th, 2010 (11:12 am)Whatever price they hang on it will have ZERO effect on the IPO. The early adopters will not be buying MILLIONS of shares in New GM stock… Bailed out Banks, Mutual Funds, Insurance Companies will be buying those up. It may be possible that the ‘buzz’ here has some effect on the attitudes of those companies, but I doubt it. Just be thankful that the VOLT did survive and some of you will have the opportunity to own a piece of history.
+1
Jul 24th, 2010 (11:13 am)Personally, I cry a lot more when I’m very happy than when I’m very sad. Better keep the tissues ready in EITHER scenario.
Be well and believe,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****NPNS
Jul 24th, 2010 (11:15 am)Can anyone here tell me the MSRP of the Leaf? I must have missed it along the way. Also, has Ford announced the price of its Focus EV yet?
Thanks
+2
Jul 24th, 2010 (11:18 am)No you don’t. It’s all about FREEDOM. With a Volt I can choose to drive all year without using a drop of oil, or I can drive from Detroit to Cape Canaveral to watch a space launch all in one day (and hopefully burn less gas than a Prius). I can choose between some pretty wide ranging activities. That is greatness.
+2
Jul 24th, 2010 (11:24 am)I disagree. I think that it WILL affect the IPO. And announcing the price more than a month before the IPO says that GM is confident. Actually, the IPO could well be done in August, which would make this a prime time to announce the Volt price.
Jul 24th, 2010 (11:24 am)We should have a little pari-mutuel betting arrangement on this. Bets for or against the 27th, winners split the pot proportionately. I’d love to put $2 on “not the 27th.”
+2
Jul 24th, 2010 (11:40 am)The hybrid markup is why my wife went with a conventional 4 cylinder in 2006. Rather than the hybrid which cost several thousand more. It’s a good thing GM didn’t announce a high $30k figure on the Volt. Only to have Ford announce low 30k on their new midsize hybrid.
I was voted minus 2 for listing these numbers the other day. I believe a CS mpg number over 40. And an MSRP under $36k are realistic. And I feel this will support the 10k in 2011 and 30k in 2012 production rates.
$35,599 plus 10% (tax,lic,fee) = $39,598 minus $7500 (tax credit) = $32,098 out-of-pocket
=D-Volt
+2
Jul 24th, 2010 (11:41 am)I’m kind of excited just to hear the options available.
+1
Jul 24th, 2010 (11:47 am)Here is my wild arse guess: Cheapest model (bare bones) – $29,999 + $7,500 = $37,499
Under 30k, as promised.
Jul 24th, 2010 (12:00 pm)With MSRP and CS-Mode mpg announced, what will be left for the Poop Boys to complain about?
Daggy, Charles & John.
I know, I know, production volume. This could take a little longer to address.
I guess their posts will really get monotonous, now …
BTW, I would expect only one of these two “big questions” to be answered on the 27th, but I’d be glad to be wrong.
+1
Jul 24th, 2010 (12:08 pm)Lyle: Then again maybe this author’s (you) website spurred GM. Your July 22nd article about VOLT pricing being released later this summer generated strong criticism. My guess is inside GM Leadership there were feelings about doing something at Plug-In 2010. Which also means that there’s going to be a VOLT or two or three or four on duty.
+1
Jul 24th, 2010 (12:24 pm)Plus one on this! Is the Volt the only car with leather in this upcoming batch of electrics? (I’m not counting the Tesla roadster because I can’t afford it.)
+2
Jul 24th, 2010 (12:28 pm)I am guessing a price just under $40K. A car in the 30s (even high 30s) sounds more affordable than a car that is $40K.
Jul 24th, 2010 (12:34 pm)Don’t forget from potential share holder point of view, the HIGHER the price the better it sounds for profitability.
+1
Jul 24th, 2010 (12:36 pm)Is this where —-
“The rubber hits the road?”
“The S**t hits the fan?”
“The fat lady sings?”
“It is not over til its over”
“We need a bigger boat”
“Its not my fault”
“There is always tomorrow”
“We will always have Paris”
and a new one *****
THE PRICE OF THE VOLT IS FINALLY ANNOUNCED!!!! July 27
:+}
-1
Jul 24th, 2010 (12:37 pm)I would disagree. MPG ratings are likely not going to happen for awhile because we have to wait on a government bureaucracy to come to a decision. Pricing is entirely in the hands of GM and can be announced quickly.
It seems like Lyle is backpedaling from his headline a bit but it seems that pricing will be within two weeks and MPG/CS ratings will not be for another two months or so. I’ve got a beer on it if you are willing?
+1
Jul 24th, 2010 (12:44 pm)I think the Leaf vs Volt comparison is way overblown since they are not really comparable cars, however, with that said, it seems that at the very least that the Volt would be worth several thousand dollars over the Leaf’s price due it’s long range capabilitity. I’m therefore hoping for a price in the $36k to $37k range.
If so, it will be the most expensive car I’ve ever bought but virtually elimanting my gas purchases is worth quite a bit to me.
To borrow a phrase, be well.
+1
Jul 24th, 2010 (12:46 pm)Some of us will be shifting to “I told you so” mode. Price will be at least $37,400 (many here have embraced this reality but many have not). I’d still be willing to wager that it will be over $39K. The typical configuration will certainly be over $39K. CS Mode MPG will be under 40. I’d be happy to wager on 38mpg or less.
I did surf to the EV World site and the reporter didn’t include any specifics on how he learned the announcement would occur on the 27th. I don’t know his track record, so I’m not SURE that we won’t hear on the 27th but I would be willing to bet we won’t hear on the 27th. Stories like this usually include some information on sources. So, I don’t think EV World has much here. Of course, it could just be sloppy blogosphere-quality reporting that makes EV World’s report incomplete.
Jul 24th, 2010 (12:49 pm)So combining your two statements you believe that Criswell will be able to deliver a Volt to you in mid- to late 2010?
When Tony P came to Criswell I filled out there little form that indicated what vehicle I’m interested in but they have yet to contact me. I’m on another list for a No. Va. Chevy dealership but they have been very poor in their responses.
I would love to buy in early 2010 but based on your statement it looks like I might not have the opportunity until late 2010 or early 2011. I hope my Cavalier makes it that long.
Jul 24th, 2010 (12:52 pm)Huh? I do not recall making such a wager? My memory is not what it used to be, but I think I would have recalled this. I am not sure why I would even have cared about when someone got a Volt in their garage.
Now if it was related to CS mpg, I might have stuck my nose in.
DaveK, you must have me confused with someone else, or was it that impostor dude the other day?
Jul 24th, 2010 (12:54 pm)I think your off by a year, since the Volt will not be available until LATE 2010. I do the same things sometimes..
-1
Jul 24th, 2010 (12:58 pm)The effect on the IPO is negligible.
GM still has a huge legacy of costs (they still have something like $25B in pension liabilities to deal with), a massive investment in ICE engines and all the inertia and drag of a big company.
The Volt is not a potential source of profit for years and IPO interest is mostly focused on the front end, except in cases like Tesla, where there’s nothing to go on but the future. GM is going to be bought be a few (very few) dreamers and by a lot (we hope) of hard-headed fiscal types. Activity in China is FAR more important to GM’s IPO. The Americredit deal is FAR more important to GM. Maximum Volt revenue in ’11 is less than the that of the Corvette and maybe less than the CTS-V (I’d have to look that up), which are both insignificant products.
Jul 24th, 2010 (1:00 pm)Looks like the Plugin 2010 is going to be filled with a lot of one-upsmanship, especially between GM and Nissan.
I would love to go, but it is to far and to expensive to make the trip.
Any Voltanites, planning on making the trip? Will Dr. Lyle be in attendance, and how about Statik?
I think I am going to wet myself soon…
+1
Jul 24th, 2010 (1:13 pm)Yeah, I’m getting old or something. Add a year to my ramblings….
-3
Jul 24th, 2010 (1:31 pm)I forgot one other reason the Volt has a negligible impact on the IPO – GM won’t hit volume production and real profitability before significant competition enters the market. The 800lb gorilla is Toyota and they will be selling a PHEV in 2012 (plus they’re now tied in with Tesla and will do we-know-not-what in BEVs). And the Leaf will be on the market and GM-Volt just reported on about 4 announcements from Honda, all due out by 2012 or earlier. Stiff headwinds for the Volt.
Jul 24th, 2010 (1:48 pm)Dont know much IPOs but I would think the free publicity would enhance the value of GM and thus the IPO..
+2
Jul 24th, 2010 (1:56 pm)I was just thinking how important it would be to finally have the base price known very soon,
just before I signed in.
I think that if indeed Ed Whitacre has a basic model in the low 30′s, that the decision for a huge number of consumers to buy would be sufficient to utilize the entire production capacity of Hamtramck.
(All I ordered was power windows, power mirrors for safety, and a single CD am/fm radio, which likely are the basic package I would think.)
Not much more to say until that base price is known, (then, I’m going to talk everyone’s ears off down here in Austin, TX.)
Monday is the day to get your deposit checks in no matter what. Tuesday might be too late, so, no-one can complain that Lyle didn’t provide us all with very ample notice to plunk down our deposit checks and get on those lists.
+1
Jul 24th, 2010 (2:05 pm)The LEAF has 8kwh more battery than the Volt, if we assume $700 per kwh (a good assumption) then that is $5600. The ICE in the volt should be about $2000 (including all the accesories) plus a generator/inverter.. perhaps another $1500.. that means the LEAF is about $2000 MORE EXPENSIVE than a Volt.
+2
Jul 24th, 2010 (2:18 pm)$34999 sounds about right as it will not make Whitacre a liar and a loaded up one will be under $40k.
Jul 24th, 2010 (2:23 pm)herm
Two things you missed in your analysis.
1. Nissan will be building the packs in house and will be paying ½ the cost per kwh then GM.
2. The LEAF is simple battery, inverter and electric motor. The Volt is a very technical design with I am sure thousands of programming hours to balance out all of the variables to tie in the ICE, generator, inverter, electric motor and the liquid battery cooling system.
Then you have the $5k mark up at the dealers (for both the LEAF and the Volt) =(
-3
Jul 24th, 2010 (2:24 pm)My guess… First 10,000 VOLTS MSRP = $49,499 – 7.5K = $41,999 and I might be a little light… Maybe up to $52,499.
Jul 24th, 2010 (2:31 pm)Herm, I would love to be wrong on this but I seriously see more value in the Volt than the Leaf. I’m up for a friendly wager and I’ll be betting on the price being above the Leaf. If you want to bet below I’ll be happy to engage in that wager. I’ll even give you a $2,000 cushion.
So are you willing to back your words? I say more than $2,000 higher than the Leaf. What say you? I’m good for anything up to $100 and I would settle for a beer bet.
Jul 24th, 2010 (2:34 pm)I wonder if they will be telling us the price in all markets? How much will it cost in Canada, Japan, Germany Korea etc. Is any other govenment going to give $7500 to GM like we are giving to all the foreign companies like Nissan Honda Toyota etc…?
Jul 24th, 2010 (2:52 pm)Let’s see a contest among just gm-volt readers to guess the correct price, with the closest guess getting a new DVD player…just kidding (LOL).
My own guess is that the MSRP will be approx. $33,500–pre-rebate, $26,000–post-rebate (in Ontario, where I reside, I think that the MSRP will be around $35,000, and taking into account the $10,000 Ontario gov’t rebate, that price will come down to $25,000).
These are just estimates of course, and may be subject to wishful thinking, i.e., from a blogger who wants to say “I told you so” to naysayers.
A simultaneous announcement on Tuesday of the Volt’s CS-mode mpg along with it’s price would be awesome, but hey, let’s not get greedy.
Sincerely, George, Sudbury, Canada…go Volt!!
Jul 24th, 2010 (3:04 pm)One or both of us is really confused. It is now MID-2010. The first Volt won’t hit the street until (very) late this year. The best I could narrow down the dealer to was “Spring, 2011″. It’s impossible for the Volt to be sold in early 2010, because that’s gone by already, no?
HTH,
Be well and believe,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****NPNS
+1
Jul 24th, 2010 (3:35 pm)No, it’s definitely me that can’t type (or think) correctly. It just seemed that you were saying that the best you could expect on delivery was mid to late 2011. I was a little surprised that it was going to be that late. I understand your prolific posting here doesn’t count for much in the dealer’s eyes but I still thought there would be a chance of you buying one in early 2011 and me following not too much afterward. I just didn’t think think that in an initial market that my wait would be that long.
Jul 24th, 2010 (3:56 pm)Though I’ve *never* thought that being a prolific poster would count to a car dealer, but it’s a very kind thought. Now *Lyle* on the other hand, really should be in line for special consideration from GM itself. I’ve got such a *grasp* of the obvious (g).
Frankly after the length of time that we’ve all been following the Volt’s birth, spring of 2011 is really soon! I’d pretty much written off Gen I as a possibility for our household (due to availability and cost) but I think that we have a very good shot at this working out. The fact that GM is training techs in states other than the release states is a *huge* help. All of this gives a whole new meaning to “It’s getting really exciting”!
PS: Just read the EV World article and come away less than convinced that the price will be announced on Tuesday. JMO – hope I’m wrong.
Be well and believe,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****NPNS
+2
Jul 24th, 2010 (4:08 pm)Is there time to set up a “Guess the Price” contest where the winner gets a VOLT t-shirt?
+1
Jul 24th, 2010 (4:11 pm)If gm does not announce the price on the 27th, then for sure they will announce when they will announce the price, or if they can’t go that far gm will announce when they will announce when they will announce the price. It’s sort of like the 2nd derivative of the announcement, for EV fans. (smile — I have no idea what I’m talking about, but I’m not certain EV world does either.)
Jul 24th, 2010 (4:14 pm)Yes, well said, +1.
Jul 24th, 2010 (4:25 pm)Maximum already said the Volt cost $40k to manufacture and that GM would not take a loss on the car.
You guys expecting $25k or something ?
+4
Jul 24th, 2010 (4:26 pm)Yes, all things being equal, an EREV-40 will cost less than a BEV-100.
But all things aren’t equal. The Volt has a liquid cooled battery. The Volt has more noise insulation and trim options. And GM has to buy cells from LG, so that may affect cost as well. So we just don’t know the relative cost to build.
But one thing’s for sure: An EREV-40 version of the Leaf would cost less than the current BEV-100 Leaf. And similarly, a BEV-100 version of the Volt would cost more than the current EREV-40 Volt.
+2
Jul 24th, 2010 (4:33 pm)Yes.
Six months ago, GM’s CEO personally told Lyle that the Volt would sell in the low 30s, which would make it around $25k after the tax credit:
http://gm-volt.com/2010/01/27/gm-ceo-ed-whitacre-is-a-strong-fan-of-the-volt/
“Though various bloggers quoting GM spokespeople have attempted to refute Mr. Whitacre’s comment to me about the Volt selling in the low 30s, I still stand by his statement. None of the naysayers were present for the call nor spent time in GM’s boardroom. The $7500 tax credit was not mentioned or inferred. Of course, we’ll have to wait until summer to see for sure.”
+3
Jul 24th, 2010 (4:47 pm)THANKS, Dave!!! You’re absolutely right that an EREV-40 should cost less than a BEV-100 and I believe GM’s engineering and marketing people have made this clear to Ed Whitacre —in fact, I believe these facts are important reasons he announced the Volt would sell in the low $30′s!!!
+1
Jul 24th, 2010 (5:09 pm)M.S.R.P. $34,999 and that is only that low because of the 8-year warranty, imo. At that price it is worth every penny, if you get your tax credit. Nice going GM, really, thank you for not wavering in your commitment.
Jul 24th, 2010 (5:21 pm)Is it “Price is Right” rules or closest to the pin? I am guessing $49,490 MSRP. There are too many people on this site that think with their Heart and will go too low.
That said, I might be a tad high which under “Price is Right” rules means I lose. But closest to the Pin will give me a new shirt!
P.S. — After reading the EV site, I think even Lyle was thinking with his heart. I don’t think they are announcing price. I am going to bet it is MPG or however the EPA is going to classify it.
Jul 24th, 2010 (5:38 pm)I think the Volt will become a HUGE success if GM can price it right. An MSRP of say $32,000 for the 2011 Volt would DEFINITELY get people off their couches and over to their local Chevrolet dealership. GM would easily sell out all their production capacity for 2011 at that price.
With the $7,500 Federal tax credits that means you can get your Volt for $24,500. Hopefully, GM would rise to the occasion and they would add more shifts and plants and increase production for 2011 to maybe 30,000 Volts instead of just 10,000.
With other state and local tax credits the price could drop below $20,000. Needless to say … this would be AWESOME. GM would be a VERY popular auto company if they could sell Volts to people at those prices.
GM could have the same problems that Apple is having with their iPhone 4 … keeping up with demand … even though some people are having antenna problems when they don’t use a bumper case. GM’s IPO would be a huge success and the stock might go WAY up like Apple’s has.
+2
Jul 24th, 2010 (5:52 pm)I’m guessing the base price will be $34,995 including destination, making the net after federal rebate come in at $27,495. With the few options available, I expect you may be able to come close to $40k, with a net after federal rebate of around $32,500.
The only options are:
Premium Tri-Coat Paint (guess $495 to $795)
Polished Aluminum Wheels (guess $500 to $895)
Premium Trim Pkg – leather, heated seats (guess $2,250)
Rear Camera / Park Assist (guess $750)
So a fully equipped VOLT may have $4,000 to $5,000 of options.
Can’t wait…. oh the suspense!!!
+2
Jul 24th, 2010 (6:01 pm)I really really doubt the price will be under $27,900 after the Fed Rebates. That is the price we paid for my wife’s current Nissan Altima SL with every bell and whistle option on it. I will place my wager on $29,955.00 after rebates.
If it really came in at $25,000 after rebates, that would be one VERY LONG wait list about to happen!!!
Jul 24th, 2010 (6:06 pm)My dealer estimated $800, based on Malibu costs for that paint choice. White Diamond Tri-Coat is my choice.
+2
Jul 24th, 2010 (6:34 pm)I like your reasoning and I realize you have an inside track on how things are priced at GM, but I still think everyone is forgetting the premium factor and that the first VOLTS are essentially limited edition. There are easily 10,000 early adopters that can afford $40-50K. While not everyone in this room (including me), they are out there waiting. I am telling you it is much better for us low buck people to wait for VOLT 3.0 anyway!
+1
Jul 24th, 2010 (7:04 pm)This esoteric discussion on price reminds me a little of watching OTHER people play the slots in Vegas. I am expecting mid 30s, but I think we all agree that round 1 sells out without issue. One point, though, that I think some fail to understand is that the only real money the corporation makes from the stock sale is at IPO. After the shares start getting traded, things like benefit payments to employees (via stock options, etc) matter just indirectly. The corporation has EVERY INCENTIVE to play itself up RIGHT BEFORE its IPO. I am sure the execs have thought about all the pertinent factors here (profit, volume, public image, competition, etc). They have decided (correctly or not) what the price announcement will do to their IPO price. Personally, I am happy that it appears that they do feel that Volt’s acceptance has a bearing on the IPO. It tells me that those who have the ‘halo’ opinion of this vehicle are out to lunch and makes me feel like the electrification of the world’s auto fleet is SERIOUSLY about to begin.
+2
Jul 24th, 2010 (7:37 pm)In all immodesty, I just have to say that, on the whole, my optimism has been infectious. I won’t say that “My work here is done” (ala the Lone Ranger to Tonto), but we’re sure making progress! (lol).
Be well and believe,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****NPNS
Jul 24th, 2010 (7:46 pm)George, the $10,000 cdn Ontario’s subside seem to be a bit more generous than the
Quebec {Tax Credit for the Acquisition or Lease of a New Fuel-Efficient Vehicle}.
The highest tax credit ($8.000) is restricted to ” Vehicle other than an LSV, using no fuel”. Not sure if this category will apply only to BEV (Leaf style) or if it will also included EREV. If the Volt felt under “Gasoline consumption from 0.01 to 2.99 litres/100 km” only, the tax credit would be much lower and depends on the weighted fuel consumption rating of a vehicle, established using the Fuel Consumption Guide published by Natural Resources Canada and the following calculation:
multiply the vehicle’s city fuel consumption rating by 55%;
multiply its highway fuel consumption rating by 45%;
add the two results. .
I do not really expect the Volt becoming available here in Canada before 2012 at best and only in marginal volume… Not ready to bet on the Canadian MRSP yet, may be closer to $42K cdn? We’re still waiting the iPhone 4 here after all
http://www.revenu.gouv.qc.ca/documents/en/formulaires/tp/tp-1029.8.36.ec-v(2009-10).pdf
Cheers from Québec
-3
Jul 24th, 2010 (8:16 pm)Not really.
Jul 24th, 2010 (8:28 pm)Agreed. The Camaro was deeply back-ordered and not marked up.
Be well,
Tagamet
Jul 24th, 2010 (8:41 pm)Isn’t that the definition of the much beloved “stay tuned”?
Jul 24th, 2010 (8:43 pm)I may have to add ‘Get “stay tuned” tattoo, to my bucket list. (g).
Be well and believe,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****NPNS
Jul 24th, 2010 (8:52 pm)Afternoon news with Alicia and Mike:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ub9dbgDet5w&feature=related
=D-Volt
-1
Jul 24th, 2010 (9:05 pm)My local dealer, Budds’ Chevrolet Oakville (Ontario) sent me an email last week which claimed that “GM Canada will receive our initial units next Summer (as 2012 MY vehicles).” As for pricing, I will be very surprised if it comes in under CA$40k before the Ontario credit.
+3
Jul 24th, 2010 (9:06 pm)1. I really think both GM and Nissan are paying about $700 per kwh.. eventually Nissan will be able to lower the cost more since they are vertically integrated but for now LG has been building lithium packs for several years and can match Nissan. Both GM and Nissan (USA) have stated the cost is about the same.
The LEAF pack is much bigger, $5600 bigger.. about the only difference between the LEAF and Volt is the liquid cooled battery, and a genset. Yes, the software in the Volt is more complex but GM is reusing a lot of it from the FWD 2 Mode cars that it has developed already.
2. GM knows how to build engines.. the 1.4L plus all the accessories will cost them under $2k, probably less, except the pressurized gas tank is new but still.. the 50kw generator/inverter is also used in the 2 Mode transmission and should cost less than $1500.
The other major difference between the Volt and LEAF is the liquid cooling system on the battery.. I have no idea how much this costs but it should be doable under $2k.. probably much less. My guess the cooling system uses about 32 8″x11″ hollow aluminum plates, valves, an electric pump and a radiator.. again probably much less than $2000. Hopefully it never leaks.
Thus I think GM will price the Volt around $32k, before the tax credit. Note the LEAF is using a dedicated platform designed just for it but the Volt shares many parts with the mass produced Cruze. I am talking about the base price and I am very sure many expensive options will be offered.
+1
Jul 24th, 2010 (9:36 pm)Will that be a sight for sore eyes or to sore eyes?
Jul 24th, 2010 (10:04 pm)Not! (:-(
-1
Jul 24th, 2010 (11:52 pm)I’m not lying when I’m more hyped for the release of Starcraft 2 than the Volt
Jul 25th, 2010 (12:10 am)OK, I read all the posts.
I love guessing games.
Here is mine. The price with be $39,995 less $7,500 in rebate. That makes it $32,495.00
This way the bean counters are happy, and Mr. Whitacre saves face…. They can spin it to show that he already knew about the rebate. Or they could just say he spoke before they had all the information, just like when Mr. Lutz said it would be under $30K.
With only 10K units being produced, I think they would all sell even if it was priced at up to $50K. And look at the release areas: CA, NY, DC, TX, CT, NJ and MI. There is some big money there…..
Now what Gen-2 will cost, and what Voltec will cost AFTER the rebate is another story!!!
I am not trying to be rude. I just don’t think that GM is going to sell these first vehicles cheap. They really don’t have to, despite what we all want the price to be…..
Jul 25th, 2010 (12:57 am)32,500
Jul 25th, 2010 (1:32 am)Before GM announced the 8 year battery warranty. They all but directly stated $38k for a base Volt. The MSRP should now come in at just under $36k with the battery news. The GM IPO will also get a big boost with an affordable Volt in the lineup. I believe GM is counting on buyers loading up with options to realize a profit. And is willing to sell more shares of stock. Rather than mark up 40,000 Volts by $2000 in two years time. The dealers are investing time and money into being Volt certified. They don’t wish to see flat sales either.
=D-Volt
+2
Jul 25th, 2010 (4:09 am)If GM chooses to price the Volt in the high $20K’s, the immediate sell-out of all vehicles as they are *built* will go a long way to shift the public’s opinion in the right direction and actually become newsworthy for quite a while. (voice of Molly Malarky, talking head on WLJG) “GM’s much anticipated electric vehicle “the Volt” continues to fly off dealer lots at a record shattering pace, six months after it’s initial release. Spokesmen from the major auto company cite affordability, and their continued attention to building high quality vehicles with ground breaking Voltec technology. The Volt allows the average driver to avoid the use of gasoline almost indefinitely – substituting inexpensive off-peak hours recharging from a normal household electric receptacle. For daily drives which exceed 40 miles, the Volt is equipped with a small on-board gasoline engine which seamlessly generates the electricity needed for upwards of 300 additional electric miles per tank. In this mode, referred to as “charge sustaining” mode, the Volt sips gasoline at a rate which amounts to the equivalent of (mumbles really high number) miles per gallon. When questioned today about the Volt’s relatively *tiny* gas tank, the GM spokesman quipped: “since most Volt drivers will rarely even visit gas stations, why haul around 10 gallons of gasoline? We considered going with a 3 gallon tank! WLJG will continue to monitor GM’s efforts to ramp up production to levels which will meet the enormous public demand. Although the waiting lists for the Volt remain significant, Gm insists that they will *not* sacrifice their emphasis on vehicle quality and reliability while closing this supply/demand disparity. Two additional shifts have been added to the Hamtrac plant, which will now employs an additional (large number) of American workers. Plans to open additional plants dedicated to production of the Volt are nearing completion.
Exciting times! Film at 11.
Be well and believe,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****NPNS
Jul 25th, 2010 (5:35 am)GM has stated that they are working to produce several 2 mode hybrid vehicles. It’s unknown how many will also feature plug in. If GM had not stated this we would expect a lower price on the Volt with very high volume. As it stands now. The Volt is one of many GM products to offer very high MPG. I don’t see a high 20′s MSRP on the Volt for at least 4 years. Look at the Prius. Even with the track record of less than stellar performance. Tire wear issues. And the latest dance with accelerator/brake system malfunctions. The price is still pushing $30k. Maybe we’ll know this week?
Oh, the drama…
=D-Volt
Jul 25th, 2010 (5:40 am)Tagamet…”Two additional shifts have been added to the Hamtrac plant, which will now employs an additional (large number) of American workers. Plans to open additional plants dedicated to production of the Volt are nearing completion.”
This is the best part of the whole effort. Putting people back to work… now we need to work on trade issues and give GM a level playing field. Why should we be giving Nissan $7500 per car while the Japanese puts a $20,000 tariff on every VOLT?
Jul 25th, 2010 (6:32 am)If you’ll ‘stay tuned,’ we’ll have something on that by the end of the summer
Jul 25th, 2010 (6:52 am)Corvette Guy!&? You need to work on the wife. She should have purchase a Chevy from you.
Jul 25th, 2010 (7:26 am)$37,499
After Rebate = $29,999.99
Jul 25th, 2010 (7:26 am)Don’t lose this post. You might want to enter another contest someday.
Jul 25th, 2010 (7:47 am)With demand being high and supply being low, there’s no incentive to MSRP the Volt in the “low 30s”…
You’ll see $40,000 minus the $7500 tax credit. Then add $10,000 in dealer mark-ups on top of that…
Jul 25th, 2010 (8:01 am)Is this the “We are losing money on each sale, but we will make it up in volume” scenario????
I don’t think that losing money on each sale is going to fly with the new stockholders….
JMHO
+1
Jul 25th, 2010 (8:51 am)Regarding Post #80; Nice photo shop dude… Either you are laughing about your creative ability to TRY to dupe people, or you were duped. Everyone knows or should know, that the car companies cannot dictate price to the dealers by law. MSRP means Suggested Price. The dealer can sell at whatever price they want. (Some state laws might regulate how low you can go,) You need to go to the Nissan web site and look at MSRP and then start adding all the little costs added.
Nice try EV
I give you a +1 for effort, but the Nissan Leaf is not going to be a mass market vehicle over the long haul.
Jul 25th, 2010 (9:59 am)“… mumbles ridiculously high number…” Yep. “Ridiculous” is the word. Last I heard, the Volt tank was 9 gallons and GM is talking about 340 miles of range. Given that 40 of that is electric, there’s a simple math problem lurking in there, waiting for you to work out a much more “realistic” number for CS mode mpg.
+3
Jul 25th, 2010 (10:55 am)Dagwood, It was 4:30am old man Tag was dreaming and then sleepwalking when he wrote his comments. He will see them in the light of day and laugh with the rest of us. I am commited to my estimate $49,490 MSRP and a 33 mpg CS mode.
Jul 25th, 2010 (11:58 am)It’s about time ! I almost fell asleep waiting for GM to move forward, OK lets buck up…………..ya !!
Jul 25th, 2010 (1:06 pm)How common is this markup at the dealers? My local dealer promised not to go over MSRP.
Jul 25th, 2010 (1:28 pm)Sorry if someone already mentioned this, but the Detroit Free Press has an article today comparing the Leaf and Volt and the author says Volt will sell for $32K after tax credit due to having two power sources. I guess anything below that figure is a pleasant surprise.
+1
Jul 25th, 2010 (6:13 pm)We are going to get so screwed by the dealers.
Jul 25th, 2010 (10:16 pm)Lyle – There’s still time for the “Great Volt Price Contest” - The closest three get a golden ticket to test drive a Volt when it reaches the auto show or is displayed in the city nearest to them.
The MSRP of Volt is an interesting detail, no doubt. It is, just that – a detail. There is no doubt the government Volts and a handful of others will be promised a few fortunate individuals at MSRP, but we all should know that dealers will mark them up as high as the sky until GM mass produces it.
The best informational will be when chosen state Chevrolet dealers come out with their Volt pricing – as when Ford dealers did with the first GT500 Shelbys back in 2007. It shocked – it awed….and some dealers even put their one or two allotment of GT500s on eBay for twice MSRP to test the waters.
RECHARGE!
James
+3
Jul 25th, 2010 (10:32 pm)Hey Tag, love you man, but what the heck are you smokin’?
In the past, I’ve sold new cars, and I’ve also attempted to buy a new GT500 Shelby when they first came out and dealers had one, or maybe two if they were a large regional leader.
Tag, you need to come down off that…er…cloud or whatever it is you’re on —– seriously. It’s supply and demand, and GM has zero control over what a dealer charges for each vehicle. A while back Lyle dedicated a whole day’s article to something like “GM is against dealer markups”…. That is absurd since even if they suggested dealers do not gouge, they have no control over it.
MSRP being your imagined $25,000, dealers will ask double. More likely, you’ll see an MSRP around $37,500 and dealers will want to keep one in the showroom for halo duty and literally auction it to the person with the deepest pockets.
When I went to local dealers to inquire about MSRP for the Shelby, they laughed me out the door. Today Shelbys can be bought pretty much anywhere and those used ’07s are nearly “dirt cheap”. Yet back then they told me how Paul Allen ( Bill Gate’s co-founder of Microsoft ) had pre-ordered two Shelbys, a convertible, and coupe at $100,000 apiece ($39,000-$44,000 MSRP). I’ll tell you what that does to a person who is of average means and who’d have to sacrifice to own such a car – it pisses you off a great great deal and you are not only angry at the dealer(s), you’re angry at the whole company for allowing such nonsense to occur.
So please adjust your medication since it seems to be blowing your judgement WAY out to la-la-land. Writing such posts makes people think you’ve lost touch with reality.
RECHARGE!
James
Jul 26th, 2010 (1:27 pm)Sometimes, my picks at the track don’t work out, either.
Jul 26th, 2010 (5:27 pm)I am under the impression that the Volt will not be eligible for the tax credit, since it will not have AT-PZEV cert. Anybody know different for certain ?
Addendum: Ah, eligible for the fed $7,500 credit, not eligible for the $5000 California credit. Sorry for the confusion.
Jul 26th, 2010 (5:42 pm)Thank God. Tomorrow we FINALLY know for sure what the price of the 2011 Volt is going to be. Man, I’m hoping GM is going to shake up the automotive world by having an an MSRP of $32,000. That means you get to drive out of the Chevy dealership paying $24,500 after the Federal tax credits … maybe $20,000 if you live in certain states.
That would be a sweet deal. No doubt, GM would sell out every one of the 2011 Volts if they’re only making 10,000 of them. Who knows, with a price like that you might even see people lining up at their local Chevy dealer like people did for the iPhone 4 release date.
Jul 26th, 2010 (7:29 pm)Bloomberg says about $40k.
If true then about $7k more expensive than the Leaf outside of CA,
and $12k more expensive in CA if all tax credits are eligible.
Jul 26th, 2010 (7:33 pm)I just hope and pray GM doesn’t mess this one up too much. Unfortunately GM and Chevron are in cahoots to squeeze the consumer. Chevron bought the battery technology and will likely deem this a failure like the first California EVs a decade or so ago. So don’t be surprised if this turns out very badly.
However, the Toyota and Tesla monozukuri partnership producing a roadster and a sport sedan might be worth looking into.
Jul 26th, 2010 (7:49 pm)If I am not mistaken, Chevron bought the large package NiMH patent portfolio.