AND 
GM CEO Will Drive Volt Mule Inside Washington DC Today, UAW Agrees to Drop Job Bank
CEO Rick Wagoner sets off for DC in Hybrid Malibu
CEO Rick Wagoner arrives in DC
GMs CEO Rick Wagoner will be driving one of the Chevy Volt mules in Cruze bodies through Washington DC this morning on his way to give testimony to the Senate Finance committee in support of government loans. He won’t actually be driving it all the way from Detroit.
He first drove from Detroit yesterdat in a hybrid Chevrolet Malibu. Today he will drive a route from his hotel to GM’s Washington office, and then to Capitol Hill in the Chevy Volt running prototype, or mule.
Then he will be pulling up and stopping to talk to the public. This will occur at 9:30 AM at the corner of Delaware Ave. and C street just outside the Russell Senate Building.
If you’re able to be there, do so!
One of the production Volt show cars will be there on display as well.
They listened to us! Lets hope it helps. Spread the word.
At 10 AM the Senate hearing will begin.
Also in another important development, the UAW autoworkers union has agreed to drop their controversial job bank program that allowed laid off workers to be paid. This may improve chances for the loans as it will lower GM’s cost of operations.
[UPDATE 1: The images above have been changed to show Rick Wagoner setting off and arriving after a 10 hour trip to Washington DC in a Hybrid Chevy Malibu, he did some of the driving himself.]
[UPDATE 2: Information changed to show that it will be today - will get video and stills as soon as possible]
161 Responses to “GM CEO Will Drive Volt Mule Inside Washington DC Today, UAW Agrees to Drop Job Bank”
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December 3rd, 2008 at 12:48 pm
AWESOME! I hope this works for good publicity.
And I’m finally FIRST!
December 3rd, 2008 at 12:48 pm
You just got to love it!
Take Care
Arch
December 3rd, 2008 at 12:49 pm
This is probably the smartest move that GM can do, to have more than a snowball’s chance in hell of getting any loan….even though I’m totally against a loan.
December 3rd, 2008 at 12:53 pm
Well I just hope it all works out for the best. Good luck to all of us.
December 3rd, 2008 at 12:53 pm
Someone better get some video of this
I think this is what they should’ve planned to do all along (if not a “full” volt with drivetrain+shell just to show that they have something to sell in 2 years’ time.
December 3rd, 2008 at 12:54 pm
2010/011 seems so far off but if they can already drive this thing to DC then they are further along than I thought. Good luck GM!
December 3rd, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Hope the car does not break down on the way there! They media will go nuts!
December 3rd, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Finally some show of BALLS.
He might very well save his job.
I suggest an escort of Proud GM owners follow. CONVOY
That will move Congress.
NPNS!
December 3rd, 2008 at 1:07 pm
This is a good gesture. Good to be as over the top as he possible can be here. It certainly can’t hurt at all.
I think it is also fair to assume that this means there is no ‘production-alike Volt’ in existence (or near completion)…because if there was, he would be driving it.
December 3rd, 2008 at 1:08 pm
Well….its a mule…which is close enough to a pony…. for the dog and pony show that this whole thing is…
This is still very cool, wish I could be there
December 3rd, 2008 at 1:09 pm
It just says he will drive through DC not drive to DC. Bet it gets hauled there by a big fuel thirsty truck. JMHO
Take Care
Arch
December 3rd, 2008 at 1:13 pm
Should be interesting. Hopefully we can get access to video of the event.
December 3rd, 2008 at 1:13 pm
Road trip for the boys at Ford.
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/economy-watch/2008/12/fords_mulally_gm_would_drag_en.html?hpid=topnews
December 3rd, 2008 at 1:14 pm
#9 Statik
I think it is also fair to assume that this means there is no ‘production-alike Volt’ in existence (or near completion)…because if there was, he would be driving it.
___________________________________________________
Your probably right, but I wouldn’t necessarily conclude this. Imagine if they drive in a the new Volt, only to have it fail. The downside risk is huge. By driving a Cruze w/ Volt systems, if it fails it’s easier to write-off as development.
Remember when Bill Gates first demonstrated XP, and it locked up in front of everyone. That was humiliating for Microsoft.
December 3rd, 2008 at 1:15 pm
The Volt and Cruze are moves in the right direction but the vast majority of GM, Ford and Chrysler vehicles are utter CRAP (aka JUNK, Gas Guzzlers, Vehicles that nobody wants). This is just too little to late. I would prefer they go bankrupt, get rid of most of the current workforce and emerge stronger, leaner and meaner. This is a dog and pony show of HUGE PROPORTIONS. Everyone already knows they are assured of “some” money from congress. These CEOs are going to milk this for all its worth. And…don’t believe for a moment that they will be getting only $1 in gross income. Smoke and Mirrors are at work here.
December 3rd, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Job banks gone. Other concessions by UAW.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/03/AR2008120301474.html?hpid=topnews
December 3rd, 2008 at 1:16 pm
I wish GM would just stand up in from of congress, lay it on the table and call it like it is My mental picture of it is something like…
“Look, GM has tons of problems when it comes to our business design and most of those problems have been inherited and then passed along year after year and decade after decade. We’re a fat old company in a slim and trim new world. We’ve limped along for a long while now and either everything changes or it’s all over, there is no middle ground. That’s the reason why some people think we should just go extinct; because we deserve it. All that may very well be true but we’re also the only company in the world that is positioned to bring a mass produced automobile to market that can help America and the world dramatically reduce it’s dependence on oil and that one simple fact is what makes all the difference. This one car will literally change America and the world.”
or something to that effect.
December 3rd, 2008 at 1:17 pm
I bet it’s not drivin to DC, and is shipped down at more of an expense than taking a private jet. I hope no one finds out about this if its the way they do it.
I guess we will find out soon, good luck to all the Volt fans!!!
NO PLUG NO SALE, LJGTVWOTR, DBNGCMEMEVS, (mh)=D~~(mv)
December 3rd, 2008 at 1:19 pm
#8 Nelson:
Good idea on the convoy. Given enough notice, I might even have tried to go from LA in our 95 Impala. I bet they could get 10,000 classic Chevys to show up if they tried.
Maybe next time, LOL (through tears).
December 3rd, 2008 at 1:21 pm
#18 Casey:
Good man!!
December 3rd, 2008 at 1:22 pm
From The Economist…
“JPMorgan estimates that GM’s cash burn in 2009 will be $14 billion, which means that Congress is being asked to believe that the sprawling car firm will have turned the corner by 2010, a year ahead of Ford. Or perhaps GM expects to return cap in hand some time next year, but is reluctant to admit it.”
Silly reporter. Our omniscient elected officials will see right through such a notion.
December 3rd, 2008 at 1:22 pm
Awesome. I hope this turns out well either way.
December 3rd, 2008 at 1:27 pm
I also read that when Wagoner left his house this morning on his road-trip to DC, he mentioned catching up on his phone calls during the trip using the hands-free On-Star system. that comes standard in his new 2009 Mailbu Hybrid. I have a feeling he’s starting to get better PR advice now…hey, it’s a start! /smirk/
I’m in the group of people who feel this whole “Bring us a viability plan and we might loan you some cash” thing is all smoke and mirrors for the people who were upset by the fun junkets AIG execs took after getting their bailout with no strings attached. Just like Wagoner has learned you have the play the game, our congressmen know all too well that if they don’t stage some kind of circus for their constituents, they won’t have a job in two years either. Of course, if they don’t loan the “big 2.8″ the dough, and our economy really tanks as a result, they also won’t have a job. They know this, and won’t let that possibility become a reality.
Just my .02…
December 3rd, 2008 at 1:31 pm
#16 Markin
Gettelfinger (UAW) said they would consider making concessions, that doesn’t mean they will do them, I saw Larry Burns (GM VP) say on Fox last night that UAW had made some concessions to take place in 2012, that’s three years from now, doesn’t look like they are making to many concessions to make this work now.
The only way this will work is chapter 11.
NO PLUG NO SALE, LJGTVWOTR, DBAMGCMEMEVS, (my House)=D~~(my volt)
December 3rd, 2008 at 1:37 pm
Good move.
I think with the restructuring plans (down to 4 divisions and eliminating wasteful overlap..not those that allow economy of scale) added to the hopefully accurate reporting of better UAW work rules and the elimination of the Jobs bank, GM has a fighting chance.
I am not a big proponent of bailouts, but think this will provide congress with the smoke and mirrors they need to give them the cash.
Ford doesn’t want any and from what I hear Chrysler’s plan just isn’t detailed enough to warrant the cash.
I bet GM buys Jeep, Nissan buys Dodge truck and VW buys Chrysler’s minivan operations. GM gets the Chrysler portion of the bailout. In return, Cerberes gets a good deal of the remaining chunk of GMAC they don’t own.
December 3rd, 2008 at 1:40 pm
Awesome! FWGSVWOTR (Finally we’re getting some volt wheels on the road)
December 3rd, 2008 at 1:44 pm
Rick Rolled Says:
December 3rd, 2008 at 1:15 pm
The Volt and Cruze are moves in the right direction but the vast majority of GM, Ford and Chrysler vehicles are utter CRAP (aka JUNK, Gas Guzzlers, Vehicles that nobody wants).
That’s not true. Until the most recent gas price run-up, GM, Ford, and Dodge couldn’t make enough trucks and SUV’s. No one can blame a company for producing what the public wants to buy, especially when the alternative is not cost-effictive. There had to be some structural changes made before the small cars could be produced at a point that made financial sense for the companies. What if the gas price increase had happened in 2010, not 2008? What if the housing market and financial markets had held out for another 2 years? GM would then shed the weight of SUV and truck production, yet had the Volt and Cruize ready to go. Ford would have had the Fusion hybrid. Chrysler would still have been the walking dead, but even then they have made some improvements. The Journey isn’t too bad on mileage for its size (24 MPG Highway), and the Aspen hybrid was good as well until Chrsyler spiked the project.
Toyota and Honda just lucked out, as sometimes happens. They always made small cars, and only recently pushed into bigger cars (because that’s what Americans wanted). The Toyata Tundra was not built for China and Europe.
To blame the big three for being completely inept is unfair.
December 3rd, 2008 at 1:59 pm
#15 Rick Rolled says,
The Volt and Cruze are moves in the right direction but the vast majority of GM, Ford and Chrysler vehicles are utter CRAP (aka JUNK, Gas Guzzlers, Vehicles that nobody wants).
————-
#27 Bailers says,
That’s not true.
===========
It may not be true, but it is perception.
The people I work with refuse to buy American.
The reason? Americans can’t make good cars.
It is perception, unfortunately.
December 3rd, 2008 at 1:59 pm
#26 Gsned57
FWGCMWOTR (cruze mule)
lets get it right, ho ho ho, merry christmas
NO PLUG NO SALE, FWGCMWOTR, LJGTVWOTR,DBAMGCMEMEVS,(my house)=D~~~~(my volt)
December 3rd, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Course, this attaches that stench that is this bailout to the Volt itself. I hope that photo op doesn’t cause the Volt to personify Rick Wagoner/Bailout or damage to the Volt brand when Rick fails to deliver on his cuts and they are right back to Washington in March. After all, this is a car that is subject to 1st impressions since it won’t exist on the road for at least 2 years.
December 3rd, 2008 at 2:12 pm
Well, the automaker bailout merry go round is now putting out threats by Chrysler’s new-untested-but-failed-former-Home-Depot
that the failure of his company will spark a depression. Well, at
least we know why Home Depot threw him out on his ear. The bigger question is why Chrysler ever hired the blockhead.
In other blockhead news, gettlefinger, who previously said that his union would not make any more concessions, is pretty much keeping to his word, but now claims that he will allow the elimination of those preposterously stupid and costly job banks and forego some retirement health care patments, things that 99% of the workers in this country never have. That is Gettlefinger’s definition of “sacrifice.” What a joke.
December 3rd, 2008 at 2:18 pm
hell yeah! I live 5 blocks away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
December 3rd, 2008 at 2:19 pm
Actually, driving a Cruze mule all the way from Detroit would be a great real world test, IMO. Of course, the down side is that you would have to find some outlets along the route. Otherwise, just run the car in a depleted mode and get some stats….make sure the AAA is paid up too!
December 3rd, 2008 at 2:25 pm
#28 Rashiid :
“#15 Rick Rolled says,
The Volt and Cruze are moves in the right direction but the vast majority of GM, Ford and Chrysler vehicles are utter CRAP (aka JUNK, Gas Guzzlers, Vehicles that nobody wants).
————-
#27 Bailers says,
That’s not true.
===========
It may not be true, but it is perception.
The people I work with refuse to buy American.
The reason? Americans can’t make good cars.
It is perception, unfortunately.”
————————————————————
Precisely what I mean when I say the American public has lost its self respect. “If an American made it, it must be junk.”
Nice. This kind of sentiment freaking infuriates me.
We as a people need a serious wake-up call.
Find something you’re good at. Do your damned best at it. And be proud of it !!!
That’s what I mean when I keep saying “The beatings will continue until morale improves”
I love the forward thinking and innovation that the Volt symbolizes. I’m thrilled that GM has the balls to take the risk on a leap forward like this. And I’m proud to be a foaming-mad GM fanboy lol.
Semper Fiero !!
December 3rd, 2008 at 2:30 pm
About time they are thinking!!!!!!!!!!!!!
December 3rd, 2008 at 2:30 pm
#9 Statik – “I think it is also fair to assume that this means there is no ‘production-alike Volt’ in existence (or near completion)…because if there was, he would be driving it.”
That is so true. The “display model” is probably the sheet metal body Volt that was shipped out of the LA Auto Show on Thanksgiving day.
#31 kent beuchert – “putting out threats by Chrysler’s new-untested-but-failed-former-Home-Depot that the failure of his company will spark a depression.”
Yeah, the crazy fear mongering threats of “the world will end” aren’t very persuasive, are they?
December 3rd, 2008 at 2:31 pm
Nice work Lyle; they do listen. The UAW agreed to drop jobs bank and rework health care. Finally!!!
December 3rd, 2008 at 2:36 pm
#28: I think it’s exactly that perception that has caused a good chunk of Detroit’s problem. I think that the government (Obama specifically) can and should help to change this perception by repeatedly focusing our attention on how competitive our auto industry really is and how great the promise is for clean, efficient cars built right here.
With these loans, we’re investing in our country’s industrial future and helping these three companies build the kinds of cars that will significantly reduce our dependence on foreign oil. We shouldn’t depend on Asian companies to do this for us. Obama, with his popularity and charisma, has the opportunity to help the manufacturers correct this inaccurate mindset and encourage people to support our own country’s industry!
December 3rd, 2008 at 2:38 pm
How about a more international perspective.
US car companys have been building the wrong cars for years, because ‘taxpayers’ have been buying the wrong cars for years. We know this because they couldn’t make enough gas guzzling tanks to satisfy demand before the oil price went up. If the big three go broke it will trash a lot of the worlds economies who rely on a strong US economy. So, ‘tax payers’ have a choice between: pay for your own mistakes (bail out the big three) or force the rest of the world to pay (let them go broke). I think you should sell the Volt to Toyota?!
P.S. Has anyone noticed that the price of oil has dropped? Maybe Rick should be driving a Hummer to Washington.
December 3rd, 2008 at 2:40 pm
Will it be accompanied by armored SUVS?
Have there been any car jackings in D.C.? Can he jack into a DC outlet while he is parked?
Where will he park it? Is there valet parking?
When he pulls up in front of the the Senate Finance committee, he should rev the engine.
December 3rd, 2008 at 2:42 pm
KUDOS for Rick Wagoner’s decision!!!!!!!
Next, Rick should offer Congress an option (for extra Billions) to build the Flextreme Concept Car in a VERY short time frame–like re-tooling for building tanks in WWII.
Hey, this is a “Go For Broke” time for GM. GM NEEDS VISION, similar to President Kennedy’s plan to land on the moon (and) Henry Fords’ mandate to have the first single-cast V8 engine.
Rick Wagoner should “SELL THE SIZZEL” as well as the steak!
Thanks
December 3rd, 2008 at 2:43 pm
Larry Burns GM VP of R&D on Ed Schultz currently. Paraphrasing.
“GM Engineers had Volt-type prototype running at time of the EV1 program. Technology cost prohibitive at that point.”
“EV1 cannot be brought back because the technology has evolved too much. Even if you could ‘bring it back,’ you would not want to.”
“Very encouraged by UAW positions.” “Made a lot of progress working in partnership with UAW.” “Leadership has helped in the last few years with shared sacrifice, very reassuring.”
December 3rd, 2008 at 2:49 pm
Rick Rolled (#15), it might be time to remove your head from your rectum.
And after that refreshing change, you might want to read this:
http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/the-american-gas-guzzler-myth.htm
December 3rd, 2008 at 3:08 pm
No. No No .
It is .
HHHOOOO HHooo Ho MERRY CHRISTMAS !!!
December 3rd, 2008 at 3:14 pm
Finally, some positive developments. I hope they aren’t the last.
#15:
Perhaps you should be Rick Rolled.
lol wut?
#30 2snowboard:
“this attaches that stench that is this bailout to the Volt itself. I hope that photo op doesn’t cause the Volt to personify Rick Wagoner/Bailout or damage to the Volt brand”
There is, of course, some danger of this; but remember that the Volt could still have a future beyond GM. I think it’s liklier to be a good thing.
#40 ThombDbhomb:
“Have there been any car jackings in D.C.? Can he jack into a DC outlet while he is parked?”
It had better be an AC outlet -!
December 3rd, 2008 at 3:19 pm
There are multiple issues at work here:
1. Yes the US automakers make fuel efficient cars, but their cash flow and profits are driven by larger SUV sales, which have much higher profit margins
2. When the big three do sell cars they tend to make virtually no profit, vs Honda and Toyota etc who do. That’s due to too many parts, too many different suppliers and higher labor costs. The first two just have not been solved because the big three did not look to small cars as a way to drive revenue or profits, while the foreign car makers did.
3. The Union contracts are adding some significant cost to the production of the US auto makers vehicles, in terms of raw wages, health care and overtime etc for current employees, retirement and health care for retired workers, and the truly moronic jobs bank.
4. Contracts that these guys have with dealers etc require then to financially compesnate those dealers when they stop producing a given brand etc. When the Olds brand was discontinued it is estimated it cost $1 billion in payouts.
So, the benefit of bankruptcy is that they basically get to say adios to all those contracts, tho retirement and health packages are harder to get rid of due to current federal law.
In other words, the best thing that can happen, and that is talked about in todays WSJ, is that a “bankruptcy package” be worked out ahead of time for the two that will fail (Chrysler and GM) so that they can enter and exit bankruptcy in a month or two at the most, shedding contracts with dealers, suppliers and the UAW along the way, but not having to go into insolvency cause they will be out of bankruptcy in short order.
My vote is for the quick bankruptcy proceedings…and then loan them some money if they need it. Otherwise we are throwing good money after bad and they will be coming back to the table for more in another year.
December 3rd, 2008 at 3:23 pm
#9 statik said “I think it is also fair to assume that this means there is no ‘production-alike Volt’ in existence (or near completion)…because if there was, he would be driving it.”
============================================
For sure he is driving the car that is most attractive to a general audience — the one that looks the best and that has a working ICE. If it can go one mile under battery power, that’s a big plus.
Really, this is simply showmanship. It is not a good indicator of Volt development, which is better done at this point by improving individual systems. Even so, I applaud it.
December 3rd, 2008 at 3:26 pm
RB
GM has said for some time now that production like Volt bodies would be mated with E-flex platforms in the beginning of 2009 (STATIK). I’ve been thinking about that for a while. Of course this makes sense. The Volt production line doesn’t exist yet. Why would GM waste millions to create low volume tooling for Volt bodies; and it would cost hundreds of thousands for each unit, to hand make near-Volt-one-offs, when the production works are still in the planning stages. This also leads me to think, why would GM deviate from it’s production schedule to create production Volts a few months early (TAGAMET), when they would be taking on virtually unlimited risk merely to get a few months ahead of their already unprecedented Volt planning process.
December 3rd, 2008 at 3:44 pm
[...] Washington instead of a Volt prototype. He is only driving the prototype mule the last mile or two. BREAKING: GM CEO Will Drive Volt Mule Inside Washington DC Tomorrow | GM-VOLT : Chevy Volt Electric … What GM officially released was a PLAN toward production. They are saying late 2010 as a 2011 [...]
December 3rd, 2008 at 4:05 pm
Jeffhre@#48 – One of the comments from Burns interview by Ed Schultz that I didn’t semi-transcribe was something to the effect that it would be nearly impossible to speed up introduction of the Volt. Mr. Burns stated what we already know – that the battery needed for the Volt is being developed at the same time as the Volt itself. This puts new meaning to the concept of a “just in time supply chain.” I’d be happy if they could up the initial volume of the Volt. We got plenty here who doubt that we will see a Volt until 2011. Claims of a speedier roll-out by GM would probably be met with laughter.
On another topic familiar here, Mr. Burns spoke about Gen2. The upshot is that Gen1 is about getting the Volt out the door. Gen2 will be about getting it out the door at a higher volume, and at a price that will generate a higher volume of demand. He re-iterated what we already have been told – development of Gen2 is well underway.
December 3rd, 2008 at 4:05 pm
If the bailout is given, watch the value of stock adjust accordingly. Likewise, if not given. Should prove to be interesting either way.
December 3rd, 2008 at 4:12 pm
They are incompetent as managers. I told GM 2-3 Years ago when they were dragging their feet that they could not afford to take its development slowly.
They should be leant money as it is a vital component to the US economic structure. However, they should only give half of what is requested, require a 50% cut in manufacturing, take the close plants and use the remaining funds to entice wind power production facilities to be constructed in the closed facilities, and move on. GM, Chrysler and Ford shareholders should lose all their value, lenders and employees should take over the assets and tell the CEOs to find another country to fleece the assets from.
December 3rd, 2008 at 4:19 pm
Would be cool if everyone would remain completly silent instead of applause and yell of joy. Everyone wanting to listen to the silence at the same time. It would be very hot and a big surprise to GM, medias, etc.
December 3rd, 2008 at 4:20 pm
Finally. I’ve said before that the \Volt was their best argument to congress for a bailout. They should have brought it along last month.
The reason it’s critical, now, is that the conservation minded congressmen are incensed about having to use the $25b that was intended as a carrot for transitioning the car companies to new technologies. Trotting the \Volt out can help placate that feeling and unify congressional support in a way that nothing else could.
December 3rd, 2008 at 4:25 pm
Looking at how the automobile industry got where it is today would take a lot of space. But a couple of comments:
The union wages, benefits, etc. are a legacy from the past when manual labor actually supported a middle-class lifestyle in the US. According to most on this site they got too much. But, letting foreign manufacturers set up shop in the south with relatively young workers a long way from retirement, with much lower benefits certainly gave them an advantage (not sure how many other countries would permit that !).
Europeans have high gasoline taxes. Gas costs twice as much and their cars get twice the gas mileage—this is not complicated. It has been obvious for 30 years that this is the effective way to lower oil imports, not CAFE (which really harmed the domestics). But, it is contrary to our culture, so we don’t do it and apparently never will.
December 3rd, 2008 at 4:26 pm
#17 xed
Well stated, my friend. To straight to the point and too truthful for it to be said. I also wish they would ask congress to take $1 per year in salary until they clean up the mess they have our country in financially. Plus, I would ask members of congress to state how they traveled to Washington and how did the financial community’s executives travel. But I don’t think they have the “balls” to ask that question before they have the money in hand. I think I would be asking a friendly party to ask those kinds of questions. One that would not be easily connected back to me. Shoot, I would ask the questions if I could get time in front of congress. I have the “balls” and don’t have anything to lose doing it.
December 3rd, 2008 at 4:32 pm
it is a loan to be paid back, not a bail out
December 3rd, 2008 at 4:41 pm
I hope they don’t fly the car in.
December 3rd, 2008 at 4:53 pm
Lyle wrote: “They listened to us!”
Can always count on your to let your ego get in there somewhere
If folks really believe GM listened to this site I’ve got a bridge I’d like to sell you 
December 3rd, 2008 at 4:55 pm
And where’s Tesla and the other upstarts who have struggled for ages to get alternative vehicles on the road? I think we should let these guys cut in line for the handout….
December 3rd, 2008 at 5:00 pm
At 57 – its only a loan if they don’t eventually go bankrupt and disappear altogether.
December 3rd, 2008 at 5:02 pm
Rasputin: Hey Rick, they need you to do a dog and pony in DC.
RicK: Hey I’m trying to run a business here!
Rasputin: Yeah but government has finally decided to invest in a domestic energy policy that includes retooling automakers for non-petroleum fuel sources.
Rick: Okay. That means they no longer have to send $700 Billion each year to the people who are trying to kill us, right?
Rasputin: Right. Which means we won’t have to station as many troops overseas to stabilize warring factions.
Rick: And by producing domestic energy resources we are less vulnerable to terrorism, economic chaos and disruptive foreign policy.
Rasputin: So get in the Volt mule and drive over to Congress to demonstrate that GM has answered the call for a new, domestic energy policy that supports home-grown energy.
Rick: Okay. Maybe I should take Barak and Michelle to dinner.
Rasputin: No. They’re not up to speed yet. But you might give Hillary a call.
Rick: You got it. I’m gonna get to work with my dialog coach now.
Rasputin: And remember, this gig pays scale.
December 3rd, 2008 at 5:04 pm
#46 Andrew
“My vote is for the quick bankruptcy proceedings…and then loan them some money if they need it. Otherwise we are throwing good money after bad and they will be coming back to the table for more in another year.”
———————–
This was what Mitt Romney has been saying for weeks. I agree this would be the best plan, but I don’t think congress is going to take the time to figure out the best course of action. Congress solves “problems” by throwing taxpayer money at it until it is buried in it enough so that they can’t see or hear it any more. It would be nice if GM could get enough money now to stay afloat until a packaged chapter 11 deal could be worked out. But, it will not happen.
December 3rd, 2008 at 5:08 pm
I just hope it’s up to the trip, mules are not meant for long hauls.
This could also mean that they trucked in the Volt prototype, if so, that’s more cost-fallout they will be yelled at for.
December 3rd, 2008 at 5:18 pm
Well Congress already spent 10x what the auto industry is asking for on the financial sector. What sort of assurances did we get on that? When is that money getting paid back?
Congress wants the automotive industry to make more fuel efficient cars and help with energy independence. What do they think projects like the Volt, and fuel cell are for? R+D is expensive. Where’s all the government policy to support energy independence?
Obama wants to bring manufacturing jobs back to America. Letting the automotive industry fail wouldn’t be a good way to start.
December 3rd, 2008 at 5:21 pm
#65 Steve
Try 20.59 times as much. And, more is expected to be coming down the pike for the financial community. Heaven help us!
There were essentially no strings attached to the financial bail-out and no real idea of repayment. It was cooked up in congress and thrown out because it was election time and they wanted to show the voters they cared. The Bush administration recommended 150 billion, but by the time the Democrats got through with the bill it was 700 billion with a lot of pork added for their friends.
The one smart thing they did (maybe it was smart) was to let Paulson make the determination of who got help and set the rules. He has paid out about half of the 700 billion and gotten some collateral through stock, etc. How good that is we won’t know for several years.
December 3rd, 2008 at 5:56 pm
Advocate # 39, the ripple effect of a collapse of the 3 major US auto players will harm the rest of the world economically, but mainly because of this would cripple the US manufacturing industry and deepen the current US recession. GM and Ford are pretty big here in Australia (both for manufacturing and sales) which will of course have its own spillover effects, though I also suspect any collapse will see other players fill the void (in particular Japanese brands). As it is many people in overseas countries have been buying more fuel efficient ranges of cars for years with sales from both ford and GM slowly decreasing over time. Currently OZ is predicted to import 83% of our cars in 2009 and not all locally produced cars are Ford and GM derivatives.
Both Ford and GM have lines of smaller cars, but they are just not perceived as being on the side of conservative with regards to fuel when compared to Japanese models (as a whole). The Japanese brands for example don’t produce family sedans which are V8’s (as far as I am aware).
I’ve read some posts by Stuey and he seems to suggest we all crave muscle cars (well that’s how I read his posts), but this is simply not the case as depleting gasoline guzzling car sales/prices would suggest. He is not entirely incorrect, we have plenty of people who do want to drive such cars (my brother has a locally manufactured Holden Monaro (owned by GM), a which currently runs mid 10’s on the quarter mile track), though nation wide, he is in the minority. people do want some grunt out of their cars, but not if you have to devote a second jobs wage to fuel.
December 3rd, 2008 at 6:00 pm
Wagoner probably had 30 engineers stationed every block he drove and it probably cost GM $700,000 in manhours. Not to mention the PR dept launching a massive campaign promoting his stupid stunt. He has to be the dumbest jerk to ever sit in an office.
They probably flew the Volt to DC.
Wagoner should be fired as the first act of a GM rehab. What a STUPID STUPID person!
On the other hand, Congress will probably fall for it.
Sheee!!
December 3rd, 2008 at 6:01 pm
Lot of cynicism and negatives from the posters here. Look GM are responding to our call to have the Volt in Washington at this critical time. The Volt is no longer vapour ware, there is no longer a technical risk only a solid business opportunity. The congressmen can actually see and touch it – a master stroke.
My guess is the GM executives are reading the comments on this site digesting the arguments and acting on the best reasoning. The power of the collective mind brought to bear on their problems.
Go Volt, go Michigan, go USA. go Planet
December 3rd, 2008 at 6:05 pm
Well Dobbs is a Toyota plant on this site.
I know from a person who works at Toyota.
Toyota has an internet PR department that writes bad articles about American cars all over the web.
They are using nasty advertising tactics buy spreading spam over the internet.
GM needs to fight back and create a internet defense network to combat these paid goons in Toyota PR..
December 3rd, 2008 at 6:09 pm
Please remove me from your email list. I am extremely disappointed with the new watered down version of the Volt.
It looks like every other boring sedan out there. I was originally exited because the design was awesome and it got great gas mileage too!
I would definately NOT buy this new version of an old econo box!!!!!
December 3rd, 2008 at 6:15 pm
I’m puzzled. Congress is going to give them money in part to develop new fuel efficient vehicles. But they’re driving up in new fuel-efficient vehicles…..?????
December 3rd, 2008 at 6:17 pm
Wake up Dreamers!!!
This GM stunt is nothing more than a thinly disguised Trojan Horse that’s about to enter our nations capital to plunder another 18-100 billion from the treasury. How soon you fools forget that GM actually had an electric car 10 years ago… and now we’re supposed to believe it’s costing them billions to reinvent something they already had? The Volt doesn’t exist and won’t make it to production anytime soon. GM is just using this “concept car” crappola to extract as much cash as it can from the American public via our idiot politicians.
Had to truck it in from Detroit…. LOL…. Likely, the “test mule” couldn’t get out of it’s own way in the cold weather.
Chapter 11 should sort this out.
December 3rd, 2008 at 6:23 pm
bailing out the banks was Keynesian in ideal, without liquidity no-one will have money to buy anything. Auto makers can produce all they want, but without the power to borrow, few can actually make purchases.
this is the result of a credit driven economy. the bailout for banks was a no-brainier as a lot of money needed to flow into the economy and quickly! investing in auto companies requires assurance they will actually use the money correctly and the investment can be returned – this is not a public works, its a private company. even if the auto companies fell, the country would still get by, but without banks – it all stops!
In fact, the banks will take that money and in the short term will be able to magically create more money out of it (banks lend out up to 90% of deposits – so people borrow 90% of available funds, spend, and its deposited back in banks who lend out 90% of it again, etc… in a loop until its close to x10 that amount initially under the banks control). so the banks receiving money and the auto industry receiveing money are 2 very different things. one represents the whole country and every industry therein, whilst auto makers represent one section (albeit a large one).
December 3rd, 2008 at 6:28 pm
Sharee “Please remove me from your email list…I am disappointed with the watered down version of the Volt”
The rest of us will be contributing to the American economy, the environment, and keeping our oil dollars out of the hands of some pretty scary people….and you will be waiting for your perfect car. Good luck to you!
December 3rd, 2008 at 6:36 pm
The jesture of driving a Volt after arriving by corporate jet last visit rings hollow. How much did it cost to get the Volt to DC?
The top 5% of GM salary earners should forgo all salary and bonuses until the company recovers. The arrogance of the big 3 is overwhelming. The inbred GM leadership doesn’t get it. They have bankrupted GM. They smoozed politicians to kill CAFE updates, produced junky land yachts and has never understood the competition/customer/themselves.
The rich losers that have enriched themselves and bankrupted the company have the audacity to blame the workers and ask the taxpayers to bail them out. Resignation and returning their salaries/bonuses for the past 20 years is only fair.
Shame on GM’s managers!!!
December 3rd, 2008 at 6:40 pm
Any wagers that the Congress would not give the ‘Big Three’ any money? I would bet my bottom dollar they will.
The arrogance of these CEOs are just amazing!
Nardelli of Chrysler really messed things up at Home Depot (I know I worked there in upper management). He had no clue what retail was about. (That is why he got booted out). You think he has any clue whatsoever about selling the right cars and trucks for todays market? Nope. He is just interested for the bottom dollar; no not the company’s… his own bottom line. $1 for a year salary? Well he isn’t even worth that! Get a leader that knows the industry or just hang it up!
December 3rd, 2008 at 6:45 pm
Frank, #77,
They’ll get it.
December 3rd, 2008 at 6:48 pm
#69 Dobbs said
“They probably flew the Volt to DC”
=========================================
Dollars to doughnuts it came it a truck, which is no more or less than how cars are transported around the country every day.
Everyone knows that Volts are not yet cars that can be driven around as a production car. It is nonetheless a strong symbolic gesture to show what is in the pipeline. Asking for public money needs some public symbolism. I’m for it, and I think people will enjoy seeing it.
December 3rd, 2008 at 6:50 pm
#77 Frank said “Nardelli of Chrysler really messed things up at Home Depot (I know I worked there in upper management). He had no clue what retail was about. (That is why he got booted out).”
==============================================
Well Home Depot under his watch was going downhill steadily, but the final straw with big shareholders was the annual meeting when none of the directors showed up and Nardelli would not answer questions. That’s what pushed him over the edge. Did you listen to the tape of that meeting? (or maybe you were there)
December 3rd, 2008 at 7:05 pm
http://www.ecogeek.org/content/view/2351/69/
Be sure to click the “driving one to capital hill” link.
Take Care
Arch
December 3rd, 2008 at 7:07 pm
[...] than that. In a very real example of how much GM needs the Volt (and why) CEO Rick Wagoner is driving one to Capitol Hill tomorrow morning. He’ll park it out front of Congress, walk in, and ask them for an $18 B [...]
December 3rd, 2008 at 7:10 pm
If you think GM missed the boat on hybrids then read this.
http://blog.wired.com/cars/2008/09/priustoric—-g.html
Take Care
Arch
December 3rd, 2008 at 7:11 pm
I e-mailed Bob Lutz 10 days ago and offered a solar-charge to that “Volt”, but as yet I have not had a reply. I think it would have been awesome to solar-charge the Volt just outside the Capitol Building, it’s the way of the future….
December 3rd, 2008 at 7:17 pm
Predictions:
GM will argue to Congress, “we have done all you have asked us to do”. GM will get the loan.
As part of the deal GM we agree to release the Volt months earlier than expected. GM will then need to offer “lease only Volt” due to “possible problems with releasing early”. The per month cost to lease the Volt will be ridiculously high. Especially being that per gallon gasoline remains below $2.
This Big Oil/Big Bank/Congressional agreement will result in “lower than expected interest in electric cars” and energize a PR program focused on the selling of 40mpg Cruze and 50mpg Insight hybrids. Both the Cruze and Insight advertising will be sponsored by the banking system (which is in bed with Big Oil).
This is the suffocation stage of the anti EV agenda.
Oil prices will remain “low” long enough for the thought of electric car ownership to again drift off to dream land.
This is the cutting off of the EV blood supply of the anti EV agenda. No interest = no money = no profit = no progress.
The electric car will again become an interesting (and unneeded) coudda’ been.
Big Oil will incrementally raise per barrel prices (up 3% then down 2%) to a slow boil as the resting crab gets cooked.
You will own a 38 mpg gasoline burner.
______________________
Any thoughts on this?
=D~
December 3rd, 2008 at 7:21 pm
I like the idea, but if you think flying in a private jet was expensive, think of the marketing and support cost of getting the Volt to DC and preped so he could drive it.
December 3rd, 2008 at 7:29 pm
#85,, Dave K
And then the Japanese who need the fuel efficient vehicles the most(no crude oil to speak of) will perfect the electric car and in a couple of decades the US automobile will be extinct.
Such is life…
December 3rd, 2008 at 7:30 pm
Brilliant!
December 3rd, 2008 at 7:33 pm
Dave K @ 85…
I think you may be exactly right with your prediction. History does tend to repeat itself.
December 3rd, 2008 at 7:33 pm
Just FYI:….. To solar-charge an EV or E-REV is equivalent to running a 409 on 101 octane…….Sweet !!!!
December 3rd, 2008 at 7:45 pm
Wondering why they don’t bring clean burn diesel cars over to the U.S.
December 3rd, 2008 at 7:52 pm
Dave K
I couldn’t agree with you more. ‘Was just explaining the same thoughts to left wing-nut friend of mine earlier today…. he agreed.
December 3rd, 2008 at 7:52 pm
Dear Mr. Wagoner,
Show Congress what the Volt is all about. At least we know Mulally and Nardelli won’t have one…
December 3rd, 2008 at 7:56 pm
I want to see a smoky doughnut! OK, with front wheel drive that may not be possible. Probably would be bad form too when looking for a loan. Remember when they introduced the Boeing 707 Tex did a barrel roll with the aircraft in front of everybody? Spectacular.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ra_khhzuFlE
I say give the car to some Red Bull drifter…
Watch the fun. Better than some corporate bonfire.
I say a reverse 360 into a staged parking place would work nicely!
Red HHR (tongue planted firmly in cheek)
December 3rd, 2008 at 7:58 pm
[...] [Source: GM-Volt.com] [...]
December 3rd, 2008 at 7:59 pm
READ WHAT YOUR ANNOUNCEMENT SAYS: “HE WILL FIRST DRIVE TO DETROIT…….”
DO YOU MEAN TO SAY ” TO WASHINGTON” ???
He will first drive to Detroit in a hybrid Chevrolet Malibu, then he will drive a route from his hotel to GM’s Washington office,and then to Capitol Hill in the Chevy Volt running prototype, or mule.
December 3rd, 2008 at 8:01 pm
News update:
“I just don’t think we have the votes to do that now,” Reid told The Associated Press in an interview.
———————————–
In my opinion this guy is likely shorting GM stock. Hoping to make it plummet tomorrow, jump out, then wait for the approval. No way they do not approve the bailout. If they fail to approve this bailout (phase I..), I vow to eat my hat!
PS: I vote for no bailout, but unfortunately, I was not invited to a seat at the table for this one.
December 3rd, 2008 at 8:07 pm
Dave K
I for one have never leased anything in my life. BUT, I would actually consider leasing the battery for the Volt. I actually believe this would be best for both consumer and auto makers.
The battery is a consumable, just like the gas you put in your car. So, instead of paying to fuel up, you pay to lease the battery. This would make the car more affordable to the general populace, while also protecting the auto maker for any problems that might creep up with the battery after real life cycling.
Just a couple pennys worth today…
December 3rd, 2008 at 8:16 pm
GM, F, and Chrysler all need to go bankrupt and reorganize as is required by the tenets of “Free Enterprise” not use the taxpayers money to fund you mistakes.
These companies have ripped-off the consumers for many years with shoddy car that have killed and maimed many.
They are companies from hell they are no better than tobacco companies.
Also the dealers that have raped the consumer with bad deals and bad service.
Let them disappear from the planet if they can’t make a profit.
Communism is alive and well in the USA of Socialist Republic
December 3rd, 2008 at 8:20 pm
[...] [Source: GM-Volt.com] [...]
December 3rd, 2008 at 8:26 pm
That’s great! I look forward and perhaps buying a Volt. However, I have one suggestion. Do you think you can change the Chevrolet emblem from a croos to a volt of lightning with a small cross emblem inside. I think it would really sharp.
December 3rd, 2008 at 8:30 pm
Thanks Lyle for the great news of this post!
Kudos to GM for the DC VOLTs. The politicians need a good reason to get charged up about our American auto industry that invents what others copy.
Don’t forget, every day we are one day closer to driving our own GM VOLT.
December 3rd, 2008 at 8:31 pm
Ok I just did a quick Google, here is the scenario.
Rick pulls up with the Cruze/Volt mule at the corner of Delaware Ave. and C street. Talks to some guy named Sam. Offers to let him drive the car.
http://www.samuelhubinette.com/index.html
Just give the fellow some room. Besides Chrysler is not really bringing anything to the table. So let their guy provide some fireworks with the GM car. Besides it is the Cruze, which will be a bit les expensive than the Volt. (Plus it would be improper to have an actual Volt doing unseemly pirouettes) The Cruze with Mopar muscle??? It will give the Chrysler folks something to do. If you get my drift…
Red HHR (with active parking brake usage at speed)
December 3rd, 2008 at 8:36 pm
The bank bail out was to get credit moving again, but instead they threw parties, gave them selves bonuses, bought banks (some not even in this country) and generally did not lend. The problem was always the bad mortgages which no one really wanted to touch because to do so would fix a price and no one wanted to know what that was. The most recent moves to buy up bad mortages from Fanny May and Freddie Mac seems to finally have lubricated some movement in the credit markets, at least housing.
I have been against the auto bailout because I don’t think GM and Chrysler can make it with the bailout (they even said they would not be paying this loan back ). It would take a couple hundred billion more to get GM viable. I have changed my mind and here is why: Ford can make it, but not if the infrastructure collapses with GM and Chrysler, so this bailout won’t save GM and Chrysler, but might give Ford enough time to shore up suppliers that will survive with it.
December 3rd, 2008 at 8:42 pm
I like the concept of the Volt, but sorry Waggoner, too damn little, too darn late… you should have been working on this and shipped it a bit sooner than 5 years AFTER the Prius… and you expect us to give you $25b just because you are parading around in a Chevy Volt prototype? I’ll bet $1000 you are flying back in your corp jet… this time in the dark out of a secret airport to avoid being exposed.
You auto guys are far too dimwitted and unimaginative, compared to the foreign competition. I hate to say this as a red blooded American, but as they said in the movie Gung Ho, it’s the other guys who have what we used to call the American Spirit. You mgmt guys in Detroit lost it a long time ago and weren’t too interested in getting it back.
Good buy and good riddance. And to the UAW: F U too!
December 3rd, 2008 at 8:45 pm
If Obama believes that it is in our national security interest to greatly reduce our dependence on oil, then perhaps he will invest in a new GM/Chrysler oriented to producing electric vehicles (that people can afford).
December 3rd, 2008 at 8:50 pm
Let’s hope the mule is detailed and has pinstripes or something. Most people are more impressed by looks than substance, and won’t appreciate the electric drivetrain.
Although if the press sees a good looking car that can travel on electricity, yet has an engine to provide infinite range, it’s bound to get its share of media attention.
As far as the loans go, the intent is to bridge GM over until the economy rebounds. Historically, these downturns in auto sales are followed by booms in auto sales, to supply the pent-up demand. GM just needs to get to the upswing.
I agree that they have a good porfolio of new cars on the horizon. The CTS, Malibu, Corvette, and Enclave are all award winners, while the new LaCrosse, 2-mode Vue, and Volt are in the near future. I think GM will have a great product line in a few years, they just started this new development surge a little too late (although everyone’s sales are down, not just GM’s).
If Rick handles the questions well, and the Volt mule performs, this will be an important day (as mentioned earlier, if the media shows the Volt mule on national TV, and the public likes it, it will be suicide for the Congressional members to deny the loans).
December 3rd, 2008 at 8:54 pm
A bailout will only work if G.M. enters into a voluntary bankruptcy. G.M. needs a total management change, and the UAW retired workers must give up their gold plated benefits/medical plans. Neither will happen unless they they select bankruptcy.
The Volt, when and if it enters production, at $40,000 is hardly the savior of G.M. Also, the foreign car manufacturers will have plug-in models which are better made and less expensive.
G.M. has created a business plan for the past decades which dooms them to failure. The Honda/Toyota/Nissan car factories in the USA using American labor are producing quality cars the car-buying public wants. Any federal money given to the Big Three will be wasted and they will be back again in months demanding more.
December 3rd, 2008 at 8:57 pm
76 Dru Bacon: “The jesture of driving a Volt after arriving by corporate jet last visit rings hollow. How much did it cost to get the Volt to DC?”
Damned if you do, damned if you don’t. GM can’t be cut any slack.
I can’t imagine GM really surviving all this negative PR since all the news headlines about bankruptcy are scaring customers away in droves. Oh great, now I’m being negative like Statik!
Oh, hold on: perhaps Steve Jobs’ marketing cronies at Apple can start an “I’m a GM, and I’m a Toyota” series of commercials similar to those that already seemed to have brainwashed people into thinking that Macs are perfect in every way.
December 3rd, 2008 at 9:02 pm
What happened to the EV1?
December 3rd, 2008 at 9:02 pm
The world will see the Cruze/Volt for the first time.
If Washington doesn’t give GM 18B then it will be Washington that killed the electric car this time…
The optics are wonderful…
This will be good drama tomorrow.
December 3rd, 2008 at 9:03 pm
“then he will drive a route from his hotel to GM’s Washington office,and then to Capitol Hill in the Chevy Volt running prototype, or mule.
Then he will be pulling up and stopping to talk to the public. This will occur at 9:30 AM at the corner of Delaware Ave. and C street just outside the Russell Senate Building.”
Very cool!
Wow, he took my suggestion! Now, if he could follow the other suggestion of all salarys and wages, below those of Honda and Toyota USA.
December 3rd, 2008 at 9:05 pm
So you say this big Gm suit, Wagoner, is gonna park this one-of-a-kind supercar on the street, in DC ? Nice !
I know some collectors who would pay big for this “mule”. And if this Wagoner guy starts trouble, well, DC is pretty violent. Things happen, even to CEO’s.
Just gotta have some friends start trouble across town, to lure the cops away, bring in a rollback, load the “mule” on it, take it to a waiting car trailer to carry the “mule” to New York. I’ll have some friends ready to block the road, in case someone wants to be a hero and follow me. Ba-da-bling, ba-da-boom, hello big paycheck. I can’t wait to meet Mr Wagoner – personally.
OK, 9:30 AM at the corner of Delaware Ave. and C street, just outside the Russell Senate Building. Thanks, Lyle – you’ve been a real pal, but you know what they say – business is business. Oh yeah, don’t post this on your site, Lyle. I don’t need advertising, you know what I mean ?
December 3rd, 2008 at 9:11 pm
Hopefully during the media coverage which will likely get a lot of national attention, GM PR people will emphasize that even though the car has an electric range of ONLY 40 MILES (a number that many people are dissing), it was done to keep the car relatively affordable FOR WHAT IT IS. A Tesla with the huge battery and farther range is even more cost-prohibitive–especially in this credit market, and once the battery is drained, you’re out of luck. GM PR should emphasize that most people’s daily driving needs are more than handled by the 40-mile range, and the small effient gas engine is there to provide infinite driving distance when the need arises. What can then be emphasized is that once battery technology and America’s charging infrastructure is ready, the evil gas engine will be a thing of the past. Yaaaay America!
Unfortunately, if Rick the CEO was the one to do the sales pitch to America, it would be dry, scripted, and boring, and if Bob Lutz was in there, reporters would be sticking microphones in his mouth asking for his comments about global warming.
December 3rd, 2008 at 9:17 pm
Why Why Why do you people buy foreign cars. Why why why do you send all of your jobs to China and India. Oh yea, your the same people who elected George Bush. now it all makes sence!
December 3rd, 2008 at 9:19 pm
110 Dave S
What happened to the EV1?
They were to too slow and ugly to outrun the steamroller coming after them.
The modern version is the Tesla Roadster.
Better looking
Further range
Faster recharge
and you can buy it.
December 3rd, 2008 at 9:37 pm
qoute from GM mgmt:
““We have devoted significant resources to this project: Over 200 engineers and 50 designers are working on the Volt alone, and another 400 are working on related subsystems and electric components. That’s how important we think this is, and that’s how much stock we place in the future of extended-range electric vehicles like the Chevy Volt.””
What? is that supposed to impress Waggoner? How many total engineers do you have? You should have bet the company on a Prius killer starting 3 years ago… I would have spotted you the 2 years it takes a dolt like you to catch on to the freight train of competition. But it’s now closing in on 2009, and all you have to show for yourself is a blog and some prototypes … you need PRODUCTION… not prototypes… yes they both start with P but one makes money, the other just occupies bloggers.
December 3rd, 2008 at 9:47 pm
I recognize the value of this PR, and, I hope GM is serious about actually producing this car.
Tesla is in production though way out of my price range.
The Aptera is almost there, but looks funny.
Can anybody tell me WHEN will I be able to buy a Volt and where? At what price? GM has been at this for many, many, many years… enough PR and get on with production.
December 3rd, 2008 at 9:49 pm
[...] broke the news and immediately published an article reporting that it “will occur at 9:30 AM at the corner of Delaware Ave. and C street just outside the [...]
December 3rd, 2008 at 10:09 pm
Rick, that’s the way to go!
December 3rd, 2008 at 10:14 pm
What a joke…it reminds me of an idiot I saw not long ago on TV standing on an aircraft carrier touting “Mission Accomplished” (Google it, you will see)…Please, spare me the funnies…here is the thing…get a real job and do something…you have no respect to those hard working engineers (solders) who pour their heart out for the greater good.
Do all of us a favor and go lay down before you hurt someone else…1$ a year salary
Thanks for such a sacrifice…@#$%@#$%@#$^T@#$2#$% unbelievable!
December 3rd, 2008 at 10:19 pm
[...] [Source: GM-Volt.com] [...]
December 3rd, 2008 at 10:35 pm
Awesome.
Imagine, GM CEO actually driving a GM car, instead of flying in a jet !
—-
Just buy out the big 3. Replace the stupid Execs – make them pay back all their millions in bonuses as they drove the companies to ground. Retool the companies to make good public transports – buses, electric trains etc.
If the factories can be retooled in a year to make tanks, they can be retooled to make green transport as well.
Poeple who still talk about Laissez-faire apparently slept through when places like AIG and Citi were bailed out. They are like the Communists you still see protesting in Moscow. If there can ever be repudiation of Laissez-faire as an economic philosophy events of the last few months provided that – just like collpase of Soviet Union finished Communism as an economic philosophy.
December 3rd, 2008 at 10:40 pm
INTERESTING!
http://blogs.zdnet.com/Foremski/?p=334
Take Care
Arch
December 3rd, 2008 at 10:40 pm
Vector 256 @ 123: Please define, “irony.”
Arch @125: Nice link!
December 3rd, 2008 at 10:48 pm
KEN
How soon you fools forget that GM actually had an electric car 10 years ago… ”
Umm..buick made one in 1908 1 HUNDRED years ago not 10..Jay Leno has one, it still works by the way..
sharee ..uh you just noticed the design change? your post should have been in that topic oh say 3 or 4 MONTHS AGO..welcome to Deecember..get that shopping done Christmas is closer than you thought
man the number of trolls here is getting redicolous..you can’t count the number of old old old things we hashed out ages ago…
Obvious bad pr bot types…
thanks I needed the laugh..I would say that those saying that Toyota is paying posters to do bad PR may be in to something..all the nay sayers on old shit..policito weirdo commenting on presidents and president elects, some shmoe sounding like a bad mafioso movie..must be scared that Gm will get the $$$
as my stomach turns…(not about the bailout I am FOR it)
to those others I quote Monty python..” I point my private parts in your genereal direction..”
HA..total farks
December 3rd, 2008 at 10:48 pm
[...] [Source: GM-Volt.com] [...]
December 3rd, 2008 at 11:21 pm
Late post, maybe I’ll post the links tomorrow too. Looks like GM may use the B word after all.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aMTynXWxak9I&refer=home
Maybe because the Senate won’t give them the money otherwise. Reid says the votes are lacking in the Senate.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/congress_autos
I guess the senators don’t believe the doom and gloom. Hehehe.
December 3rd, 2008 at 11:23 pm
Here we go again. Prophets of the destruction, enacting on this site talking about Volt, Volt, Volt. You should all be ashamed of your actions. Those wanting to give billions of dollars to a failed company expecting for a $40K car able to bring profit in 2015 should be dreaming.
December 3rd, 2008 at 11:25 pm
Tim tom #130:
Dude… whatz up? where is ur american pride man?
Come on dude… just move on. Print press can bring us more cash man. Just pring the damn money and give it to Gm man.
December 3rd, 2008 at 11:30 pm
#125 Arch
The beautiful thing about “creative destruction” is that it forces companies out of their old ways to find new optimums. If that new business model makes sense, you can bet Detroit will consider it if their facing the firing squad. As long as the same-old is working, it won’t be considered. This is one of the difficult things to quantify about letting companies go bust. Some will die, but the rest come back lean & mean.
And then there’s the French model……lol
December 3rd, 2008 at 11:35 pm
I hope that Congress tells them that they need to launch the Volt in late 2009 to get the bailout funding.
December 3rd, 2008 at 11:39 pm
Dear Mr. Wagoner,
Thank you for your courage and sacrifice in this difficult time.
Good luck tomorrow on Capitol Hill.
My thoughts are with you.
Go GM! Go Volt!
Sincerely,
PJ
December 4th, 2008 at 12:28 am
It seems the trolls are out in force today.
PDNFTT’s
December 4th, 2008 at 12:37 am
Last post for the night. I have been through this before. In the 70s we got hit with high gas and energy prices. A lot of good work was done. Solar homes were designed. President Carter even started the National Alcohol Fuels Commision which I served on. Then one day the bottom fell out of the alternative energy business. Just like today a lot of projects that have been started will now fail. I built an office for my consulting business. By the time I got it built the bottom dropped out of the alternitive energy business. We can not just keep doing this. We have to make it this time. If we don’t the energy companies will own our souls. JMHO
Take Care
Arch
December 4th, 2008 at 12:58 am
hi microdac #118,
“Can anybody tell me WHEN will I be able to buy a Volt and where? At what price?”
____________________________
GM has been very open about the delivery time of the Volt. It was announced to be available in late 2010. With this date being confirmed at the L.A. Auto Show.
I believe GM would have also announced the price if they had planned on SELLING the cars. This is why the question of “buy or lease” won’t go away.
Most model announcements are worded something like this,”New electric Volt. Clean and economical. Available in 2010 and priced comfortably under $35,000″.
By not having seen or heard this it makes one wonder.
=D~
December 4th, 2008 at 3:59 am
Good Luck with your bailout GM and the $35,000 Chevy Volt. Most Americans can’t even afford a new car these days. I really loved the original Chevy Volt design but it looks nothing like the original now and with that price tag I am not as excited as I originally was. You guys need to shape up and show the world what we are really made of and build a VOLT CAR that the whole world would want and could afford to buy.
December 4th, 2008 at 6:48 am
James Says:
December 3rd, 2008 at 11:35 pm
I hope that Congress tells them that they need to launch the Volt in late 2009 to get the bailout funding.
that’s brilliant, force a company to put a product on the market that’s not ready….GM would loose milions in warranty claims.
If the big three want money, let them go to the private sector for their loan. if the private sector won’t loan money its because its too risky. If its too risky for the private sector, then why should the fed extend credit and loan money that may not get paid back.
If you think its such a good deal to loan money to the big three, then start buying up their stock….
December 4th, 2008 at 8:28 am
What is really the only thing new about the Volt?
Its the battery. So this is my thought: make sure the battery lasts at least 5 years and if it does then lets get this thing on the road. We don’t need to wait so you can test it so it works for over 10 years. If I buy a cell phone and the battery dies a few months later, I’d be a little upset but I’d blame the battery not the cell phone and I’ll just go and buy a new one.
You say the battery is too expensive to replace… Look at the prius’s battery, that price has already come down quite a lot. I’m sure there will be companies to refurbish the batteries and sell better more powerful ones in 5 years.
Get this thing on the road now.
December 4th, 2008 at 8:29 am
#128 Cautious Fan
Late post, maybe I’ll post the links tomorrow too. Looks like GM may use the B word after all.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aMTynXWxak9I&refer=home
=============================================
GM, Chrysler May Accept Bankruptcy to Receive Bailout
Dec. 4 (Bloomberg) — General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC executives are considering accepting a pre-arranged bankruptcy as the last-resort price of getting a multibillion-dollar government bailout, said a person familiar with their internal discussions.
—————-
What a strange concept.
How could anyone have forseen that?
We need a name for it…hrm…how about a ‘Government Sponsored Bankruptcy’
December 4th, 2008 at 9:18 am
He does his job all right
Insurmountable quest´s are for this man no problem.
December 4th, 2008 at 9:36 am
Re: Crappy American Cars: I own a 2003 Ford Windstar. It has numerous problems, 50,000 miles- failed intake manifold seals $1000., 60,000 miles – failed ABS sensor. Noisy engine from day one. Failed power stering pump 70,000 miles. Failed power door locks – 30,00 miles.
My mechanic says sell it now before it’s worth nothing!
I will NEVER NEVER buy another American car.
December 4th, 2008 at 9:38 am
In his article, Lyle says: Also in another important development, the UAW autoworkers union has agreed to drop their controversial job bank program that allowed laid off workers to be paid. This may improve chances for the loans as it will lower GM’s cost of operations.
——————————————————————————
I says: Lyle made an unfortunate omission – WHEN will the UAW drop their controversial job bank program ? I heard 2011 or 2012 – certainly not in 2008. Too little, too late, and Lyle didn’t consider it worth reporting. A pre-fab government backed “bankruptcy” is beginning to sound better and better, if all UAW is willing to do is throw GM their table scraps. 3 years from now. Maybe.
Time to lose the UAW for good – lose the UAW agreements (they can renegotiate in bankruptcy court), certainly lose CEO Rick Wagoner (who rode GM into the ground while watching over a million “silly” Toyota Prius’s get sold), and give GM a fresh start. It’s the only reasonable way out.
December 4th, 2008 at 9:52 am
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/23/opinion-the-real-cost-of-unionized-auto-workers-70-hour-try/
Something to read if you are bored.
December 4th, 2008 at 9:52 am
sounds like a 2 person song and dance here..
person one (GM) wants cash. Bankruptcy is NOT an option, costs, the pressure from the UAW..GM can say we are protecting or creditors, union folk that bargained in good faith, consumers that want confidence, here is our plan..
#2 (Gvmnt) we have the $, but you need to go there..
#1…we REALLY REALLY DIDN’t want to , but we need the $.
sorry creditors, sorry UAW, Sorry dealers, but at least we’ll still be around, and consumers will still be confident as #2 will guarantee us to be here…
:Lets dance…
December 4th, 2008 at 10:17 am
The UAW agrees to stop extorting benefits that 99.9% of US workers never have and declares it to be a “sacrifice.” worth billions.
The idea that they are able to lose billions of diollars and not even have their health care or salaries affected tells you everything you need to know about why Detroit can’t make a profit or develop new cars at a rate half that of their competitors. The unionized national media has said zero about this outrageous union move. Gee, I wonder why?
December 4th, 2008 at 10:17 am
Even electric cars sales are suffering right now.
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/engineering/article5282698.ece
More efficient cars aren’t the answer to the immediate problems. Supply is 30% greater than demand. It’s not rocket science. Supply must be cut.
December 4th, 2008 at 10:27 am
#144 Jman
The articles is deliberately mixing apples & oranges to mislead people. What matters is $ / productive man hours and the productivity of those man-hours. As the article points out, many of Detroits costs are for the retirees. OK……doesn’t matter. It still means they are paying far more / productive man hour then the competitors, and getting lower productivities (comparing Michigan factories to ones in the south.)
December 4th, 2008 at 10:41 am
Rick should be taking a tesla there.
The telsla is actually reality… not a golf cart in a cruze body! I sure GM wont let anyone in congress “TEST” drive the volt.
I want to see someone drive this “volt” on the hiway (60mph) for 40 miles!
Get the media out there…i want to see this so called “volt” in action!
December 4th, 2008 at 10:41 am
#131 Cautious Fan – “The beautiful thing about “creative destruction” is that it forces companies out of their old ways to find new optimums.”
Of course you have to identify when you have a normal process of Schumpeterian “creative destruction” and when you have something fundamentally different. Many things are wonderfully healthy in normal situations but terribly unhealthy in special situations. For example, jogging is terrific and healthy, but it is exactly the opposite after a large fire has filled the air with carcinogenic particulates.
Good decisions involve distinguishing one situation from another.
December 4th, 2008 at 10:45 am
Just got back to the office after closely examining the production Volt for about 15 minutes outside the Russell Senate Building, looks freaking sweet in real life!
fwiw, the interior didn’t reflect the changes to the LCD console and some other minors tweaks that we’ve seen in recent photos from GM.
Chrysler had its 3 EVs there as well.
December 4th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
[...] Ok, no exactly. After getting slammed by congress for flying private jets to D.C. while asking for a handout, the big wigs of the U.S. auto industry were a little more creative with their transportation choices this time around. Rick Wagoner, GM’s CEO, will be driving himself to the Sentate hearing in a Volt prototype. [...]
December 4th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
I don’t want my tax dollars funding these companies – plain and simple. If they do get the bailout, I plan to boycott the big 3. We currently have a Chevy and Jeep in my family, but no more. I’ll be buying a Toyota next time. If congress won’t listen to us, I guess the only thing we have left is to vote with our pocketbooks.
December 4th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
next time you might not be buying anything
December 4th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
Seeing that this is a GM-Volt promo site and was built for the huge number of Volt enthusiasts – you gotto believe that the negatories here are self-loathing Marxists. Every last one of ‘em! Hey Marxists, get your own site where you can flagellate each other and leave the Volt enthusiasts alone.
PS: Banks & government make bad loans – get $$700 billion bailout with no Congressional inquiry. Automakers ask for LOANS to retool – and get harrassed and framed for all sorta fabrications. Do you gotto be a college grad to figure this out??
December 4th, 2008 at 6:21 pm
I resent the fact that GM Execs are being treated DIFFERENTLY than the other execs (i.e. Bank CEOs, Insurance CEOs etc…) who have caused great harm to this economy. At least the auto companies have an actual product to sell that people can touch and see. These other industry execs have been running a deceptive con game on investors and consumers for years, yet they get bailed out and are immediately given bonuses. Even the ones that are being run out of their jobs are getting a sweet bucket of goodies on their way out. This whole affair smells of favoritism and I hope a thorough investigation years from now will uncover some of these corrupt practices. All I know for sure is that a lota executives and government officials should be behind bars. It’s called FRAUD and its against the law !
December 4th, 2008 at 8:42 pm
[...] Ok, no exactly. After getting slammed by congress for flying private jets to D.C. while asking for a handout, the big wigs of the U.S. auto industry were a little more creative with their transportation choices this time around. Rick Wagoner, GM’s CEO, will be driving himself to the Sentate hearing in a Vo…. [...]
December 6th, 2008 at 12:57 am
[...] Ok, no exactly. After getting slammed by congress for flying private jets to D.C. while asking for a handout, the big wigs of the U.S. auto industry were a little more creative with their transportation choices this time around. Rick Wagoner, GM’s CEO, will be driving himself to the Sentate hearing in a Volt prototype. [...]
December 6th, 2008 at 4:59 am
Here’s some video of the Chevy Volt on Capitol Hill
http://www.mpgomatic.com/2008/12/05/chevy-volt-dodge-ev-friends-on-capitol-hill/
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