Comments on: How Many Chevy Volts Should GM Make in its first Year? http://gm-volt.com/2008/03/03/how-many-chevy-volts-should-gm-make-in-its-first-year/ Real-time news, information, and discussion about the Chevrolet Volt. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 03:53:37 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 hourly 1 By: PJK http://gm-volt.com/2008/03/03/how-many-chevy-volts-should-gm-make-in-its-first-year/#comment-32182 PJK Fri, 07 Mar 2008 01:41:48 +0000 http://www.gm-volt.com/2008/03/03/how-many-chevy-volts-should-gm-make-in-its-first-year/#comment-32182 I wonder if GM is considering batteries as a option.. smaller ones to keep the cost down and larger ones for people who want longer EV range? And the option to add batteries after you buy the car. I rented a EV1 for 2 days in LA… I gave many rides to sceptics… every one was convinced in less than 10 seconds. That first acceleration from 0 to EVgrin … nothing like it! A first gear that never stops… no shifting… Effortless acceleration… capturing energy while braking… Once these EV’s get on the road… people will wonder why it didn’t happen sooner. I wonder if GM is considering batteries as a option.. smaller ones to keep the cost down and larger ones for people who want longer EV range? And the option to add batteries after you buy the car. I rented a EV1 for 2 days in LA… I gave many rides to sceptics… every one was convinced in less than 10 seconds.
That first acceleration from 0 to EVgrin … nothing like it!
A first gear that never stops… no shifting…
Effortless acceleration… capturing energy while braking…
Once these EV’s get on the road… people will wonder why it didn’t happen sooner.

]]> By: Nick http://gm-volt.com/2008/03/03/how-many-chevy-volts-should-gm-make-in-its-first-year/#comment-32151 Nick Thu, 06 Mar 2008 21:02:29 +0000 http://www.gm-volt.com/2008/03/03/how-many-chevy-volts-should-gm-make-in-its-first-year/#comment-32151 This is why the cost of the Volt is sooooo high.  10,000 units times 35 grand is only 350 million.  Kind of lame for the R&D cost of this kind of vehicle. They need to make 60,000 and sell them at 25 grand.  That's 1.5 Billion friends. This is why the cost of the Volt is sooooo high.  10,000 units times 35 grand is only 350 million.  Kind of lame for the R&D cost of this kind of vehicle.

They need to make 60,000 and sell them at 25 grand.  That’s 1.5 Billion friends.

]]> By: Rich Anderson http://gm-volt.com/2008/03/03/how-many-chevy-volts-should-gm-make-in-its-first-year/#comment-31978 Rich Anderson Tue, 04 Mar 2008 17:49:30 +0000 http://www.gm-volt.com/2008/03/03/how-many-chevy-volts-should-gm-make-in-its-first-year/#comment-31978 Cost of fuel is the make/break factor for me. I run cars for about 250,000 miles about 12-15 years. My 1998 neon has  180,000, 2010 I'll be ready for a new car. I'll shell out $30k vs my normal $15k for a Volt  based on fuel savings with the bonus of being much more environmentally friendly.  The battery life is my main concern.  150,000 mile battery is minimum for me.  I know lots of people that trade in at 100,000 miles.  I can live with reduced all electric range to a point. A smaller production run has the advantage of lower recall costs in the event of a problem. But more significantly allowing for mid-year versions with technology updates. I'll put down $1k deposit for a Volt ASAP! Cost of fuel is the make/break factor for me. I run cars for about 250,000 miles about 12-15 years. My 1998 neon has  180,000, 2010 I’ll be ready for a new car. I’ll shell out $30k vs my normal $15k for a Volt  based on fuel savings with the bonus of being much more environmentally friendly.  The battery life is my main concern.  150,000 mile battery is minimum for me.  I know lots of people that trade in at 100,000 miles.  I can live with reduced all electric range to a point. A smaller production run has the advantage of lower recall costs in the event of a problem. But more significantly allowing for mid-year versions with technology updates. I’ll put down $1k deposit for a Volt ASAP!

]]> By: jabroni http://gm-volt.com/2008/03/03/how-many-chevy-volts-should-gm-make-in-its-first-year/#comment-31961 jabroni Tue, 04 Mar 2008 13:31:44 +0000 http://www.gm-volt.com/2008/03/03/how-many-chevy-volts-should-gm-make-in-its-first-year/#comment-31961 #17 Jason - You are the most ignorant and obnoxious poster ever! What a moron. #17 Jason – You are the most ignorant and obnoxious poster ever! What a moron.

]]> By: Jeff M http://gm-volt.com/2008/03/03/how-many-chevy-volts-should-gm-make-in-its-first-year/#comment-31942 Jeff M Tue, 04 Mar 2008 03:44:37 +0000 http://www.gm-volt.com/2008/03/03/how-many-chevy-volts-should-gm-make-in-its-first-year/#comment-31942 Lyle, why do you continue to refer to your list as a "waiting list"?  I've said it before, that's deceptive.  At least GM's own site is a lot clearer up front... it's essentially a "Vote for Volt".  Just because someone gave their email address does not mean they are on a "list" sitting in an official line of any kind waiting.  You can't even give a deposit for a Volt because GM is not accepting them, because the Volt is still a couple years away from that stage.  10,000 email addresses on your list, once the Volt goes into production, may be lucky to if 10% of those on that "email" list actually buy one the 1st year. There are so many factors like price, warrenty (especially the battery,  assuming it's not leased which is another factor), competition available either existing at the time the Volt's start rolling off the line or are close to being available, etc Hey, I'm one disappointed they won't be making the 60,000 the 1st year as originally announced, which I think would have helped keep the price lower than the current estimate. Though maybe it's best they keep it to 10,000 to reduce risk, work out any problems, and hopefully sell them out to be able to increase 2nd year production numbers.  I just think it's misleading to call it a "waiting list".  Learn from the Smart Fortwo "reservation program" which took/takes real deposits (even if only $99).... though how well a 2 seater that gets less mpg than a Prius (though is a lot cheaper) sells is another question.  GM's Geo Metro over 20 years ago got better mpg and could seat 4-5. Lyle, why do you continue to refer to your list as a "waiting list"?  I’ve said it before, that’s deceptive.  At least GM’s own site is a lot clearer up front… it’s essentially a "Vote for Volt".  Just because someone gave their email address does not mean they are on a "list" sitting in an official line of any kind waiting.  You can’t even give a deposit for a Volt because GM is not accepting them, because the Volt is still a couple years away from that stage.  10,000 email addresses on your list, once the Volt goes into production, may be lucky to if 10% of those on that "email" list actually buy one the 1st year. There are so many factors like price, warrenty (especially the battery,  assuming it’s not leased which is another factor), competition available either existing at the time the Volt’s start rolling off the line or are close to being available, etc

Hey, I’m one disappointed they won’t be making the 60,000 the 1st year as originally announced, which I think would have helped keep the price lower than the current estimate. Though maybe it’s best they keep it to 10,000 to reduce risk, work out any problems, and hopefully sell them out to be able to increase 2nd year production numbers.  I just think it’s misleading to call it a "waiting list".  Learn from the Smart Fortwo "reservation program" which took/takes real deposits (even if only $99)…. though how well a 2 seater that gets less mpg than a Prius (though is a lot cheaper) sells is another question.  GM’s Geo Metro over 20 years ago got better mpg and could seat 4-5.

]]> By: Koz http://gm-volt.com/2008/03/03/how-many-chevy-volts-should-gm-make-in-its-first-year/#comment-31938 Koz Tue, 04 Mar 2008 03:13:36 +0000 http://www.gm-volt.com/2008/03/03/how-many-chevy-volts-should-gm-make-in-its-first-year/#comment-31938 10-20K first model year and ramp up quickly from there, manageble for problems and able to provide better service. There's a lot of new technology for service techs to be educated on.  Also, limiting production may get the Volt out (pun intended) sooner! I don't see price coming down until competition or expiring rebates force it. As long as car performs as has been indcated so far and quality is good, demand will be tremendous. This will be especially true is rebates end up around $6000 and price is around $35,000. GM's costs will probably come down but this will primarily be kept to offset cost or increase profit. The best value will probably be in other E-Rev models besides the Volt and offered 2-3 years after 1st Volts. GXT, resale value will be based on other similar vintage cars with similar fit, finish, and features. Unless gas prices reverse their trend, the Volt will hold up VERY well in the resale market. Grizzly, limiting acceleration alone isn't going to help much with range. This is one of the great benefits of electric drivetrains. Step on it guilt free. Economize be minimizing friction breaking, lower highway speeds, tailgating (at a safe distance of course), properly inflating your tires and lightening up on the AC. By the way, rolling your windows down may not save anything vs running AC because of increased drag. 10-20K first model year and ramp up quickly from there, manageble for problems and able to provide better service. There’s a lot of new technology for service techs to be educated on.  Also, limiting production may get the Volt out (pun intended) sooner!

I don’t see price coming down until competition or expiring rebates force it. As long as car performs as has been indcated so far and quality is good, demand will be tremendous. This will be especially true is rebates end up around $6000 and price is around $35,000. GM’s costs will probably come down but this will primarily be kept to offset cost or increase profit. The best value will probably be in other E-Rev models besides the Volt and offered 2-3 years after 1st Volts.

GXT, resale value will be based on other similar vintage cars with similar fit, finish, and features. Unless gas prices reverse their trend, the Volt will hold up VERY well in the resale market.

Grizzly, limiting acceleration alone isn’t going to help much with range. This is one of the great benefits of electric drivetrains. Step on it guilt free. Economize be minimizing friction breaking, lower highway speeds, tailgating (at a safe distance of course), properly inflating your tires and lightening up on the AC. By the way, rolling your windows down may not save anything vs running AC because of increased drag.

]]> By: bruce g http://gm-volt.com/2008/03/03/how-many-chevy-volts-should-gm-make-in-its-first-year/#comment-31935 bruce g Tue, 04 Mar 2008 02:54:01 +0000 http://www.gm-volt.com/2008/03/03/how-many-chevy-volts-should-gm-make-in-its-first-year/#comment-31935 I feel sorry for GM, They only make money on large vehicles and sales are going down the gurgler. What they need is a new vehicle that they can sell in the same quantities commanding the same profit margins. If production is kept low enough they may never run out of early adopters. Ill get my cigarette packet and calculate the appropriate sales levels. Back soon... I feel sorry for GM,
They only make money on large vehicles and sales are going down the gurgler.
What they need is a new vehicle that they can sell in the same quantities commanding the same profit margins.
If production is kept low enough they may never run out of early adopters.
Ill get my cigarette packet and calculate the appropriate sales levels.

Back soon…

]]> By: mien green http://gm-volt.com/2008/03/03/how-many-chevy-volts-should-gm-make-in-its-first-year/#comment-31926 mien green Tue, 04 Mar 2008 01:12:15 +0000 http://www.gm-volt.com/2008/03/03/how-many-chevy-volts-should-gm-make-in-its-first-year/#comment-31926 Makes you wonder if the Volt will have a digital controller or analog, maybe inherited from the EV-1? <a href="http://www.teslamotors.com/blog4/?p=65" rel="nofollow">http://www.teslamotors.com/blog4/?p=65</a> Makes you wonder if the Volt will have a digital controller or analog, maybe inherited from the EV-1?

http://www.teslamotors.com/blog4/?p=65

]]> By: Grizzly http://gm-volt.com/2008/03/03/how-many-chevy-volts-should-gm-make-in-its-first-year/#comment-31925 Grizzly Tue, 04 Mar 2008 00:50:37 +0000 http://www.gm-volt.com/2008/03/03/how-many-chevy-volts-should-gm-make-in-its-first-year/#comment-31925 March 3rd, 2008 at 1:18 pm <a href="http://wisegloden.blogsavy.com/" rel="nofollow">Wise Golden</a> ....GM may be underestimating the ability of the average American consumer to grasp and understand this concept....***   ***   ****   ***** Wise,  I think you're right on a number of levels.  The general public should not for a minute think that the Volt is a "pretty" entrant  late to the hybrid party.   It of course is NOT a hybrid.   GM's advertising does nothing to educate the public.  I wonder how much they spent on that ridiculous ad where the children are listening to the hood of the car.   Whatever it was it would have been better spent explaining and demonstrating exactly what the Volt is. I've said it before, but now that GM actually has products they need to stop advertising like they're selling a fresh coat of paint and a rebate. March 3rd, 2008 at 1:18 pm Wise Golden ….GM may be underestimating the ability of the average American consumer to grasp and understand this concept….***   ***   ****   *****

Wise,  I think you’re right on a number of levels.  The general public should not for a minute think that the Volt is a "pretty" entrant  late to the hybrid party.   It of course is NOT a hybrid.   GM’s advertising does nothing to educate the public.  I wonder how much they spent on that ridiculous ad where the children are listening to the hood of the car.   Whatever it was it would have been better spent explaining and demonstrating exactly what the Volt is.

I’ve said it before, but now that GM actually has products they need to stop advertising like they’re selling a fresh coat of paint and a rebate.

]]> By: cybereye http://gm-volt.com/2008/03/03/how-many-chevy-volts-should-gm-make-in-its-first-year/#comment-31924 cybereye Tue, 04 Mar 2008 00:40:30 +0000 http://www.gm-volt.com/2008/03/03/how-many-chevy-volts-should-gm-make-in-its-first-year/#comment-31924 If GM make the 10,000 volt. It would be come a auto collector as the first mass production electric drive system car . I know the EV1 is the first Electric car, but it wasn't made for the plublic. So the collector didn't have in thier hands. It may also be version 1 as well. I prefer just keep the production until the next year model is ready. If GM make the 10,000 volt. It would be come a auto collector as the first mass production electric drive system car . I know the EV1 is the first Electric car, but it wasn’t made for the plublic. So the collector didn’t have in thier hands. It may also be version 1 as well. I prefer just keep the production until the next year model is ready.

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