Over the past couple years, I've seen mainstream analysts predict the end of the American automakers within 5 to 10 years. With the UAW's recent acceptance of 71 cents on the dollar against future liabilities, GM's push to develop the flextreme platform and Congress's action to pass higher CAFE standards to protect this strategy, I am very hopeful for a turn-around.Do the record GM losses recently announced worry anyone other than myself. 38.7Bn in a year is quite a lot, it may hurt their ability to research or subsidize part of the cost of the Volt.
GM is sitting on $37 Billion cash reserves. Their loss you quoted was mostly due to the writeoff of future health care benefits transferred to the union. The actual 2007 loss was more like $40 Million.Do the record GM losses recently announced worry anyone other than myself. 38.7Bn in a year is quite a lot, it may hurt their ability to research or subsidize part of the cost of the Volt.
I agree $40 million is nothing to a company that sold 9 million cars this year.The actual 2007 loss was more like $40 Million.![]()
I agree with your assessment, but I don't believe 100% BEV's will be significant until the batteries become rapid recharge, and the prices for the vehicles become reasonable.I agree $40 million is nothing to a company that sold 9 million cars this year.
E-Flex is a game changer, if GM gets the demand/supply curve for peak oil right, they will just be raking it in. I predict that within 10 years only E-flex or BEV systems will be sold. GM is leading the pack at this stage.
You're probably right that the extra complexity of a hybrid will always be more expensive. That's why I'm keeping my eye on EESTOR.I don't believe 100% BEV's will be significant until the batteries become rapid recharge, and the prices for the vehicles become reasonable.