Also if they gave the owner a device to search through the diagnostics a person could troubleshoot problems for themselves. I mean a touch pad rather than one of those plug in programmer pieces of crap.

……

You are assuming gas prices will remain constant. I believe Allah will bless military action against Iran, which will cause gas prices to rise considerably. Thus the market can change quickly, and did so during the Arab oil embargo of the 70’s.”

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We’ll we’re still addicted despite the 70′s push for Ethanol. They dropped the bottom out again like a yo-yo and could do so again if they feel the PEV pressure. We can’t let that happen again.

I’m all for the Gov’t in cases like this stepping in and adding a fuel tax, whatever it takes to keep the push on.

M.

That was a good website, I’m reading it now. Thank you kindly for your contribution to the Jihad.

Noel #37:

“the $30,000 Volt is going to be a tough enough sell to the “average joe” against the $20,000 Prius.”

You are assuming gas prices will remain constant. I believe Allah will bless military action against Iran, which will cause gas prices to rise considerably. Thus the market can change quickly, and did so during the Arab oil embargo of the 70′s.

I don’t think that we basically disagree. I, along with many others, have repeatedly pointed out that one reason for the much better sales of the Prius over the Civic Hybrid is that it is a stand alone car, which makes a strong statement. Even Honda has said that.

I am just saying that we need to get a product into the market sooner, not later. Many have warned not to let the perfect become the enemy of the good. Also, as someone pointed out here this morning, the $30,000 Volt is going to be a tough enough sell to the “average joe” against the $20,000 Prius. Yes, you can buy one for $20K in LA.

My dad used to say “What ain’t there don’t give you no trouble”. As a long time Corvette enthusiast, I am taken back to’84 and ’85. Those Corvettes were an order of magnitude more complex (especially in their electrical and electronic systems), and thus more capable, than their immediate predecessors. Alas, this leap of technology was accompanied by massive reliability problems. This, in turn, lost Corvette, and GM in general, a lot of customers.

My brother in law bought an ’85. He had so much trouble with it he dumped it for a loss, and has never bought another GM car. This, we do not need.

The basic drive train of the Volt will be even more of a leap forward. I just fear that all sorts of fancy electronic bells and whistles will add even more opportunities for problems.

Of course, I am a guy who uses about 5% of the capabilities of my cell phone!