[Tagamet]

The only times I saw the people up front put on their dancing shoes were on the "How much will it cost" question, and the one about how it'll be "rolled out". The answers were "Competitively" and "We're still looking at all the options", respectively. I think that's an incredible performance for people who looked a little like deer in the headlights when they first stood up and saw 300+ people looking back at them. I really did get the sense that this was not something that happened often.
Did anyone hear any other non-answers that I missed? Given that we're over 2 years away from THE BIG DAY, I think that they did a remarkable job.

 

[Jason M. Hendler]

It's really not possible to be comfortable stating a price this far ahead of production. They just got the mules running, so I wouldn't be comfortable stating anything other than the target price already mentioned.

I think you are exactly right that these execs have never stood in front of potential customers to discuss a revolutionary product before. Their only interaction with consumers might be at an autoshow, but typically, they talk to reporters, analysts, employees and board members. Perhaps this is something they should get used to doing, as it will quickly cure execs of speaking in bs phrases.

 

[Tagamet]

...I think you are exactly right that these execs have never stood in front of potential customers to discuss a revolutionary product before. Their only interaction with consumers might be at an autoshow, but typically, they talk to reporters, analysts, employees and board members. Perhaps this is something they should get used to doing, as it will quickly cure execs of speaking in bs phrases.

Loved the last part there. Maybe GM could use the films of the show for inservice training (lol)

 

[Koz]

I agree with Jason that the price isn't and can't practically be set yet, so I don't see their price response as a non-answer. I am concerned and dissappointed that the following day, Bob Lutz told a reporter that he was hoping to keep it under $40K.

I think there were one or two other minor ones but the memory is dimming.

-I felt like the answer to the EV only option was more of dance move than a straight up answer. They said did say no for 1st release and basically who knows what the future will bring. Since there would be so little development risk to an EV opion, I would have prefered "not in the first release but we are definitely considering it for the 2nd". Or "No, we don't think there will be enough market for EV only until range reaches X". EV only with Volt range is not for me but I think they should have answered better.

-They did give a clear "no" to V2House but not much of an explanation. I am baffled by this one, unless the risk management folks nixed it. Not much added cost nor design risk here, and the value add would be tremendous.

 

[MetrologyFirst]

I thought the GM folks did a great job considering they had no idea what they were really getting into. That fact alone tells me they are very confident in the progress of the E-flex chassis. I really thought they answred 90% of the questions well.

Frankly, I was a little disappointed with some of the questions, though. There were several that really did not need to be asked, the literature or ANY amount of preperation would have given the answers. We didn't have much time, it seemed to fly by, and I didn't like wasting it on softball questions.

The best discussions were afterwards. Good content there.

 

[Tagamet]

I thought the GM folks did a great job considering they had no idea what they were really getting into. That fact alone tells me they are very confident in the progress of the E-flex chassis. I really thought they answred 90% of the questions well.
Frankly, I was a little disappointed with some of the questions, though. There were several that really did not need to be asked, the literature or ANY amount of preperation would have given the answers. We didn't have much time, it seemed to fly by, and I didn't like wasting it on softball questions.
The best discussions were afterwards. Good content there.

I agree. I'd give the answers a 95% grade and the questions a 70%. I mentioned earlier that as soon as word got out about the passes, people from other blogs charged in. Since they may well not frequent this site, they may account for some of the less than challenging questions. All-in-all still a wonderful experience!

 

[Koz]

Tagamet and MetrologyFirst

Agreed.

 

[NZDavid]

Did they say when the Volt will change from concept to pre production?

 

[DaV8or]

Did they say when the Volt will change from concept to pre production?

Nope. My quess would be that they'll be shooting for a pre-production concept to be shown at the NAIAS in 2009. That's usually the showcase show for Detroit's pet projects and it's one of the most important auto shows in the world. I just hope that they keep giving us insider perspective and don't lock us out until then. I have a sinking feeling that they are going to make us wait that long to show us the new exterior design, and I would guess the interior too.

 

[Estero]

DaV8or -- love that avitar. What model plane?

 

[DaV8or]

DaV8or -- love that avitar. What model plane?

It's Mooney M20TN Acclaim. Fastest certified piston single out there. I aspire to have one someday. It goes for about $550,000. For now, a 43 year old Mooney M20E will have to do.

 

[manntis]

Considering how economic factors can change a lot in 2 years (value of the dollar affecting purchasing power with suppliers; materials availability and therefore pricing; consumer expectations regarding price; etc.) I view the answer of "competitively" to be adequate and realistic.

If they announced a set price, it could very easily bite them.

Too low, and changes in the factors above (or others) could mean shrinking or vanishing profits per vehicle. GM had enough trouble selling certain vehicles at a loss in the past, and it's not a viable business to continue doing so. "loss leaders" only work if you're going to upsell the same customer into buying a profitable item at or near the same time of purchase.

Too high, and the naysayers would have a field day between now and the actual release of the car, building up bad press and scuttlebuzz.

"Competitively" may be a sidestepping answer, but a prudent one.

 

[Guest]

ya i think it is incredible job and what is this dancing shoes..........?