GM-Volt.com Chevy Volt Waiting List Reaches 20,000 Members

May 4th, 2008 | Posted in: Production

We have reached another milestone here at GM-Volt.com. As of today, over 20,000 people have expressed interest in buying a Chevy Volt when it arrives by signing up on our virtual waiting list.

When the site began, it was my hope that I could create a place where we could demonstrate to GM that we really wanted this car to happen, so that the concept wouldn’t die.

I believe we have done this, in a loud, large, and resounding way. GM knows full well about us and at this point the Chevy Volt program is in full gear, well-endowed, and moving rapidly towards production.

However, our work does not end here.

It still isn’t clear how much the Volt will cost, although most estimates put it around $35,000. Also not clear is how many Volts will be produced in the first model year, estimates put that at at least 10,000.

Now that the waiting list has grown large and strong, we must continue to make it grow.

The next steps will be to see how we can influence the roll out of the cars. With the help of a dedicated Volt fan and programmer, I plan to upgrade the waiting list into a dynamic feature which will show in real time the number of members and the population distribution.

My effort will be directed at how to ensure that those here who want one, will be able to get their Volts.

This will be challenging. There is a method and process through which GM delivers car to dealerships. There are about 4000 Chevy dealerships, so if only 10,000 cars should be made, how will they be distributed? GM vice-chair Bob Lutz has mentioned the possibility of early distribution to “smile states” such as California, New York, Washington D.C., and Florida, but also indicates that final plans haven’t been made yet.

We will need to develop an understanding of the distribution process to try and ensure that GM-Volt waiting list members get first right of refusal in the order in which they signed up.

Right now I’d like to hear form you on ideas for how we can make this happen.

Next stop, 30,000.

Popularity: 5% [?]

(10 votes, average: 4.9 out of 5)

Loading ...

Posted by: Lyle

80 Responses to “GM-Volt.com Chevy Volt Waiting List Reaches 20,000 Members”

bruce g Says:
May 4th, 2008 at 8:50 pm

That is a great set of goals Lyle, well done.

[Reply]
Daniel Taylor Says:
May 4th, 2008 at 9:09 pm

I want one !!!

[Reply]
frankyB Says:
May 4th, 2008 at 9:12 pm

I’ll be more then happy to “test” the Volt in our cold winter for GM

[Reply]
Ausmartin Says:
May 4th, 2008 at 9:22 pm

Excellent.

Don’t forget Overseas - like Australia.
Our Silly politicians are giving money to Toyota to buid the Hybrid Camry here in Melbourne.

Chevy Volt - we need you in Oz.
& Quickly too.

[Reply]
Speedy Says:
May 4th, 2008 at 9:43 pm

Australia will get these Chevrolet Volt, Gm said it in march of 2008

[Reply]
Robert.V Says:
May 4th, 2008 at 9:56 pm

Will they be going back in time to deliver them?

[Reply]
Jon P. Says:
May 4th, 2008 at 10:07 pm

I think the biggest problem will be figuring out where the people that have already signed up are located. (assuming location will be a requirement of all new signees) While at the same time preserving their “place in line”. How about a little app that lets you put in your login info (which is tied to your email address) the put in your location. Or a active x control that prompts all “signed in” users to give a location.

[Reply]
Mark Says:
May 4th, 2008 at 10:34 pm

I do like the idea of the automated counter that shows in real time how many people are showing interest in the Volt.

Now GM can’t pull the plug say “There wasn’t any demand for it.!” like they did with the EV-1. 20,000 and growing daily is ‘demand’.

[Reply]
redndahead Says:
May 4th, 2008 at 10:39 pm

I would first build out the DB how you would like. Think of how much information you need without invading privacy. Keeping the number of questions small will also keep users from leaving during registration. Here is what I would ask.

* Full Name
* Email Address
* Phone Number (Specifically stating this would only be used to pass on to GM)
* Zip Code (not required for countries that don’t have them.)
* Country

With the zip code you can get the state and city using an online lookup.

Now that you have the data you can manipulate it multiple ways. A map like frappr would be nice for the site. Not necessarily helpful for GM other than a quick look. Giving them xml output of the list would probably be helpful.

A nice touch would be to relate peoples emails on the list with their emails on the forums. To give them an idea of how active the people are. The more active the more could equate to more likely they are going to buy.

Truthfully, if it was my site I would probably redo the site completely basing it off of a more flexible content management system. I would automatically register all people that are on the list to the new site using the info you already collected. Using their email address as their username. This would allow them to change their information as it may change in the 2.5 years time. But it’s your show, and what a great one it is, so I’m sure you’ll do what you feel is right.

Adam

[Reply]
redndahead Says:
May 4th, 2008 at 10:46 pm

@7 Jon P. :

No Active X control works on IE only, but I like the idea.

Once you associate a login to an email address you can just tell people to update their information. People who are serious about being on the list will go and update their information.

[Reply]
Eric E Says:
May 4th, 2008 at 10:55 pm

I have already told my banker to be ready for the day I can get my hands on one. I don’t want any delays, because I’m convinced the first delivery will go fast.

Because I live in a remote area in Montana, and our two Chevy dealerships will likely not get an an early allocation, I will be willing to buy my Volt from any dealership on the west coast. AND I am willing to accept full responsibility to get my Volt to the nearest service center for any repairs or recalls.

Lyle, I know the risks of early adoption, and am willing to accept them. I really want one of the first Volts and did when I signed up on the waiting list around number 7800. (I think) The internet is changing the very fundamentals of business, GM should continue to embrace that through the roll-out of the Volt. There could be no better wide spread marketing for GM than to put the first Volts in the hands of those who love it and understand the technology behind it. We are the customers who recognize what a major acheivement it is and will more likely accept the few needed improvements without bad mouthing the Volt to the world We are the customers who are waiting with patience for the day we can drive home a Volt.

Lastly, to do the opposite, to go with an “old school” roll-out, is not only contrary to the cutting edge technology and innovative thinking thats gone into the Volt, but it’s likely to piss some (like me) people off. If the roll-out begins in California and I fly 2300 miles to buy one and cannot because I’m not a California citizen, I will be furious.

I’m not saying I have the answer, cause I don’t, but with some MORE innovative thinking I’m sure there is a way to get the first Volts in the hands who want it most.

Lyle, I applaud your efforts.

[Reply]
Grizzly Says:
May 4th, 2008 at 11:17 pm

“We will need to develop an understanding of the distribution process to try and ensure that GM-Volt waiting list members get first right of refusal in the order in which they signed up.”

*** *** ****

I agree except that for the initial roll out of 10K, unfortunately this probably won’t happen. There is reluctantly good reason for this, especially if you’re Gm and you hope to survive.

But WRT the second release of 100K+ I’m right there with you. THIS will be the time to honor your list and make good. I don’t think that anyone on this list should hear about a neighbor buying a Volt when they can’t simply because their neighbor was in the right place at the right time, or camped in front of a dealership.

Just my 2.

[Reply]
Jake Says:
May 4th, 2008 at 11:27 pm

How many people on the waiting list are actually planning buying a Volt? I could have easily put my name on there just to show GM that I support the development of this car. But I didn’t, because it is far from clear if I will ever decide to own a Volt. I’d guess that a significant portion of the people on the waiting list have no immediate plans to buy the actual car. Still, it seems that an equally significant portion of the Volt’s first year production run could be spoken for. If I were a random consumer that didn’t learn much about the Volt until it was released, I would be a bit upset that there was some official (or, at this point, unofficial) waiting list that I would have needed to sign years earlier in order to have a chance at this car.

Until GM officially endorses and promotes this system, I would not count on my Volt even if I was #1 in line. I would be interested in knowing how the process will be legitimized, if that is even possible.

[Reply]
Jim C Says:
May 4th, 2008 at 11:31 pm

Lyle if (x) amount of us on the waiting list buy one you should get yours for free!

We are the people that will help to sell more Volts for GM in the long run because we will understand the tech. and will tout the benefits of an EV.

Possibly we could help GM with marketing efforts (ie. focus groups, surveys, and polls) for a first right of refusal opportunity.

Also we need to stay on GM’s radar over the next two years. A little bit of the squeaky wheel gets the grease effort.

[Reply]
Red HHR Says:
May 4th, 2008 at 11:32 pm

My email has changed since I first signed up.
What should I do?

Red HHR

[Reply]
ThombDbhomb Says:
May 4th, 2008 at 11:43 pm

If the first 10k Volts go to “smile states,” I hope waiting list people in the smile states get first dibs.

[Reply]
ghost Says:
May 4th, 2008 at 11:45 pm

Great news!

I would like some specific Canadian information on GM’s plans for release.

I know the Canadian government has been stalling the electric car for quite some time now - as I am referring to the Zenn motor vehicle that has met one obstacle after another.

[Reply]
Hous Volt Pharteen Says:
May 4th, 2008 at 11:49 pm

Great achievement, now the optimum goal is for Lyte to be the first Volt owner. One Q for the Mates in Australia. What are the Australia gas prices?

[Reply]
Hous Volt Pharteen Says:
May 4th, 2008 at 11:50 pm

Sorry, it is Lyle, not Lyte.

[Reply]
Paul Says:
May 4th, 2008 at 11:53 pm

At this point,
I’m ready to put up $100 ~ $500 towards my deposit to be placed in escrow (or something???) to show GM that we are serious.

Lip service is cheap, putting a little coin on the line to show some level of seriousness may help validate the list and be a good incentive for GM to press on.

I believe the Smart Car folks did that before they came stateside so perhaps someone can look at that deposit business model and see if it’s worth duplicating.

Paul

[Reply]
Michael Jarrett Says:
May 5th, 2008 at 12:54 am

I would be happy to develop an extension to the blog that would store email addresses, locations and a place for those who get their volts to say when and where they got them, and what they paid. My company develops web-based data management for medical research, so we can make it secure and reliable. Lyle, drop me a line and we can discuss how this can all be integrated.

[Reply]
Jean-Charles Jacquemin Says:
May 5th, 2008 at 1:39 am

Congrats Lyle, if the exponential trend continues, the list should reach 30,000 sometime by mid - november (having taken into account the holyday effect).

Thanks also for your post two days ago on the Opel subject. My first intent- as I said by subscribing to your waiting list one year ago - is in effect to buy an E-Rev Opel as my next new car.

[Reply]
bruce g Says:
May 5th, 2008 at 1:48 am

Lyle,
You recently collected information from those that visited GM-Volt.com.for your advertisers.
You may be able to show the demographics of your supporters and that may be of interest to GM.
For example , GM may assume that all Volt buyers will be green, republican and filthy rich but your demographics may be a suprise.

inmho

[Reply]
omegaman66 Says:
May 5th, 2008 at 2:47 am

How about a waiting list for the first Volt drive train silverado!

[Reply]
Rashiid Amul Says:
May 5th, 2008 at 5:57 am

I agree with some of the above. It is a geographic location thing.
Show the locations of everyone who signed up on the waiting list. Not who they are, but where they are. I don’t recall doing that on the waiting list, but then again, is was a year ago I put my name on it.
You could use a graph of some kind. Perhaps by Country, State.

[Reply]
brad Says:
May 5th, 2008 at 6:51 am

I think the list was a great idea. However I think we should get some more involvement with GM and create a real reserved list.

Many dealerships only require $100 down to order a new car. I would gladly put down $100 now for a chance at the first batch of volts. If I refuse the car then GM keeps my $100 but if GM doesn’t produce the car, I want my money back. I wouldn’t refuse the car but in case others might then the policy should be there.

[Reply]
Jim I Says:
May 5th, 2008 at 7:00 am

The problem with some of this is that the “big” states have a higher population density, so for example, it will look like California has way more interest than a state like Montanta.

I suppose I could go and buy a home in Florida, but even that would not guarantee that I would be able to get one of the first 10,000 production units.

GM has to decide if the people that are on this list, and have been supporting the development and spreading the word about this new vehicle, should be offered a chance in advance to purchase one of the initial cars. If yes, they can ask for an initial 10%-15% deposit to secure your vehicle. If not, then there are going to be a lot of people on this site, myself included, that are going to think that we were simply used by GM. If that happens, then we may have to vote with our checkbooks.

I have decided that my next vehicle WILL be electric. Whether or not it is a GM vehicle, is up to the policies that GM puts into place before November, 2010.

[Reply]
RB Says:
May 5th, 2008 at 7:32 am

As was noted, GM has an established system for delivery of cars. We want to stay within that established system of delivery.

Sale of cars is another matter. GM cars are sold through two and possibly three systems (1) Cars sitting on dealer lots (2) Cars ordered through dealers, and (sometimes) (3) cars ordered or priced through web mechanisms. Moreover, GM operates some programs centrally, such as GM credit cards, that affect prices paid by customers. [In all cases the cars are delivered through dealers.]

We also can look to other new cars, such as Smart. There customers order a Smart and place a deposit through the web. Then their car is delivered to the customer by a local dealer. It appears that a similar system is used by Tesla.

So what could work for us and the Volt is to use ordering mechanism (2) or (3). Either we order our Volts through a web site (under certain times and conditions), or we get authorized (in some fashion) to order them through dealers, e.g. a special promotion code that the dealer then enters when the order is placed.

An advantage of using the web is that expertise about the system is required of only a few people. An advantage of giving the promotion code for orders through dealers is that dealers see that particular customers want the car (and will want subsequent service).
Either way can work.

[Reply]
Van Says:
May 5th, 2008 at 7:38 am

As I have said before, the comments I have seen say Volt “production” will begin in November 2010, not retail or “roll out.” Lets assume an initial production rate of 5000 cars per month and retail availability 4 months after initial production starts. In March 2011 Volts should be available in California, and by November 2011, Volts should be available for anyone who has the resources to buy one. Time will tell

[Reply]
Dave B Says:
May 5th, 2008 at 7:39 am

This is where the value of deposits (large ones) comes in to play. GM can better determine how much production it really needs to invest in. There are more than enough Delphi and GM plants around my town (Dayton) that could use the work in the pipeline.

What do you say GM, ’bout that time?

Does anyone know if it’s typical for car manufacturers (other than Tesla) to take deposits on new models?

[Reply]
Nelson H. Says:
May 5th, 2008 at 8:05 am

Lyle,
I’ll tell you what I did. I purchased enough GM stock to cover the cost of the Volt and then some. The way I see it, in two years the stock price will have doubled and I win weather I’m the first on the block to get one. Maybe GM can issue a special stock for Volt production only.

[Reply]
Kevin R Says:
May 5th, 2008 at 8:07 am

Once you compile the demographics spread of people on the list, GM will have a better idea of where the majority of their early adopters are located. This also may help their roll-out plans. I’ll put my deposit down as soon as GM announces their intent to go with the sign-up list.

[Reply]
Jason M. Hendler Says:
May 5th, 2008 at 8:10 am

I hope you are making arrangements with GM to sell this waiting list to them, so that you more than recoup your costs for running this site and the events you’ve hosted.

Also, you could sell this list to many, many different companies - alternative fuel vehicle makers and any / all correlating markets. You are holding a gold mine of marketing leads that you should be cashing-in on.

[Reply]
Schmeltz Says:
May 5th, 2008 at 8:28 am

#23 Omegaman66 said:

“How about a waiting list for the first Volt drive train silverado!”

I’m with you on that! E-flex Silverado, Traverse, Malibu…now you’re talking!

Congratulations on 20,000 Lyle! The more waiting list members we get, the more of a validation the Volt will be to GM. Just envision 20,000 people for a moment…Think about a sports arena filled with 20,000 people, and that’s what you have on this waiting list so far. That’s very encouraging news!

[Reply]
texas Says:
May 5th, 2008 at 8:51 am

Nice work Lyle! I would like GM to know that I’m just happy to see the Volt on the market. The first car sold is like a crowbar edging a bolder down a hill. I want to see hundreds of thousands of Volts and other E-REVs (as well as other plug-in hybrids) on the roads in the next 5 years. This is the game changer. Even If I can’t get one for a while I hope some of the readers do and Lyle should be the first one! Lyle is the most inexpensive and effective advertising GM could have imagined. I hope they recognize this. Time to pay the doctor.

[Reply]
Michael Roberts Says:
May 5th, 2008 at 9:30 am

Lyle,
I signed up a long time ago. I think I’m somewhere between 3k and 4k on the list I think. Is there a way one could find out what their number is on the list?

Also, I am ready to buy now. I’ll be glad to put down a deposit. A note to GM, If I have to pay 40k+ or wait until 2012 I’ll just buy me a BEV Porsche 911 from evporsche.com.

Mike R.
Huntsvlle, AL.

[Reply]
Theoldguy Says:
May 5th, 2008 at 9:43 am

Hey All.. I signed up in the first 500 .. and then when the Web site was changed / updated… I had to resign up…. I also live in Canada.. and think that you should be able to PREORDER your Volt through the GM CANADA website (they have a link where you can “build” your vehicle) and then have it shipped to the dealership nearest to you (or the dealership of your choice as I am within a 1/2 hour drive of 3 dealerships and I will not buy from one of them no matter what).
I have deposit in hand…
GM…2010 Volt In black with all the options to my Chevy dealership… Hurry before all the other dealers get their new “hybrids / electrics out there… and tempt me away from you.

[Reply]
Arch Says:
May 5th, 2008 at 9:47 am

This could be the start of something BIG!

http://pressmediawire.com/article.cfm?articleID=18938

Take Care
Arch

[Reply]
RB Says:
May 5th, 2008 at 9:50 am

#30 Dave said “Does anyone know if it’s typical for car manufacturers (other than Tesla) to take deposits on new models?”

It is the way the Smart is being sold now, through Mercedes dealerships. Try “Smart car” on Google and look at the reservation program. These cars are very popular here in NC. Of course, it is Mercedes, but GM can learn from them.

It’s not unusual for cars in high demand to be allocated this way, at least for a while. It’s a plan that also appears to be compatible with the multitude of state laws governing car sales.

[Reply]
N Riley Says:
May 5th, 2008 at 9:54 am

20,000 is only the beginning, Lyle. We will be at 30,000 before you know it. A ground swell is going to happen in this market. These first 20,000 should be on the forefront.

I am ready to put down any reasonable deposit amount. If I were GM, I would require several thousand dollars as a deposit of those in the “early” states to insure real interest. Those of us not in those early states could put up a smaller deposit to show future interest.

All deposits should be fully refundable with interest. Maybe split the interest between GM and the depositor.

I know I was pretty early on the list, but don’t expect to see a Volt at a local dealer until late 2011 or mid 2012. But that does not stop my wanting one now.

[Reply]
cybereye Says:
May 5th, 2008 at 10:34 am

I agree with #13 Jake, Lyle should add in a DB with the dollar value for pre-order. I may never happen, but it act as a rate of how seriously the users are.

[Reply]
Mark Bartosik Says:
May 5th, 2008 at 11:25 am

First 10,000 took 1 year (roughly)
Second 10,000 took 3 months

It would be interesting to see a plot of the graph of sign ups.
Where will we be by Nov 2010? At very least 100,000, but I would not be surprised by 500,000+.

I think that come 2009 / 2010 there will be some serious issues to consider.

1) Hosting of this site - bandwidth costs (hopefully advertising is drawing enough revenue). If not, I’m up for donating more cash.

2) Volume of posts on this site. There may need to be some overhaul of this site to make even more accessible to Joe average (Joe average does not understand KWh and KW, state of charge, etc.). Otherwise we’ll have a worsening signal to noise ratio.

3) Serious size deposits will likely be needed unless GM increases production plans for first year. Ed Peper (Chevy president) indicated to me that they will be taking deposits at some point; this was when I tried to give him a check for $10K. But they are still trying to work out a price (and no doubt will for some time to come).

GM will have a serious public relations issue to manage if there are not enough Volts to fill perseived demand.

[Reply]
Dave B Says:
May 5th, 2008 at 11:52 am

RB@39,

Thanks for the response. It seems a wise business move for GM then to take a look at deposits. If anything, it is a better gage of how serious buyers are.

[Reply]
statik Says:
May 5th, 2008 at 12:00 pm

It’s a nice sunny day where I live, therefore, in that spirit, I will not give my opinion, because it is generally pessimistic (I can’t help it), but rather just say Congrats on 20,000! (…members?)

[Reply]
Nick Says:
May 5th, 2008 at 1:22 pm

AAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH $120 a barrell.

Where’s my VOLT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Reply]
Marcus Says:
May 5th, 2008 at 1:54 pm

“A nice touch would be to relate peoples emails on the list with their emails on the forums. To give them an idea of how active the people are. The more active the more could equate to more likely they are going to buy.”

Not necessarily true. I visit this site daily and have money ready to buy now. Sometimes I don’t have anything to add to a discussion with 100 replies already, sometimes I just don’t have time to reply. I don’t think I am any less serious than the next person here, just because I choose not to post. I’m sure there are alot of people in the same situation.
The waitlist is’t official in th eyes of GM anyway, however if it ever does become official (I hope it does), then I think we should just stick to the order in which people signed up.
Just my take on it.

[Reply]
Jeff M Says:
May 5th, 2008 at 1:58 pm

Jake… yea.. that’s the problem with the missed named (apparently Lyle is as good at “marketing” as GM is :)) list… it’s not a “waiting” list at all… it’s an “interest” list.

Your name on the list simply expresses your interest… when GM starts rolling Volt’s off the line your name on this list means nothing. You are not in line for a Volt, only the dealerships, when the time comes, will have real waiting lists.

I do like the idea of the “interest” list, I just don’t like deliberatly misleading names, which turned me off enough to put my name on the list

[Reply]
TOM M Says:
May 5th, 2008 at 2:31 pm

Most of the electric car manufacturing companies are taking deposits. Tesla, Aptera, Think, Zap and so on.I think GM should set up a deposit system and then take a strong look at where these deposits are located. It may suprise them in that these deposits could be located in a different marketing area than they thought.
In any case if we put our money where our mouth is GM should be aware of our sincerity to own this car !!
Great Job Lyle and thanks for all your hard work !!
Tom

[Reply]
Evan Says:
May 5th, 2008 at 2:35 pm

That’s really impressive. I guess I’d like to see an update option though since I’m pretty sure my name is on there ~3 times thanks to the site changes and such….and now I won’t be getting one at all.

[Reply]
MarkFLL Says:
May 5th, 2008 at 3:00 pm

Like everyone else, I too hope GM considers the GM-Volt.com “waiting list”. Not to mention I live in South Florida and signed up before the 10,000 mark.

[Reply]
hc1124 Says:
May 5th, 2008 at 3:43 pm

Of many of these responses there are thoughtful suggestions on the buying process. Maybe it’s time to gather a confidential purchasing profile on each of those folks comprising the first 10,000.

A short list of questions that require an answer could then be sorted to develop a consistent purchasing policy to be applied by GM and Chevy to this group wherever they live.

One important item is an actual price guarantee so as not to inflate the price beyond a set amount for this initial Volt sale.

[Reply]
noel park Says:
May 5th, 2008 at 4:40 pm

As usual, by the time I get here it’s mostly all been said. Even so, 2 cents worth.

Many bloggers have suggested deposits here over the past several months. I modestly suggested that Lyle could hold the money! He instantly demurred, quite rightly, I’m sure. Although, if he had an escrow account with a couple of million bucks of deposits, GM would seem to be forced to pay even more attention to him than they have already.

Clearly, deposits speak louder than words. Alas, my enthusiasm has been dampened a bit by the constantly moving target of the price. At “comfortably below $30K”, I volunteered to put down $2500, non refundable unless GM didn’t produce. At 48K, I would have to think REAL hard. So I guess that they either have to establish the price, or figure out some sort of escape clause if it goes above “x” dollars.

#9 redndahead reminded us of “frapper”. What ever happened to that? I sent in my info, and saw the map the first day, but it seemed to disappear. Could you just put up a post and ask everyone who has signed up to do a 1 number comment with their zip code? They may not all be commenting, but I bet a lot of them are watching day by day.

Many have mentioned the Smart model. Sounds good to me. If GM wants us to take the deposits to our local dealers, that’s fine too, although it seems sort of old think.

I would be happy to furnish all of my contact info if one of the bright folks commenting above can figure out a way to collate it all without driving Lyle nuts. Or is there some way we could funnel it through here so GM-Volt.com gets the credit for the leads, and then dump it to GM and let them do the grunt work?

[Reply]
Jim I Says:
May 5th, 2008 at 5:24 pm

Noel:

The person that did the “frapper” map took it offline at Lyle’s request, because if you re-read Lyle’s thread, you will see that he has a plan for a real time view of where the members are located around the world. So it would have been a duplication.

The problem is in the fact that he now has over 20K people on his list, but he does not have the data in place to show where everyone is located. And he surely does not want to start over, as the people on the original list would not be happy to lose their place in line on the first list. So his programmer has to come up with a way to let us append our original information, and that is no small task. Plus, with members from around the world, you just can’t use a zip code, as they do not exist everywhere….

As far as deposits, Lyle is not going to take that responsibility, and I do not blame him. If 10,000 people sent him $3,000 each, you are talking about $30 million dollars! Plus as you said, and so has Mr. Lutz, there is no set price at this time. Until that happens, it makes no sense to allow people to send in money, becuase if they change their minds, it would be a nightmare to try to figure out interest earned, etc.

Also there are the 4000+ Chevy dealers to consider. They would not be too happy if GM decides to side step them on this new vehicle. After all, they have multi-million dollar investments in the franchises they own. There must be something in the dealership agreement to protect them in some way, and I am sure the blood thirsty attornies would jump on this immediately if GM cut the dealers out of the loop….

Finally, I am as ready as the next person to put down a deposit, but first, I want to know the final specs of the car, see what the car looks like, what it will cost, what options will be available with the pricing, the warranty included, and servicing information. And I do not think I am alone on those requests. So I understand why GM is not yet ready to start taking money for these cars.

[Reply]
fred Says:
May 5th, 2008 at 6:01 pm

I still want a VOLT!. The fan clutch bearing on my eleven year old toyota just wore out. The first thing that wore out and I have to fix in eleven years. I hope the Volt can be enginered with the same quality. GM could do it if it wanted.

[Reply]
Jeff Says:
May 5th, 2008 at 6:20 pm

(A whispering voice from the Ethanol cornfields) Just build it…people will buy it

Seriously…GM might like “real numbers”.

Nothing says committment like a deposit. Maybe you can share the list with GM so they can take deposits. However, a price would need to exist for a deposit…unless GM and/or buyers are willing to enter an open ended contract (either party can back out).

Internet sales would be great for this vehicle except many state & federal laws exist to protect dealerships from this competition.

[Reply]
Jeff Says:
May 5th, 2008 at 6:40 pm

52. fred

Interesting….my Toyota 4×4 is on its 14th year (original owner - 200K plus miles). No problems except the minor issues that I created and the muffler just got replaced. I’ve had 5 other vehicles as a “2nd vehicle” during its tenure.

It’s like an old pair of running shoes…some ways better than new.

[Reply]
TED in Fort MYers Says:
May 5th, 2008 at 7:14 pm

I’m ready with my deposit. I’m frothing at the mouth for a Volt. I don’t remember the name I used of the waiting list but if it appears I will recognize it. 33905 and there are more than one of us in Fort Myers. Estero wants his as well.

[Reply]
Arch Says:
May 5th, 2008 at 8:04 pm

You just have to love this!

http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2008/05/one_horsepower_vehicle_is_a_slap_in_the_muzzle-2.html

Take Care
Arch

[Reply]
mmcc Says:
May 5th, 2008 at 8:25 pm

#42 Mark and others:
I have been tracking weekly numbers every Saturday since last December. Here they are:

12/9/2007 6,404
12/15/2007 6,922
12/22/2007 7,343
12/29/2007 7,686
1/5/2008 8,500
1/12/2008 8,978
1/19/2008 9,601
1/26/2008 10,003
2/2/2008 10,920
2/9/2008 11,524
2/16/2008 12,133
2/23/2008 12,852
3/1/2008 13,317
3/8/2008 13,653
3/15/2008 14,316
3/22/2008 15,620
3/29/2008 16,129
4/5/2008 17,310
4/12/2008 17,815
4/19/2008 18,167
4/26/2008 19,080
5/3/2008 19,486

[Reply]
Arch Says:
May 5th, 2008 at 8:46 pm

I would like you to read this story with care. Notice that making
fuel from food is the bad guy. Next understand that the only part
of the corn used to make fuel is the starch. All the protein and
oil can still be recovered. Now do a search for countries that do
NOT have enough starch. Last time I looked there were NONE.
This is the game being played. E85 is NOT the bad guy!

http://www.vanguardngr.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7822&Itemid=42

Take Care
Arch

[Reply]
Ron Says:
May 5th, 2008 at 10:11 pm

Sorry to go off-topic a bit here, but it seems that we have plenty of computer whiz folks either hinting or outright offering to help Lyle with any data handling or web development tasks. So far, I haven’t seen any indication that he has accepted these offers. I know Lyle takes a good bit of pride in producing this website, but I’m wondering if stubborn pride is preventing the site from benefitting from a huge talent pool?

There is obviously some security concerns since he has no good way to know who to trust with the administrator password, but since the site is now hosted on a dedicated server it would be possible to give a virtual team of software professionals a “playground” area with limited permission passwords that isolates development work from the production site. Once new code is working and tested, Lyle could copy only what works onto the live site without exposing himself to misplaced trust.

I have 17 years of database application development experience including 8 years as a DBA/analyst and 4 years of web-based experience. I wouldn’t even consider trying to build a site like GM-VOLT by myself! High quality data-interactive web apps require a team of professionals to make it work. If Lyle puts out an invitation for volunteer talent, I’d be proud to provide free database analyst service as my small contribution to the greater good. Who’s with me?

[Reply]
JBFALASKA Says:
May 5th, 2008 at 10:12 pm

Gang, I’m number 6,809 on the waiting list. As an inducement, I’m ready to forward a deposit to GM for $10,000 today.

US Air Force (retired). Can’t wait to send the Middle-East Oil Barons a Mid-west message - keep your oil and anti-American sentiment over there. The next Administration can only get better at helping free us from the Oil Slavedom.

[Reply]
Alain Binette Says:
May 5th, 2008 at 10:47 pm

Don’t forget the Canadians, I want one !!!
I want to stay on the waiting list.

[Reply]
noel park Says:
May 6th, 2008 at 10:51 am

When we signed up on the waiting list didn’t we furnish our e-mail addresses? My wife, who is on the list as well, gets e-mail alerts from here from time to time. She has never commented, so that would be the only way GM-Volt could have gotten her e-mail address.

So wouldn’t it be possible to send out a mass e-mail to everyone who has signed up and ask for whatever additional information might be helpful?

[Reply]
Biodieseljeep Says:
May 6th, 2008 at 11:46 am

Folks:

Put money where your mouth is. Trust me, money talks. How about you register your annual income? THAT is data GM really wants. So be ballzy and give it to them. Trust me, you financial info ain’t virgin anymore, that cherry gets popped dailly, people buy and sell your credit scores and data twenty times daily. My FICA score probably gets passed around more than a dime-store ho on pay-day.

How about people sending in a picture of the money you have put aside in a nice big pile? A copy of a bank statement (yes, yes, hide the pertinent info) of an account you have called “Volt Account”?

Look, anybody can register for forums with address info and what-not. Maps and spreadsheets can then turn that info into something that look really interesting and even more substatial. But it is all empty electrons until the MONEY is in the picture.

Show them the MONEY!

ps yes I make good coin, and have great credit. And I’ve driven 3 states to buy a car before (a diesel). I’m not really relevent, because I can afford to travel anywhere to buy a Volt, and handy enough to self service or send it out.

[Reply]
noel park Says:
May 6th, 2008 at 12:29 pm

#65 Biodieseljeep:

Well I think that we furnished our income ranges on the questionnaire Lyle sent the other day, didn’t we? Can’t that info be given to GM?

[Reply]
N Riley Says:
May 6th, 2008 at 3:14 pm

Lyle

Do you know when each of us signed up on the list? It would be nice to know that. I thought I knew about when I signed up. Now, I only know it was pretty early.

If GM is interested in how many of us are willing to put down money on a production Volt, I am ready. I am like the other 20,0000 or so. I want the Volt out NOW, but I know I have to wait. But, it is hard to wait.

Now Volvo (who is owned by Ford) is going to release a “Charge it” car with a 62 mile electric range. It sound extremely like the Volt. What I saw sounded like it would be out well before the Volt.

Makes a person wonder.

[Reply]
N Riley Says:
May 6th, 2008 at 3:16 pm

Sorry, but that Volvo is called ReCharge Concept.

[Reply]
Terry Says:
May 6th, 2008 at 7:40 pm

I think I will wait and see how much the Volt will cost - especially after the recent projected Volt price fluctuations. $48000 - not buying one. $40000 - would be very hard to justify one. $35000 - would seriously consider buying one. $30000 - would buy one immediately. $20000 - would exceed posted speed limits and bend some laws of physics to get to dealer to buy one.

Meanwhile, my money is sitting in the bank. When GM sets a price, then I will consider making a deposit for the Volt.

What I am really hoping for is a HHR Volt - Gm’s funky little panel truck thing, powered by Volt technology. An HHR would have more than enough room for batteries. Possibly even more batteries, with the new lightweight capacitor technology 100 times more energy dense than regular batteries. Then lease the technology to Dodge and Ford - for a price. Gotta keep the competition - antitrust issues and all that, you know.

[Reply]
Thomas Says:
May 7th, 2008 at 9:58 am

I’ll see how it compares with the Aptera. I prefer the idea of 4 wheels to 3 but not for 10,000 more dollars; especially when the Aptera is coming out this year and the Volt is still how many years behind?

[Reply]
Rob Says:
May 7th, 2008 at 12:38 pm

As hopeful as I am - and recognizing that it is way too early to draw a solid conclusion on the topic - the specter of a $35K+ Volt on the dealers’ lot in 2011 gives me pause. That would be a car my family cannot reasonably afford.

[Reply]
Allan Spragg Says:
May 8th, 2008 at 1:39 pm

By than gas may be so expensive, some are saying up to 2.25 per litre in Canada, that we cannot afford to not have one. Sign me up!

[Reply]
mitch Says:
May 8th, 2008 at 6:26 pm

I would love to have a volt. The problem with hybrids is the numbers as far as cost and savings don’t add up.

[Reply]
koz Says:
May 8th, 2008 at 7:44 pm

#73 Mitch
“I would love to have a volt. The problem with hybrids is the numbers as far as cost and savings don’t add up.”

This was often true when gas was $2.00/gallon and what have proved to be poor assumptions were made. It’s seldom true now even with similar poor assumptions. The “numbers” are specific to each individuals use and needs. What numbers don’t add up for you?

[Reply]
Butch Desherlia. Says:
May 12th, 2008 at 7:28 pm

I agree with you Jim l. I would hate to be on this list for years.
And have someone from the sunshine state or anywhere else take my place.
Thats a bunch of “CowPattie ” You must realize; that the people
on the list are serious about Electric cars.
Butch from the corn states

[Reply]
:: 20,000 on Chevy Volt Waiting List :: May :: 2008 Says:
May 14th, 2008 at 4:12 am

[...] Source: GM-Volt [...]
Tim Collins Says:
May 14th, 2008 at 8:59 pm

Though it will be likly the highest incomemarket will get the first some thousand I believe this price tag will eliminate most buyers. How many gals of $10/gal of gas can one buy for 35,000 + interest.

[Reply]
koz Says:
May 15th, 2008 at 11:00 pm

Tim Collins,

Where can I find the $0 gas burning cars that you are comparing the Volt to?

[Reply]
Wayne Schofield Says:
May 16th, 2008 at 9:05 am

I have a question for the folks who are on this list….I’m looking to hire someone for a restorable, renewable energy company in MA/NH and I’m curious if there are any specific websites and/or organizations I could call on. It’s a site development project manager role for someone who has land acquisition and negotiation as well as strongly desired experience working with the power grid/companies. I’ve about exhausted my resources and I saw this board…hope someone can help/stear me in the right direction!

[Reply]
Niles Says:
March 25th, 2009 at 5:35 pm

Not to sound negative but it seems to me that both GM AND the Chevy retailers would have to buy-in and participate in a program to insure members of this website who have expressed interest in the Volt are given priority.

While GM may be manageable, getting 4000 dealers to cooperate with our priority list seems a bit wishful at best. Individual dealers are going to give priority to their favored customers and past Chevy loyalists because that’s good business for them. Unless GM attaches “strings” to the Volt distribution to dealers, it is likely to be hit and miss. Hope I’m wrong - I want one.

[Reply]

GM-Volt.com Chevy Volt Waiting List Reaches 20,000 Members

80 Responses to “GM-Volt.com Chevy Volt Waiting List Reaches 20,000 Members”

Leave a Reply

Recent Posts