AND 
More from Bob Lutz on the Volt Roll-out Plan
In a previous post we discussed Bob Lutz’ statement that the Volt may first go to California, Florida, Washington DC, and New York.
There was and still is a great discussion which ensued. One of dozens of interesting comments echoed by several was that perhaps it doesn’t matter as much where the Volts start rolling out, but rather how long it will take to go from initial launch to widespread availability.
I thought I’d try to take that question to the top, Mr. Lutz himself.
At my request, his spokesperson, Mr. Dee Allen discussed it with him and offered us the following response:
"Lyle, I talked to Bob. The marketing plan(s) isn’t set and won’t be until we get far closer to production. His reference to the "smile states" (CA, FL, DC, NY etc) is based on the high number of ‘early adopters’ there. Still, the plans have not really gone beyond the discussion phase."
This again confirms how early the Volt marketing plan actually is, and that we still have time to make our wishes known.
Although I haven’t so far, it may soon be time to start asking people on the waiting list to give me their locations too. Where exactly are those early adopters?
123 Responses to “More from Bob Lutz on the Volt Roll-out Plan”
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April 10th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
A by state breakdown would be a nice bit of information for the Volt Marketing team to have. With the majority of early adopters for the Volt here I can’t think of a better place to set this up.
Perhaps you could do it as a more complex poll with 1 of 50 possible responses (by state) and publish the results. The more tedious answer is to get actual home addresses for each person on the reserve list.
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April 10th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
Dear Lyle,
On the waiting list in San Antonio ,Texas
Please confirm delivery dates???
Thanks,
Tom
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April 10th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
This sounds like a great opportunity to whip up a Perl script and a spambot (er.. I mean “automated mail daemon”…) to e-mail the 17 thousand people on the list and then read their reply into a database.
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April 10th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
I think the biggest market for green cars is California, period. We buy more hybrids, so the Volt will sell like hotcakes here.
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April 10th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Lyle:
If you really want to do this right, it should be broken down by State, County, User Name (or Real Name), and possibly an e-mail address. The full address would just be overkill, unless GM is going to plan to contact us individually by the USPS.
One way to do this would be to set up a new thread in the forum. Have the users enter the following separated by commas:
State, County, Name, e-mail address
Here is another thought:
I have a meeting scheduled with my ISP about my web site on Monday. If you would like, I could ask him about what it would take to get a short program put together to just ask the necessary info and store it in a file that could be then sent to you or GM when needed. Think about what info you want to keep and let me know.
I think this is a great idea, to see where the early adopter users are really located!!!
I am more than willing to do this. If you are interested, send me an e-mail, and we can discuss it further.
Thanks.
Jim
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April 10th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
Glad to see the ‘W’ trifecta is still in play.
When
What
Where
And of course lastly…how much.
It’s amazing how much learn…and don’t learn at the same time.
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April 10th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
As soon as I hit submit, I realized I should have added a field for “Country” as the first field. I apologize to all of the gm-volt.com members in other countries all over the planet!!!!!
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April 10th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
Initial roll out isn’t important to me as I am not ever going to buy a volt. What I am looking for is seeing this technology rolled out across all of GM’s and toyota’s and Ford’s product lines. So for me in Louisiana I could care less who gets the first few thousand volts, I want to see these out there in large numbers.
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April 10th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
Jim, we thank you for remembering the rest of us!
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April 10th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
Raser to Unveil Plug-in Series Hybrid Drive System for Full-Size SUVs and Pickups at SAE World Congress
http://www.greencarcongress.com/2008/04/raser-to-unveil.html#more
In February, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) entered into an agreement with Raser Technologies, Inc. for the purchase and demonstration of two of the plug-in series hybrid electric sport utility vehicles (SUVs).
http://www.greencarcongress.com/2008/02/pge-to-purchase.html
Hurry GM!!!
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April 10th, 2008 at 5:37 pm
Tim #11
From that article, Raser sounds a little like Eestor. They have agreements but do they actually have a viable product? It does say they’ve demonstrated it, which is more than anyone can say for Eestor, but that still doesn’t mean it’s close to market.
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April 10th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
@ #13–EXACTLY!!!!!!! That’s kinda what I was hoping that Jim & Lyle would have come up with. In fact, it may have been one of “ours” that started that site???!!!……….
As ALWAYS, the more exposure, the better!!!!!!!!
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April 10th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
CHICAGO!
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April 10th, 2008 at 6:27 pm
This early adopter works in Portland, OR. and lives in Washginton State.
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April 10th, 2008 at 6:34 pm
I love hearing GM execs using Silicon Valley terms like “early adopters” – it shows that they are learning a more innovative mindset, not only in design, but especially in marketing plans, that drive development efforts.
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April 10th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
Houston, TX
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April 10th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
Tagamet, #18, “I think that Lyle and US were here first and it’s hard to picture a better advocate for GM than VoltNation.”
Tag, I think more advocates help our cause and can drive more traffic to this site. Our goal, including Lyle’s is to convince GM to build this thing and sell it. The more advocates we have, the more GM will get the point.
I agree with ThombDbhomb #13.
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April 10th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
Flash #14, it was started by a guy named Karl Cox. I’m wondering if he has been here too. The name sounds familiar for some reason.
Either way, I welcome the help he is giving to our cause. I signed up on his page.
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April 10th, 2008 at 7:18 pm
Jim I, #5, Please include City in your idea. I live in Connecticut and counties are meaningless here. We don’t have such a thing as a county government and hardly ever refer to our county for anything other the weather related stuff. Counties here are strictly geographic locations. Nothing more.
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April 10th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
Can we add Arizona to the list!
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April 10th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
Rashid,
I guess that I already know that the Volt IS a reality and believe that demand will far outstrip supply for the foreseeable future.
Don’t you?
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April 10th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
Waiting in (sunny Eastern) WA State.
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April 10th, 2008 at 7:32 pm
Montgomery County, PA (southeastern PA)
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April 10th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
I admit to living in the very center of the great Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, It’s not a big town, but we ARE up to about 8 miles of that new Mack-Adam hard road. We’ve had elec-Trickle wires hung for years now, so plugging in won’t be too hard (we’re really good at taking turns with the neighbors).
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April 10th, 2008 at 7:47 pm
Rashiid #22:
Counties being geographic locations was exactly why I thought to use it over city names. Why have Boardman, Canfield, and Poland Ohio, which are all within 5 miles of each other, when they can all just be Mahoning County? Easier for GM to locate dealership locations, was my thought process….
Lyle, what do you think?
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April 10th, 2008 at 7:49 pm
Bristol,Ct I have been waiting for a vehicle that uses mostly U.S.A. energy for thirty years. My 10 year old tacoma is my last petro powered vehicle. When I am able to buy a volt I will.
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April 10th, 2008 at 8:01 pm
The Fisker Karma roll-out schedule is described by Henrik Fisker in a video made at the March 2008 Geneva show. Fisker has already sold out the initial run for 2009 and expects to make 15,000 cars per year.
http://www.fiskerautomotive.com/news/
Looking forward to a less expensive Chevy Volt in Michigan by 2010.
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April 10th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
Let’s see, 30ish supposed months to launch and “This again confirms how early the Volt marketing plan actually is.” Makes you want to think this far into a major roll out, what is GM marketing up to, how to sell SUV’s? If this is how you handle the most important project at GM, you might question whether or not the schedule is real…..
Slips and cost over runs, the song remains the same. Different verse same old song.
Personally, I would NOT buy the first year of any new model much less the first model year of an entirely new technology.
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April 10th, 2008 at 8:30 pm
New London county, CT here. Quietly and patiently waiting for the Volt, as diesel here is back up to $4.30/gal here for the second time in a month. That being said, I would really like to see a diesel option on the range-extender. My little Jetta will be about ready for retirement by the time the Volt is available…can’t wait.
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April 10th, 2008 at 8:33 pm
Please don’t forget about us Canadians up here in the Toronto area. There are a lot of commuters that go to and from the outlying Toronto suburbs everyday that would save tons of gas with a car like the Volt.
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April 10th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with check in hand.
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April 10th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
Oh, BTW, gas is now at $1.12/litre here in the Toronto area.
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April 10th, 2008 at 8:36 pm
@#29 Al
…”Personally, I would NOT buy the first year of any new model much less the first model year of an entirely new technology.”
THANKS!
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April 10th, 2008 at 8:42 pm
To be honest, beyond the initial 1st year 10K roll out, I don’t think geography will have anything to do with it. I believe GM will observe, assess, re-engineer, and correct, and ramp up for the second year. Just my guess, but by this time they’ll do what they’ve always done for new car roll outs, and start thinking about broadening the e-flex line.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, I don’t think geography should have anything to do with the initial 10K either. It should be about getting these vehicles into the hands of enthusiasts who really want them and will work with GM. Hint..hint…..GM-Volt waiting list….
.
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April 10th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
Yes, GM needs a more comprehensive list with names and geographic info while retaining the numbering order of the original waiting list.
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April 10th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
#27 srschrier
Nice wording…very optimisitic.
The only cars that you have any chance of getting in 2009, the one’s the CEO says ‘they are hoping to start production on at the end of 2009′…are the first 99 ‘premium edition cars’ (that you had to plunk down a extra $4,000 for (5k vs 1k dep).
No one even knows the standard or optional equipment that will be available. It has no dealer network. They just gave out the drive system contract to Quantum. You get to have a ‘test drive’ in ‘early fall’ Heck if you were getting the car a couple weeks later I think I’d skipping making a trip to ‘test drive’
The only thing Fisker sold out is the 99 ‘premium edition cars’. The rest –> ’standard orders’ are still well below the initial ‘vision of selling 15,000′ (Fisker’s words, not mine)…and are estimated to be delivered ’second half 2010′
I’m all for more electric cars…but even if you want a Fisker your probably waiting until 2011, (unless you are in the first 99…then your probably mid 2010).
But as always…I’m happy to be wrong. I’m Mr. Pessimist. I’ll be the first to say I am wrong. I’ll probably still be here waiting for my first electric car.
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April 10th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
On the one hand, buying the first generation is typically a mistake, the second generation Prius was far better, and the third generation is expected to be better yet. But, on the other hand, I owned a 57 Chevy, and a 66 Mustang, both icons. I think the Volt will be an icon, a collector item, and will have very high resale value. Computer modeling and component level testing will ensure the car is solid, although some recalls are to be expected. Small penalty for driving gas free and and smiling that self-satisfied smile to all who turn their heads and watch me go quietly down the road.
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April 10th, 2008 at 8:54 pm
Another vote for WA state
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April 10th, 2008 at 9:03 pm
Statik “But as always…I’m happy to be wrong. I’m Mr. Pessimist. I’ll be the first to say I am wrong. I’ll probably still be here waiting for my first electric car.”
Correction: **I’ll** be the first to say you’re wrong (g)
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April 10th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
Two votes here for Hagerstown, Maryland and Frederick, Maryland. So far. Close to DC, by the way!
I’m working on lots more people in this area, I think a few more may pony up once they “get it”. Educate the masses, everyone!!
I really have very few reservations about the gen 1 Volt. GM is spending an incredible amount of effort to get this car right. It may not be perfect in 2010, but it will be close enough for me. At some point, you have to stop playing safe and take risks. This will be a calculated one for me.
There is uncertainty in every new car purchase. Maybe there is slightly more for the Volt. But its not like we don’t know the sources of the risk. I would rather be part of a revolutionary engineering exercise than be a wallflower.
2010 can’t get here fast enough.
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April 10th, 2008 at 9:19 pm
Is it better to be an early part of a new wave of technology or frozen into inaction by fear?
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April 10th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
Tennessee
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April 10th, 2008 at 10:08 pm
I’ll take a first gen Volt without reservation.
Yet another vote for WA state.
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April 10th, 2008 at 10:26 pm
Lyle K.I.S.S. As per #3
Send out a spambot to everyone on the mailing list asking them to update their details.
Have a specific list of fields they (GM) would like info on. Ask GM what THEY want to know. AND, ask if waiting list members could be given preference, which WE want to know !!!! At least a1,000 cars, assuming a 10% takeup should go a long way to keeping the early adoptors happy. I’m IN NZ, so waiting for 2012.
PS #32 Cannuk, boo hoo, we hit $1.82 / litre yesterday. Our prices are based upon TAPIS (Singapore node) which hit $115 the other day. Diesel up 11 cents last week. Food up next month, as increases roll through economy.
Lyle buddy, we are counting upon you, to make the waiting list work fur US.
Hell man, some of us are so serious, we are actually living within our means and SAVING money each week for this car.
Kind Regards
David
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April 10th, 2008 at 10:26 pm
#39 Tag
“Correction: **I’ll** be the first to say you’re wrong (g)”
I’m sure you will be, hehe. At least I am using my ’super powers of reality’ on more than just the Volt. I’m a equal opportunity party pooper.
(=
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April 10th, 2008 at 10:27 pm
This is not just a new model year, with a few changes here and there. It is a whole new technology with about the only thing the same is that it has four wheels. Caution is not called inaction, it is called wisdom! (fools rush in ring a bell?) $50,000 is too much money for me to just give it a “whirl.” I guess I don’t hype too well, sorry marketers. You early adopters have a ball. I’ll wait a year or three when batteries are cheaper, and the technology is a bit more proven. The first Plasma screens were $10,000, current 42″ models are a LOT nicer at 1/10th the cost. Thank goodness for a free market.
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April 10th, 2008 at 10:41 pm
I think the people of Detroit need to see them on their streets ASAP because this is GM’s hometown and it would probably give the people in this area their hope back about the condition of the American auto industry! Come on, It’s the (electric) Motor City!
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April 10th, 2008 at 10:43 pm
Al ! I SAID thanks! No need at all to explain yourself. I’m just glad you’re not in the mix.
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April 10th, 2008 at 10:50 pm
That would be great, except that success is measured by successful application of technology and increased consumer demand>>>>REVENUE. If rolling them out in Detroit achieves this then that’s what they’ll decide, but it may be a bit more complicated.
I’ve said it before that the initial roll out will be whatever GM decides. I’ve DECIDED that my best chance will most likely be 2011, given the current schedule.
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April 10th, 2008 at 11:09 pm
With the exception of the Hollywood elite, the volt will be as popular with the american public as the Edsel. Thee Volt is out of juice before it even reaches the showroom!
The Prius has an established customer base, is ready to roll out its third generation of hybrid technology, it actually MAKES money for Toyota, and it is priced to be affordable. The Volt is expensive, and at a severe cost disadvantage over Toyota. Assuming this car sells for $40k, the annual fuel savings over a Prius are minuscule and would take about 30 years to recoup. Plus, Toyota is ramping up production of the Prius to 450k units worldwide. Not to mention a plug in version is only a few years away, and I’m willing to bet it will be SUBSTANTIALLY LESS than the Volt.
IMHO this whole thing is going to be a catastrophic failure for GM.
It’s sad how far this once great company has fallen, and it has happened in the last 10-15 years. And during the same period the Japanese, German, and Korean companies have thrived.
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April 10th, 2008 at 11:19 pm
Northern California here..Sacramento area.. The car will get a good workout in the Sierra foothills…I want to be able to build my car online with every option available..I won`t get into a bidding war to get one…If so count me out..I want GM to contact me when the time comes…Right now I am holding off the wife…So (get er done)…….
Ed Noble
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April 10th, 2008 at 11:25 pm
Loopy at 51
So we’ll out you down as a “no”?
THANKS
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April 10th, 2008 at 11:26 pm
Oops, PUT
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April 10th, 2008 at 11:32 pm
Although off-topic, I want to mention here that an excellent post by BillR today on our Forum led me to do a quick calculation/prediction over there of the production Volt’s 0-60 time…..
6.79SEC (or <6 secs with a very minor reduction gear ratio change)!
For details….. http://www.gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?t=252
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April 10th, 2008 at 11:37 pm
Tagamet:
That is correct!
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April 10th, 2008 at 11:46 pm
53 Tag
You are quite boring with you abusive rants. Isn’t it OK to have a different opinion here? You may just run people off that have a little interest in this vehicle – and the means to actually purchase one. Is that your goal?
I say Lou and everyone else has an opinion and as much a right to it as you. This is America where people have the right to chose when and which vehicle they will drive. Your browbeating does nothing to engender GM products to anyone.
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April 10th, 2008 at 11:50 pm
Lou,
I agree with some of your conclusions, but not all. I agree that GM and the other big 3 are giving up ground quickly to foreign auto makers. I also agree that the Prius does have a solid following (specifically to those I’ve spoken w/ who own one and love their cars). I am also inclined to believe that with the head-start that Toyota has, their newest version of the Prius will be substantially less expensive than the Volt.
However, I disagree with your pessimistic view of a possible future. You speak of the Toyota with loving accolade because they have taken chances with new technology (read: the Prius), stuck with the concept through growing pains, and have continued to make it available to the masses, then you slam GM for being willing to attempt the same things. How is it that you can sit with such distain for a vehicle that will offer individuals the ability to choose another ecofriendly (and pocketbook friendly) option, specifically one designed and built in the US?
Will the volt have growing pains??? You bet. Can the technology be improved upon??? Sure. However, there are some who would be willing to pay a bit more to drive a vehicle that would allow us greatly reduced commuting costs, while driving something that isn’t as ugly as the Prius.
Phoenix, AZ
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April 11th, 2008 at 12:34 am
Omegaman66 at #8
You are such a hypocrit by saying you are never going to buy a Volt and on the Fox interview thread you said “By non-volters hearing something like the range of the vehicle they are going to think that they will need to recharge it after 400 miles and make it useless for long trips.”
So do you care what non-volters hear or not?
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April 11th, 2008 at 12:36 am
And yet ANOTHER vote for Washington State!
Microsoft, Boeing, –We are the silicon valley of the north! Do you realize how many tech types live up here and would gladly be “early adopters” for this car?
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April 11th, 2008 at 1:13 am
Adam, I think I’m the second one on your map. interesting initiative.
Jim #5, good idea, don’t forget the Europeans, the EU is more populated that the US of A so the field “country” is a minimum, region or province inside the country would be more appropriate.
Thanks
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April 11th, 2008 at 1:41 am
Lyle:
Great job with the recent Volt Nation coverage and interviews with GM’s team. This site is an excellent resource for anyone interested in combatting our addiction to oll.
I’m on the “unofficial waiting list” and hope to get a Volt in 2010-11, assuming it enters limited production in 2010. I live in Orange County, California, which is part of the Greater Los Angeles area.
Keep up the excellent work. Thanks.
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April 11th, 2008 at 3:48 am
I consider myself an early adopter and am eagerly waiting for the Volt. I live in the Central Texas Corridor (San Antonio/San Marcos) and really don’t want to see my region counted out. And if nothing else, I think that it is essential that Texas be included as one of the first introductory markets for the Volt. Austin Energy has done a lot to spearhead municipal and utility readiness for plug-in hybrids and range-extending electrics and it would be very unfortunate to perpetuate the belief that the CARB states are the only ones that have pushed for alternative vehicle technologies or are the only ones with policies that show concern for the environment. Texas has been a leader in alternative energy for some time and has also in recent years pushed for vehicles like the Volt. We have a large driving public, comparable to California’s, and a significant demand for gas-friendly to gas-free vehicles. And personally, I believe that it would be best to introduce the Volt to all corners of the United States before widespread release. And by that I mean one dealer for each region can sell and service the first releases. In place like LA, San Francisco, Seattle, Denver, Austin, Chicago, and so on. A few dozen dealers dispersed throughout the US, rather than the same number in a much smaller handful of states. Early adopters are everywhere, and it is not good business to exclude them because of where they live. I’m sure the Volt creates enough enthusiasm for someone to be willing to travel a good distance to purchase and service them. That would be a good survey question, in my opinion, in order to maximize the effectiveness of the early release. Don’t just ask how much a person will pay to acquire a Volt, ask how far he or she will be willing to go to get one. My answer is 150 miles. That’s Houston for me. Find out what others think.
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April 11th, 2008 at 5:30 am
#44 NZDavid
David,
I know that about 25 years ago Mobil Oil built a plant in NZ that converted natural gas into high grade gasoline. The last I knew, it had been shut down.
Any talk of re-comissioning this plant?
Thanks,
Bill
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April 11th, 2008 at 5:59 am
Montgomery County, PA
about 1 hour west of Philly.
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April 11th, 2008 at 6:34 am
Grant Center, Mecosta Co. MI, Volt could use a test in Michigan winters and rural driving. I’m ready!!! what better way to help make sure my Son doesn’t have to return to Iraq to fight for oil.
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April 11th, 2008 at 6:40 am
Posting Test – I am having a problem posting – please ignore
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April 11th, 2008 at 6:42 am
Greater Orlando Florida, Kennedy Space Ctr, >50million visitors/yr!
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April 11th, 2008 at 6:53 am
How about this for info to send to GM:
Country – State/Province/Region – City – E-Mail Address – Last Name – First Name
And then for additional info:
Are you willing to participates in a data transfer program with your car? – Would you be willing to give written or verbal experience reports to GM? – What level of factory installed options for your Volt are you interested, Low or Medium or High? – Would you be willing to install a 240 volt charging outlet in your home? – Would you be willing to place a pre-order deposit, and if yes, how much?
Have I missed anything?
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April 11th, 2008 at 7:10 am
A better plan for introduction would be to sell nationally (through websites and phone conversation with national salesmen) and then deliver locally (through local dealers). That way there could be accurate information on the car presented to customers. For service, delivery would be through dealers who had sent personnel to training (an incentive) and would keep dealers in the loop (essential) The geographic distribution would be determined by actual sales to real customers, rather than polls and projections. At the same time, advertising or incentives could focus sales on selected regions, such as California, without excluding anyone.
Similarly, there could be a national service plan (car monitored by OnStar, customer directed to nearby qualified dealer, reminder email for ordinary inspection and maintenance, and anything special about the car discovered with experience). If over time the car became so well accepted the it was “ordinary”, then the system could regress to the ordinary one. But, it could be that that the new national/local system for sales and service proved so much better that nobody wanted to go back.
A really new car gives GM the opportunity to have a newly framed and much more modern sales strategy, one learning from the very successful “clicks and bricks” systems developed by other retailers serving similar customers. It could be win, win, win for customers, GM, and their dealers.
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April 11th, 2008 at 7:26 am
Anyone with experience in logistics, HELP Lyle out. 20,000 names like this could be a pain in the a$$. A database with more than an email address should be built, but going back through while maintaining priority would be difficult I’d think.
Dayton, Ohio
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April 11th, 2008 at 7:42 am
#64 BillR,
The Mobil approach had issues with catalyst fouling. I don’t know if that was ever solved. There are also economic issues. I believe Mobil first converted methane to methanol, then methanol to gasoline. It has to be a lot cheaper to simply use methane in cars directly.
UMass-Amherst researchers recently announced a technique which uses the same catalyst to convert biomass to gasoline. I don’t know if they’ve addressed catalyst fouling. The work is discussed here (note, this article combines two different efforts, you want the Huber/Carlson/Vispute project using ZSM-5 catalyst — the Dumesic project is something else entirely):
http://www.greencarcongress.com/2008/04/researchers-rep.html
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April 11th, 2008 at 8:02 am
Lyle,
1. Has GM indicated if they will honor your waiting list to at least offer those on that list the first opportunity to buy the Volt? What if we commit to a deposit?
2. If you live in a state other than the “smile states” will GM allow those of us on the waiting list to buy the Volt through dealerships in those states?
I live in CT and would travel to NY in a heartbeat to get a Volt.
Thanks,
Rich
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April 11th, 2008 at 8:35 am
Sort them for GM by zipcode. Roanoke VA 24101
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April 11th, 2008 at 8:46 am
Chicago, IL
How about setting up a Poll… just do it by the 50 states for now and ask “If you are planning to buy a Volt, what state are you in?” Or if you can offer an “other fill in the blank” poll choice, then make that the only choice and respondants can fill in in their “City, State” to get a more accurate picture.
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April 11th, 2008 at 9:04 am
I think for most of us, 2013 is an optimistic guess for actually being able to buy a volt. That’s why I’d be willing to buy a used mule now rather than a wonderful new Volt sometime, maybe.
If you really want an electric car, buy a lightweight aerodynamic vehicle that appeals to you and convert it to electric. It worked for me.
I’m in Connecticut. I’d take delivery of my new Volt in Oregon if I could get it sooner.
There is an EV club meeting in CT tomorrow April 12 at 2pm. See http://www.neeaa.org for details. You should be able to see and drive some conversions there.
storm
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April 11th, 2008 at 9:32 am
Cool Map!
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April 11th, 2008 at 9:55 am
It’s not just in the US that people want the VOLT, You could send 100 of them to Edmonton, Alberta Canada and they would be SOLD even before they come off the delivery Truck..
I live 15 Minutes from 2 Chevy dealerships and have told them both that I WANT one of the FIRST VOLTS to arrive….
(In black with ALL the options) and when can I expect it to arrive…
35 – 48 K… It is still doable.. Just get one here.
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April 11th, 2008 at 10:04 am
Hey AI, You’re a Hoot (lol)
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April 11th, 2008 at 10:06 am
Frisco, TX (N Dallas)
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April 11th, 2008 at 10:20 am
I’d really encourage people to “populate” that map with their pins!
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April 11th, 2008 at 10:57 am
#74, Shawn Marshall, “Sort them for GM by zipcode. Roanoke VA 24101″
Great Idea. Connecticut Zip Codes all start with zero!
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April 11th, 2008 at 11:06 am
#81 Tagamet:
Done!
#56 Al:
Boring rants? Man, you must not have done much blogging. I have never seen anything here that even rises to anywhere near the level of a “rant”. I have seen things onpolitical blogs, and even had a few directed at me, that would curl your hair. This is pretty professional and courteous, IMHO.
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April 11th, 2008 at 11:24 am
Lyle:
Right. I heard the General, Petreaus or however it is spelled, repeat the old truism to the Senate committee the other day: “No battle plan survives the first encounter with the enemy.” So it is with this “marketing plan”.
We just need to keep our powder dry, possibly save up a few bucks as NZ David so wisely suggests at #44, and hope for the best.
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April 11th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Noel:
Thanks for “pinning” the map. It’d be pretty depressing if GM held it up and pointed to 20 pins!
I definitely agree with the “keep our powder dry” comment as well. After all, we have a couple of YEARS to mull this over.
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April 11th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
Lyle:
Great work on everything VOLT!
Ditto on what MLRTYME says!
Put me on the list for VANCOUVER, BC (willing to put down deposit too) !!
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April 11th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
Omaha, Nebraska (Go Huskers!)
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April 11th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
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April 11th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
#60 Jean-Charles Jacquemin:
#76, 80, 84 Tagamet:
The map is VERY cool. Thanks for your encouragement. Even I figured it out eventually. I probably wouldn’t have bothered without the push from you. Maybe this is another way to express your inspiring world vision Jean-Charles.
BTW, where did it go? Do either one of you remember what number it was? I have scrolled up and down here until I have a headache, and I can’t find it. It would be a pity to lose it, because I think that it would be a big help in answering the questioons above.
I have to wonder what happens when everyone here puts up a dot. It looks to me like the whole thing will be covered by the close of business today. Do you think that it will consolidate the dots into bigger and or different color dots, or what?
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April 11th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
I’m in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
I could easily pick one up in Ottawa or Montreal.
I’m even willing to cross the border to buy one.
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April 11th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Noel #88:
I think that Lyle may have deleted the link to that other site, as I can not find it either. It was actually a very good idea! The only thing lacking for basic information was having our priority # of the original list as a part of the “Pin”.
Also, a post I tried to make several times this morning, that would not show up, is now here as post # 68.
It is kind of curious…………
Lyle: If you want some help with expanding your database list, just ask!
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April 11th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
#90 Jim I:
Thanks. If it disappeared it’s too bad. Someone here yesterday, referring to the “where’smyvolt.com”, or whatever it is, website, made the point that these things all build off of each other and reinforce each other. I completely agree.
Sorry if it’s a dumb question but, if you figured out your priority # from the original list, how did you do it?
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April 11th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Noel:
I was able to find the link to the map site that was set up for the Chevy Volt. I do not want to upset Lyle and post it here again, so if you want it, send me a PM and I will forward the web address to you or anyone else that wants it.
Jim
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April 11th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
I have no idea how people are saying they are a particular number on the list. And I honestly can not remember even approximately where I am on it…..
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April 11th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
St.Louis, MO here!
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April 11th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
Let’s see the Volt in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis/Saint Paul. There are lots of people up here that are ready for an electric vehicle!
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April 11th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
MLRTYME (#57),
Forgive me if it seems I’m “slamming” GM about Volt development. My view is more pessimistic than anything. I’ve watched this company decline over the past 15 years or so, especially here in the Dayton Ohio area where I live. I think it is a great idea and I hope it works out for GM. This whole thing seems to me to be a desperate Hail Mary play. Considering their market share and financial position I just think they are gonna lose their a$$e$ on this whole thing.
And in proven GM fashion they’ll probably offer a re badged version for each automotive division. I can see it now: the Cadillac Current, the Pontiac Buzz, the Saturn Circuit, and the Buick Lightning! The same car in different dealerships.
With the proven technology of the Prius and a more obtainable price, I would buy a Prius because I know what I am getting. At 40+K and unproven technology the Volt is too much for me. And yes I do own a GM car. I drive a 2007 Saturn Outlook, or is it a GMC Acadia?!? It is an Outlook and it’s a great car. I chose it over a Pilot, Highlander and Santa Fe.
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April 11th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
@ Jim I #69
“Have I forgotten anything”?
You forgot:
“Will you donate a kidney to move up the list…..”
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April 11th, 2008 at 6:35 pm
I can’t wait to get one here in the motorcity (Detroit)!
They can’t neglect the motorcity can they?
Mark
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April 11th, 2008 at 10:44 pm
I’d like to see them for sale in upstate NY please.
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April 11th, 2008 at 10:55 pm
Tag #97:
I don’t think I will give up any body parts, even for a Volt………….
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April 11th, 2008 at 11:11 pm
Jim I said:
I don’t think I will give up any body parts, even for a Volt………….
Put Jim on the “B” list, Lyle (lol)
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April 12th, 2008 at 12:05 am
Per Lyle the map has been taken down. I PM’d him about it and told him if he was planning to do something else I would take down the map. He said he did so the map has been deactivated. Thanks to whomever added their pin to the map. I look forward to seeing what Lyle will have available.
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April 12th, 2008 at 2:54 am
#63 BillR
The plant you speak of was a Mobil Synfuel Plant which used Methanol from another plant. It ‘mothballed’ when fuel became really cheap in the 90’s.
Unfortunately, the Methanol plant has also been ‘mothballed’ as there is no longer enough gas to supply it. In fact we should hit ‘peak gas’ about 2014 – 2020, so all those gas turbine power plants, might not be able to power my Volt when it arrives. Oh the Irony. lol. Personally, as a wind farm consultant, I find it quite funny.
PS: Bill, if you live in NA, YOU don’t have any spare gas either, so no point buying the plant(s).
Kind Regards
David
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April 12th, 2008 at 4:56 am
lol someone commented:
Oh, BTW, gas is now at $1.12/litre here in the Toronto area.
Damn you must feel lucky it’s that freaking cheap =D.
The cheapest gas station here will cost: 2,29 dollar a liter. ( 8,66 dollar a gallon )
But the advise price atm is: 2,45 dollar a litter. ( 9,27 dollar a gallon )
And this is in The netherlands.
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April 12th, 2008 at 8:34 am
I also think Toronto would be a great location. The greater Toronto area has over 4.5M people and it would feed the market for all of Ontario (13M) and Quebec (8M). In addition, Ontario is rolling out Smart Meters to all homes by 2010. The night-time electricity rates are only 30% of peak-day rates! This car will spread like wild-fire here. Check it out:
http://www.theimo.com/imoweb/siteShared/smart_meters.asp?sid=ic
GM could also probably swing some $$$ from the provincial government to assemble these things in Oshawa or Windsor, or for parts manufacture elsewhere in the province. Let’s roll, baby!
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April 12th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
Lyle:
Adam and I were not trying to stomp on your site by offering to help. We were just offering our services!
And please don’t turn this into one of those sites where a link to a site that may have what you consider to be competition, gets removed…………
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April 12th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
Southeastern Michigan is a must! I live in Ann Arbor (Go Blue!), in whose environs the Prius and Civic Hybrid are commonly seen models.
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April 12th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
Jim I said:
Lyle:
Adam and I were not trying to stomp on your site by offering to help. We were just offering our services!
And please don’t turn this into one of those sites where a link to a site that may have what you consider to be competition, gets removed…………
We shrinks have a saying: “look to the history”. Basically, if a behavior has been evidenced in the past, it’s probably not a fluke now. Given that I don’t think that Lyle has ever removed a link (even ones highly critical), I seriously doubt that this site will become “one of those sites”. If it DOES, it’d represent a very negative change (in my never to be humble opinion).
I suspect, as was stated, that Lyle has something even better up his nimble sleeve.
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April 12th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
Chicago, IL.
But I, too, will drive anywhere!
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April 12th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
Another one for the hangin’ shad sate…errr….Sunshine State
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April 12th, 2008 at 9:31 pm
Here one in ARIZONA…
Can’t wait till the date of production…
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April 13th, 2008 at 12:16 am
Michigan…..Saginaw
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April 13th, 2008 at 8:11 pm
This might be a nutty idea ehh! release a bunch of volts in Vancouver for the 2010 winter olympics.
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April 13th, 2008 at 9:02 pm
I think that the US Postal Service has already provided a fine locator for the prospective buyers of the Volt. GM already knows how to match ZIPCODES to their Dealer Location Database.
Revamp the profile page of the website to include ZIPCODE.
Serious members will add their ZIPCODE in a heartbeat.
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April 14th, 2008 at 9:24 am
HI LYLE, HOW DO I GET ON THE WAITING LIST????
I’M IN THE WASHINGTON, D.C. AREA.
PLEASE LET ME KNOW HOW I CAN BE A PART OF
THE WAIITNG LIST.
I WANT THE VOLT, BAD..
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April 14th, 2008 at 7:58 pm
I can’t believe GM don’t have the technology to built this car with all the financed they have. they are a little group of people they built the tesla roadster in California go see the website: http://www.teslamotors.com/
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April 15th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
I’m on the waiting list in Las Cruces, NM. El Paso, TX is nearby.
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April 16th, 2008 at 10:07 am
In regards to #4, I don’t believe that California adopts hybrids more than any other state based solely on “early adoptors”, but rather because certain hybrids are confined to certain states.
For instance, here in Michigan there is plenty consumer demand for all sorts of hybrids. I recently started my search for a new vehicle and I am searching for hybrids only. Certain cars are already off my list because I can not buy it in my state or in nearby states. One, the hybrid Nissan Altima (according to 3 local dealers) is -only- available in CA.
I think confining car sales to certain states is ignorant. It leads to bad consumer demand data, and skews public perception of consumer acceptance. Your comment alludes to the latter. If widespread acceptance of any hybrid/phev is to be achieved it must be available to all, otherwise people will see it as some vehicle for ” crackpots and loonies” as some uninformed people I know say.
I like a national rollout like how #69 mentioned. One thing that GM will have to do though is to place a vehicle to test drive in select dealers in every state. I for one will never buy a vehicle on someones word or a pamplete, I like to kick the tires a little.
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April 17th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Just found what I’ve been wondering about. What counties of the United States are THE worst offenders when it comes to carbon dioxide emissions.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080416175442.htm
http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/2008/04/080416175442-large.jpg
These are the places that Al Gore and the other environmentalists ought to be focused on. People in these counties won’t want to have the stigma of living in a county that might be smogging up their area and causing global warming. Coal plants spew out a bunch of mercury and who knows what else you know. Living near a coal plant is probably FAR worse than living near a nuclear plant like we’ve been lead to believe. Not a place you really want to raise your kids. Kind of like living with a chain smoker. Not good. No doubt about it.
No wonder LA and Houston have some of the worst pollution in America. Apparently, they have the most COAL PLANTS. I bet this really irks all the environmentalists in California and makes them want to switch to solar thermal, wind, and photovoltaic energy.
I bet California is going to figure out ways of shutting down those old coal plants before long. I bet a lot of new Volt and hybrid car owners in the LA area will NOT like the idea that their new cars will be running on electricity that came primarily from old, dirty coal plants. It looks like California would have to be very desperate for cheap electricity before they EVER build another NEW coal plant there … even one of those so-called “clean coal” plants. Ain’t gonna happen. The environmentalists would freak out.
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April 17th, 2008 at 11:41 pm
MONTREAL, Canada
Lyle, I really suggest we start a second waiting list where everyone puts down their address. This way, it will be much easier to satisfy all of us here at Volt Nation, and making sure we’re the ones getting our Volts first!!
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April 21st, 2008 at 7:57 am
Another vote for the Toronto area.
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April 21st, 2008 at 5:42 pm
I’m in Toronto and am keeping my fingers crossed that it will be available to Canadians!
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April 22nd, 2008 at 6:54 pm
It will.
In one of the last articles posted regarding China, they mentioned that the Chinese won’t be seeing the Volt until it is fully commercialized across the States and Canada. Read the articles and you’ll see.
They better get it up here cause I’m gonna have to travel down to NY and get mine as soon as it comes out. I was watching the hockey game yesterday and I saw my first Volt commercial; I almost passed out in front of the TV! They’re finally advertising for the Volt in Montreal. Do you guys have those ads in Toronto also?
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