Many interesting posts here…all very good. #165 kubel noted that only a small percentage of “waiting list” people will actually buy a Volt.

With the addition of the 2010 Camaro (to be available spring 09′) and the attractive new 40 mpg GM models, 1/2 of the current Volt list will be happily driving new cars with back-burner thoughts of going full-electric in 4-6 years. The plug-in Saturn Vue models are very desirable as well. These are winners.

#174 Tag, you are right on target with the feeling of being able to enjoy a morning coffee, check the internet news pages, and to then walk out to your new Volt. She’ll look up at you and say,”Let’s go for a ride…and the gas is on me”.

I live in Southern California and have seen several pictures of the new (working) non-hybrid GM 40mpg cars. These pictures were taken on a movie set. Several (already) with custom art and decals. They look both sweet and hot. My initial thought is, ‘What a great graduation gift’.

Some of the younger guys I work with (age 25-35) are looking to the New Malibu. Growing families now have sport, quality, and luxury in a family car. And the highest initial quality rating in the business.

Well done GM, keeps your heads on straight and your chins up. You are listening to the people and providing a great selection.

twist

The major variables are:
1. Cost of gasoline at that time,
2. Cost of electricity at that time,
3. Cost of the vehicle,
4. Driving pattern of the potential customer,
5. Public attitudes about consumption and conservation.

In other words, if gasoline drops back below $3.00 a gallon, SUV and large vehicle sales will soar, and the American public will forget all about conservation – as they have done at least twice in the last 35 years after an “energy crisis”.

On the other hand, it is POSSIBLE in some parts of the country that electricity prices will be no higher in 20 years than they are now. So IF oil prices continue to climb, electricity may look better and better.

But if the vehicle costs (net) much more than $30,000, it will be a tough sale anyway.

And another major factor is the consumer’s driving pattern. For the Volt to make economic sense, the owner needs to drive it almost every day, but not too far each day, i.e., like a commuter. That’s the only way to offset the higher purchase cost of the vehicle.

For example: if you drive 50 miles a day to work 5 days a week, you will go about 200 miles a week on electricity, 50 miles on fuel. But if you just drive the car 250 miles to the beach or mountains on Saturday, you get only 40 miles a week on electricity, and 210 miles on fuel.

I believe you are being saracastic, but you are onto something. This country desperately needs an engineer or scientist for president. We are facing so many critical challenges that are directly or indirectly linked to technology, that we need someone who can understand the expert advice he is given. Plus, I believe an engineer or scientist would be more solution-oriented and less prone to pointless posturing.

Can we afford another lawyer who doesn’t understand cars (Obama), a career politican who can’t even use a computer (McCain), or, god forbid, any more men whose resume highlights the challenging ability to “clear brush”? God help us. Enough with the lawyers, MBAs, and actors already! Bring in the real talent.