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Jay Leno Believes Chevy Volt Sales Will Take Off

May 21st, 2008 | Posted in: Public Opinion

Most people know Jay Leno as the host of the Tonight Show. He is also a huge car fanatic and very enthusiastic about electric cars.

He wrote an opinion piece for Conde’ Naste Portfolio in which he expresses reasons why he believes U.S, automakers have lost ground to the Japanese over the years due to quality issues.

Things may be turning around. He uses GM as an example of a company that has now made great strides in producing high quality cars, especially with its newest line-up.

All things being equal, he writes, Americans will buy American cars. It just that today’s generation grew up on all the Japanese models.

Key though he believes the Chevy Volt because it is bold, new, exciting, and high-tech will lure those buyers back.

Let’s hope you’re right Jay..and hey how about a spot for me on your show?:)

Source (Portfolio)

Popularity: 6%

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Posted by: Lyle

61 Responses to “Jay Leno Believes Chevy Volt Sales Will Take Off”

Leon Says:
May 21st, 2008 at 5:57 am

Yes, let’s see Lyle on the Tonight Show!!
Eric C. Says:
May 21st, 2008 at 6:23 am

Someone else occasionally posts on here with “Eric” so I’m going to change to Eric C…

If Jay would do a show that mentions either the Tesla or the Volt, that would be great exposure to the general public for EV’s and PHEV’s.

He may have discussed the Tesla at one point, though I’m not certain. I know I emailed him a couple years back asking him to.
RB Says:
May 21st, 2008 at 6:26 am

Here is where the car’s appearance becomes critical. The general public is attracted by the boldness and eye-catching appeal of the concept car. If the production car looks like a Cobalt with a decal, it’s dead in the water. Thinking positively, one imagines a production Volt that retains the boldness and excitement of the concept car. It has to look new and exciting. Every car in the picture at the top does that. If the Volt can do it also, even though it looks different from the concept, then the Volt will attract a wide following. Mr. Bonniface, the corporation is riding on your shoulders .
DCM Says:
May 21st, 2008 at 6:34 am

Strongly disagree on the Tesla comment. The general public does not want/need to see another $100,000 car that they are never going to be able to afford and is only sold by one dealer in Hollywood.

They need to see a $25k-$30k car that they can go right down to their GM dealer and buy. And yes it ABSOLUTELY needs to be eye catching. They dont want another car that looks like the Prius. This is where the Volt and Dodge Zeo come in. A car that *looks* like something people would want to drive and is in that high twenties to $30,000 range is really going to be the game changer.
MarkFLL Says:
May 21st, 2008 at 6:35 am

Eric C #2

I’m sure at some point, he’s mentioned the Tesla. He happens to own one.
Johnnie Paul Says:
May 21st, 2008 at 6:40 am

Jay makes some good points…in college, we had to study why Toyota is who they are today, and we had to study their lean quality manufacturing methods, which has been one of the many staples to Toyota’s success.

Like Jay, I believe ‘our’ big three will survive; and I believe the the ‘3′ could benefit by copying Toyota’s company model, and learn by re-evaluating it’s methods for lean production (without sacrificing quality) in order to regain momentum…the Volt is definitely the right step in the right direction. And if Chrysler wants back on top, maybe they bring Lee Iacocca out of retirement, and proceed with the serious developement of the Zeo…

Johnnie
Jim I Says:
May 21st, 2008 at 7:04 am

Lyle:

Are you trying to become a movie star?????

Please don’t go “Hollywood” on us…………
Jim I Says:
May 21st, 2008 at 7:09 am

Johnnie Paul #6:

Don’t forget that it was not the Japanese that thought up the “long term” thinking and “quality above all else” ideas. It was an American, Dr. W. Edwards Deming.

http://www.lii.net/deming.html

When any company goes back and uses his simple but effective ideas, they will improve and succeed!
TOM M Says:
May 21st, 2008 at 7:16 am

Please remember that as far as auto sales, we have also been at a disadvantage in the market to Japan. We are not playing on a level playing field when it comes to selling our vehicles in Japan. That in itself is a two million plus auto market.
I personally have not bought a foreign car and this goes back to my 1936 Ford three window. Another thing that the press has not addressed is the hugh recalls that Toyota and the other rice burners has had, they are usally stuck way in the back of the newspaper, if mentioned at all.
We need to have some loyalty to this great nation because we are the ones that have gotten us in the position we are in.Lets take resopnsibility for our own actions. We don’t need leaders to tell us how great we are, we need leaders that will work hard with sacrifice and cooperation to fix this mess. If we don’t the alternative is the decline of a great nation
GO VOLT,

Tom
CDAVIS Says:
May 21st, 2008 at 7:46 am

We all know that perception is as important as reality. American car makers have done a great job in removing the US vs. Japan quality issue but the average American does not perceive that. The perception is that there still exists a very significant quality difference in favor of Japan. All marketing campaigns have a very finite message bandwidth to deliver a “branding statement” message of which contributes to market perception of the product/service. The US auto makers spend 95%+ of that finite marketing bandwidth to deliver very short-term messages like “Employee Pricing”, “Red Tag Sale”, “Cash Back”, “0% Financing”. Just about every conceivable message that reinforces the perception that Detroit needs to give you something to offset buying inferior US built cars. It’s almost as though the marketing firms of the US auto makers are agents working for the benefit of the Japan car makers. The current “Free Gas” marketing campaign reinforces the perception that you need a free gas incentive from a US auto maker because its cars are gas hogs. The point being is that future marketing campaigns should be focused on Jay Leno’s point that American made cars are competitive in both quality and in many cases fuel economy. It’s time to give credit where credit is due. GM should focus its marketing campaigns to position itself as the global leader (Gold Standard) in EV innovation and manufacturing. America is still perceived as the land of innovation; why not take that perception equity and run like with it? Perception is as important as reality.
Guy Incognito Says:
May 21st, 2008 at 8:03 am

Jay Leno is know for saying some funny things, but this one is right on the money.
Bryon Says:
May 21st, 2008 at 8:11 am

Lyle going on the tonight show would be awesome exposure for this site and the Volt,

just my opinion with gas at 4.00 and probably 5.00 plus, before the volt comes out. it can look like a bicycle and I’ll still buy it!!
Rashiid Amul Says:
May 21st, 2008 at 8:16 am

It seems to me that cars on the road today blend together. There are very few cars that stand out. Mini, Beetle, and Prius to name a few.
Perhaps the Solstice is another one. The Volt, if it stays close to the concept, will be another. But it should stand out like the Prius does. Just in a better way, IMO.
Dave B Says:
May 21st, 2008 at 8:17 am

Tom @ 9,

Couple of points. It’s fine to buy American if it’s quality. BUT, the quality has not been up to par with the Japanese models the past 20 years. Moreover, Americans, the younger generation (which I’m in) have gotten lazier. We expect more [government] oversight with these leaders you are referring to getting too involved. Much like how the unions demand more health care and benefits from the Big 3… So quality of the product suffers trying to keep the employees happy to the detriment of customers. I think the competition is the only thing that has kept the now Little 3 in business, forcing change. I’ll buy when the quality (and change like the Volt) is produced. I’ll support my Country when my pocketbook can afford it but I’m not taking it for the team with a crappy car I need to purchase every two years because it falls apart.
Kevin R Says:
May 21st, 2008 at 8:29 am

It would be terrific if Mr. Leno showcased the car and did a longer segment on it than he traditionally does with guests. Imagine the exposure and sheer numbers of people seeing the car for the first time. He would do a lot for American industry, GM, and the movement towards the electrification of the automobile.
Arch Says:
May 21st, 2008 at 8:31 am

This is a good read.

http://www.sacbee.com/101/story/955111.html

Take Care
Arch
TOM M Says:
May 21st, 2008 at 8:36 am

Dave B # 9

You sure hit the nail on the head about lazier !!
If we had your attitude back in 1939 through 1945 you would all be speaking Japanese or German many fought and died for the freedom you talk about. Take a hard look in the mirror. You can’t tell me that every auto produced in America is N.G. !! Over the last 60 years I’ve had American Iron that runs circles around the rice burners.
God Bless America.
Tom

Tom
Exp_EngTech Says:
May 21st, 2008 at 8:53 am

Jay’s a real car expert.

I love his “Tank Car”

http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/jay_leno_garage/4206704.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQHRNeY9zUU

Looks like something the Teminator would drive.
Tim Says:
May 21st, 2008 at 8:55 am

DCM (#4)

AGREED!

As long as the price [$25-$30K], look [smoking] and quality [tight] are right, the masses will by MILLIONS of Volts and other E-Flex vehicles.
Firefly Says:
May 21st, 2008 at 9:02 am

I’m glad that a celebrity like Jay Leno has the fortitude to support ideas like the Volt. But as a note to GM-Lyle and everyone here that has supported you from the jump. So please don’t do anything regrettable, like allow Lyle to make a list of about 10,000 committed customers and sell the first batch in California to celebrities who only want it to say that they’re the first to get it.
I recall an instance where the brand image/brand value stood out above money, wherein a rap artist wanted to buy a Bugatti Veyron 16.4. Volkswagen wouldn’t sell him one. He exclaimed and went on and on about who he was and the money he had. They went on to say that it wasn’t about money but that they didn’t want the image of what the Veyron project stood for to be lost in the hip-hop-hype.
The Volt does NOT need to be a TMZ tool, but rather a responsible mode of transportation for every American citizen to have the opportunity to own. Jay Leno is great, but Lyle helped to give this project a public voice. Every poster here has had something to say that has been of a benefit (regardless of how big or small) to Volt development. I only hope and ask that the first 10,000 people on Lyle’s list be given first consideration for purchase.
ThombDbhomb Says:
May 21st, 2008 at 9:04 am

#9 TOM M
“rice burners” seems racist.

#14 Dave B
Happy employees make inferior products? Please explain how unhappy employees make superior products.
Jason M. Hendler Says:
May 21st, 2008 at 9:19 am

Here is Jay Leno’s test drive of the Tesla Roadster:

[url=http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/video/video_player.shtml?vid=229378]Link[/url]
Theoldguy Says:
May 21st, 2008 at 9:36 am

You all know that Jay Leno would be a terrific asset for the Volt revolution… What has to happen is that the “finished” production car should go on his show… not the prototype….not a picture of what it might look like… the real thing… the finished product… I saw his show on the Telsa ( he owns one) and he gave a good review of the car and the credit where it was due… I would love to be Jay’s best friend as I love all kinds of cars but only have a bicycle budget.. Lyle.. when you get your “free” Volt…. Let’s get it on the Leno show and have the world see the new revolution in GM Cars.
MarkinWI Says:
May 21st, 2008 at 9:47 am

#14 Dave: The surveys that I have heard about in the last four years indicate that American car companies have drawn even in quality with Asian companies, and that European companies have slipped. Perception is driving the situation more than reality.

Your unions observations are also outdated. Unions have not been getting more benefits for the last 20 years, they have been taking benefit cuts.

Workers also do not make the big decisions, management does. e.g. Another 750+ workers lost their jobs in Janesville, WI this month. They built Yukons, Suburbans and Tahoes. They built them well. They were not lazy. The problem is that GM is not selling huge gas guzzlers right now. Is that the workers’ fault? Will management give those workers jobs building Volts? I hope so.
N Riley Says:
May 21st, 2008 at 10:01 am

I have owned Japanese, German and American cars. Today’s American automobiles are equal to anything produced by Japan and exceeds the German’s. That is my opinion.

I am proud of the strides made by Ford, GM and Chrysler in improving the quality and looks of their vehicles. There is no better trucks made than American trucks. And I drive a 2000 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab. I drive late model American trucks at work and my son has a 2005 Ford truck that is great. The new Toyota Tundra truck is UGLY.
N Riley Says:
May 21st, 2008 at 10:08 am

MarkinWI #22

I agree that management does make poor decisions. Unions do so also. Both are to blame to the fall of the American auto industry and the rise of the Japanese auto in America. They both need to work closer together to insure both of their success. Japanese works have the best benefit of their company at heart every single day on the job. They know they will be successful if they work to make their company successful.

Our American auto workers are great employees, I am sure. They are a large part of the reason American autos are now equal to the foreign autos. Soi, let’s work for more success for all.

Jay Leno could certainly be one place GM could use to show off the Volt to the public. It should not be the only place. I would like to see it shown in every state during the last half of 2009 and early 2010.
N Riley Says:
May 21st, 2008 at 10:10 am

That should be “Japanese workers have the best benefit….”
Clark Says:
May 21st, 2008 at 10:18 am

I think the comments about price are a bit off. The volt won’t be 25-30k, there is no way with this new of technology. It will come out more expensive with limited quantities but it will sell out quickly. Give it a couple more years and I bet we’ll see some real cost reductions and incentives that will meet buyers of that price range, which will coincide with them getting production at a higher volume.

This is just speculation, but this isn’t like normal cars as it’s using extremely cutting edge technology.

I think a big thing that should/needs to happen is the government really taking the lead on this. Instead of our president begging the Saudi’s for more oil, we need one that will see the future in vehicles like the Volt, and doing everything necessary to encourage it’s adoption in a speedy manner.
BillR Says:
May 21st, 2008 at 10:42 am

At this point, GM needs to do its homework.

I’m sure they are analyzing whether to go into a limited production (maybe 10,000 units per year) or go into a full production at 100k per year. If the market demand is there (which many of us believe it is), and the battery manufacturers can supply the battery packs, then the logical choice may be for GM to commit to a high volume production, which will reduce costs.

I believe that GM is advertising the Volt at this early stage of design for a couple of reasons. First, they want to get PR that shows that GM is trying to reduce oil consumption and save the environment, but secondly, they are trying to gauge the public interest in what is essentially an electric vehicle, which is a radical departure from the conventional car of the past.

All this interest will be crucial in their decision making process regarding the production volume for the Volt.

P.S. GM also needs to get established in the market before the competition to assert themselves as the technical innovators for this technology.
noel park Says:
May 21st, 2008 at 10:44 am

#8 Jim I:

Someone commented here not too long ago that there is a portrait of Dr. Deming hanging on the wall of the lobby of the Toyota headquarters building in Japan. If memory serves, the commentor said that the portrait of Deming was larger than the portrait of the founder of the company!

Too bad they were smart enough to listen to him and we weren’t. It’s never too late, however (I hope).

Thank you Jay.
Spin Says:
May 21st, 2008 at 10:47 am

Sorry for the thread hi-jack, but I just found this:

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080521/AUTO01/805210421/1148/rss25

Honda is comming out with a new hybrid next year. The article doesn’t say if it is a parellel or series hybrid, or give a price, but the new model will only be available as a hybrid.
ThombDbhomb Says:
May 21st, 2008 at 10:47 am

#26 Clark
A lot of the Volt price speculation was based on estimated battery costs. Recently, nasaman gave us hope that battery costs were not going to be as high as feared, bouying my hopes. If battery costs are low, an expensive Volt may be less likely.

The Volt must make market in-roads and become established for GM to salvage its reputation. The original Volt concept included “affordability.” So, respectfully, I disagree with your price estimate. But, what do I know?

Speculating is fun. Price considerations encourage/ discourage people. But, we’ve done too much of that already. Let’s wait until we get new information before we open up the “price” debate again.

Jay Leno:
You should do a comedy bit where you talk to an actual Volt, as if it were a sensient being. I’m sure your writers could come up with some good stuff.
TOM M Says:
May 21st, 2008 at 11:04 am

Here is an interesting presentation for our local TV station.

Please go to . . . . . . . http://www.mysa.com
scroll dow to . . . . . . S.A. researchers testing generator said to increase gas milage.

Click on. . . . . . KENS VIDEO

Interesting what may happen .

Tom
Jason M. Hendler Says:
May 21st, 2008 at 11:11 am

If you go to:

http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/

on the left hand side is a verticle scroll area of videos. If you scroll down, you will find Leno’s review of the Tesla Roadster.
GXT Says:
May 21st, 2008 at 11:15 am

22 MarkinWI:

I think it is important to draw a distinction between “Quality” and “Reliability”. The US car manufacturers seem to have caught up in initial (e.g. 3 month) Quality, but they are still behind in long term reliability. Since I rate a several hundred dollar repair bill and constant trips to the service department as more important than the fluff that Quality studies are built on (”The ride feels to stiff for my liking” or “I think the AC could have come on stronger faster” or “I couldn’t find the power lock button”), and JD Power’s constant adjusting of their tests that throws their results upside down from year to year, I don’t put any value on Initial Quality.
GXT Says:
May 21st, 2008 at 11:37 am

#29 Spin,

Honda is coming out with three new hybrids in the near future. A new global small (GSH) hybrid which is supposedly built to be a hybrid from the ground up and will look like the FCX. A Fit Hybrid, which may not make it to the US. Finally, a CRZ hybrid which will supposedly carry on the sporty nature of the CRX.

All three will use an improved version of Honda’s IMA which is available on the company’s current Hybrids.

The GSH is rumoured to be in the $18K range. Honda seems to really be emphasizing its cost-effectiveness.
BigCityCat Says:
May 21st, 2008 at 11:44 am

Ok yesterday in the article about the mule schedule. Aruby pointed out an article in business today about why gas prices are so high. Which had to do with commodities trading. It turns out there are two loopholes allowing investment banks to trade oil and gas driving up prices when there is no supply and demand problem. Today congress basically closed the enron loophole.

http://www.closetheenronloophole.com/
Joy Says:
May 21st, 2008 at 11:57 am

I wrote the Tonight Show via the NBC web site during the writer’s strike, suggesting that Lyle be a guest on the show & attaching the link to this web site. Got no response, but maybe now…..

By the way, I’m one of the female 2%. Go Volt!
Van Says:
May 21st, 2008 at 11:58 am

Story after story on the internet attributes GM’s failure in the market place to either (by Democrats) Corporate greed, or (by Republicans) the labor culture that opposes cost cutting and quality improvement.
But they both end up in the same place, bankruptcy.

I saw on TV today that oil is at $132/barrel, and Iran is stockpiling heavy crude in tankers. Pretty soon someone other than Leno is going to figure out their is a market for a car that is not totally dependent on oil.

But as Martin Luther King often said, “How long must we wait until we are free at last, free at last?
George K Says:
May 21st, 2008 at 12:03 pm

#13 Rashiid, and #3 RB

I agree. I’ll go further and say that I hope the “inside” of the car also says, “I’m not just like other gas cars!”. I want to see futuristic design and instruments. And freewheel for those who consider it more than just transportation.

I saw that video of Lyle driving the fuel cell Equinox. It seemed like they tried to make the technology too seemless to the driver. Where’s the excitement?
ThombDbhomb Says:
May 21st, 2008 at 12:09 pm

#37 Joy

Glad to hear from you. I saw a “katie” pop up the other day…Heeellooo ladies! In general, women seem different from men. Your input will help round out the discussion and could shape the Volt.
Bob Says:
May 21st, 2008 at 12:15 pm

If Jay Leno bought a Tesla, he doesn’t have it yet. He drove Elon Musk’s car.
Tim Says:
May 21st, 2008 at 12:24 pm

The Ten Biggest Hurdles to Innovation
1) Patents
2) Monopolies
3) Government Lawmakers
4) Entrenched Business Models
5) Special Interests
6) The Stock Market
7) Inertia
Your Customer Base
9) The Education System
10) Happiness &contentment

Each hurdle is explained in detail:
http://etech.eweek.com/slideshow/index.php?directory=hurdles&currentPic=0
MetrologyFirst Says:
May 21st, 2008 at 12:59 pm

GXT @34

Reliability is a very flexible term. I have driven GM cars for 25 years, every single one of them has been reliable. I have friends who have driven imports their whole life. They have also been reliable. I have friends who work the hell out of their vehicles, some have be4en reliable, some have not.

I think that current American cars are absolutely as “reliable” as the current Japanese cars. This is also an area where perception and reality are on different sides of the room. Of course, for lovers of imports to conceed that U.S. cars are of equal initial quality, the longer term reliability issues are the next support level for their argument. It takes time to be considered reliable, they would say.

True, however it takes much less time for a car to demonstrate less reliable behavior, something many Japanese cars seem to be having issues with lately.

Anyone willing to accept current vehicle statistics and trends must recognize that the differences in quality and reliability between most vehicles produced today are extremely small, no matter who built them or the name on the badge. Of course the car magazine rags need to promote and amplify these divides or risk becoming irrelevant. IMO, they are irrelevant already.

The real differences are in styling. GM has the advantage in this area, I think. If there is anything American designers can do its develop heart pounding designs. There are so many current examples. There are a lot of rolling boxes coming out of Japan lately.

The Volt MUST be an eye catcher. Exciting style. It can not look like a morbund Prius. That would be a disaster for a huge potion of the car buying public that is longing for US makers to regain their spot on top. Gas free driving and the Volt may make driving FUN again for those who have forgotten how much fun it used to be.
Arch Says:
May 21st, 2008 at 1:08 pm

Hot off the press.

http://jalopnik.com/392374/electric-range-rover-with-volt+like-range-extender-on-the-way-deaf-children-weep

Take Care
Arch
nasaman Says:
May 21st, 2008 at 1:19 pm

42 MetrologyFirst

I agree. And you’re certainly also right about the importance of “heart pounding designs”. I’m not sure what Jay Leno thinks about it, but I saw the Opel/Saturn Flextreme “in person” at the New York Auto Show this March. This concept has a nearly-identical drivetrain to that of the Volt, and if Saturn decides to produce/sell it here, I’m sure it would —like the Volt— develop a huge following…..

http://gm-volt.com/2007/09/10/the-opel-flextreme/#comments
kent beuchert Says:
May 21st, 2008 at 2:21 pm

The fate of the Volt all boils down to the results of the introduction
of the EEStor devices, scheduled for this year. If those devices work, the Volt will, at best, have to use them to cram more capacity
for the same money, and keep the range extender (at least as an option) due to the fact that quick charge stations are nowhere to be found at this time. Even if the prices were the same (which they won’t be) the current pack could provide twice the range, since there would be no need to place limits on depth of charge and discharge. The fact that the devices are much smaller and lighter would indicate at least a doubling over that , or perhaps around a
250 mile range. Those buying the Volt as a second car could delete the range extender option and wait for recharge stations to appear down the road.
ThombDbhomb Says:
May 21st, 2008 at 3:33 pm

#42 Tim
Your list seems more like excuses. Hurdles are a lesser consideration for real innovators.
Tagamet Says:
May 21st, 2008 at 4:03 pm

Kent @ 45
You must be the only one here with information about the Eestor’s debut.
It ain’t gonna be a factor.
DaveP Says:
May 21st, 2008 at 6:02 pm

I think Leno is pretty spot on.
I have never bought an American car. That’s hardly a philosophy standpoint since I generally favor buying American when all things are equal. But, they’re decidedly NOT equal. And I’m not talking about quality, I’m talking about the types of cars. I’ve never found the combination of horsepower, efficiency and practicality that I’ve been looking for in ANY American car (generally I attribute this to their being somewhat lower tech than their overseas competition). Whether it be a commuter car, a car to take to the mountains or a family car (I do not want trucks), the manufacter is always different and it is always Japanese. For example, the last car I bought (around 2004 and gas was still about a buck a gallon then), I just had a kid and was looking for a new family sedan and I used this exact decision matrix:
1) list all cars from Car & Driver product guide with 0-60 under 8 seconds.
2) take all of those that had EPA city estimates of 30mpg or better
3) verify 5 star crash ratings in BOTH NTSA and Insurance Institute (maybe one 4 OK, absolutely nothing lower).
That left ONE car, the Hybrid Accord. So, I bought that.
Nothing else was even CLOSE. Most American vehicles couldn’t even muster 2 out of three, although many Japanese cars could.

So, around 2010, I’ll be looking for a new commuter car.
My new decision matrix requires an electric drivetrain instead of 30mpg, but is essentially unchanged. Now NOBODY has a car that qualifies, although the \Volt may be pretty close.
I’ll let it slide on #1, since I know 0-60 is not an accurate metric for actual usage, (5-60 would be better) and it’s admittedly pretty close.
#2 it’s got the required all electric operation. Aces!
We don’t talk about #3 crash worthiness on this site much, but that’s a showstopper as well. Thanks to all those hulking SUVs that can’t stop or turn that all the car companies so enjoyed selling, I now absolutely refuse to buy anything they sell that can’t stand up to being smooshed by one. It’s only fair!

Also, as long as I’m mentioning crashworthiness, I’d like to point out that in my mind the biggest concern with EEStor capacitors (or anybody elses kilovolt capacitor storage system is that in a crash the potential to discharge MILLIONS of Joules of energy in microseconds will make lithuium ion cell explosions look like sparklers (Yes, I know the lithium ion formulations in the \Volt are safe.
EEStor claimed they’d figured out how to solve that problem, but I’d wager that’s actually a much bigger problem than getting the cap to work in the first place, certainly not something to be dismissed lightly.

Also, as long as I’m ranting, put some #$!@@#$ decent seats in the \Volt, GM!!! Crappy seats are another reason I often won’t consider an American car model (total showstopper). Last year I rented an Impala and after a few hours of driving it, my back ached terribly and I felt like the hunchback of Notre Dame. I don’t know why so many American cars have seating positions only suitable for drivers that just took a ‘38 slug in the back but I don’t need the center of my back in the back seat with my hips and shoulders in the front seat!!!
DaveP Says:
May 21st, 2008 at 6:10 pm

#42 Tim
I think a bigger question is exactly where is \Volt development on the classic 7 phases of a project?
1. Enthusiasm
2. Disillusionment
3. Fear
4. Panic
5. Search for the Guilty
6. Punishment of the Innocent
7. Praise and Honors for the Non-Participants

I think they’re still at #1. And I’m kidding around, of course.
StevePA Says:
May 21st, 2008 at 6:20 pm

Dave B # 14…regarding the quality difference US vs Japanese - would agree there was a difference 20, 15, 10 years ago, but very little today.
As I mentioned in a post a week or so back in response to a similar point on the quality gap, my company’s sizable corporate fleet (mid and full size sedans, some SUVs in northern climes) is primarily Big 3. Years ago we’d turn them in at 45,000 miles, partially to escape the mounting repair bills. No more. Turn-in now is at 55K, and we do nothing more than routine service. The 55K may go higher soon.
Jeff Says:
May 21st, 2008 at 7:53 pm

#50

Tires can last longer than 55K….you guys must be rough on those vehicles. Sounds like a lease deal…then it makes sense.
Tagamet Says:
May 21st, 2008 at 7:57 pm

I just remembered watching a segment about Jay Leno installing a verticle wind turbine on his huge garage. He’ll be really set when he buys a Volt. He will of course have to wait until the VoltNation list’s needs are met. Hmmmm, maybe he’s already ON the list. Lyle?
Erik C. Says:
May 21st, 2008 at 8:35 pm

Awesome, if Jay mentions it, it’s a good start!
Jeff M Says:
May 21st, 2008 at 9:44 pm

It should be noted that Jay is not only on the (prepaid) list to get a Tesla Roadster (I don’t think his has been delivered yet)… he also owns another EV…

One that’s a little older… he owns a 100 year old Baker Electric.

He also owns a 93 year old gasoline electric hybrid.

See Jay Leno’s Popular Mechanics article from exactly 1 year ago at http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/jay_leno_garage/4215940.html (the picture is of him in the Baker Electric).

Jay also test drove a plug-in Ford Escape Hybrid, see http://www.evworld.com/news.cfm?newsid=16591
Keith Says:
May 22nd, 2008 at 10:11 am

Am I the only one here that knows that the Volt is NOT an EV? It’s a hybrid. It has a “range-extender” engine so you can go more than 40 miles. 40 MILES!!!! Come on, this just shows you how GM is still KILLING THE ELECTRIC CAR!
Tagamet Says:
May 22nd, 2008 at 10:21 am

Keith @56
Well, I know it’s an EREV, so I guess you’re not totally alone. As to the last part of your post, I have no idea whether you are being sarcastic or just need to adjust your tinfoil hat.
RB Says:
May 22nd, 2008 at 3:46 pm

#39 George K — I agree with you. The inside has to be nice, and the instrumentation has to give interesting and useful feedback — that’s one of the things I love about the Toyotas. I don’t think doing so is particularly expensive — the designers just have to focus on it.
Kevin R Says:
May 23rd, 2008 at 7:40 am

http://www.sacbee.com/101/story/955111.html

Another comment from the article states what we’ve all been trying to get across to people. That driving thousands of electric cars will produce much less pollution than ICE driven vehicles even when taking into account the electrical demands from power plants.

“Based on prototypes like the XH-150 now being tested on California roads, plug-ins promise to put the fuel economy of today’s hybrids to shame.

Comparing dollars per mile, internal-combustion engines are not as efficient as electric motors. It costs around $1 for enough energy to drive the XH-150 40 miles on battery power. Since most drivers are on the road less than 40 miles most days, the potential savings are huge, especially with $4-a-gallon gas.

What’s more, a vehicle running on electricity has no smog-forming tailpipe emissions, and, even when pollution from electricity generation is taken into account, emits less greenhouse gases than a similarly sized vehicle burning fossil fuel.”
Jeff Says:
May 27th, 2008 at 2:15 pm

Jay is a nice guy, very smart and funny. I have friends that work on the Tonight Show and know Jay.
But like most Americans Jay lives the pop culture. What’s now is good. What’s priced right for the times is what we buy
And high gas prices are now and so electric cars - good.
But in 1997 Jay slammed the GM EV1 pretty hard.
He drove it and didn’t like it. Not a big V8.
He was the average American. Didn’t really care that it didn’t use gas.
Anyway, people change and will give up gas and oil.
Yeah market economy!
High gas prices, (necessity), is the Mother of invention, (Plug-In Electric Cars).
I just hope our government keeps up and doesn’t screw use.
Tell your Gov. Reps. what you want! Vote for the person that has a plan to make it happen ASAP. Don’t let politics as usual reward the wrong people for stifling progress.
Remember, If you don’t ask, you don’t get.
Jay might say:
Maybe if we include tickets to American Idol people will buy electric cars?

Jay Leno Believes Chevy Volt Sales Will Take Off

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