AND 
More Chevy Volt Mule Test Drives and GM’s Point of View w/ Videos
As promised, GM has let several other journalists test drive the Volt mules as well. We are in a great position here to experience all these points of view which together may bring us closer to the truth. In the coming weeks we will be seeing more reviews.
1. GM
[flash http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7SNVjW_HHU]
GM has shared with us their own video of the media drivers’ experience. We hear from vehicle line director Tony Posawatz who as always is quite passionate about the car. He says the media are “getting a very unique experience, and many don’t even know the car is on.” He goes on to describe the instantaneous torque and “wonderful launch feel”. Further he describes the sound of the “lovely quiet hum”. Mostly he and Frank Weber report GM is proud to share with this typically tough audience the engineering accomplishments of which they are very proud.
2. WWJ
VIDEO HERE
Detroit radio reporter Jeff Gilbert had a chance to drive the car. He calls is “a special vehicle that is supposed to feel ordinary.”
He loved the drive calling it exciting with wonderful acceleration. He notes the silence. We are told GM has learned they can meet the performance targets and are quite confident it will be available for sale end of next year
3. CNBC Phil Lebeau
He said ” its impressive” and notes it is his second drive and says GM is progressing nicely with with it as they had promised. He said the car will meet all expectations GM had set forth. Doesn’t give a driving impression and hasn’t respond to my email asking for it.
4. PBS
LINK
The reporter Diane Eastabrook says “It’s hard not to be impressed by this technology. I’ve never driven a vehicle that was as quiet and offered as smooth a ride as this one. I also had no trouble getting the electric car up to 80 mph quickly. It really is cool technology.” She goes on to complain though about the EV-1 being killed.
5. CBS Evening News
I found this one quite snarky and cynical. The reporter said he didn’t drive the Volt, just it’s technology “stuck” in a conventional car because, the real volt is not yet ready. He said the media drives are really just to showcase the tech to generate publicity and public support for financial assistance. He closes with the concern about price and low gas prices leading to a drop in hybrid sales, suggesting GM might be “bringing out he right car at the wrong time.” He said nothing of the driving experience.
94 Responses to “More Chevy Volt Mule Test Drives and GM’s Point of View w/ Videos”
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April 15th, 2009 at 11:28 am
No publicity is bad publicity
I’m glad all these media outlets are getting the word out. People need to want electric cars so that more companies will build them.
I may not end up getting a volt, but at least it will have been the car to kick start things into main production.
Yeah, tesla had the roadster going first, but GM is the one with the effort to get an electric car mass produced in N.A. (and then worldwide)
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April 15th, 2009 at 11:36 am
These are all fantastic to see, and to get the word out….but still not Lyle
/boo
(j/k-its a good post….still looking forward to your 2p the most Lyle)
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April 15th, 2009 at 11:41 am
Any holywood celebrity will tell you there is no such thing as bad publicity.
I can’t here the reports here at work because I don’t have speekers on the computer but for the mainstream press to cover the car is fantastic. I just hope people don’t get the impression G.M. cobbled this car together in a few months as a stunt for federal aid when in fact they have been working hard on it since early 2007.
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April 15th, 2009 at 11:41 am
Any ‘press’ is good press as long as they spell your name right.
Spread the word. The VOLT is just 18.5 months away!
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April 15th, 2009 at 11:44 am
That CBS buckethead is not fit to waste Frahnk’s time.
(Yeah, damn it, I’m gonna spell it like I say it).
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April 15th, 2009 at 11:49 am
CNBC’s Phil LeBeau has been on the air quite a bit over the past year, usually provides fairly balanced reporting on auto industry subjects. For him to characterize the experience as “impressive” is a definite plus for the Volt. He is also a realist, understanding very welll the trouble GM is in. WIll be interesting to see his live report.
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April 15th, 2009 at 11:52 am
Speculation on my behalf of Lyle’s upcoming test drive video…..
The real reason it is taking so long to post is because director Michael Bay in a coordinated effort with Steven Speilberg and the entire U.S. Air Force is producing all of the special effects and video production of the segment, and are waiting for a hopeful PG-13 rating to be able to reach a larger audience of course. Special cameo appearance by Miley Cyrus (being that she got a test drive before Lyle), and opening narration by Leonard Nimoy. Hopefully both widescreen and full screen formats will be available as well.
Again, just speculation on my behalf.
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April 15th, 2009 at 11:56 am
GM,
DO NOT FILE THAT BANKRUPTCY!!! REJECT THE GOVERNMENT’S DEMANDS…See what happens, and the consumer confidence you get from it. Really…you always have the option in your back pocket.
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April 15th, 2009 at 12:08 pm
Enough with the Media’s take. Lets hear what Lyle thinks.
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April 15th, 2009 at 12:14 pm
Dave, you work for Ford right?
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April 15th, 2009 at 12:16 pm
As more of these reporters file their stories, the more and more curious I get as to why Lyle agreed to embargo his report on driving a Volt mule. (Full disclosure: “Embargo” in this context is news-speak for holding the story, and yes, I am a former member of the Fourth Estate)
Like someone suggested in a previous post, maybe Lyle DOES have one in his driveway and is giving GM some feedback of what it’s like to use the car day-in and day-out.
Whatever it the reason is, it better be good. Otherwise, Lyle, dear boy, you’ve been co-opted by the GM PR machine.
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April 15th, 2009 at 12:24 pm
The CBS News reporter said, “GM could be bringing out the right car at the wrong time.”
Does anyone have a quarter to buy this guy a clue???
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April 15th, 2009 at 12:30 pm
Perhaps CBS has been living on Mars lately – GM is ready for bankruptcy, not Govt loans. Everyone else has complained about the extent of GM publicity for the past 1 1/2 years, long before Govt bailout loans had been invented. As usual, CBS is one dumb media outlet. Bring back Dan Rather and his honest lies. Those we can live with.
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April 15th, 2009 at 12:42 pm
This is yesterday’s news!
Can’t we get a count-down clock for when Lyle will post his test drive experience?
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April 15th, 2009 at 12:43 pm
Before you accuse Lyle of being a GM cyborj, let’s wait for his meat and potatoes review. All sounds fine so far.
Curious about the comment that the mule has a Cadillac feel through cornering. Like Mr. Weber’s comment on the acceleration being a launch and smooth pull rather than a shift-shift-shift feel. Wondering why GM hasn’t let anyone accept Bob Lutz take the T battery past the ICE initiation point? Not surprised that the battery is giving the 40 miles electric as stated in the original goals list for the Volt. Know why the battery is making this goal, but can’t state right now. Pleased to hear “6 hours” mentioned on the home recharge time (ties in with the 40 mile goal).
Don’t forget, the battery will usually be charging from a partially charged starting point. Most recharges will actually require 3-4 hours.
Will sports stadiums offer recharge parking to boost ticket sales?
Go Dodjers!
=D~
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April 15th, 2009 at 12:45 pm
Thanks Lyle, it’s great to see the test drives and progress being made.
Dean Reynolds report was a bit “snarky”. He seemed to want to ask the tough questions and go heavy on the critical side of things.
I don’t blame a reporter for that kind of a take, what bothers me most is the inability of a reporter who just had access to the Voltec team and an actual drive of the technology to date, coming away with what seems to be a cursory understanding of that vehicle and what’s being offered here by GM. They don’t hear and understand or they don’t know how to relate it or they think the information is too cumbersome to get bogged down in the many details that actually set this car apart from so many others.
Hopefully this kind of incomplete reporting only serves to peak the public’s interest enough to find out more on there own.
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April 15th, 2009 at 12:56 pm
The CBS guy is an idiot. Does he not understand that the technology is what matters, not some car shell that virtually makes no difference?
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April 15th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
Too bad GM still doesn’t get internet/buzz marketing. This is the way they released new car news back in the 80s. Where’s the “new GM” we keep hearing about?
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April 15th, 2009 at 1:14 pm
Who is that old guy on CNBC? How does he even have a job? He sounds like a total idiot. I can’t believe people watch these TV programs.
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April 15th, 2009 at 1:17 pm
Schmeltz “The CBS News reporter said, “GM could be bringing out the right car at the wrong time.”
________________
That’s the one line he had that makes any sense in this economy, ‘course if the economy comes back and gas prices go up the Volt could be a huge home run – and at least he did say it’s the “right car”.
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April 15th, 2009 at 1:19 pm
just to reiterate: WANT.
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April 15th, 2009 at 1:26 pm
RE: CBS Evening News
Did anyone else notice that the answer to the “Now tell me why we are being shown this now … before you actually have … that … model …” question was edited out (at 30 seconds into the video)?
Whether he understands the technology or not, I don’t think it is responsible reporting to ask a question and not allow the answer to be heard.
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April 15th, 2009 at 1:29 pm
#!9 Don said:
Who is that old guy on CNBC? How does he even have a job? He sounds like a total idiot. I can’t believe people watch these TV programs.
================
Thats Mark Haines, he hosts the CNBC morning show Squawk on the Street (runs from 9-11), along with Erin Burnett (who is infinitely more attractive).
http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc181/anchorbabes/ErinBurnett1-2.jpg
He is probably known to most people as one of the guys live on the air for the Sept 11th attacks…as CNBC was spitting distance away from them.
He very um…old school. His orneriness is actually kind of soothing amidst the legion of optimistic, good looking people of CNBC…no clue how he stays on at all. Somedays, he just checks out mid broadcast like he doesn’t really care….pretty entertaining actually.
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April 15th, 2009 at 1:31 pm
Having the woman from PBS come out and drive the car was worthless. She ends up saying, “This is really cool technology.” and then goes on to drag up the tired old EV-1 gripe. She definitely is not an automotive journalist or open minded and unbiased. It is interesting to see her say that GM should have been building this car all along and then have the guy from CBS raise his concerns that nobody may want this car when it does arrive. It illustrates how fickle the auto market is, how hard it is to plan years out, how people feel about cars and know what will work or not work. The woman from PBS seems to think that if GM had been building this car all along that they would have plenty of cash right now and the guy from CBS seems to think that as long as gas is cheap Americans will have no reason to buy this car.
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April 15th, 2009 at 1:41 pm
12 Schmeltz. I agree
Oil is hovering around 50 dollars a barrel. While that sounds low compared to last summer, it is actually a pretty penny when you consider the state of the world economy and diminished demand for oil.
When the economy picks up SUBSTANTIALLY, say in 2-3 years guess where the price of oil will be. If G.M. survives, Volt production will (hopefully) be ramping up to the 60,000 to 100,000 units a year range.
$150.00 to $200.00 oil = $3500.00 premium added to the price of a Volt by the dealer. I predict G.M. will sell everyone they make and have a 9 month waiting list until 2014. It sucks if you want to buy one and you are middle income like most of us, but business is business.
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April 15th, 2009 at 1:52 pm
RE low oil price / economy:
Just let one bad Gulf hurricane cause a disruption like last year’s, and the people who still have to get around will be lining up to buy Volts (especially in the Southeast US, which has no refineries). This seems extremely likely to recur sometime over the next four years.
From hurricanes, the less-likely possibilities get more dire. Consider what happens to oil prices if Iran starts dropping nukes, for example …
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April 15th, 2009 at 2:00 pm
solo
“$150.00 to $200.00 oil = $3500.00 premium added to the price of a Volt by the dealer.”
They can try that crap, but almost no one would pay it. In the days where most people walk in with a printout of the exact dealer costs and holdback on the car they want, good luck adding a $3,500 extra profit premium. I would laugh in their face. I dont want any car badly enough to even pay MSRP, let alone premiums.
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April 15th, 2009 at 2:10 pm
#25 solo & #26 Jackson:
Right.
10 years ago would have been better, but now is the right time by default. Better late than never.
While I’m not too worried about Iraq (Iran?) dropping nukes, there are plenty of lower tech threats which could create the same sort of disaster. How about if the Somali pirates and some of their friends figure out a way to blow up a tanker? Just for starters.
Did anyone see the “Frontline” piece about Pakistan last night? they have some real nukes there.
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April 15th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
No reporters mentioned the $7500 credit available or that the price for technology is at its highest when it is new.
GM shoud do a better job of ensuring the right talking points get into the hands of the journalists. When dealing with the 4th estate on topics that are new or technical — the Volt fits both these categories — you must provide them the “boiler plate” to build their stories on. If you don’t — you get widely varying reports like those above.
=D~~~~~~~~~~~
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April 15th, 2009 at 2:24 pm
Magilla “you must provide them the “boiler plate” to build their stories on. If you don’t — you get widely varying reports like those above.”
____________________
Riiiiiggghhhhtttttt. And if you had given them the talking points instead of GM handling it, they would have stuck to your script without deviation, because you own those darn reporters don’t ‘cha!
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April 15th, 2009 at 2:41 pm
Yes, 0-30 mph instant launch muscular feel has been correctly reported by more than one media driver. It must be an electric. There is nothing, absolutely nothing in the gas world that can touch the off the line feeling that a performance tuned electric gives you. Maximum, instant torque off the line. Think about it.
Electric drive showcases best coming off of red lights and from stop signs in block to block commuting. Here’s what it looks like with the electric in front. I hope all the text graphics line up right when I post this.
(five vehicles lined up at a stop sign in first of three stop signed blocks with the performance electric in front)
g g g g e O O O
(electric car goes)
g g g g O eO O (electric car at second stop sign)
(first gas car goes)
g g g O g O eO (electric car at third stop sign)
(second gas car goes)
g g O g g O O (electric car has left the room)
(third gas car goes)
g O g g gO O (first gas car reaches second stop sign)
(Nope the editor auto-sucked out all the spaces, so you’ll have to use your imagination extra hard.)
I’ve done it. Enjoy it when you get your claws on the Volt, all.
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April 15th, 2009 at 2:42 pm
Don’t worry, gasoline prices soon will be up again. Right now, construction of many new oil/natural gas-drilling facilities is put on hold, or cancelled. Try to guess, what will happen with gasoline prices, when demand for oil will rise to pre-crisys levels, and old facilities will be depleted? It takes 1-2 year to build a new one. At least here, in Russia.
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April 15th, 2009 at 2:44 pm
#27 Steven:
You may not, and I may not, but enough people will to buy up all of the first years’s production at least.
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April 15th, 2009 at 2:46 pm
Hey, Statik. I just got the word that GM is going to let you test drive the one shown in the video with no sheet metal. That way you will get the complete Voltec “feel” with no distractions such as the interior, the mirrors, etc. Should be an enjoyable experience. Trot on down to Detroit and sign the non-disclosure papers to get the ride of your life.
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April 15th, 2009 at 2:46 pm
Whatever one makes of each commentary, it is very convenient and helpful that all these reviews are being identified here on gm-volt. Thanks Lyle.
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April 15th, 2009 at 2:47 pm
Dmitrii, its going to be a disaster.. not just new oil production has been put on hold but refinery construction/expansion also. I am also surprised that oil is at $50 a barrel given the state of the world’s economy.
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April 15th, 2009 at 3:03 pm
Lyle — I wish the CBS guy was even snarkier. That way I’ll be sure to get one in the first production year. Maybe even drive the price down a bit!
Great stuff, as always, LD.
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April 15th, 2009 at 3:17 pm
Lyle said about the CBS report: “I found this one quite snarky and cynical. The reporter said he didn’t drive the Volt, just it’s technology “stuck” in a conventional car because, the real volt is not yet ready. He said the media drives are really just to showcase the tech to generate publicity and public support for financial assistance. He closes with the concern about price and low gas prices leading to a drop in hybrid sales, suggesting GM might be “bringing out he right car at the wrong time.” He said nothing of the driving experience.”
—————————–
Well, I hate to disagree with you, Lyle, but what he said is the truth. I know it doesn’t seem “right” to hear that, but it still is true. It is Volt technology stuck in another car. GM is doing these test drives to help drive public opinion before the administration decides what to do about financing GM’s future. And, darn it, as much as I hate to admit it, it could be “the right car at the wrong time” what with gas prices staying below $2.00 per gallon in much of the country and demand falling for more fuel usage. And, yeah, demand for hybrids have fallen. So, where did the reporter go wrong? I got to admit he was just saying it like it is.
The one place where the reporter went wrong was in not reporting on the driving experience. But, if he did that that could be considered a good thing for an American auto company and CBS is not known for supporting American companies, especially American auto companies.
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April 15th, 2009 at 3:18 pm
Without snark or cynicism I think the CBS guy is right that what is being driven is not the real Volt in a multitude of important ways. What IS being driven is a BEV as the battery runs down, without the right suspension, interior, or body. There’s nothing about the charging system and how it works, and it is unclear whether important systems (such as regenerative braking) were present. The main point of an EREV as distinct from a BEV is the relation between the ICE system and the BEV system, and that relationship is not evaluated.
So knowing that what is there works well is great, and I’m happy people liked the quiet and the acceleration. It is a good first step, but it is only a small slice of a big pie. Experience shows us on this site that we don’t want to jump to big conclusions about the pie after tasting one selected slice of it. We just do not know.
/written before I could see #38 N Riley, with whom I agree.
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April 15th, 2009 at 3:29 pm
#25 solo Says:
April 15th, 2009 at 1:41 pm
12 Schmeltz. I agree
“When the economy picks up SUBSTANTIALLY, say in 2-3 years guess where the price of oil will be. If G.M. survives, Volt production will (hopefully) be ramping up to the 60,000 to 100,000 units a year range”
If oil goes back up to $ 140+ the Economy will do the same thing and slow down.
Many don’t seem to get it $4+ gas is what pushed us off the cliff. AND IT WOULD DO IT AGAIN.
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April 15th, 2009 at 3:36 pm
#26 Jackson
I hate to tell you but I live within “spitting” distance of about a half a dozen refineries in Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama. If these states aren’t in the southeast, I have been mistaken all my life. Right out side of the “spitting” distance there are some more.
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April 15th, 2009 at 3:37 pm
#33 noel park on selling first year’s production
===============================
I agree and would go even further. There are that many buyers in CA alone or DC-area alone, I am guessing, without needing to pull in anyone from anywhere else.
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April 15th, 2009 at 3:38 pm
#40 Starcast:
There’s a lot of truth to that, but it sure would sell some Volts!
BTW, “Frontline” had another segment last night on the acute problem of “Internet addiction” in South Korea. Remind you of anyone you know?
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April 15th, 2009 at 3:40 pm
#26 Jackson. I think you are mistaken about refinery locations, but I think your main point is right. People in the Southeast are sensitive to gas shortages of which there have been several we remember. So people will be interested in electric as a kind of protection.
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April 15th, 2009 at 3:42 pm
Irrational exuberance all over this forum. Price is number one question for any product unless you totally do not care about money and where they are coming from. With $40k price tag for a Volt GM is detached from reality and is up for hard landing. Back to Earth in 3,2,1… bankruptcy.
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April 15th, 2009 at 3:43 pm
#32 Dmitrii
“It takes 1-2 year to build a new one. At least here, in Russia.”
———————–
We don’t know how long it would take here in the U.S. The last refinery was built many, many years ago. With all the environmental studies and other hoops to jump through, it would take about 35 years to build one, I would think. By that time it would be out of date and too expensive to build anyway. Some people have just got to have it their way every time.
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April 15th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
“bringing out he right car at the wrong time.”
That’s such a weak argument. The economy has over a year, OVER A YEAR to change! On top of that, I’m sure I’m not the only person that doesn’t want to use petroleum.
One can easily compare monthly payments for financing the vehicle to how much they’ll save in gas every month. I used to spend over $100 a month in gas, so a Volt would have been an AWESOME purchase.
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April 15th, 2009 at 3:48 pm
Toyota claims 40,000 pre-orders for new Prius
http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/04/15/report-toyota-claims-40-000-pre-orders-for-new-prius/
Quote:
“Earlier this month, Toyota set the starting price for the new 2010 model at 2.05 million yen ($20,750), which is just about the same as the mid-level Insight.”
Now with the Volt not expected to be out to the General Public till 2011, wouldn’t one expect the Prius will also improve in performance by then? If so, the price wars of now will make the Volt look like a niche product and not for the masses. Just look at that price tag. Of course there will be a small tax rebate thingy for the Prius but sh|t, can the Volt really compete if price is over $35,000.00? $15K over the Prius and Insight?
Considering the Price of both cars, upon introduction to US sales, they will be taking all the potential Greenie buyers, hypermilers, middle income and lower end income folks like me and that will leave what buyers? Niche buyers?
OK, so I sound gloomy about this but I just got hit with furlougs so the Volt has fallen off my feasbility purchase plan .
(
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April 15th, 2009 at 3:51 pm
It is true that what was driven was not a Volt. In most of the views that I could see of the center console, the display screen seems to be always showing the word “VOLT”. Is that because many of the software components are not in the test car? And no one has mentioned whether or not the “mules” have the regenerative braking systems or many of the other Volt items.
Lyle, maybe you could get GM to comment about how much actual Volt technology is in the mules. That would be interesting to know. It would tell us if GM was really “on track” to getting the job done or if they were just putting the testers through testing a BEV.
And, look. If the mule can go 40 miles on a charge as it is, I would be happy with that. Keep the ICE and all the other stuff. Just give me a Cruze with the battery, the electric motor and the other BEV necessary stuff and get it on the market. Statik wants one too.
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April 15th, 2009 at 4:11 pm
How about getting the Volt test drives beyond professional journalists and provide some test rides for the public on a nationwide road tour of the U.S. and Canada this summer (2009)?
Public test rides were popular at the Detroit 2009 Auto Show when nearly the entire basement area of Cobo Hall was remodeled into a (low speed) indoor track to provide public test rides in GM’s latest fuel cell and hybrid vehicles.
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April 15th, 2009 at 4:15 pm
Slower than the future plug-in Prius. Lacking the sophisticated electronic found in the current Prius. Looks like GM has more work ahead if they think this car can compete (aka leapfrog) the upcoming plug-in Prius. With the advanced lithium batteries and much better aerodynamics the Prius should easily shame the Volt in a head-to-head mileage test. Can’t wait to see a video of the Prius outgaining a dead Volt on the highway. hee hee
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April 15th, 2009 at 4:17 pm
I guess we’ll have to wait for the real deal test drive. The most interesting part it what exactly happens to the car past the first 40 miles.
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April 15th, 2009 at 4:19 pm
N. Riley #41, RB #44:
Well dayum.
Maybe I got confused during the radio reports here in Atlanta, and they were actually saying that the metro area was dependent on pipelines and trucks. I had a long time in the gas line to get it right; but I was fuming too much to listen
Another point about Atlanta specifically is a bad air pollution problem requiring a special blend of gasoline (I’m sure all the traffic doesn’t help). I think GM might be surprised how many here would be interested in Voltec as a way of helping mitigate it.
Cap’n Jack #48:
I agree with Zack at #47, the economy has a long time to change before you, I and Joe Six Pack can go on a showroom floor and actually see a Volt. That change may have an effect on furloughs, too (I’m on my third month of furloughs every other Friday, thanks. They’d be a little easier to take if it didn’t rain during Every. Single. One.)
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April 15th, 2009 at 4:22 pm
@tyrone twitter 51
“With the advanced lithium batteries and much better aerodynamics the Prius should easily shame the Volt in a head-to-head mileage test. ”
OK, Let’s fill both vehicle’s tanks with one Quart of Gas and let’s see who goes furthest AND Fastest…..
Thought so.
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April 15th, 2009 at 4:25 pm
Dear tyrone, Prius is a gas car with tiny battery to recapture some of the lost energy. Volt is an electric car with a back-up motor to get you home once the battery is dead and cant be charged from the grid. Gas cars can NEVER match the performance and efficiency of the electric motor, sorry, apples and oranges here. A tiny battery of plug-in prius will never have power to drive the primary motor, if it does, plug-in Prius turnes into Volt.
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April 15th, 2009 at 4:27 pm
#50 srschrier
Unless there was a special occasion, I don’t see them offering test drives to the public; this is on par with most cars which are not fully ready for the market. It seems though they should be ready for public drives in the summer if they finish most of the development and get a decent amount of production intent models out rather than these mules.
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April 15th, 2009 at 4:28 pm
#48
CaptJackSparrow ” If so, the price wars of now will make the Volt look like a niche product and not for the masses.”
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You’ve pretty much stated the current plan. For Gen. II and Gen. III GM expects to do a lot of technology, manufacturing and sourcing work – all designed primarily to – Ta daaa – bring the price down; Hey with plans for only 10,000 by 12/31/2010 v. 1.3 million Prius sold by….yesterday, what did you expect. There you have you’ve stated GM Volt plans parts 1, 2 and 3.
Which you knew but didn’t want to articulate because that clearly means that for so many of us, Volts won’t be available to us in reasonable numbers and fairly affordable prices for several years out from the start date.
Here’s to hoping the ramp-up can go faster and the savings can be engineered sooner, but I’m thinking even the fabled California advantage won’t do much good without ponying up top dollar and betting the rebates/credits do you some good
N. Riley #49 – I agree a lot of noise and fuss with no new facts and very little context. I’m hoping Lyle can answer those questions that the general public is yet to be exposed to.
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April 15th, 2009 at 4:30 pm
What a stupid thing for a reporter to say, ie, “right car at the wrong time.”
His question presupposes he knows that a year-and-a-half from now, when the Volt comes out, is the “wrong time.” Does he have any stock picks for me too?
Should GM wait until gas is $5.00 a gallon and THEN start to develop the Volt? If that happened it would be THAT VERY SAME REPORTER who would chastise GM for not having the foresight to have had a gas-saving electric car under development.
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April 15th, 2009 at 4:42 pm
#47 Zach
“That’s such a weak argument. The economy has over a year, OVER A YEAR to change! ”
Wow a whole year huh? Consider that:
If you bought a house in 1915, it took prices 40 years to come back to a level where you broke even.
If you bought a house in 1954, it took prices 21 years to come back to a level where you broke even.
Japan’s economy has been in recession for the last 18 years.
I think you need to look at history a bit to see how long these things can last. 1 year from now the economy will still be accelerating downward. We may see a bottom in late 2010-2011 if we are very lucky. Then again it might take a decade or longer.
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April 15th, 2009 at 4:42 pm
stopcrazypp # 56
I agree, OEM’s don’t even give mule rides to the press let alone the public. But, that is also to keep everyone from seeing what the new models will look like too early. Maybe now that’s all been tossed out in Volt development, maybe they can set a new program for GM’s 2nd century and offer a few of us here drives, for that man in the street/dude on the web perspective!
Off topic – what’s the Roadster customer delivery total up to about 400?
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April 15th, 2009 at 4:44 pm
#48 CaptJackSparrow:
That’s about the price of the current base Prius, but good luck finding a base Prius in LA. I have never seen one in dealer inventory. They are all uprated 2 or 3 “packages” to get the price up. Plus, isn’t that the home market price? I wonder how that changes here? It must cost a couple of thousand $$ to just get it here. It will be interesting to see what the actual transaction prices are for the first few months. Of course, if nobody can sell cars……………….?????
I’m very sorry to hear about the furloughs guys. Our business isn’t that great either. We are having to keep our cards so close to the vest that it hurts. I used to think about getting another car to bridge over to the Volt, but now it looks like the old clunkers are just going to have to stay alive until then by hook or crook.
Good luck to all of us ’til we get to the other side.
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April 15th, 2009 at 4:48 pm
#58 zipdrive:
Amen brother, preach on!
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April 15th, 2009 at 4:50 pm
This just in across the news wire:
A high level Chinese official has indicated that the Chinese government will immediately enter into an exclusive deal with Toyota to sell 100 million plug-in hybrid Prius vehicles to the mainland Chinese beginning in 2010.
Note: These will be mandatory purchase vehicles by the general population and will come with generous tax breaks.
All remaining foreign auto plants on Chinese soil will be nationlized later this year and converted to Prius production lines. GM, Volkswagen and other vendors will be asked to kindly leave.
The official requested that we not reveal his name as he is not authorized to represent the Chinese government.
Final details are currently being worked out in secret negotiations between the Japanese and Chinese governments.
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April 15th, 2009 at 4:55 pm
#63
Breaking News Says:
April 15th, 2009 at 4:50 pm
I’m not sure I read this right, did you say?
This just in across the news wire:
A high level White House official has indicated that the US government will immediately enter into an exclusive deal with Toyota to sell 100 million plug-in hybrid Prius vehicles to the contiguous 48 states beginning in 2010.
Note: These will be mandatory purchase vehicles by the general population and will come with generous tax breaks.
All remaining foreign auto plants on US soil will be nationlized later this year and converted to Prius production lines. GM, Volkswagen and other vendors will be asked to kindly leave.
The official requested that we not reveal his name as he is not authorized to represent the US government.
Final details are currently being worked out in secret negotiations between the Japanese and US governments
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April 15th, 2009 at 5:15 pm
Damn. fell asleep, was having this wonderful dream about Hooters girls, canola oil, and a trampoline, when this big sign woke me up. It said “Your comment is awaiting moderation”. If I ever get ahold of the idiot who keeps putting up these signs ….
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April 15th, 2009 at 5:50 pm
GM needs to get more media events with naysayers in the mix. Everyone knows that these are the folks to target, but you have to be ready for them.
While I’m on the edge of my seat for Lyle’s comments, all of the media naysayers need to take spin in the mule also. Also, I really want to hear from the folks that would ask if a “Harley Davidson” package is available.
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April 15th, 2009 at 6:05 pm
#64 Jeffhre
Yes you read it right. He’s making a lame joke. My guess its because he obviously feels unable to compete in a world economy and favors protectionism. So he directs his fear towards the Chinese.
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April 15th, 2009 at 6:23 pm
“I found this one quite snarky and cynical.” That’s why it’s called News!
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April 15th, 2009 at 6:30 pm
Cool videos! I wish I could take the mule a test-drive, too.
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April 15th, 2009 at 6:37 pm
I’d like a blue one, electric blue, like an arc.
I’m gonna get financing for 10 years, maybe 15, cuz the Volt’s gonna last a long time.
I’ll need to print new skins for the interior and exterior panels from time to time – hope the first upgrade has that in it feature in the cool dash.
Don’t forget, the cost of the Volt is spread over a different expected life than an ICE wagon. So maybe the $40k is actually 2 cars and not just 2 batteries. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
Lyle was sworn to secrecy because this site is a leeetle rambunctious, somewhat hypercritical and occasionally wacko. That’s why he can’t talk about the ride he got a year ago. And the real reason is; Statik made Mr. Lutz and Mr. Wagoner angry.
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April 15th, 2009 at 6:54 pm
All of this verbal back and forth speculation is entertaining. But, the future of the Volt is a simple equation.
1>E-REV sales will be best with $3+ gasoline prices.
2>The demand for the Volt (and all E-REV vehicles) will increase over time.
3>GM will sell as many Volt as they wish to by simply jogging the price (up or down) to meet sales expectations (5000 a month?).
November 2010: Pump gas will be $3 a gallon. (Add 10% for embargo threats. Add 20% for Arab war escalation)
The price of the Volt will start at (the often mentioned) $40 grand. This price will remain until the first 20,000 Volt are sold.
2011: Competitors will start a price war. Volt 20,001-70,000 will be priced at $34,000.
2012: Battery technology will advance. The consumer will then have the upper hand. To buy a 2012 E-REV (with higher power and longer range) for $42,000 or a 2011 model for $29,000?
2013: We will start seeing bumper stickers stating: “If you ain’t got an E-REV you ain’t got s4it”.
2014: The consumer will have a variety of E-REV models to choose from. These will include: vans, jeep/rover, vette/stang, family sedans, and denali/murano.
2015: Battery technology will re-double. South Korea will offer the first sub $20,000 E-REV truck (complete with 100,000 warranty).
2016: Your fossil fuel car will be sold to the demolition derby for $2000.
2017: Obama retires to Maui where he writes 2 books and banks $30,000,000 in sales.
=D~
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April 15th, 2009 at 7:02 pm
In perhaps an unrelated subject, I test drove the 20010 Ford Fusion. I was looking on the internet and was surprised to see the car was in the dealerships (at least some of them). It so happens the dealer I went to just got one that same morning.
My wife and I were surprised on how quiet it is. The transition from electric to gas and any combination thereof was transparent. The fit, finish and paint and interior were very nice (cost 27K – the dealer did not add any additional mark-up – there is a $1,700 tax rebate).
I think this is a great step – I want my Volt.
The cars runs on electric for up to 47 mph. On quick starts it uses gas. The back seat does not fold down (the battery is right behind it.
I unfortunately travel on the hway most of the time and cannot really take advantage of the vehicle at this time.
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April 15th, 2009 at 7:13 pm
Shawn –
Maybe Statik made Mr Lutz and Wagoner angry, but how wrong was Statik? Maybe if they had paid attention this would all be history and the Volt would be a little closer to production.
I think a lot of the folks here can afford to buy a Volt and feel pretty good about getting off oil. Many of the rest will be looking at the whole economic picture. Some will buy another SUV and others Insight and Prious. I’ll probably go for another 250k miles on my Subaru (purchased used) and think about converting the Bradley in the garage to electric. It will get cheaper as there are more battery options being developed all the time. We got two cars and one can be pure electric. I got no range anxiety.
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April 15th, 2009 at 7:21 pm
I will buy a Volt or another car like it even if the price of gas is 10 cents a gallon….just for the satisfaction of knowing my hard work is not going overseas to fund tyrants and thug dictators. I dont like funding the ones in DC either!
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April 15th, 2009 at 7:22 pm
Dave –
Amen. Although the funding seems to be channeled to Wall Street.
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April 15th, 2009 at 7:26 pm
“I’m gonna get financing for 10 years, maybe 15, cuz the Volt’s gonna last a long time.”
Awesome plan, that way you can end up spending $60,000 for your $40,000 Volt. You are a bankers dream.
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April 15th, 2009 at 7:51 pm
I’ll bet anyone that when the Volt comes out, there will be 10 buyers waiting in line for each one available for sale.
I really think that there isn’t any question whatsoever that every single Voltec vehicle to be produced already has plenty of backup buyers. These customers-in-reserve are there because it has nothing at all to do with the cost of gas, the cost of the Voltec vehicles, or anything else other than that the World demands these overdue changes.
CBS sent someone who was asleep at the wheel, and for whatever reason he was, he represents all that is wrong with American media today. His mindset reminded me of some sort of “drone of mediocrity” which is so prevalent in “burned-out” journalism. (They are expected to say something brilliant every second, yet that’s not going to happen if they lack the ability to comprehend these entirely new capabilities). He might get it right after everyone else has.
I’d bet another bet:
That he’ll try to be first in line for a Converj if he’s allowed to drive a pre-production Converj.
Dan Petit Austin TX.
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April 15th, 2009 at 7:56 pm
#72′ scenario seems a bit optimistic, but sure would be nice.
The Volt is real and it is coming. GM will have to meet the production targets or be subject to uber-wrath. I think we can count on Nov. 2010.
That said, I worry that sales may be mediocre at first. What we really need is battery price to fall. That’s why I’m so glad GM is focusing on the 40 AER and shrinking battery size and cost. This, in my view, is a great move that *may* lead to an economically viable gen II Volt.
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April 15th, 2009 at 8:07 pm
Videos were great to see and just think the production intent testing cars are not far off, I cant wait to see the test drives and impressions in the coming months.
As for the comments on the EV-1. Some are probably still sore about that, I know I really was. but I think there is something that a lot of people forget about. It was not just GM that killed off their electric car, so did Ford, Honda and Toyota. Sure GM really screwed that one up, But they are the only ones serious about bringing us a real electric car! And I can’t wait to buy the volt and the future GM electric cars. Go GM!
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April 15th, 2009 at 8:08 pm
Today there are only mules, while in a few months there will be integration vehicles (near production Volts).
Maybe this is just “Dress Rehersal” for the journalists.
If you want to be a jack a$$, then all you get to drive is the mule!
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April 15th, 2009 at 8:09 pm
Who says the media is all the same! Ba ha ha ha ha ha ha!
Car guys focused on the car. News guys focused on the larger story. I thought the CBS story was fine except for the over the top bit with questions when he asked the engineer why they were showing the car now. Truth is GM has been very open with the development so while good green publicity can’t hurt it’s probably not fair to imply this was the only reason it was being showcased now.
Whatever the reason all this showcasing doesn’t hurt my feelings.
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April 15th, 2009 at 8:37 pm
#81 DonC said:
Who says the media is all the same! Ba ha ha ha ha ha ha!
Car guys focused on the car. News guys focused on the larger story. I thought the CBS story was fine except for the over the top bit with questions when he asked the engineer why they were showing the car now. Truth is GM has been very open with the development so while good green publicity can’t hurt it’s probably not fair to imply this was the only reason it was being showcased now.
Whatever the reason all this showcasing doesn’t hurt my feelings.
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I’m with you. Any media for the Volt at this point is good media. I still can’t believe the number of people who have no idea what the Volt is…you would think they would know it just as the sidebar from all the news stories rambling on about GM and Chrysler going bankrupt.
Side note: Is it 12:01 yet? Time for that embargo to expire already.
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April 15th, 2009 at 8:45 pm
Is it me or does anyone else always cringe when reporters talk about the Volt? I mean, I find myself always saying, “No! That’s not right.” or “Duh, it’s because of this or that.” Anyone else?
I think reporters should come here and post their articles for us to beat up on for a while before giving our stamp of approval (at least that the facts are correct).
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April 15th, 2009 at 9:26 pm
Don’t these guys do their homework before given an opportunity like this, or do they just go in blind? I think all they know about the Volt is that is being built by some car company named GM who’s possibly going bankrupt. Ugh.
This Just In: Shotgun Blast to Chest, Just Makes Mark Haines More Pissed Off
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April 15th, 2009 at 10:08 pm
Why is it taking soo much of GM’s efforts to reintroduce technology they had the jump on over 10 years ago? The EV1 was loved by every one of its owners, batteries were its only limitation. Conveniently the ideal battery technology was baught by Mobil Oil. My concern about this whole “right car at the wrong time” idea is: why are we so oblivious to the fact that oil is not “conveniently” getting lower, but is deliberately being lowered to thwart a second attemt to break our dependance on oil as its being introduced. I predict the same thing to happen to the Volt as the EV1: designed to fail, the Volts expected sales will never come to pass as gas prices drop to a record low, then as the project is scraped by the auto sector as a whole… gas prices will then skyrocket to another new high. Remember there is still over 100 Trillion dollars worth of oil in the ground, does anyone honestly think the oil tycoons will sit back and let battery powered cars take over just for the sake of being green? Not likely.
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April 15th, 2009 at 11:55 pm
If GM really wanted to know about pent up demand for the Volt, all they would have to do is release model information with options and pricing, and then let customers place orders at their local dealerships. To keep the orders serious, take deposits which would be kept in an escrow account. That way they would be returned, should the worst case scenario occur for GM…..
But first, GM would actually have to tell us where they are going to release the Gen-1 production vehicles!!!
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April 16th, 2009 at 5:44 am
Dean Reynolds is clearly clueless, makes CBS look bad having such a simpleton give a review on an advanced car.
Just because gas prices are temporarily down because most of the country is broke thanks to 8 years in the wrong direction, doesn’t mean that as soon as we start to rebound gas prices won’t shoot right up as soon as investors think they can start profiting from trading oil over $100 a barrell again.
Hello $3.50 + a gallon gas once again.
Not to mention the effects from peak oil, but I don’t feel like typing forever to point out how clueless Dean is.
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April 16th, 2009 at 7:44 am
Those “poor billionaires” who payed millions to go into space would have been far better served to get a test drive in a VOLT mule (and GM could use the money(g)).
The GM guys’ voices were DRIPPING with well-deserved pride.
Be well,
Tag
LJGTVWOTR!! ********NPNS ********Independence Day, July 4th 20??
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April 16th, 2009 at 9:50 am
of course inflation is about to take off, so that $60k will be nothing by the time he gets done paying for it..
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#76 Steven Says:
April 15th, 2009 at 7:26 pm
“I’m gonna get financing for 10 years, maybe 15, cuz the Volt’s gonna last a long time.”
Awesome plan, that way you can end up spending $60,000 for your $40,000 Volt. You are a bankers dream.
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April 16th, 2009 at 10:02 am
Toyota can put a big lithium battery in the Prius in a short amount of time.. the new 2010 Prius is ready for it (unlike the previous models) .. they are just keeping an eye on the lithium market.
#48 CaptJackSparrow Says:
April 15th, 2009 at 3:48 pm
Now with the Volt not expected to be out to the General Public till 2011, wouldn’t one expect the Prius will also improve in performance by then? If so, the price wars of now will make the Volt look like a niche product and not for the masses.
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April 16th, 2009 at 3:34 pm
89 herm & 76 steven
Home equity is deductible too and the rate is maybe better than auto rate. I can pay cash but would I?
I remember getting 14% on unit trusts and 18% on a money market for some months when we had another winner in the White House so just call me a dumbass Steven.
I apologize for being rude, was only teasingly trying to make the point that the possible longevity of EV may make the premium more palatable. Guess I should speak more plainly for those who need it.
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April 16th, 2009 at 8:27 pm
Depending on the battery, the longevity could be extreme..
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April 20th, 2009 at 9:17 pm
I love how the CBS guys show money being printed when they talk about the federal aid, and show the GM logo when they say its name. Nothing like visual and audio stimulation to brainwash an audience. When he asks Weber a question, the video cuts off right as he is about to answer, and instead we hear the reporter’s opinion. What kind of journalism is that? Biased and unreliable. There is a reason he is the only ass to actually have a bad opinion…
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April 29th, 2009 at 12:12 pm
All of the talk about getting off of fossil fuels is somewhat ridiculous. Where do you think the electricity to charge up these cars comes from? Coal is the most prevalent and it certainly is not environmetaly friendly.
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