AND 
GM-Volt.com Chevy Volt Want List Tops 50,000 Members
I started the unofficial Chevy Volt “waiting list” in May of 2007, just about four months after GM revealed the Chevy Volt concept for the first time.
At that time its growth was slow, as this site had very little reach. I remember projecting it might be possible to collect 50,000 names by the time the car would be launched at the end of 2010, though I imagined such projections were overly optimistic.
Turns out I was way off. We just passed the 50,000 mark on September 13th, 2009.
We have people in all 50 states and 93 countries of the world on this list. People who want the car enough to put down their name address and email, and to share their degree of enthusiasm, and the price they would be willing to pay.
So see a break down of the list updated in real time click here. To update your demographics, or see your “place in line,” type in the email address you signed up with in the box on this page.
The average enthusiasm for those who were willing to express it on a scale of 1 to 10 is 9.2.
The average price people were willing to pay for the car $31, 314.
If everyone on the list actually purchased a Volt at $40,000 it would represent sales of $2 billion dollars.
The primary goal of the list was to demonstrate to GM and the world just how many people there are who would want a Volt. In the beginning, GM had nowhere near committed to production so the list served as a tool to compel them to build it. Later, after production was approved in June 2008, the list has became an indicator of demand.
It continues to serve as a shining beacon to anyone who would look that there are very very many of us who want to break our oil addiction, and achieve energy independence and a better world.
Along the way of this list’s growth and recognition I received gentle pressure from GM. Their legal department once politely requested I change the name from waiting list. You will now notice it is called the Want List, simply indicating that these are people who want a Volt.
I have tightly and securely guarded the privacy of everyone on this list and and I have not and will not share it with any third parties except GM if they want it.
I do very occasionally email the group when an important story or event has occurred, such as this one.
Unfortunately, I cannot say GM will utilize the list as I had initially hoped. Most indications I have gotten from them have not suggested they will. However, the recent survey they have emailed to potential buyers asks if they have registered on the GM-Volt.com list.
So we shall carry on and continue to grow the list. Any ideas you have for what we can do with it, I am glad to hear in the comments below.
September 15th, 2009 at 6:18 am
I’m happy to see the Volt surge in interest. I looked at the numbers and 50000 people have signed up, but the overall number I saw was 26000? I figure there must be something I’m missing on this. I’ll get my Volt as soon as GM will let me have one.
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September 15th, 2009 at 6:20 am
That’s Awesome!!! Great to see the excitement leading up to the day the volt is supposed to hit the showroom. I’m stoked….still savin, and can’t wait to dive into the guts of the car, to find out all the tech that’s involved. Also want to get into the breakdown of the powertrain computers. How the sensor data is handled, component algorithms, and what can be modified to tailor the car to your liking. Every vehicle I’ve owned have been completely re-cal’d and reflashed to drive the way I like it….of coarse the volt will have a warrantee…could be a nail bitter…ehh…LOL!
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September 15th, 2009 at 6:21 am
It continues to serve as a shining beacon to anyone who would look that there are very very many of us who want to break our oil addiction, and achieve energy independence and a better world.
Yes indeed. That’s a wonderful sentence.
Thanks to Lyle and everyone.
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September 15th, 2009 at 6:29 am
Unfortunately, I cannot say GM will utilize the list as I had initially hoped. Most indications I have gotten from them have not suggested they will. However, the recent survey they have emailed to potential buyers asks if they have registered on the GM-Volt.com list.
————————–
Perhaps gm is doing a kind of validity check with the gm-volt list. That is, maybe they are seeing how the people indicating interest on their own survey match the people who are on the list. To the degree that people on the list say they remain interested, the list becomes all the more valuable.
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September 15th, 2009 at 6:34 am
Good News And Bad News…..
Good News: It hit 50,000!!
Bad News: The GM lawyers are now involved……
Why GM would not utilize this list is beyond me. They will spend millions on advertising to attract buyers, when there is already a list they could easily use to sell out the entire first year’s production!
Time will tell.
I wonder if that one person in Iraq will ever get to see a Volt………..
One question: Why use a video with a link to Audi????
NPNS
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September 15th, 2009 at 6:36 am
Wouldn’t it be terrific if those in the top 25,000 got a letter in the mail from GM asking us if we’d like to reserve a Volt and be able to pick it up at our local dealer when they start rolling off the assembly line?
Talk about positive customer service and good will. It would sure lock in thousands of people into doing nothing but help GM sell even more. The good will gesture alone is worth millions in advertising.
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September 15th, 2009 at 6:37 am
And I guess you can un-moderate my post from yesterday…..
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September 15th, 2009 at 6:40 am
Just think of all those people who are not aware of this website, don’t like registering on sites or for some reason are quietly observing on the sidelines. I bet the number of folks who want and will purchase a Volt will far exceed the 50k names here.
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September 15th, 2009 at 6:40 am
Good going Lyle. You have made a difference in the world. 100k on the want list by 11/2010?
After the first 60k Volt units are sold at a premium to high profile buyers, NGMCO should review the gm-volt “want list”. It is evident that everyone on the list is interested in buying. Maybe 1/2 will want to wait until the 2012 Volt arrives. And 1/3 may be unable to get $39,500 + 10% = $43,450 together.
Exciting times.
=D~
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September 15th, 2009 at 6:52 am
i’m on the list but it doesn’t mean that i’ll buy one… i will remain wanting to buy it until the day i can afford it…
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September 15th, 2009 at 7:04 am
This is great news Lyle–Wow! 50,000 on the Want list. I would say to definitely keep the Want List at least until Job 1 rolls off the assembly line. The list exists to demonstrate serious interest in the Volt to GM in hopes that they hold up their end of the bargain and mass produce this vehicle. Once the cars get into customers’ hands, the list will have served its purpose.
+1000 points to Lyle.
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September 15th, 2009 at 7:08 am
I think the 26,714 figure is simply the number of people who did not indicate their nationality.
Lyle, the ‘Want List’ clearly reflects demand —truly a GM-Volt.com MASTERSTROKE!
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September 15th, 2009 at 7:11 am
I would definitely appreciate being contacted by GM to see if I am still interested and able to buy a Volt. I think being offered a test drive would be a great good will gesture.
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September 15th, 2009 at 7:17 am
I’m NOT on the list, but I probably WILL buy one. I just never got around to putting my name on the list. I never assumed it was anything official.
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September 15th, 2009 at 7:20 am
Some interesting things to know would be:
1) Are you affiliated w/GM?
2) Do you plan to charge at 120V or 240V?
3) What is your daily commute
4) Would this be your first Hybrid?
5) Would this be your only car or a 2nd car?
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September 15th, 2009 at 7:23 am
Or they could ask the 50,000 people if they are willing to put a $1000 payment down now, to reserve a Volt. Good way to bring in some cash.
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September 15th, 2009 at 7:26 am
that would be cool. i was somewhere around 10k. not exactly sure, but there was a recent post of 10k when just like this one when i signed up. excitement like this is what drives sales. word of mouth and knowledge go along way more over a commercial on TV or radio.
“Joe Shmoe says the car can do blah blah and save me lots. i think i want one now.”
gotta love stuff like this.
but damn CA people doubling number two. lol. go NY!!!
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September 15th, 2009 at 7:32 am
Thanks Lyle.
I believe GM will use the list, at least to a certain extent.
Now, can you tell me my official number on the List, and maybe even my ranking in CT?
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September 15th, 2009 at 7:33 am
It seems we have gained 9K additions to the list in the last year. One year ago today I added my name to the list at 41019.
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September 15th, 2009 at 7:44 am
The Want List and this site may have both been a very helpful focus point for not only the potential customer, but as a way for GM to acquire a highly-varied “down-to-earth” developed sense of what things they may also need to keep in mind for many various concerns, it seems to me.
The cost of the vehicle is a basic minimal value, (39.5k), that is the minimum, plus taxes, title, license (and the extended warranty, I’d suggest), that must be “in hand” for anyone to expect to be able to close a possible-offered deal.
The Want List might be able to be somehow (as just an informal set of financially-prepared offers of qualified customers), provide a way to offer logistical assistance both in simple recommendations of where to apply to pre-qualify for financing should a Volt suddenly become available somewhere (and you must be able to say “Yes” in two seconds flat).
One reason it had to be rephrased to Want List, it seems to me, is that formal “expectations” (for dozens of reasons) can not be uniformly offered nor met by GM (or any other type of business) for the consumer, especially for anything technical. (You wouldn’t believe the trouble I have with one neighbor of mine who makes “mountains out of molecules” when one of his fog light bulbs goes out, and, when I asked for $12 for doing it, he flies off the handle and irrationally says [I'm] “more expensive than the dealer”. And that is just for a light bulb! It is just ***insane*** how some people can work up excessive and unrealted negative energies and misdirect them to the merchant. It is obscene, immoral, and abusive. I no longer work on any neighbors vehicles. Just friends vehicles I’ll help out with.
There still must be a structured “meeting of the minds” to at least a minimal extent between OEM and customer via the Chevy Store sales rep., and, that is made nearly impossible in such a large transaction where every potential customer has their own reasons for buying and their own logistics for paying, it seems to me.
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September 15th, 2009 at 7:55 am
PS. The Chevy Store only needed $16 to change the bulb which included the cost of the high intensity bulb. This is how ridiculous expectations can become. The opportunity-cost to that neighbor is in fact a lot higher but for his false and technically-dishonest conservatism.
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September 15th, 2009 at 7:58 am
I’m on but I won’t be buying. At least first edition. Too pricey. Originally, when you started your list the less than 30K price number was being thrown around quite a bit. Now that more realistic numbers are available I’m sure others, like me, would be dropping out.
While the list has grown to 50,000 I wouldn’t be surprised if a substantial percentage has, like me, shifted from interested buyer to “just interested” and/or will be waiting until the 2nd or 3rd generation before being able to seriously consider a purchase.
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September 15th, 2009 at 8:03 am
Ok, WANT List is stupid. Unofficial waiting list says it all. Why there needs to be a legal name change is beyond me. I would think the GM laywers have bigger things to worry about. As far as I’m concerned I no longer want the Volt, I’m waiting for it. When I’m no longer waiting for the Volt you can remove my name from the list but until them I’d prefer to be on the waiting list and not the want list. If you want to start a WANT List then you should start the other lists as well: A MIGHT WANT and a NEED list. Then you have to figure out what is a stronger word example: Does the U.S. WANT the Volt or do we NEED the Volt?
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September 15th, 2009 at 8:04 am
RB
I agree on the “beacon” statement. Lyle has certainly made a huge difference, and the whole country could be the beneficiary (if not the world).
The distribution of the states represented sure is a good example of “fly-over country”, but PA made it into the top TEN (Yippee).
Thanks again Lyle.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
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September 15th, 2009 at 8:05 am
Dave K,
You stole my line (g). Lyle surely has made a HUGE difference.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
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September 15th, 2009 at 8:08 am
Jim I,
Unfortunately, lawyers these days are almost inevitable. It’s kind of Lyle to go along with their “gentle pressure”. Billy Shakespeare had it right “The first thing we do is kill all the lawyers”
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
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September 15th, 2009 at 8:10 am
Just adding my voice to these comments. Lets pray that GM is listening (and hearing).
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
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September 15th, 2009 at 8:12 am
I know it was just for suggesting questions but here are my answers
1) No.
2) Both.(240 at home and 120 when visiting family)
3) 14.91 miles or 30 miles when I go lunch at home.
4) Yes.
5) It would be my primary car.
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September 15th, 2009 at 8:13 am
kdawg,
Though it’s not official, why not join the list? That’s one of those “rhetoricals”. Please don’t give us a litany of reasons (lol)
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
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September 15th, 2009 at 8:15 am
OT
Maximum Bob at it again
Love the tag line…”the Terrain crossover SUV: “Tested positive for performance enhancement engineering.”
http://www.detnews.com/article/20090915/OPINION03/909150320/1148/rss25
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September 15th, 2009 at 8:15 am
I visit this site daily, am an avid volt fan, but I am not on the list, mainly because I am only being honest about it – I will not buy a new volt, so I didn’t want to indicate to GM that I would account for a sale.
Nothing wrong with it, I just don’t buy new cars, I buy very, very, used cars because I choose to be thrifty. I care about reducing consumption and I care about the volt technology because I strongly feel it is necessary for our future.
Ten years from now, maybe then I will buy a volt… We’ve been waiting about two and a half years already, what’s anohter ten?
GM undoubtedly understands that a portion of the want list is composed of people like me – we want to see it happen, be successful, but just not going to buy one.
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September 15th, 2009 at 8:17 am
I second those emotions….when I entered my name (somewhere around 17k) I had already started saving for my ‘next car’ and was so looking forward to seeing what GM did w/ the Volt concept.
Well since then, I have had to use ALL my savings and even gone in debt for “somewhat selective” medical expenses (trying to make kids – now in year #3 of trying – uggh). Plus, the recession has put quite a dent in my projected income as well as my overall job security (more of a company survival at this point for me). Add to this the pretty severe shift to ‘generic’ (my opinion) in the design of the Volt and I have officially moved from “interested buyer” to “just interested”….
Its certainly a 2nd or 3rd generation for me as well.
(PS – I did shift my intrest level down accordingly – right now I’m a 3)
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September 15th, 2009 at 8:17 am
Schmeltz,
Amen to the +1000 points. Although the list may well show demand the site could still march on to keep updating features of Gen 2,3,4,etc. I don’t have any idea what Lyle plans for post production as his goals are gradually being realized.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
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September 15th, 2009 at 8:18 am
Dave,
To find your number, try joining the list again with the same info. It will tell you your #.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
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September 15th, 2009 at 8:20 am
That was my question – how do I figure out where I am on the list?
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September 15th, 2009 at 8:24 am
Dan,
We need to keep in mind that Lyle’s GOAL was/is to get the Concept into production. That’s always been the focus and it looks like it’ll actually be accomplished! Waaay back most of the argueme- er, “discussion” centered on whether it would ever see the test track, let alone showrooms.
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September 15th, 2009 at 8:26 am
I clicked your link for the real time list update, and it says “Wait List Data” at the top and “Total People Currently waiting for a Volt” and “Number of People waiting for a Volt” by state and by country. You should probably change all those “wait”s to “want”s.
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September 15th, 2009 at 8:27 am
Tag ninja’d me….thanks.
Sweet, number 7191….that seemed so high when I joined…but I guess out of 50k its not too bad
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September 15th, 2009 at 8:31 am
Jon — You may want to add your name to the list simply to indicate your support. As legal now emphasizes that it is not an official list, that also emphasizes that you have no obligation to buy a new Volt. And, the list is now not “waiting” to buy but “wanting” one. Still, you never know, there may be some good information that comes out through that channel.
Maybe even a big coupon
We can hope 
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September 15th, 2009 at 8:46 am
Brad,
You’re making the mistake of trying to understand lawyers. They are paid to be incomprehensible. Trying to understand them will just give you a headache.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
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September 15th, 2009 at 8:48 am
I’m on board as long as they don’t have a repeat of the Camaro fiasco. It’s not a lot of fun going into work knowing at least one of your depositors is going to call you today; blasting you because their car is 3 to 6 months late getting to the dealership.
If deliveries are going to start in November of 2010, there should be at least 3 completed customer orders arriving in November, PLUS the 1 demo vehicle for the showroom.
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September 15th, 2009 at 8:50 am
RB,
Ditto.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
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September 15th, 2009 at 8:52 am
Great! Thanks.
19,084…pretty high on the List.
I might have a better listing in CT though (only 299).
I guess only Lyle can tell me where I stand amongst those 299 people.
Oh yeah…
LJGTVWOTR
NPNS
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September 15th, 2009 at 8:56 am
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September 15th, 2009 at 8:57 am
Is the Wait List published somewhere? It was so long ago when I signed up, I don’t remember where I am on it… If I’m down around 20,000 or so, then I’ve got nothing to worry about. That would put me in the middle of year two of the VOLT.
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September 15th, 2009 at 9:04 am
Lyle,
Congratulations on a job well done! I know you have been working tirelessly and will continue doing so. Thanks!
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September 15th, 2009 at 9:11 am
CorvetteGuy – see replies to same question above. Just go to the Want List sign up page as if you were going to sign up. When you try to sign up with the same email, it takes you to your page and lets you edit it if you want to. You also see your “place in line.”
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September 15th, 2009 at 9:11 am
If you are really addicted to oil that is very sad. Perhaps what you really need is some serious counseling.
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September 15th, 2009 at 9:12 am
I never want to register at a website, but I made an exception for The List.
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September 15th, 2009 at 9:13 am
Sorry. Going off topic.
Audi has leaked their BEV concept.
http://www.topspeed.com/cars/audi/2010-audi-e-tron-concept-ar79119.html
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September 15th, 2009 at 9:16 am
Lyle,
Since a lot of people don’t seem to know that they can view their sign up information and edit it, why don’t you send an email to the whole list and “remind” them of what you told us long ago? I remember you asking all of us to fill in the rest of the fields we may have left blank, especially the state and /or country.
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September 15th, 2009 at 9:17 am
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September 15th, 2009 at 9:17 am
Off Topic:
President Obama is going to visit the GM assembly plant at Lordstown, OH.
They currently produce the Cobalt, and next year will produce the Cruze.
Here is a link from a local paper:
http://www.business-journal.com/default.asp?sourceid=&smenu=1&twindow=&mad=&sdetail=14606&wpage=1&skeyword=&sidate=&ccat=&ccatm=&restate=&restatus=&reoption=&retype=&repmin=&repmax=&rebed=&rebath=&subname=&pform=&sc=1711&hn=business-journal&he=.com
FYI: Fritz will be there also – Woo Hoo!!!!!
I wonder if the lawyers will be there too, to make sure they all say “want” instead of “wait”………………
Just in case you can’t tell, I think that is REALLY dumb!!!!
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September 15th, 2009 at 9:19 am
I’ll add to the chorus, thanks for putting this together.
I get to learn some and ‘meet’ good people, I look forward to checking here each day.
———————————————–
Off topic, looks like Porsche is joining the game.
http://www.hybridcars.com/suvs-minivans/porsche-cayenne-hybrid.html
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September 15th, 2009 at 9:22 am
Great job Lyle. Yes, I have an idea for the “want” list that will bring things to a new level and provide a fun project for your webmaster.
What would that be? An interactive database that the person can sign into using their GM.Volt.com username and password. An asp.net-like form would do the trick very nicely.
A few options:
1) Ask, would you still buy the car at the current price of “Current Price”. You can then tag the decision with the date.
2) What price would you now be willing to pay? This could be the latest price. You can also tag this date.
3) What is the most important question you would like to ask GM? You could have a free text area or perhaps a drop-down list of the top 20 most common questions.
4) Ability to change e-mail address and other personal information, should they choose to.
5) Option boxes to select if they would like to be contacted by GM for testing or other promotions.
6) Option box to select if they would like to fill out a marketing survey for GM or GM-Volt.com
7) What Volt options would they like, using drop-down lists.
How about bring this “want” list into the 21 Century and make it current, updatable and allow a much closer connection with GM. The possibilities are endless.
P.S. Don’t forget to keep the order number the same.
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September 15th, 2009 at 9:23 am
I had been wondering a little why the change from waiting list to wanting list. Now I know what I suspected. I can understand GM’s legal issue but I don’t see where the real problem lies. This is not an official GM site and whatever you call it does not obligate GM in any way. Even if Lyle started collecting deposits, that would not obligate GM. But no matter what Lyle calls it, it is still a “Waiting List”. So, take that GM!
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September 15th, 2009 at 9:25 am
You do realize of course that nothing has happened since last November.
Speaking of continued progress, Ford is doing hanging on, and, in fact doing better. Yesterday Moody’s increased their bond rating. The first time in something like 16 years. And the most recent JD Power Initial Quality Survey has Ford even with Toyota.
So a more general recovery is possible for GM and the US auto industry. Hopefully GM will execute as well or better than Ford has.
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September 15th, 2009 at 9:28 am
Audi has leaked the Audi E-Tron BEV concept.
http://www.topspeed.com/cars/audi/2010-audi-e-tron-concept-ar79119.html
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September 15th, 2009 at 9:29 am
I would be surprised if even 100 people on the list will get a chance to own a Volt by 2012. I mean really. Unless you know somebody who knows somebody you don’t stand much of a chance. The wealthy will have a easy time moving to the front of the pack. With America alone having millions of millionaires you don’t have a chance in hell of getting one IF the Volt actually becomes a must-have toy for the upper class.
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September 15th, 2009 at 9:30 am
Engineer
Sounds like you are projecting your own narcissism. Just a thought, but you’re here aren’t you?
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
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September 15th, 2009 at 9:31 am
Wait lister #4416 says;
1) In no way affiliated.
2) 240v at home and work and 120v where I can.
3) About 24 miles with lunch.
4) First hybrid.
5) My primary car, but not my only car.
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September 15th, 2009 at 9:34 am
Very good statistical data. This should be of much use to the NEW GM if infact, they know how to use it. They have to keep their eye on the goal and not let deterance get in the road of the great VOLTEC accomplishment.
Unfortunately, the NEW GM is not constructively working on Making a Market for the Volt. I have put my name on the list at a specific price I am willing to pay but I am not going to buy it unless I can see it and drive one. I know many older people that would like to have a vehicle such as the Volt but fail to understand the concept so, they don’t show any interest in purchasing one.
Make a market NEW GM! or you just might find that the 50,000 + on this list is just a pipe dream. Get a copy of the car out in the public. The market is not going to be monopolized by a bunch of computer warriors.
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September 15th, 2009 at 9:35 am
I find it funny/interesting that out of the 50,000 people on the list only 2 of them are from Japan, a country of over 100 million people. Heck, even the Vatican City has 3 people.
Lyle, maybe you need to create a Japanese version of this site.
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September 15th, 2009 at 9:35 am
Ditto on the order number the same…1984 is mine?
Zel
And Remember GM:
Jacksonville Fl, 54 mile commute round trip, 110v 20a plug at work to recharge and designated parking spot. Just saying I will volunteer. Really.
Plugging for a Plug-In!
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September 15th, 2009 at 9:36 am
Watching all you varmints get worked up about a little virtual list is truly amazing. Like a bunch of cockroaches just after you turned the light on. You guys have made my day. Thanks.
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September 15th, 2009 at 9:37 am
Thanks Lyle for all and this is very much,
Regards,
JC
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September 15th, 2009 at 9:38 am
Wannabees bore you and emotionally needy trolls bore the rest of us.
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September 15th, 2009 at 9:39 am
I am sure their savior will get a very warm welcome.
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September 15th, 2009 at 9:40 am
Uh-oh! The boss is coming! Look busy!!
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September 15th, 2009 at 9:41 am
Bearclaw
Even if I had to go to Detroit to get the test drive!!
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September 15th, 2009 at 9:41 am
Hey Tag, here’s my obligatory lawyer joke:
Q: What do you call 800 lawyers in a gigantic zip-lock bag at the bottom of the ocean?
A: A good start!
— OK, but seriously now, here’s a reality check…
The truth is, there are “good” lawyers and “bad” lawyers. Just like any other group of people. Certainly, this must be the case, or else the Earth would implode due to the sheer evil.
Also I have three friends who are lawyers, salt-of-the-Earth types and good community members, who do more for the good of mankind than 95% of the general population.
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September 15th, 2009 at 9:41 am
And it pretty well sums up how most of us feel, RB.
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September 15th, 2009 at 9:42 am
Jay Leno has his ECO project as well.
http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/video/video_player.shtml?vid=1156668
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September 15th, 2009 at 9:43 am
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September 15th, 2009 at 9:45 am
My email address is now different from the one I had and used when I first registered on this site. That old address is gone. How can I be sure to receive notice from GM when my Volt will be ready for pickup?
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September 15th, 2009 at 9:46 am
Most interesting article. Thanks for the cite.
Doubling the advertising on half the brands should move the needle. The recent ads for GMC and Cadillac are both good and seemingly consistent with the target demographic (the Cadillac ads started this summer). With respect to GMC, no doubt the testosterone football crowd will love the sophomoric clever in both “tested positive for performance enhanced engineering” and, my favorite perhaps, “GMC Terrain converts X3 into a ‘nein’ series”. You gotta love it, and Lutz probably does. We’ll see what we get for the necessarily more restrained Buick ads — Lutz is not naturally comfortable with the lower key demographic which Buick is aiming for.
The ads from GM are not only much better than the competition — if I see another “Christmas to Remember” ad from Lexus I’ll puke — what has impressed me is how much mileage GM is getting from the Whitacre ads. Lutz was on Fox News yesterday talking about it. Just about every major paper and news channel has carried at least one story. Very slick combination of PR and advertising.
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September 15th, 2009 at 9:46 am
Note to the shy/private/whatever… If you’re concerned about privacy or getting your primary email account spammed, you could always set up a Yahoo, Microsoft Live, or Google account strictly for the purpose.
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September 15th, 2009 at 9:47 am
That is just the kind of behavior I favor the most. Narcissistic. Even the sound of it makes me tingle all over. Please, please say it again. LOL
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September 15th, 2009 at 9:47 am
Now that is EV done right.
3,319.03 lb-ft of torque
Need I say more ? (OK I will)
GM TAKE NOTICE !!!
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September 15th, 2009 at 9:48 am
If the Volt is a success (or even if not, because it has stimulated an electric car revival), then it can be comfortably said that Lyle Dennis *changed the world for the better* with this initiative.
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September 15th, 2009 at 9:48 am
When I made the decision to wait, I went back into the list and changed those parameters to reflect a lower price I’d expect for Gen II &/or III.
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September 15th, 2009 at 9:50 am
Congratulations to Lyle on quite the milestone!
The reality is that interest waxes and wanes with the price of gas. My guess is that if you tracked new signups, you’d find they were highly correlated with rising gas prices. Another way of saying that gas prices are a key driver in the EV market.
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September 15th, 2009 at 9:50 am
I still have one waiting on moderation from yesterday, myself. And I did not say anything out of the norm. I have never understood the reasons why non-offending comments get sent to moderation and some off-the-wall comment gets posted. Explain that someone!
Edited: “Out of the norm” was meant as for everyone in general, not myself. I know sometimes I say what I think. Yesterday was not one of those days in that comment. It was totally benign.
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September 15th, 2009 at 9:51 am
I doubt that GM’s lawyers forced Lyle to change the name of the list, I don’t think they can legally do that, but I think they gave him free legal advise instead. You have to figure that there are at least a few dim bulbs in that 50,000 who actually think they are on an official wait list and that this site is run by GM.
When the car is released and this hypothetical person, who might be #3 or something, doesn’t get Volt #3 because he lives in North Dakota is going to be pissed. This guy probably already has his eBay adds made up and has promised the car to somebody else with a nice $10,000 mark up and has taken that person’s real deposit. Now we have two pissed people. The “buyer” wants his deposit back, but the seller has already spent it and can’t give it back, so he finds a lawyer who thinks he has a case to sue Lyle for false representation. This is how poo rolls down hill.
I suspect Lyle wisely took the free advice and voluntarily changed the name.
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September 15th, 2009 at 9:53 am
After looking at the stats for the want list, I think we can see which states will be getting the first batch of Volts and how the roll out will go.
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September 15th, 2009 at 9:53 am
Jon,
If you buy a used Volt in 10 years, check on what replacement batteries cost, and where/how they are available. I’d expect that they will be cheaper (inflation adjusted) than GM’s cost now, and there may or may not be aftermarket or GM reconstructed packs for differing costs.
The rules of thumb concerning how to pick a good used car have obviously served you well over the years, but be aware that when it comes to electric drive, Lithium Ion, EREV and the rest, you’re gonna need some new thumbs. We all are (and it takes some time to build that expertise).
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September 15th, 2009 at 9:53 am
To find out your position in the list, simply re-enter the same email address you originally used on the signup form. I just did it myself, it works great.
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September 15th, 2009 at 9:55 am
Time to adopt! Just raising them will be expensive enough. Let alone all the cheddar that “trying to make them” costs.
(BTW, are we talking in-vitro fertilization here, or just having to pay for a lot of diamonds and fancy dinners
)
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September 15th, 2009 at 9:57 am
I thought I made a mistake once, but it turns out I was incorrect about that.
*cough*cough*
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September 15th, 2009 at 9:57 am
“Engineer:”
We are responding to what GM representatives have told us about the site. Most recently, a reference to this list appeared in an at-large survey (not deliberately drawn from our members list here, though a few did get surveys).
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September 15th, 2009 at 9:58 am
Unless he actually gets tired! (let’s hope not!)
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September 15th, 2009 at 9:59 am
Speaking of lawyers and oceans,
Q: Why won’t a Shark eat a lawyer?
A: Professional courtesy.
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September 15th, 2009 at 10:00 am
You’ll need to be willing to check any webmail account you set up for purposes of registration in case GM tries to contact you …
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September 15th, 2009 at 10:02 am
$1,000 for 50,000 people would bring in 50 million dollars. Chump change for GM. Now, if someone is really interested in a Volt, put down $10,000 and then it is a little more interesting to GM. But even then, at today’s spending levels, that would still be in the chump change area. I don’t think GM is going to be persuaded by any down payment offering. Even if 10,000 of us committed the full cost of $40,000! GM has their minds made up as to how they are going to handle the initial roll-out.
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September 15th, 2009 at 10:02 am
1) no
2) probably dedicated 120V home, possibly non-dedicated 120V at work (lower charge rate)
3) 42 – 52 miles
4) Yes
5) My daily driver (wife’s car would still be used for road trips, most likely)
Question 4 needs to be re-worded: You know that technically the Volt isn’t a hybrid.
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September 15th, 2009 at 10:03 am
Right On Bro I was thinking the same thing. It has absolutely nothing to do with the Volt’s design which is just pre-designed components hobbled together in a rush to compete with the tidal wave of competitors who are doing exactly the same thing with their EV offerings.
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September 15th, 2009 at 10:05 am
I “lurked” here for months before joining the list. I could have had a much lower number.
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September 15th, 2009 at 10:05 am
I’m not worried about it down the road. Supply and demand dicatates it all – demand could be low if batteries are a concern, making the price desireable. I’m a mechanical engineer and I work on everything I own when needed – from my classic cars and daily drivers to all systems of houses. I actually look forward to the used market of electric drives, partly to see how aftermarket support evolves.
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September 15th, 2009 at 10:08 am
No… thank YOU Chucky! Glad to be of service.
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September 15th, 2009 at 10:10 am
On the Chevrolet web-site “future vehicles” page it says the Volt would be introduced in the fall of 2010. I wonder, still, if GM does not plan on beating the November 2010 date. They could surprise us all.
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September 15th, 2009 at 10:10 am
It would be interesting to see a survey of recent Ford purchasers to find out what proportion of them are reacting against imports, what proportion are reacting against imports and “Government Motors,” and what proportion were just attracted by Ford automobiles solely on their own merits.
The answers to these questions would do much towards determining how general a US auto industry recovery could become.
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September 15th, 2009 at 10:15 am
Biff,
It’s a concept car and will clearly never get built, so GM doesn’t really have to spend too much time noticing it. One really cool aspect of it is the fact that it has 4 electric motors, each attached to one wheel. I think that eventually that will be the de facto EV design. The nature of electric motors means that four independent units, each with 25 units of power, should have approximately the same weight and volume footprints as one unit with 100 units of power. It creates the possibility of making an AWD car without the conventional weight and cost penalty.
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September 15th, 2009 at 10:16 am
I don’t generally like registering on the web either. I joined the gm-volt list in June or July 2007 (#4762). Yesterday I went to the Chevrolet web-site to look at their future vehicles page and signed up for the Volt notification by mail. I suspect that those people who got the email survey were on the Chevrolet list. Chevrolet did not send out the survey based on Lyle’s list, but their own list. That is why I joined their list. Maybe they will send me a survey in the future because I would like to participate as much as I can in the Volt’s development and marketing.
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September 15th, 2009 at 10:17 am
HA
HA
HA
But I do think it would be good if you could go back in by your email address, and add a password, then keep some current info in there as time changes. Like how much you’d be willing to pay (which changes based on individual situations, the price of gas etc.), and the current date of the last time you confirmed you are still interested.
Because that is the main problem with the list, 40,000 folks registered more than a year ago, half of them are probably unemployed and riding the bus to work at the mall now.
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September 15th, 2009 at 10:17 am
Most of the dim bulbs on this site are here to “troll” under a variety of ridiculous names.
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September 15th, 2009 at 10:18 am
To: Dr. Lyle Dennis
Dear Sir:
Per the wishes of out client, we have warned your previously about the use of the term “WAIT” on your website, http://www.gm-volt.com. You promised to change all occurrances of this term to “WANT”.
As recently as today, you have links to pages called “Wait List Data” and “Wait List Data Page 2″. Here is an example for your inspection:
http://gm-volt.com/wait-list-data/
Our client is not happy about this, and unless you make all changes as promised, you will be subject to the maximum fines allowable under the fullest extent of the law. If this is not fixed within the next 10 seconds, they have authorized us to sue you in the amount of $50,000,000,000 USD. We feel this figure is fair and reasonable, considering the damage you have inflicted upon our client,.
Tick Tock, Tick, Tock…….
Sorry, your time is up. Please make out your check to our firm, and we will forward it to our client, less our normal fee of 30%.
We look forward to a successful resolution of this matter.
Yours truly,
I Fleecem, Esq.
Dewey, Cheatum, and Howe, Attornies at Law
http://www.allposters.com/-sp/Dewey-Cheatum-Howe-Posters_i1661359_.htm
Sorry Lyle, I couldn’t resist…………….
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September 15th, 2009 at 10:19 am
If some are acquired by members here (and I can think of about half-a-dozen probable shoe-ins), they will become an invaluable source of real, first-hand information. I can hardly wait.
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September 15th, 2009 at 10:22 am
Did you notice that there are only 62 people from Washington, D.C., yet they are probably going to be in the “limited relase area” for the Volt?
This is ridiculous, when compared to the 767 people from the Great State of Ohio!!!!
I think that GM beeds to re-think their plans, and include Ohio in the initial release of the Gen-1 Volts in Nov, 2010.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!
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September 15th, 2009 at 10:23 am
A four-motor car will need a controller with 4 independent channels, which would be quite an expense, now. I’d expect to see a 2-motor car with a pair of differentials in a showroom (at an attainable price) before a four-motor.
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September 15th, 2009 at 10:23 am
I am from the law firm Dewey, Cheatem & Howe and I STRONGLY disagree with your statements defaming our profession.
See you in court buddy.
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September 15th, 2009 at 10:23 am
Lyle,
Have you begun to think of any changes to GM-VOLT.COM after the Volt is being sold to the public? How would it change? Do you think it would reach the same level of attention it does now? These are just some of the questions our “inquiring minds” want to know.
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September 15th, 2009 at 10:23 am
Mike-o-Matic:
As to your last sentence, I have had some very similar experiences. Attorneys are uniquely positioned to do good for mankind if they are so motivated. I have seen many if them do exactly that. So it’s good to keep a balance in these things.
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September 15th, 2009 at 10:27 am
Mike,
I agree about lawyers doing good community work. Lawyers are a very committed group and as such should be committed. lol.
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September 15th, 2009 at 10:30 am
Or not, LOL. See if the GM lawyers dig that far.
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September 15th, 2009 at 10:30 am
Why? Do you expect to be arrested soon? Well, if so you will find many of your profession there to keep you company. Take the time and learn a real profession – like car jacking or burglary. Or some of the more “skilled” professions taught in prison. Good luck with your stay.
lol….
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September 15th, 2009 at 10:30 am
I would imagine that the forum section will start an “experiences” section, to include bug reports and fixes, dealer repair experiences, upgrade ideas for the Gen-2, and general satifaction/dis-satisfaction with the car under real world use.
JMHO
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September 15th, 2009 at 10:31 am
Cockroaches?
The only insects on this site are you trolls.
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September 15th, 2009 at 10:33 am
Perhaps those Japanese signees are really here hoping to get inside information about a competitor / gauge US EV opinions.
Perhaps they are willing to speak up about this.
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September 15th, 2009 at 10:33 am
I meant to say I signed up for “notification by email”. Not mail. A lot of difference in that one little missing letter. Not to speak bad about the Post Office because I use it a lot for business package mailing and I think it does a great job. I favor its Priority Mail over UPS and FedEx. Way to go USPS!!!
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September 15th, 2009 at 10:33 am
As to obsessive compulsive disorder, I would confess to it in this venue, hahaha.
As to putting our money where our mouths are, I double dawg dare GM to step up and give us a chance. I have no doubt that they would be amazed by the results.
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September 15th, 2009 at 10:37 am
Probably true. All the better, IMHO. The rich and famous get to work out the bugs and pay the “dealer markup”. We get to milk another year out of our old Chevy and pay sticker for the Volt. Works for me.
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September 15th, 2009 at 10:37 am
Well…
There’s another EV that’s out of reach for 95% of us normal folk.
And if you hadn’t noticed it’s a “Concept” dumbazz.
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September 15th, 2009 at 10:39 am
My sentiments exactly. +1
Except for the Porsche. I’m about as interested in it as I am in the Audi, LOL.
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September 15th, 2009 at 10:39 am
Good questions GM should consider asking. Good post. Thanks.
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September 15th, 2009 at 10:40 am
The Japanese are smart enough to buy Japanes cars and preserve their manufacturing base and jobs.
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September 15th, 2009 at 10:43 am
July 4th, 2010. FTW!
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September 15th, 2009 at 10:43 am
Jean-Charles:
I often think of your comment, so many months ago, on the potential of this sort of grass roots interconnection to change the world. As you said then, with the leadership and hard work of Dr. Dennis, this must be a prime example.
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September 15th, 2009 at 10:44 am
I guess it’s safe to say that somewhere in CA a few dealers will have them. I’m gonna bet LA, San Diego and San Francisco (where the Women are strong and the Men are pretty!).
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September 15th, 2009 at 10:51 am
Unfortuntalely due to enormous legal and privacy issues, GM could never use a list gathered on a 3rd party blog.
That being said, it does show a level on interest in the Volt.
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September 15th, 2009 at 10:52 am
I wouldn’t worry about ‘dealer markups’ on a VOLT. I can easily imagine just how FAST that dealer’s name and phone number would pop up on this website. TONS of bad press like that is not good, and as expensive as the VOLT is already turning out to be, marking it up would definitely make it a toy for the rich and press like that GM and the dealer will not want.
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September 15th, 2009 at 10:56 am
I just checked my email address on the wait list for the first time since I signed up. I am number 20374, and I still am willing to pay $30,000 (I assume that is after tax credit). So I didn’t change anything. I’d rather have an EREV SUV and I’d pay more for that.
But the 35-40 mile range works because I plan to charge during the day and average 60 miles AER.
As i said above, if the wait list had a timestamp in there to show if you are still interested, it would have more meaning to GM.
Then Lyle could keep reminding us to validate our continued interest.
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September 15th, 2009 at 11:11 am
what do you call a bus full of lawyers driving off a cliff?? a good start!!
How many lawyer jokes are there? 3, the rest are trus stories…
I’ll be here all week, try the veal!
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September 15th, 2009 at 11:16 am
Employee: “Boss…wecan’t find our part carts!!”
Boss:” Ok lean on each other instead until I can find some”
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September 15th, 2009 at 11:17 am
Michael,
Thanks. Wow! It really was a long time ago I signed up!
I have # 2350…
I have to admit, when I signed up I believe the estimated price of the VOLT was to be in the high 20’s. Now it’s pushing $40,000 before tax credits.
Now I have to really think about how badly our family needs Gen-1. I am hoping GM follows through with the “National Ride & Drive” idea that was mentioned here as a possibility. I would like to have the wife drive it too before deciding. It’s mostly for her anyway.
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September 15th, 2009 at 11:18 am
not to mention its in the employee contract not to sign up if you troll here….
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September 15th, 2009 at 11:18 am
you get worked up when the lights come on?
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September 15th, 2009 at 11:19 am
(click to show comment)
September 15th, 2009 at 11:22 am
I used to think my number on the list (#4726) was a pretty high number (or low number, depending on how you look at it) until I started to see the number joined go over 10,000 then 20,000 and on and on. Now at over 50,000 I am coming to realize that there are a lot of people who signed up after me. Just think. In the first 5,000. That and $1.50 will buy me a cup of regular coffee. (I can remember when that saying used to be: “and a dime will buy me a cup of coffee”. Now, not only is the coffee much more expensive, you have to also qualify the type of coffee the money will purchase. It is a changing world.
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September 15th, 2009 at 11:23 am
And we are happy you did. It is never too late until it is too late, as the old saying goes.
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September 15th, 2009 at 11:24 am
Get off my internets. I never meant for my world wide web to be used for useless lists.
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September 15th, 2009 at 11:26 am
Lyle, this is an unbelievable number considering that GM won’t build that many for some time. If this car takes off like we hope it will, GM will have to bring up some more lines very quickly.
How many unique IP addresses visit this site? Be interesting to compare to how many people actually signed up. I am thinking in the range of 5 signers for every 100 visitors. Just a swag.
- It will be really great to see posts containing VIN numbers! Sounds like a new list.
- You may want to enable pix uploading for people to show off their Volts as well.
- A section about fuel economy (statistics list) and a forum for same with maybe contests like ‘miles driven without buying gas’!
- An after-market and/or mods section for those tuners.
I can see this site as being very useful in the future for even more good information.
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September 15th, 2009 at 11:30 am
You know that technically the Volt isn’t a hybrid.
Technically you’d have to categorize it as a PHEV (aka Plugin Hybrid Electric Vehicle). It is tested using the SAE J1711 testing procedure, along with plugin Priuses and so forth. No?
Your 42-52 miles is just about perfect for the car.
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September 15th, 2009 at 11:30 am
I am confused as to what legal and privacy issues you are referring to.
We freely signed up, giving our e-mail address and local dealer name. Lyle has stated that the ONLY company he would release that information to would be GM, if it was requested.
So if GM requested a list from Lyle, and he gave it to them for marketing purposes, where is the problem? It is not like we signed a contract to purchase anything. We just stated our interest in a particular vehicle, and hoped that being on an early interest list might mean less of a wait for this new model.
I would be thilled to death if my local Chevy dealer called me in October, 2010, and asked if I was still interested in placing an order for a Chevy Volt!!!!!
What am I missing here?
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September 15th, 2009 at 11:33 am
I think you are right. I have heard too many people complain about the bail-out GM got. A good number of these people were Ford owners already and I asked them “would you have purchased a GM vehicle later if there was not bail-out”. Most were honest enough to say “No” and for those that did say they might would have, I knew them well enough that I knew they would not. Yes, some of the new Ford sales were from people opposed to the new Government Motors and voted with their pocket books. And that is OK. Ford makes some really good products. If GM falls flat in their product lines, a Ford might be in my future. I hope to make an American owned car company’s vehicle as my next new vehicle purchase. In a few years.
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September 15th, 2009 at 11:34 am
This may be unkind, but it looks like it was designed by the set designer for the Buck Rodgers TV show from the 50s. Not loving the outside.
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September 15th, 2009 at 11:41 am
There is absolutely nothing wrong with being less interested today than you were when you joined the list. GM will still need people to be interested in gen 2, 3, 4 and so on. No big deal. I am in the same boat and more so in some ways. I am currently 65. It will be, possibly, 2013 before production gets to producing enough to knock the price down to where I might want to spend some of my retirement money on a Volt. I am not retired yet, but will be within the next 6 months. I expect to start drawing my Social Security check in February, even though I may still be working some.
There are many reasons to be more interested, the same interested or less interested in the Volt. They are your reasons and no one should concern themselves with the reasons but you. All I can say is that I wish all of you good luck and good fortune in the future.
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September 15th, 2009 at 11:44 am
Either way sounds expensive. I wish them luck. I have three children and three grandchildren. It would be a different world for me if it were not for them.
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September 15th, 2009 at 11:45 am
The issue is if other places were also taking lists, then GM would have to explain why they used Lyle’s and not any others. You’ll then have people coming out of the woodworks saying “hey, I have a list too……”. If you don’t take anyone’s list then there’s no issue. I suspect GM maight come up with their own but why? If they are going to distribute to dealers and they’ll sell right off the bat there’s no reson to task a GM employee or team to start a list. One other thing is, GM has to deliver to their dealers and if you are 20,000 on the list and Pat Q Public walks into a dealer and scoops one up before you get one or anyone else in the list gets one then you have 20,000 pissed off peeps.
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September 15th, 2009 at 11:46 am
I am 101st on the list. I have been watching the Volt for a long time. I am looking forward to seeing the car in person. At $32k I will purchase one for sure. But if price is near 40k, I won’t be able to afford one sorry to say.
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September 15th, 2009 at 11:48 am
Tag said: “I don’t have any idea what Lyle plans for post production as his goals are gradually being realized.”
I think Lyle realizing his goals one after another is a good problem to have–LOL.
Mike-o-Matic said, “If the Volt is a success (or even if not, because it has stimulated an electric car revival), then it can be comfortably said that Lyle Dennis *changed the world for the better* with this initiative.”
Agreed. Well said.
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September 15th, 2009 at 11:49 am
Speculated price is $43,000.00 BEFORE Rebate. I dunno about you but when I sign on paper what I am paying, that’s the price we’ll most likely see, not $32K.
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September 15th, 2009 at 11:56 am
Thanks for the link, Mitch. Good article and it told it like it is, I believe. I wish GM luck.
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September 15th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
Most of congress are lawyers. enough said!!!
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September 15th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
I don’t think they should have demo cars for the Volt before the pre-orders arrive.
Or if they do, the dealers shouldn’t be allowed to sell them over MSRP under penalty of losing their franchise. There was way too much bad pr when that happened with the Camaro.
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September 15th, 2009 at 12:15 pm
DaV8or
I think the lawyers said something to Lyle like ” You do like the access you are now enjoying at GM, don’t you”?
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September 15th, 2009 at 12:16 pm
I think it’s pretty fukin Gay that GM asked Lyle to change the “Wait” to “Want”. What petty bullsh|t. How much time did they spend deciding if this should be done or not and how many people were in the meeting for this? We’re “Waiting” for GM to sell the car.
Stupid phukin PR bullsh|t.
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September 15th, 2009 at 12:23 pm
It took a few hours for my comment to come out of moderation yesterday. I have no idea why it went in to begin with.
I was first and wasn’t being negative at all. Sad maybe, but not negative.
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September 15th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
Some Renault/Nissan news:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/motoring/news/article.cfm?c_id=9&objectid=10597190
The cars will be about the same cost as regular cars, but the batteries are not included and will be leased for $100 a month.
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September 15th, 2009 at 12:33 pm
I disagree Noel. There should be no balance with lawyers. They should all be good. Unfortunately, the bad ones give the good ones a bad reputation. At least, that is my 2¢.
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September 15th, 2009 at 12:33 pm
I was at the Chevy dealer here in Salisbury NC about a week ago and talked about the Volt with a couple of Sales people. They had nearly no knowledge of the Volt!! I mentioned Gm-volt.com and one wanted to know if that was GM’s official Volt site. I said no, It was started by Dr. Lyle Dennis who visited an auto show when the Volt was nothing more than a never to be built concept car. They had little interest in the site till I told them there were nearly 50,000 on the wait list. They did write down the web site address. Hope they make the effort to learn about this car that will end up making them a lot of money.
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September 15th, 2009 at 12:36 pm
… the electric jungle will be very LEAFy, it appears …
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September 15th, 2009 at 12:37 pm
Just their way of sayin’ they don’t give sh|t about us.
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September 15th, 2009 at 12:38 pm
I agree. Let them “eat cake”!
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September 15th, 2009 at 12:38 pm
I have a feeling that if any of us here go to any dealer when the Volt is finally released, we’ll know more than the salesmen. I think i’ll do that. Go to a dealer and slam them with questions to make the feel stupid.
I know, that’s not nice.
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September 15th, 2009 at 12:39 pm
Ditto for me, too Noel.
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September 15th, 2009 at 12:41 pm
“I have a feeling that if any of us here go to any dealer when the Volt is finally released, we’ll know more than the salesmen.”
No doubt!
Well except for our very own CorvetteGuy, of course!
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September 15th, 2009 at 12:41 pm
another article, used the google translator:
http://translate.google.com/translate?js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http://www.lejdd.fr/Ecologie/Energie/Actualite/Ghosn-Renault-sera-leader-mondial-133244/&sl=fr&tl=en&history_state0=
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September 15th, 2009 at 12:42 pm
… but it likely won’t be an EREV, unless Govt gives Ford the research from a defunct NGMCO gratis (and maybe not even then).
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September 15th, 2009 at 12:44 pm
Jim, I had been wondering what your opinion was on the subject of “wait list” versus “want list”. Thanks for clearing that up – finally. LOL.
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September 15th, 2009 at 12:44 pm
Good luck, Neal.
I’m younger than you are, but I’d begun to wonder if I would be too old to participate in the automobile electrification revolution.
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September 15th, 2009 at 12:46 pm
It seems to me, that if every fifth person in the list will actually buy Volt (or at least try to order from Chevy dealers), that will be good statistic.
ps. I am not signed in the “want list” because Volt is to expensive for me.
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September 15th, 2009 at 12:48 pm
More power to you, then (and may your gizzard be untoasted).
Speaking of house systems, take a look at this:
http://www.envirobuzz.net/2009/05/new-battery-could-solve-household.html
. . . what do you think? (Given the date on this story, we may hear something in a couple of months).
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September 15th, 2009 at 12:51 pm
Muddy,
I have always thought that vehicle was one of the ugliest ones on the road. I just have never liked its looks from the front. And with up to 1.2 miles in all-electric mode it doesn’t look like much competition.
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September 15th, 2009 at 12:53 pm
Sounds plausible………
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September 15th, 2009 at 12:54 pm
Not that it does any good, since he’ll just negate it with one of his other many names; but Zack the troll gets a minus one for that comment.
There, negate that!
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September 15th, 2009 at 12:54 pm
I would look real hot if I was 16 years old.. it just looks hot now.
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September 15th, 2009 at 12:55 pm
Has that ever stopped a dealer?
That was a real question BTW..
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September 15th, 2009 at 12:55 pm
Hey, Gore-Tex:
Stop whining, and go suck on a tailpipe. Your CO2 level is dropping dangerously low.
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September 15th, 2009 at 12:56 pm
Besides Lyle, Static and myself who else are including in the half-a-dozen shoe-ins?
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September 15th, 2009 at 12:56 pm
It will be interesting to see the forum posts in a few years. Maybe some of those would be new categories to select for posts.
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September 15th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
Daniel Howes consistently writes a good op ed
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September 15th, 2009 at 12:58 pm
Sounds like a good plan to me, Noel. Go for it, especially since you and I (and many others) won’t be able to hardly see one less alone buy one the first year or so. But, good luck. You just might surprise us.
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September 15th, 2009 at 12:58 pm
I could not wait any longer
So I purchased a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid fully loaded 502A for $32,000.00 at Citrus Ford In Ontario, CA
I am very pleased with this vehicle, very good gas mileage
in 6 weeks I used 15 gals, 4.98% interest and discounted the sales tax difference between Nevada & California
Good dealer customer service, I highly recommend them.
I live in Reno Nevada
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September 15th, 2009 at 1:02 pm
Computer warriors? Hey! I resemble that remark! Oh, well. I have been called much worse. And probably by some of the people on this site.
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September 15th, 2009 at 1:09 pm
Exactly what I was thinking, Noel. Too bad we Americans and Canadians could not do the same without being called racists or nationalists. Or some other names. Even so we would have more manufacturing jobs in our own countries and be better off for it. IMO, of course…
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September 15th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
Any time we can aid in “making your day” just let us know. We are glad to help out. I am sure a little sunshine in your rainy skies are good for you every now and then.
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September 15th, 2009 at 1:15 pm
I registered on the Want List as well as the official Chevy site, and received the recent survey. I’m fortunate in that I live in California, but like many others on here have inferred, the initial production run is likely to be scooped up by Silicon Valley executives and celebrities willing to pay a premium to “jump” the list. I’m not willing to pay over MSRP, so I may miss out for the first 12-18 months or so. It will be very interesting to see how things play out when the production cars finally go on sale.
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September 15th, 2009 at 1:16 pm
JCJ,
Nice to see you drop in. Have you been busy lately and not able to “waste” some time here with us others “wanters”, not “waiters”? (Wanters is not really a word, but it fit the thought.)
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September 15th, 2009 at 1:21 pm
Tom, Lyle could go one step further. When you comment on the site, the software could update your profile for you (or batch update nightly based on today’s comments). That would cause some people to offer a comment every few months that are now not commenting at all. Reading the comments here is well and good. But some of them might actually have something we would all like to hear. Then again, maybe not.
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September 15th, 2009 at 1:21 pm
what proportion are reacting against imports and “Government Motors”
This may be one reason why the GM brands are more popular than GM. I get the preference for Ford on this count. What is beyond me is the preference for cars from foreign companies.
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September 15th, 2009 at 1:25 pm
I would agree Donc with that assessment. But I don’t want to see gas prices rise out of control either through OPEC, suppliers, refiners or government taxes just to justify those who can afford to purchase a Volt over the next 5 to 10 years. That would unnecessarily hurt the many people who can barely afford gasoline purchases now to get to and from work. I am not one of those, but I know some of them. Its a kind of Catch 22, isn’t it?
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September 15th, 2009 at 1:28 pm
Retro futuristic seems more like a twenty-something style than a teenage style.
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September 15th, 2009 at 1:28 pm
Jim,
You forgot the abolition of not allowing any posters on Lyle’s site to use the word “wait” in any sentence or word structure.
Sorry, I meant to address this to: I Fleecem, Esq. Sorry about that Jim.
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September 15th, 2009 at 1:33 pm
Sorry, but if you were referring to me as “homey” I would appreciate it if you did not do so. I would like to refer you to my new lawyer: Mr. I Fleecem Esq. Thank you and good day to you.
Edit: Now I do have a reason to refer you to my lawyer. You called me “Sucka”. Now that just makes me feel so inferior that I don’t know what it will take to make me recover. I am sure Mr. I Fleecem, Esq. can think of some likely remedy. It will be forthcoming, I am sure.
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September 15th, 2009 at 1:33 pm
Please keep us posted. I know there is a lot of interest in the Ford hybrids among our members.
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September 15th, 2009 at 1:36 pm
This article reviews the same package you got.. congratulations and enjoy your new car for many years to come.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/uptospeed/2009/05/first-drive-2010-ford-fusion-hybrid.html
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September 15th, 2009 at 1:38 pm
Congratulations. I’ve heard good things about that car. If I were looking at cars I’d probably start with the Fusion Hybrid and the new LaCrose and then move on to the Cadillac CTS, the new Prius, and perhaps the Lexus 250 h. Obviously my motivations are not entirely consistent!
I would say that I’d be influenced by the reviews on allcarselectric.com. It really has a good portfolio of hybrid reviews.
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September 15th, 2009 at 1:38 pm
I used to think I was indecisive, but now I’m not so sure.
I’m copyrighting that for a bumper sticker, so don’t quote me.
… Well, maybe you could quote me …
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September 15th, 2009 at 1:42 pm
Pretty is in the eye of the beholder, Capt Jack. Or should we start calling you Capt Jackie?
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September 15th, 2009 at 1:44 pm
Jim,
You are missing the “joke” of a joker. Just ignore him in the future after putting a negative vote in place for him.
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September 15th, 2009 at 1:49 pm
I *always* know more about the vehicle I am purchasing than the crappy salesman. If I could buy it on eBay and get it delivered and NEVER talk to a sales guy, I would be very happy.
I hope one of those specialty car rental guys (that rent exotics and such) will have some Volts for rent. I think a week of driving the thing would yea/nay my decision.
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September 15th, 2009 at 1:51 pm
I think their way of helping to protect Lyle and themselves from some stupid a-hole who does not understand this list and its lack of association with GM. That a-hole could probably find a lawyer (I Fleecem, Esq.?) that would be more than happy to sue Lyle and GM even with him/her/it understanding the list all too well. As long as the a-hole says he didn’t understand why he can’t get the nth Volt that agrees with his “wait” list number.
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September 15th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
Capt Jack,
That has been my experience for many years. Of course, I take some time to research the vehicles I am interested in prior to going to the dealership because of their lack of detail knowledge.
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September 15th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
Watch out New GM and Toyota there is a new leader atop the auto industry. Two Letters.
V W
That’s right we are on a mission from God and nobody (and we mean nobody) will stop us. In these economic times we are growing and profitable. And we are on the warpath. It’s time for GM and Toyota to get out of our way NOW.
We will soon take our place as the World’s Largest Automaker. You have been served notice.
My friends and collegues I am here (Frankfurt Auto Show) to chew bubblegum and kick some arse and…..I am all out of bubblegum.
- Martin
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September 15th, 2009 at 1:58 pm
Ditto. We like Ford hybrid info here. No kidding….
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September 15th, 2009 at 1:59 pm
Why do all lawyers go to heaven? Satan didn’t want the competition..
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September 15th, 2009 at 2:09 pm
Hopefully I can put a deposit down soon.
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September 15th, 2009 at 2:17 pm
Off Topic, but only a day late, regarding a major item of concern on yesterday’s Chevy Volt survey, I emailed the guy at “gongos” who conducted the survey (Jacob Martin) with this question…..
“I completed the survey and have an important question. After reading dozens of quotes from senior GM officials over the past approx 18 months that the Volt’s Li-Ion battery life would be 10yrs/150,000mi, the survey now says its warranty will be for only 8yrs/100,000mi. What caused GM to make this drastic change?”
Martin responded just now with “Thanks for contacting me. In regards to your question, the information provided in the survey may or may not reflect the final product offering, but for purposes of this survey, please keep the warranty listed in the survey in mind.” (bold emphasis is mine)
Thanks!
Jacob
….sounds like they’re actually serious about 8yrs/100kmi!
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September 15th, 2009 at 2:35 pm
I’m conflicted…it is great to see extensive demand for the Volt, but I’m unwilling to pay a premium due to limited supply. Maybe GM will pick me to field test a Volt.
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September 15th, 2009 at 2:37 pm
Dave K
If only 10% from the list actually BUY, you’d be in the top 2K!
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
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September 15th, 2009 at 2:40 pm
I think we should have custom T-Shirts with the cryptic message “I’m #____ on GM”s list”. I bet it’d be a conversation starter….
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
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September 15th, 2009 at 2:42 pm
What a waste of time , money, and talent! A very expensive piece of CRAP!
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September 15th, 2009 at 2:48 pm
N. Riley,
As long as it has a plug!
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
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September 15th, 2009 at 2:49 pm
Jackson,
Isn’t GM calling workers back?
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
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September 15th, 2009 at 2:53 pm
Gary and Murry,
The actual price is unknown at this point, and won’t be announced for almost a year from now.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
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September 15th, 2009 at 2:59 pm
Jackson re electrification
I too, was wondering if my odometer would reach far enough to see plugins, but God Willing, we’ve got a shot.
Be well (and very careful)(g),
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
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September 15th, 2009 at 3:00 pm
So should we apply a 35% tax on all German Tires too?
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September 15th, 2009 at 3:06 pm
Sthtopit!
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September 15th, 2009 at 3:11 pm
Man I posted something on the “Other” site and no replies after 3 hrs. Lame azzed site.
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September 15th, 2009 at 3:15 pm
My response to N Riley’s
“If GM falls flat in their product lines, a Ford might be in my future.”
was
“… but it likely won’t be an EREV, unless Govt gives Ford the research from a defunct NGMCO gratis (and maybe not even then).”
But now that you bring it up, I am under no illusions as to how fast and/or how dire GM news can still get.
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September 15th, 2009 at 3:24 pm
Can’t find it on his site, but I heard Consumer Advocate Clark Howard say (in a promo on one of his radio affiliate stations) that he thought gas would be just under $2 a gallon by the end of the year.
He’s fond of observing that these things run in cycles, so there may be a run-up following this low, if he’s right.
Volt-relevant question is, what role will low gas prices have on any “early” (July 4th 2010) roll-out (or sticker price, for that matter).
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September 15th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
Wow, that rant takes me back …
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdOaP68cgaA
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September 15th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
Agreed. Apart from a new video or blog entry every couple weeks or so, it seems pretty dormant.
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September 15th, 2009 at 3:34 pm
Ole,
If by “CRAP” you mean awesome then you are right.
Not sure if you know this or not but Jay is a big EV guy (has many old EV’s). He even has one of the Honda Hydrogen cars and says that EV’s and Hydrogen are the future.
Who would not want to build a dream car. For you it may be one thing for him it was the ECO JET. I say more power to him. Without thinking outside the box would we see a Volt coming soon? Jay saw a turbine engine and said what if. He made his dream come true. I applaud him for that.
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September 15th, 2009 at 3:37 pm
AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAA!!!!
That was funny as hell!
Good one.
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September 15th, 2009 at 4:05 pm
I had a couple of those yesterday too.. the first time I’d been “Modded”.
I feel so bad-a$$ now!
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September 15th, 2009 at 4:09 pm
______________________________________________________
Great job Lyle!!!
Next up…100,000
______________________________________________________
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September 15th, 2009 at 4:09 pm
Absolutely Laura.
I’ve been saying this for a while.
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September 15th, 2009 at 4:22 pm
Heh heh, it’s definately not the prettiest thing it IS however quite a capable car both fast and tough.
BUT since Porsche is normally a tech leader, that they are saying we’re in too is a GREAT buy-in for all electric drive cars, either hybrid or full EV in my opinion.
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September 15th, 2009 at 4:29 pm
No problem. I realize that sometimes I come across as cryptic……
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!
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September 15th, 2009 at 4:32 pm
Forget static…………..
I was hoping I was one of those six!!!!
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September 15th, 2009 at 4:39 pm
That’s not how I read it (of course, you have the entire original message there, but based on your quote –):
“the information provided in the survey may or may not reflect the final product offering, but for purposes of this survey, please keep the warranty listed in the survey in mind.”
That says to me pretty much what I said yesterday:
“Hopefully, this survey is part of a long process where GM sticks out it’s fingers to test the wind, and depending on how often they pull them back bruised, will eventually have an effect on actual figures, or advertising spin. Consider how much harder it will be for GM to do this kind of research closer to the Volt’s actual release.
There are limits to how much we should trust the figures in the survey, IMO.”
So, 10 years 150K miles may still be in the offing. It kind of depends on how bruised their fingers got offering only 8 years 100 K miles as part of their hypothetical “information provided.”
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September 15th, 2009 at 4:50 pm
CorvetteGuy:
Good point. +1
It’s really tough (impossible?) to get my wife to buy a car without driving one first. I guess that’s just because she’s smarter than I am, LOL. And, like your family, it will be mostly her car.
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September 15th, 2009 at 4:52 pm
I am proud to represent you……..
Attention Mr. Zack Lee Wright:
As the legal counsel for Mr. N. Riley, I must urge you to immediately cease and desist in using the derogatory terms of “homey” and “Sucka” in reference to my client. This is causing him a great deal of mental anguish.
As his advocate, I MUST FIGHT FOR JUSTICE FOR THIS INTOLLERABLE ACT!! At our firm, we fight for justice in the form of money!!! (BTW: That last sentence is a quote from a local legal firm that advertises on TV for car accident “victims”, and I am using it without permission
)
Since you are obviously guilty, we expect to receive payment in the amount of $100,000,000.00 dollars. We feel that is a completely fair amount for the pain you have inflicted on my client. We accept cash in USD or Euros, credit cards, bearer bonds with coupons attached, gold, and/or diamonds as forms of payment.
Please make your payment in full by Friday, as I would really like to go on a nice long vacation starting next week.
I look forward to a successful resolution to this matter.
Yours truly,
I. Fleecem, Esq.
Dewey, Cheatum, and Howe, Attornies at Law
So There……..
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September 15th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
CorvetteGuy:
I hope you’re right, but I wouldn’t bet the farm on it.
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September 15th, 2009 at 4:54 pm
We always knew you were a sailor boy…..
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September 15th, 2009 at 4:56 pm
Sorry.
Logic always gets in the way for me…………….
HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!
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September 15th, 2009 at 4:58 pm
I thought we were friends????
I Fleecem, Esq.
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September 15th, 2009 at 5:03 pm
We are working on a GM Trademark for the word “Wait”, but first we have to finish up with “That’s Hot” for Paris Hilton…….. That way, we get our payment every time the tradmarked word or phrase is used!
I am glad you realize the power we have at our firm!!!
I. Fleecem, Esq.
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September 15th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
Is there any word like this for the Cadillac Converj?
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September 15th, 2009 at 5:18 pm
N Riley:
Hey, I took it as a compliment, LOL.
My wife always looks real sad when the computer isn’t working right and says, “When our younger son left for college, we lost our tech support.” I’m sure it’s true in many families.
Fortunately, I have a couple of young guys about the same age here who keep me pretty much out of trouble.
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September 15th, 2009 at 5:24 pm
Jim I –>Re lawyers, Lyle said
Along the way of this list’s growth and recognition I received gentle pressure from GM. Their legal department once politely requested I change the name from waiting list. You will now notice it is called the Want List, simply indicating that these are people who want a Volt.
I’ve been thinking about this action by gm legal all day. Any other corporation that could get a list of as many as 50,000 people who wanted their product would have the wisdom, or if necessary the street smarts, to start delivering product to these people as fast as possible, and taking in money as fast as possible, Tag would be happy.
Instead gm in its normal fashion sees it as a “problem” that people not under gm control have had the audicity to create a “waiting list” and therefore raise legal objections, however gently, to the existence of such a list.
There is an adjective used to describe this sort of action, which civility prevents me from using, but it is defined by dictionary.com as lacking ordinary quickness and keenness of mind; dull and characterized by or proceeding from mental dullness; foolish; senseless
Unfortunately gm’s worst problems are those it has inflicted on itself. To me this seems like yet another one of those situations. Really, only gm would see this list of 50,000 who “want” a Volt as a problem rather than a wonderful opportunity.
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September 15th, 2009 at 5:24 pm
N Riley:
They can call me anything they want. It’s Chevy or the highway for Noel! And I’m as proud to be called a nationalist as I am to be called a “computer warrior”, LOL. I’m all in favor of nationalism, if it furthers the legitimate interests of the nation.
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September 15th, 2009 at 5:31 pm
I notice that the list is ‘UNOFFICIAL’, and you state that every time you mention the LIST. It seems to anyone that gave it any thought that the reason it is unofficial is so you are not legally obligated to follow the list. But, this will, somewhat help you keep people ‘on the hook’ if they feel that they are part of a list. I would love to hear an alternate reason for why it is unofficial. PS, I liked the prototype style better than the production style.
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September 15th, 2009 at 5:34 pm
thtopit Jimmy….
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September 15th, 2009 at 5:35 pm
Martin:
That’s what Hyundai says too. Anybody want to give odds on which one’s right? I’m as likely to buy a VW as I am a Hyundai (0.00% probability), so it’s just hot air to me.
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September 15th, 2009 at 5:36 pm
The list is to Obviously build hype, keep you hooked ,and they are not legally obligated to follow the list, which is the reason that it is not an offical list , GET IT!. Can’t you and everyone see that.
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September 15th, 2009 at 5:39 pm
“I certainly hope GM has more important things to do than look at web sites.”
I certainly hope that GM has better things to do than listen to misguided comments like that.
This web site is actively visited by thousands of potential customers (and competitors). We provide a plethora of feedback of how we will feel about various technical and business aspects of the Volt. This type of free feedback is a gold mine for any company who is customer focused, because it can help the producer to ensure that the end product meets or exceeds customer expectations from the beginning, thus making the potential for a wildly successful product.
GM needs a wildly successful product right now, and I believe they are well on their way to creating it.
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September 15th, 2009 at 5:41 pm
They are feeling people out to see how an 8 year warranty will be received.
For me, 8 is fine and 6 is even better as long as I participate amply in the savings
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September 15th, 2009 at 5:46 pm
They keep the list unofficial so they do not have to fallow it, get it!!
This way if they can sell the entire 1st batch to Bill Gates and his entire staff or something, you would not be able to sue them, HELLO.
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September 15th, 2009 at 5:50 pm
The list is unofficial, get it. This way they hook you, but they don’t have to fallow it, understand my ’shizzle nizzle’.
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September 15th, 2009 at 5:53 pm
DonC,
Nothing has happened, and yet we’re still here (lol).
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
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September 15th, 2009 at 5:55 pm
Arh – NPR Tappit Brothers reference.
Well I appreciated it at least.
My experience of lawyers is that they are mostly good people doing a job like anyone else. Sometimes they get bad clients to represent, and it is their duty to represent the client (they don’t always have a choice or realize they have a bad client until it is too late).
So it is more a case of there are bad clients and good clients. Just like there are bad people and good people.
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September 15th, 2009 at 5:58 pm
I actually offered Ed Peeper a check for $10K as a deposit on a Volt over two years ago. Good job he didn’t accept because that might have disappeared with old GM’s other debts.
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