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Lutz: GM Considering Project-Driveway Like Program for Volt
GM launched a program in the end of 2007 called Project Driveway. This program allows ordinary people to have full-time use of Chevy Equinox fuel cell vehicles. About 100 are in operation through the US, even through the vehicle isn’t in production.
According to vice chairman Bob Lutz, apparently GM is considering a similar program for early Chevy Volts.
“We might even do the same thing we did with the Chevrolet Equinox and have Project Driveway and have real Americans driving Volts where they use it as a daily car for a couple of months,” he said.
Lutz also told the reporter the demand for Volts is significant and indicated that over 50,000 people have registered on “websites” as being interested in the car. Though the reporter did not specify the websites Lutz referred to, he admitted in an email after my request, “he did mention your site.”
The report also indicated that 10,000 Volts would be produced in year one, and 60,000 in year two, plans that have been often been published but never confirmed by GM. This numerical discrepancy has lead some authors to predict demand will far outweigh supply for the early Volts. Recently, however, Dave Barthmuss from GM was quoted as saying GM would actually build “tens of thousands” of Volts in the first year.
Regardless of the potential for strong demand and limited supply, GM is building up to a Volt advertising blitz the likes of which we have never seen.
Once GM has a few hundred pre-production Volts on hand next year, they plan to “pull out the heavy artillery and get Volt buzz going with media and customer events,” said Lutz.
The marketing drive will begin to ratchet up starting at the LA Auto Show this December.
Can’t wait.
Source (Autonews sub. req.)
217 Responses to “Lutz: GM Considering Project-Driveway Like Program for Volt”
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October 9th, 2009 at 6:16 am
These are exciting times! Sure would like one of those Volts in my driveway.
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October 9th, 2009 at 6:19 am
My driveway is available for a Volt.
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October 9th, 2009 at 6:25 am
I am the next one with a ready driveway and a ready circuit. That would be two in the Fort Myers area.
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October 9th, 2009 at 6:30 am
Yes to Project Driveway, provided:
1. Lyle gets the first car. Period.
2. A drawing is held for the rest of the cars, and only those of us on the GM-Volt waiting list are entered!
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October 9th, 2009 at 6:35 am
Project driveway made sense for the hydrogen fuel cell cars. These were expensive and required someone who is understanding about the fueling options.
The Volt is different. It can be charged at most peoples homes and fueled at any of the local gas stations. In addition, people will buy it because it is not a $150,000 fuel cell vehicle.
A project driveway is not needed. GM should give a few out to select people like celebrities, Lyle and myself, however. We will do a great job of advertising the Volt.
Bob, Call me.
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October 9th, 2009 at 6:37 am
Never owned a GM product but would Love to trade in the wife’s prius for a VOLT. Come on GM help convert a toyota owner. I’ve got a garage, and a commute that would allow me to travel all electric all the time. I tell everyone about the benefits of the volt and it sure would be nice to have the car to back up my talk.
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October 9th, 2009 at 6:41 am
Nuclearboy I’m pretty sure that I’m a bigger celeb than you. Besides that Maximum Bob is my homey. Hell I call old bobo over to my house for oil changes every 3 months. And who do you think gives him those ridiculous pink ties every Christmas? You’d be like 10th on the list
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October 9th, 2009 at 6:43 am
Exciting times indeed.
I am more than happy to volunteer for Project Driveway.
Number 110 on the “Want List”
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October 9th, 2009 at 6:44 am
LOL. You are too funny, Nuclearboy.
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October 9th, 2009 at 6:47 am
If demand for the Volt is already apparent, why a big marketing campaign? Won’t you cause problems when you can’t deliver the supply?
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October 9th, 2009 at 6:47 am
Haven’t been this excited about a new car since my 1967 Impala. I want to be right after Lyle
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October 9th, 2009 at 6:54 am
Jason, you must be kidding! Gas prices are going to be rising next year, and people are going to be lining up to buy electric vehicles, and only GM is going to have an ER-EV that actually works for most people, with no limited range irritation. And it will cost buyers about $32,000 after the tax credit, which is a huge bargain compared to a fuel cell vehicle, or a BEV with just a 200 mile AER.
Having something people want, that is better for most people, better for the environment, better for our countries security, that GM is having trouble building enough of, and that is a PROBLEM for GM? LOL
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October 9th, 2009 at 6:57 am
Hi Mr GM ! I live in France where the gas is very expensive and the electricity is cheap at night. I need to commute 48 kms per day and I have a place to recharge it… Do you want to test it in Europe… ?
Chris
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October 9th, 2009 at 7:02 am
No, the idea is to keep demand high for as long as possable. People go crazy for what they can’t have. The marketing machine rolling we won’t have to worry about gen 2.
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October 9th, 2009 at 7:04 am
I work for an Obama appointee. I think that makes me one of Bob’s Govt. bosses.
Bob,
I’ll take a Dark Blue Metallic with leather…
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October 9th, 2009 at 7:06 am
I agree that some should be sent to Europe too.
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October 9th, 2009 at 7:08 am
Couldn’t the issue of how many to produce be settled by taking pre-orders with deposits? I may not be the smartest guy in the world, but if you want to gauge demand, this seems to me like the correct approach. And just for the record, I have a check ready….
As far as the Project Driveway program, I guess who would get them would depend upon how GM will define the term “real Americans”. If they define it as movie stars and politicians, then I guess we are out of luck. Now if they want real testers, who would give actual feedback on the performance of the Volt, this is the site they should be using to make the selections!!!!
Of course I place my name as a possible tester. Five days per week, the car would be using AER. Two days per week, the range extender would kick in for about 50 miles total. The roads and weather around Youngstown, OH would give the car a real test.
GM – Just keep us in mind, OK??????
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October 9th, 2009 at 7:23 am
Have garage and 240v circuits.
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October 9th, 2009 at 7:24 am
Extremely exciting news of far more Volts in production for the first year. GM is so vastly far ahead of ALL the other OEM’s it is going to make their heads spin, and, they are ALL in really deep trouble because they are not anywhere nearly at all comparable IN THE MARKETPLACE toward what the Volt is going to be able to do.
BEV’s, OTOH, well, that is ok if you never need to go on a longer daily drive, unlike I need several times per week. The long term charging requirement logistics would be intolerable for my unpredictable work and driving schedule for advanced systems training for shops. (Every day, there is at least one of my 529 trained techs that might need me to drop everything to come out to diagnose some exceptional newly-discovered KIND of ICE problem, and, that range extender would be of critical importance to us).
We should ALL reaffirm that there ought to be MORE parallel plans in place on behalf of/for GM to be able to be additionally-funded to produce EVEN FAR MORE Voltec vehicles in FAR MORE production facilities.
There has been relentless unmerited critique in the past about “government motors”. While that critique is consistent with an inverse level of non-technical awareness of what the GM EREV design and quality will be, only the very worst of the uninformed will continue to spout that phrase as the rest of America becomes transformed within JUST A FEW MORE YEARS toward green electric motoring.
The Spirit of America is backing GM because Voltec deserves the investment.
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October 9th, 2009 at 7:30 am
You would say that since they just gave your boss (See nuclearboys post above) a peace prize for talking a good game! I see now Obama gets a peace prize and Europe gets a few Volts. Very clever but we’re onto you.
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October 9th, 2009 at 7:34 am
Hi GM, see what Chris has written. With myself in Belgium
1. where the gas is very expensive
2. and the electricity is cheap at night, like in France
3. and as I need to commute 36 kms per day
4. and I have two places (at home and at work) to recharge it…
Would you please add a second Volt on the ship (or the plane) to test it in Europe… ?
Thanks
JC NPNS
PS I’m n°684 on the want list.
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October 9th, 2009 at 7:39 am
I think as part of the marketing campaign GM should donate one Volt to a charity, which will raffle the Volt. First prize is the Volt. Second prize is an autographed pink tie (if Bob Lutz will part with it).
I’d be glad to offer my Michigan-based historic ship preservation organization (501c3 with S.S. City of Milwaukee and USCGC Acacia) if desired. Ironically, we also have a US Government loan that we’d love to pay off someday… If GM prefers, I’m sure Lyle can give a list of worthy charities from his marathons and other charitable activities.
Just a thought…
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October 9th, 2009 at 7:39 am
First get Lyle out of the that silly Mini and then put me in the 2nd volt for that drive way program. I have a commute every day in hot south Florida. I also carpool so it would put 3 other people in contact with the Volt as well.
COME ON GM, you killed my Saturn brand so come clean
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October 9th, 2009 at 7:45 am
Getting the Volt out into the real world is a good thing. The 50,000+ here at gm volt dot com would all like an EREV delivered today.
There was quite a buzz when the electric Mini was released to the public. This initial interest has become a periodic mention of “about 100 out there in use”. The electric Mini should have been available in large numbers by now.
Timing will be similar with the Volt. A Project Driveway program should be a 30 day collection of data before a 60 day finalization of the end product. Deliver Project Driveway Volt demo cars to GM friendly drivers in mid March of 2010. Collect the demo cars toward the end of April. Complete the production design details by the July 4th holiday break.
Ramp up Volt production during July, August, and September. Transport the fist dealer shipments in early August to honor the promise of a September 2010 availability.
BTW: Avoid delivering the first lot of Volt to politicians. The Volt runs on electricity, not on hot air.
=D~
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October 9th, 2009 at 7:48 am
This news brought tears of joy to my eyes.
NPNS!
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October 9th, 2009 at 7:52 am
I’ve been considering trading in my Honda Civic for a Prius because I doubt I can get a first-year Volt in central NY when they roll it out. Lyle, any chance GM can provide detailed roll-out information to us once they have the plan locked down?
If GM actually does this project driveway, I’d sure love to sign up for it. That would be a nice little stop gap to keep me waiting for the Volt! I have nice mix of commuter driving less than 40 miles daily, with an occasional long trip to NH to visit family (375 miles one way). Sounds like a nice test case to me, but I guess my opinion is probably biased!
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October 9th, 2009 at 7:56 am
I live in Northern Virginia and hereby volunteer to be one of the daily drivers!!!!
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October 9th, 2009 at 7:58 am
The excitement builds for GM’s moonshot ….. on the day of a moonshot ! What a country !
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October 9th, 2009 at 7:58 am
I think the projects will be a huge success and of course I volunteer! I do hope that they give the Want List some consideration if for no other reason than to give Lyle the credit he deserves. Heck, the fans here deserve some credit too!
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
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October 9th, 2009 at 8:00 am
I’d be interested in testing one of these Project Driveway Volts. I do a nice mix of long distance driving once or twice a month and then the rest of my driving is almost always under 40 miles per day.
I signed up on the “want list” in early 2007 and am 801 on that list. I have great faith in this vehicle and speak about it to my 200 students every semester. There is a lot of pent up demand sitting out there and many of my students now want one. I’m anxious to own one as my Bonneville is pushing 195,000 miles now.
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October 9th, 2009 at 8:08 am
… but if you create pent up demand and don’t meet it, consumers go to your competitors. If you get them excited for a Volt, and don’t deliver, then perhaps they will buy a Leaf, iMiEV, etc.
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October 9th, 2009 at 8:10 am
Maybe you and Gsned57 can get together and work out a deal on his Prius? Only kidding.
You could buy a Volt in the NY City area since I believe that has previously been announced as a geographic roll out area, but the issue would then be service. Given all the new technology in this car, it’s probably better to wait until year two when the issues would be identified and corrected and service is more available.
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October 9th, 2009 at 8:14 am
I will agree with all who state that the want list on this web site should give GM all the type drivers and locations that they need and want.
A possible way to get the Volts in the right hands might be a form with questions about our driving habits and locations we live in and would be traveling to while the Volt was in our hands.
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October 9th, 2009 at 8:18 am
Won’t you cause problems when you can’t deliver the supply?
No no no Jason. You forget that for Maximum Bob the Volt resides in “Halo Car” Land. The idea is to create a huge buzz about the Volt so millions of Coasties come to Chevy showrooms to see what all the fuss is about. When they can’t buy a Volt because GM hasn’t made a sufficient number they leave with a Traverse.
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October 9th, 2009 at 8:19 am
I agree that some should be sent to Europe too.
I agree. At least one. LOL
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October 9th, 2009 at 8:22 am
I do hope that they give the Want List some consideration
There is a line that divides healthy optimism from delusional.
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October 9th, 2009 at 8:29 am
Maximum Bob is usually long on the hype so I’m not sure what to think about his intent to ““pull out the heavy artillery”. As a realty check, he has said that by the end of September we should be seeing the great new ads for GM vehicles which have been produced under his watch. I haven’t seen any but (1) I have a DVR so I don’t necessarily see a lot of commercials and (2) I probably don’t watch the shows GM usually advertises on (except for Damages which Cadillac advertises on and of course some sporting events).
So has anyone seen what they believe are more effective ads for GM vehicles?
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October 9th, 2009 at 8:35 am
Hence the need for “interpretable phrases” like “gives some consideration”.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
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October 9th, 2009 at 8:42 am
Yeah, NYC is over 4 hours away. You make some good points about service and having the initial bugs rung out. I do digital design for a living, though, so the control systems and technology behind the Volt really interest me. While I would normally do just as you suggested and hold off, the Volt might be the exception to that rule for me.
And if not, I guess I’ll just have to get in touch with Gsned57.
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October 9th, 2009 at 8:43 am
I’ll trade in my Toyota Camry Hybrid for the Volt!
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October 9th, 2009 at 8:43 am
They sure have been advertising like crazy here in Calgary.
Mostly pumping the Equinox at this point of course.
But also pointing out very clearly that many Chevy’s get better gas mileage than equivilent Toy’s.
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October 9th, 2009 at 8:49 am
While that critique is consistent with an inverse level of non-technical awareness of what the GM EREV design and quality will be
I’m thinking you meant to say that the criticism is inversely proportional to technical awareness.
In any event, as someone who doesn’t agree with the critique on practical grounds, I don’t believe it’s related to technical merits. Some people believe in the Jeffersonian model of small government. To them large government programs are anathema. Of course this worldview comes from a time when agricultural was a driving force of the economy, slave-holding an accepted practice, and the single most sophisticated business entity was the partnership. But regardless of its validity of the complaints, I don’t think they are at all rooted in a lack of appreciation for the beauty of the E-REV design. (Complaints from politicians like Senators Shelby and Corker, who support subsidies for manufacturers with plants located in the states they represent but oppose them for manufacturers located in other states, fall into a different category).
That said, I’d love for GM to make and sell 100,000 Volts in the first year. I just don’t think GM can prudently ramp up that fast.
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October 9th, 2009 at 8:59 am
Bugs? Their ain’t going to be no stinking bugs!
Hey was that a pig that just flew by my 3rd story office window?
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October 9th, 2009 at 9:00 am
One thing is for sure, they are monitoring this website for candidates or they would not have mentioned the 50,000 strong list posted here.
So, everyone be on your best behavior!
Sadly, all of you trolls are out of the running. I’m sure that I’m out too since I work for a dealer, but hey… My wife is the one who wants it most; She just started a new job and she has to commute 25 miles each way!
I am happy to wait till 2012 to volunteer my services as beta tester for the new c7 Corvette Stingray!
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October 9th, 2009 at 9:01 am
In the spirit of world peace I’ll test one here in Calgary.
-15c this morning, around 0f for the metric challenged
I do have a garage and could have the power run long before the car got here, contact me GM and I’ll send you the shipping address for the charger.
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October 9th, 2009 at 9:05 am
Here in Santa Barbara we were used to hearing a 4 second ad on morning AM radio 5 days a week. “Chevy Volt, coming in September 2010″. Haven’t heard it for several months now. Have been hearing mention of the Equinox nearly each day. And “Best Car Win” each 2 or 3 days.
=D~
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October 9th, 2009 at 9:06 am
DocC
The gen 1 Volt is a halo car.
The cost reduced and profitable gen 2 and 3 cars are destined for big numbers.
Gen 1 is not.
Stick to the plan GM.
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October 9th, 2009 at 9:10 am
The Volt is a winner. Can’t wait to see what other vehicles the drive train ends up in. Go GM!
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October 9th, 2009 at 9:22 am
DonC
I haven’t seen them, but I have the same two issues that you have (re the TV I mean)(G).
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
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October 9th, 2009 at 9:31 am
DonC
The key term being “prudently”. That new tech may have unforeseen “issues”, is a good reason to keep the #’s low the first year. I’d still love to see at least a slight increase over the 10K # though.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
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October 9th, 2009 at 9:35 am
Pish-tosh. I not only -know- one, I *am* a taxpayer.
That makes me one of Bob’s government bosses. Unfortunately it means all of y’all, too!!
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October 9th, 2009 at 9:36 am
AND he has a glowing personality.
Get it? GLOWING??!? Ahh…. n/m.
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October 9th, 2009 at 9:39 am
Doesn’t “some” imply plurality? Let’s be generous and send two.
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October 9th, 2009 at 9:40 am
GM is going to be so overwhelmed with apps for the Volt if they do a Project Driveway thing.
That said, I’m already writing up why I should be a PD-V candidate…
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October 9th, 2009 at 9:46 am
Still I’d take the time to update my “file” in the list if it’s not already done… Maybe they’ll check there.
Lyle please tell us IF GM ever ask to see the list…
(See I’m not delusional)
NPNS!
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October 9th, 2009 at 9:48 am
SEPTEMBER of 2010?
Am I hearing “release moved up two months”?
OK, OK… </JUMP_TO_CONCLUSIONS>
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October 9th, 2009 at 9:49 am
Hey all… My garage is a big as all outdoors… I just purchased the 2010 Fusion Hybrid about 2 months ago… Loving it so far. I need something till the VOLT gets to Central Alberta Canada
GM … I am more that willing to test a Volt for a few months
As a bonus… It could be a side by side comparison the the 2 newest “Green” technologies.
Any color… any option package… any time… Call for my address…
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October 9th, 2009 at 9:51 am
I think you guys have been using Windows too long. This is a car, not a program with 2.5 million lines of code. They will probably have firmware updates if they feel like something in the software can be tweaked anyway.
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October 9th, 2009 at 9:56 am
I agree. GM will be doing Nissan LEAF sales a favor if they market the crap out of the Volt for the entire year leading up to it entering showrooms and then only have 10,000 available. What morons.
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October 9th, 2009 at 10:05 am
Hey, I’ll take one up here in Norther Alberta, Canada.
You want winter testing?? I’ll give you REAL winter testing. We’ll make the weather in Windsor look tropical.
Oh, and I have no garage, only a driveway, so my Volt gets hit by all the elements, all the time.
Let see how it handles that.
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October 9th, 2009 at 10:11 am
The “shortage” strategy didn’t hurt Nintendo Wii sales in relation to its key competitors: the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. It built only more news stories, hype and therefore demand.
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October 9th, 2009 at 10:15 am
Interestingly enough, I sent off an e-mail to someone at GM yesterday in regards to a Project Driveway plan for the Volt. I guess I can predict the future of the news topics on gm-volt.com.
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October 9th, 2009 at 10:17 am
100 Volts for a Project Driveway?
How about here, by lottery at the local 99 cent store?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lowest-income_counties_in_the_United_States
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October 9th, 2009 at 10:24 am
“Regardless of the potential for strong demand and limited supply, GM is building up to a Volt advertising blitz the likes of which we have never seen.”
The strategy paid off for Apple when we were hammered by ads for the iMac and iPod. Everybody loves the stuff even though their products are priced about 50% higher than what their competitors offer, even though in the end they are merely MP3 players and Desktop computers with neato interfaces.
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October 9th, 2009 at 10:25 am
amen – there ought to be MORE parallel plans in place on behalf of/for GM to be able to be additionally-funded to produce EVEN FAR MORE Voltec vehicles in FAR MORE production facilities. More Parallel plans, more funding, more production facilities.
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October 9th, 2009 at 10:27 am
Second prize is an autographed pink tie. Third prize is two autographed pink ties.
Oops, I guess I don’t get to be a Project Driveway tester. Oh well.
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October 9th, 2009 at 10:29 am
The reason I did not get it is because I reversed the first two letters of nuclear.
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October 9th, 2009 at 10:30 am
Well, I would like to see a shiny new Silver VOLT in my driveway, today or tomorrow is okay for the delivery.
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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October 9th, 2009 at 10:31 am
“Volt buzz going with media and customer events,”
what events are they talking about for customer events? Car shows?
Jut build thae dang car already.
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October 9th, 2009 at 10:31 am
The initial release of the Wii was profitable moving forward and the ramp up for production was ongoing. The initial Volt introduction, from what GM has released, is planned to have neither of those attributes in it’s favor.
Rampiing up Wii prodction captured a lot of those potential sales. Wating to ramp up Volt sales until prices can be driven down will create a very different market dynami from the Wii where Nintendo was actually trying desperately to catch up to demand.
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October 9th, 2009 at 10:32 am
Marketing will ratchet up this December? That is when the Plug-in Prius fleet cars (150) hit the road. So Project Driveaway might undercut Toyota’s opening shot at the Volt.
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October 9th, 2009 at 10:35 am
How can we participate in the Volt Project Drive Away Program?
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October 9th, 2009 at 10:40 am
My thoughts exactly for a random draw from the gm-volt list. How cool would that be to “win” a free car to drive ….. even if it were for just a couple months.
220v already in the garage GM.
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October 9th, 2009 at 10:57 am
There’s still a lot that can go wrong and will. I’m not being negative, that’s just part of ringing out new bugs.
Some of the bugs will also be due to the firmware in the various control FPGA’s that I assume they have. This is much lower level than any programming language, and it will likely take time to have the logic become more stable and reliable.
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October 9th, 2009 at 11:00 am
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October 9th, 2009 at 11:02 am
I wonder if by year three the dealer markups will come down far enough for me to buy one?
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October 9th, 2009 at 11:02 am
The Volt costs twice the price of a LEAF. They are marketing to completely different consumers. #crunch#
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October 9th, 2009 at 11:03 am
“My driveway is available for a Volt.” So is mine —count me in, GM!
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October 9th, 2009 at 11:03 am
A friend of mine bought a Matrix.
Engine gone at 30000 km… yep great quality!
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October 9th, 2009 at 11:04 am
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October 9th, 2009 at 11:06 am
______________________________________________________
Let Lyle drive a Volt:
I like the Project-Driveway idea…but for now (like today) GM needs to let Lyle drive the Volt so we Voltec Heads have the benefit of Lyle’s first hand impressions of the car…this is well overdue.
_____________________________________________________
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October 9th, 2009 at 11:08 am
My driveway will hold FOUR VOLTS.
The rest of you will have to back up while I move to the front of the line for my quad purchase.
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October 9th, 2009 at 11:09 am
______________________________________________________
Not directly related…
Saudis ask for aid if world cuts dependence on oil:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/business/energy/6657947.html
______________________________________________________
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October 9th, 2009 at 11:11 am
Join the Volt Bribery and Kickback Club in your local district.
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October 9th, 2009 at 11:12 am
A 2 car garage and
a 9.9 Mile one way all stop and go in DC suburban traffic
or a 22.4 Mile one way against traffic. So we can really test it
So where do I sign up
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October 9th, 2009 at 11:12 am
Even the Volt is no match for the mighty mighty Prius
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October 9th, 2009 at 11:16 am
Move over Tony Baloney i got dibs on the first hundred.
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October 9th, 2009 at 11:18 am
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October 9th, 2009 at 11:20 am
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October 9th, 2009 at 11:22 am
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October 9th, 2009 at 11:23 am
Project Volt Driveway for the CA. wine country? I’m in. 20 to 25 miles per day and some days into San Francisco for a trip total of around 125 miles.
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October 9th, 2009 at 11:24 am
Just tell me where to sign up!
I took the survey that they sent and hopefully that will get some play as well as ‘the list’ here.
I don’t care what color or options. I want one to test drive.
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October 9th, 2009 at 11:24 am
Todd:
I was thinking of volunteering, but then I think the same pig flew by my window, LOL. About the same chances as winning the lottery. Myabe less, considering some of my politically incorrect comments over the years. Oh well:
LJGTVWOTR!!
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October 9th, 2009 at 11:26 am
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October 9th, 2009 at 11:28 am
Come up with some serious Jack and you might have a chance. Volunteering will get you nowhere.
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October 9th, 2009 at 11:29 am
Muddy:
My S-10 is going to turn over 232K miles next week. The engine has never been touched except for routine maintenance. 1 clutch at 185K. Talk about drive it ’til you can’t stand to look at it anymore, LOL.
I wnder if that makes up for any cracks about Bob Lutz? Naaahhh.
Guess I’ll just have to wait until my Chevy dealer has a volt to sell.
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October 9th, 2009 at 11:31 am
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October 9th, 2009 at 11:31 am
CDAVIS:
LOL!!!
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October 9th, 2009 at 11:32 am
Have shotgun and 240 bucks.
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October 9th, 2009 at 11:33 am
Marcus:
Yeah, me too. I think you’ve got it about right. No problem though, my old Chevys will run that long, and I’ll keep the money in the bank.
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October 9th, 2009 at 11:34 am
Thanks for the article CDAVIS. I’ll be sure to email Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer relaying my concerns regarding the oil producing nations which have consistently provided us with clean, low cost, energy.
=D~
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October 9th, 2009 at 11:34 am
OK Noel, heed your own advice. PDNFTT!
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October 9th, 2009 at 11:34 am
Captain:
Second the motion!
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October 9th, 2009 at 11:37 am
“So, everyone be on your best behavior!”
Your kidding right?????
I can’t do that
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October 9th, 2009 at 11:38 am
Gas prices have declined 9 consecutive weeks here in Dallas metro area. It has been under $2 for more than a week.
You must be one of those crooks from Wall $treet that speculating in Oil just to fatten your wallet on the backs of the ordinary citizen.
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October 9th, 2009 at 11:39 am
Ouch! I thought that there was some kind of job boom going on in South Dakota because of credit card processing facilities or some such. What’s up with that? Or was that North? I can’t keep up.
Not one county in CA. How about that? The state may be ungovernable, at least by the clowns in power at present, but it keeps limping along somehow in spite of itself.
Send us some Volts Bob.
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October 9th, 2009 at 11:40 am
OK, stop for a second. Back up, and read to yourself what you just read. Then reduce the dosage for all your medications, or just go cold-turkey.
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October 9th, 2009 at 11:41 am
CorvetteGuy:
Too late for me, LOL.
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October 9th, 2009 at 11:43 am
NYC isn’t too far for me either about 2 hours. I’d be happy to meet you there with the wife’s Prius. I just gotta convince her that getting rid of a car with no payments is a good choice.
Or just put a bow on the Volt when I drive it home and say SURPRISE
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October 9th, 2009 at 11:43 am
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October 9th, 2009 at 11:44 am
True but the Wii was a high quality product whose popularity spread by word of mouth. It’s far superior game selection also helped the Wii become the most successful gaming platform in the history of the World. Quality and Superior engineering won the day.
Every Xbox will eventually die from horrible heat stroke due to extremely bad engineering by the Red Ring Of Death idiots at Microsoft also help Nintendo crush the Xbox in sales.
PS3 is nice hardware but dirth of games and high prices have kept its sales low and no threat to the Wii.
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October 9th, 2009 at 11:51 am
My driveway has Racing Stripes and Checkered Flags and is custom made for the Chevrolet Volt’s dimensions complete with a T-shaped hydraulic lift for tweeking the underbelly.
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October 9th, 2009 at 12:04 pm
I am sure they turned to tears of sorrow as you quickly learn that you will assume your rightful place at the rear of the line and watch your wealthy neighbors take delivery while you witness from afar with sheer jealousy and madness just before your eyes drop out of your face and your head explodes. Okay this was just your dream turning into Nightmare On Your Street – Episode 1.
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October 9th, 2009 at 12:07 pm
That would really piss me off.
This country would probably be the first to help bail them out.
I say, screw them. They can stand on their own.
No more oil. No more opportunities for our government to meddle in Middle Eastern affairs. Let them go back to where they were before oil was discovered.
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October 9th, 2009 at 12:09 pm
Listen feller the only way, and i mean ONLY way, you will ever see a Volt in yer gravel driveway will be if you win a Nobel Peace Prize and collect your $1 million. Good Luck.
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October 9th, 2009 at 12:09 pm
I agree.
FUKEM!
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October 9th, 2009 at 12:09 pm
No no..he’s right..GM is at least as good now…
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October 9th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
Your signature ain’t gonna be enuff mister.
GM’s motto is: IN GOD WE TRUST (aka CASH)
Greenbacks.
Plenty of greenbacks will get you behind the wheel in your driveway.
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October 9th, 2009 at 12:17 pm
Please donate to the House of Saud. They need your funds immediately. Oil Peak is fast approaching. God willing we must shore up the Kingdom’s bank deposit before the end of days arrive. Your help is greatly appreciated in our time of need.
Alla Akbar
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October 9th, 2009 at 12:19 pm
My Lumina APV also crossing 230k, only replaced brakes and tires..I am still using the original plugs and exhaust..passes Emissions test like clock work
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October 9th, 2009 at 12:25 pm
The scarcity of a product increases its demand — and value. Smart move by GM.
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October 9th, 2009 at 12:31 pm
Johnny Jihad
Does saying dumb thing come naturally to you?
If so, try a refresher course at possibly the third grade level and you may develope the needed social skills to post with a small amount of intelect.
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October 9th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
Roger Ramjet
Are your related to Johnny Jihad? Thought so. Dang in breeding!
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October 9th, 2009 at 12:36 pm
The recession is lowering gas prices. Once it’s over, you can expect them to go through the roof again.
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October 9th, 2009 at 12:37 pm
gmtx
Excellent thought. I hope they decide to do that.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
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October 9th, 2009 at 12:38 pm
I have a garage and a 220 outlet ready and waiting.
Oh Ya I will drive it past the Proving grounds everyday.
I drive about 10 miles each way to work I also drive at least 1 other trip during the day of 5 to 30 miles each day. I drive about 150 miles 2 times a week.
I would give a volt a great test and I am close so they can get a regular up date.
I bet my chances are 0. Oh well I guess I will just have to buy my own.
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October 9th, 2009 at 12:41 pm
Is that why Toyota just had one of the biggest recalls in automotive history?
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October 9th, 2009 at 12:43 pm
Batteries not included…
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October 9th, 2009 at 12:44 pm
You trolls are becoming a bit boring.
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October 9th, 2009 at 12:53 pm
It will be great to have the VOLT tested by everyday drivers. The Southern California freeways and roads are ready for the test!
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October 9th, 2009 at 1:03 pm
It’s just our resident pain in the orfice no-name the troll.
You are as good a choice as any here Jean-Charles Jacquemin.
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October 9th, 2009 at 1:15 pm
Now that they will have a 100 MPG (40 mile AER)hummer for $51500 which is $59000 minus the federal tax credit of $7500 THe volt looks small time. Ill take the hummer.
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October 9th, 2009 at 1:22 pm
Scooter, (the troll)
It might be a stretch for your non-existant mind to comprehend the simple fact that Canada is the #1 trading partner with the US and that you need us.
Our Oil, Water, Power (Hydro), agriculture, forestry and our central manufacturing regions (Where a lot of the “US” built cars are actually produced.) help drive the US economy.
Weak minded troll’s such as yourself are obviously are too dim to understand this.
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October 9th, 2009 at 1:36 pm
Wait! Canada is it’s own country? I thought it was our 52nd state.
Wow. I learn something every day on this site.
Oh, and don’t you mean Scooter the loser.
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October 9th, 2009 at 1:37 pm
That was very interesting.
I honestly thought Meigs County, Ohio would be on the list of poorest.
It must have come a long way since I lived there back in 1995.
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October 9th, 2009 at 1:50 pm
Mike-O
I caught that too. I figured that they were just inching their way to *my* July 4th release date (lol).
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
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October 9th, 2009 at 1:52 pm
I have one thing to say…Where do I sign up? I’d love to be a tester for a few months. I went to the web site for tghe fuel cell Equinox back when it started but I didn’t live in the right state. Hopefully Volt’s project runway will be more widespread.
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October 9th, 2009 at 1:54 pm
CorvetteGuy,
You’re already LOOKIN at our best behavior!
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
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October 9th, 2009 at 1:58 pm
Muddy,
I understand the need to react when your country is insulted. I’ve done the same myself, but it just makes the trolls smile.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
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October 9th, 2009 at 1:58 pm
I’ll sacrifice and be the one to start the official (in that someone in an office is reading this) waiting list for the VOLT-Project Runway program:
1. Dr. Lyle Dennis
2. Scott Leon
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October 9th, 2009 at 1:59 pm
I think it would be prudent to get their advertizing blitz out there soon. They don’t want others to beat them to the punch and make it look like GM’s playing to play catch-up, when they are actually ahead of everyone else on EREV.
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October 9th, 2009 at 2:02 pm
Roger Ramjet
A shame to see someone so eaten up with the dumb-ass.
What do you base your statement on?
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October 9th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!
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October 9th, 2009 at 2:17 pm
It would be much faster to ask who, in the Want List, would NOT volunteer to be part of that project.
My guess is tens of people would decline the opportunity. I’m not one of them.
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October 9th, 2009 at 2:20 pm
Tall Pete,
Lol, I think that you have it figured just about right.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
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October 9th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
Agreed.
Lyle, it may now be time to look at blocking the troll.
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October 9th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
Rashiid Amul,
I have long thought you to be one of the good guys on this site.
Guess I was wrong there.
No wonder I find myself coming here less and less.
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October 9th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
Help me out here, Rob, what did Rashiid say that irked you? I think he was just giving our Canadian friends a friendly little teasing.
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October 9th, 2009 at 2:47 pm
I regret that I have but one -1 vote to give each of your posts.
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October 9th, 2009 at 2:53 pm
YES about time I get some good news today, week and Month
Lyle should get the first Volt, for all the work he has done for the Volt program
Then they should look at the waiting list he has and contact the people on it to see if they are still interested in a Volt.
I’m some where on the list and would love to be the tester for Northern Iowa Southern Minnesota area. Depends on who wins the football game in Nov.
I commute 52 miles a day and another 100 miles on the weekends.
I showed the VP of are college this web site and ask her how much would I be charge for an outlet where I park to top off the battery so I could drive gas free to and from work. I have not got an answer yet. The college I work at is going Green in a big way A VERY BIG WAY.
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October 9th, 2009 at 2:53 pm
Hey guys.. the Volt is coming along fine and there’s talk of a test driver program. Let’s look past the trolliat du jour and listen for the electric whisper of the next Volt that drives by.
Here’s a photo of my latest EasyStar RC airplane customization. Have incorporated many themes with the EasyStar. The latest is the “Air Canada”. Getting about 10 minutes air time with a 7.2V ni-cad battery. My partners at the field have converted several EasyStar to lithium power and are getting 3 times the air time with nearly twice the power. The lithium cell is also much lighter.
People stop by and ask if I am Canadian. I tell them “no” and that I like the Canada colors. The next EasyStar will have a Texas theme. Have the decals ready to go. And no, it will not be petroleum powered.
http://garfwod.250free.com/Photos/easy%20star%20015.jpg
=D~
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October 9th, 2009 at 3:02 pm
Wow i cant type. Must be Friday. I just drove through Milford looking for Volts, but no luck.
I’m looking forward to this media frenzy, just so I can get more information on the Volt (well, regarding its bells & whistles)
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October 9th, 2009 at 3:17 pm
In response to and siding with a troll.
By calling my country ‘just’ a state.
The “ugly american” is very much present here today as pointed out in the rediculous comments about Europe as well.
(Refer to thread 8 )
I thought there was a better standard of people here.
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October 9th, 2009 at 3:24 pm
I am ready to participate in a Project Driveway program. I have bee a vocal advocate for a program like this on this web-site for months now. Finally GM may have heard my suggestions. While I don’t want to claim full credit for this suggestion, I will take any credit due me and gladly give anyone else their share of their credit. Lets hope that GM will pick exclusively from our membership on GM-VOLT.COM. But I suspect many of our Hollywood and Washington DC royalty will grab most of the available Volts. (They think they are royalty.)
On vacation next week close to Hilton Head, SC and Parris Island, SC. You old Marines know what Parris Island is. For the rest of you, too bad you didn’t experience it for yourselves. You would be a different person today, if you had. A better person, at that.
Don’t know how much I will check in on the site. Keep the wheels on until I come back. I know. You guys won’t even miss me and that is good. See ya!
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October 9th, 2009 at 3:26 pm
Nissan hasn’t announced the LEAF’s pricing, nor whether they will, as rumored, lease the battery to its owners. However, if Nissan starts taking pre-orders early in 2010, I think it will have some effect on consumers’ enthusiasm for the Volt.
That being said, I agree with many other posters that Lyle should get the first Volt!
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October 9th, 2009 at 3:29 pm
for friggin FLOOR MATS!!!
they are a tough engineering problem too…
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October 9th, 2009 at 3:30 pm
Rashid…52? who is 51??
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October 9th, 2009 at 3:30 pm
I’ll help…
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October 9th, 2009 at 3:32 pm
they seem to forget the Prius lost money until its 4th year…
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October 9th, 2009 at 3:49 pm
Debby, my post said, gas prices will be going up NEXT YEAR. The price of gas goes down in a recession and next year we will be coming out of the recession, ergo, gas prices will be rising. With China and India demanding more cars and the oil needed to fuel them, there is no way the price of gasoline will stay low for long.
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October 9th, 2009 at 3:59 pm
I give old Roger Ramjet some credit for interesting monikers, including Johnny Jihad and Slack Johnson.
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October 9th, 2009 at 4:08 pm
Mr. Lutz
Paying volunteer here.
Slightly east of Nashville and just north of Murfreesboro – home to a half-dozen Chevy stores within about 20 miles.
Living in an active adult community overrun with Nissans. With their TN plant just down the road in Smyrna, am guessing there’ll be a bunch of Leafs running around our gated community before long.
Lets beat them to the punch. Project Driveway in Steve’s driveway…
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October 9th, 2009 at 4:16 pm
I haven’t forgotten. I’d rather a foreign company sell at a loss and take the loss than a US company that is funded buy the the US tax payers take the loss. In this case it’s a LOSS/LOSS scenario.
2 negatives don’t make a positive. Tax payers lose money by funding GM, GM loses money building/selling the Volt = No Win
And that doesn’t even count the 7500 federal tax rebate the government is offering. This is also funded by tax payers. It’s just a nasty cascade of losses in a vicious circle we won’t be able to get out of.
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October 9th, 2009 at 4:30 pm
I recall the last was it will cost about the same as a medium eqiped Honda Accord and that’s with the batt pack. I haven’t shopped for a new car in a while so I dunno the cost of an Accord. If it’s less than $30,000.00 it’s a good deal.
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October 9th, 2009 at 4:36 pm
Leaf specs
top speed: 90mph
max range: 100 miles
220v recharge: 6 hours
unconfirmed cost of battery: $10,000
possible battery lease: $150 per month (5 year swap?)
The first 5,000 units to enter the States will be delivered to selected customers that will be asked to drive and recharge the Leaf in a certain way so that the Japanese car maker can obtain data about the car. This will be conducted through an on board “black box”, which the customer must accept for the first two years.
Nissan got a $1.6 billion federal loan to help equip the Smyrna Tennessee facility for EVs and batteries by 2012. The company will also be bringing 12,500 Leafs into five key markets as part of a $100 million federal grant.
______________________________________
The Leaf will be somewhat popular as it is the first mass produced fully electric car capable of highway speed. Hardcore ‘green’ buyers will be able to use the Leaf as their only car. Most Leaf owners will use the Leaf as the city driver of 2 or more vehicles.
With the Cruze, Yaris, and Fit as alternatives, the first lot of Leaf may face some dealership lot time.
=D~
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October 9th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
AnonymousProxy, “It’s just a nasty cascade of losses in a vicious circle we won’t be able to get out of.” . . . I’ll tell you what VOLT will help us get out of: Foreign Oil!
Worth every penny of investment by GM, the U.S. Government and U.S. Taxpayers. JMHO.
Go GM. Go VOLT. Bring it on….
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October 9th, 2009 at 4:55 pm
old man:
They are out in force today, aren’t they? Or at least the one is very busy, LOL. Someone’s getting nervous in Nippon, IMHO.
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October 9th, 2009 at 4:58 pm
My garage is all ready, plus I just finished meeting with local town officials about turning some selected municipal parking spaces into ‘green’ spaces, complete with charging stations. Very well received and likely to move forward.
Go GM. Go VOLT. Bring it on…
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October 9th, 2009 at 5:06 pm
So the business practice of take a loss for a loss to eventually lose deeper is a perfectly fine business practice for everyone here?
Also, it’s not an investment if you keep losing money, it’s a loss or if you want to keep the term investment in it then it’s a “perpetually losing investment”.
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October 9th, 2009 at 5:14 pm
StevePA:
I’m in SoCal, which is supposed to be one of their preferred markets. I volunteered a long time ago to pay cash up front, or to do a lease deal like Dr. D. is on with the Mini. No response.
I guess they’re gonna do what they’re gonna do when they get d**n good and ready. I’ve sort of given up on trying to influence the process.
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October 9th, 2009 at 5:18 pm
That’s the Doofus award winning biz practice!
DING DING DING DING!!!!
Their thought is “oh, the Japanese lost money on the prius the first 4-5 years so it must be ok to do so we will lose money for the tax payers here because the Japanese did it too.”
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October 9th, 2009 at 5:25 pm
The majority of us on this site believe in the long-term viability of VOLT-tec. In virtually any business investment, there is an initial ‘loss’ in order to achieve a longer term gain. Each early purchaser of a VOLT, of which I hope to be one, will be making a larger investment in their next vehicle than necessary (you could choose to buy any number of high-quality similar sized vehicles for less) in an effort to get off use of Foreign Oil. Most of us believe that GM will be reaping significant rewards in a few years as a result of making this investment now. For once we are seeing a U.S. company take significant initiative, along with risk, to develop a potentially game-changing technology.
You can choose to be an optimist or a pessimist about the financial viability of VOLT. I suspect that 100% of VOLT purchasers will be optimists.
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October 9th, 2009 at 5:29 pm
Hey check this out. Looks like auto mfgrs are getting married to batt mfgrs…
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601101&sid=agX_Y7U6vYMw
Hey wait a minute….
Aren’t Tesla’s cells made by Panasonic?
Uh ohhhhh……..
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October 9th, 2009 at 5:41 pm
Also, there’s no official word on the numbers they are throwing around does or does not include the fed rebate.
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October 9th, 2009 at 5:54 pm
Yup, they will be using Panasonic cells for the Mode S.
http://green.venturebeat.com/2009/10/06/tesla-taps-panasonic-for-model-s-betteries/
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October 9th, 2009 at 5:59 pm
It seems that as the news gets better for the VOLT, the trolls come out in bigger and bigger numbers…
So, I’m sure that Toyota is paying them by the word or by the federal minimum wage standard, whichever is greater.
Me thinks they protest too much!
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October 9th, 2009 at 6:01 pm
3. My wife
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October 9th, 2009 at 6:03 pm
I hope Lyle does not get hit with too many fees for turning in that Cooper lease early.
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October 9th, 2009 at 6:12 pm
Muddy:
Easy big guy. He was just trying to be funny. Ironic? Kidding around?
We’re talking about the home of Ian Tyson, Sylvia Fricker, Joni Mitchell, Gilles and Jacques Villenueve, Doug and Bob Mackenzie, Tommy Chong and Sergeant Preston. What’s not to like?
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October 9th, 2009 at 6:14 pm
Mike:
No problem, I’ll just help you out with one more.
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October 9th, 2009 at 6:15 pm
mitch:
Critical mass, LOL.
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October 9th, 2009 at 6:18 pm
Osama:
Yeah, the madrassas in Pakistan might shut down and you’d run out of suicide bombers, Allah forbid!
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October 9th, 2009 at 6:20 pm
CorvetteGuy:
It sure looks that way to me.
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October 9th, 2009 at 6:21 pm
Randy:
“Believe none of what you hear and half of what you see.”
If you’re kidding, I apologize in advance.
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October 9th, 2009 at 6:25 pm
Did anybody notice that the sale of Hummer to the Chinese evidently got finalized. $150 million. There’s a pretty detailed story on the MSN news site, at least given that the principals aren’t saying much. Evidently, the existing plants will continue to supply vehicles through 2011, with an option to extend through 2012, if memory serves.
I dunno what that does for the 100 mpg, 40 mile AER Hummer, LOL. But I’m not holding my breath in any case.
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October 9th, 2009 at 6:32 pm
Both sides have signed a formal letter of understanding. No financial terms are public, but stories have it at $150 million. The sale will not close until both the US and Chinise goverments sign off on it – expected by late 2009 or early 2010. Both have given signs it will be approved.
Hummer stays a US based company, with about 3,000 US jobs saved. Production stays based in US and will be contracted from GM through 2011 with possible extension through June 2012, while new Hummer company seeks permanent US production facilities. The exisiting Hummer management team is running the new company. Future product to include a small diesel, bio-fuels, and move to smaller vehicles like HX concept. Sales continue in about 30 countries around the world.
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October 9th, 2009 at 6:37 pm
Force tax payers to pay out GM company so they can build an expecting to not profit for years sounds more communist. Is that what US is turning into? Next is government sponsored healthcare?
If true I bring whole village and others to migrate America so we all not work but have money from you.
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October 9th, 2009 at 6:44 pm
Is there anything about Raser tech on their series hybrid? Will the new company be looking to them for a possible joint venture?
Jus curious. Seems a shame to lose that kind of tech after all their hard work.
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October 9th, 2009 at 7:34 pm
Go away. Who sent you here a suck ass competitor building a gay leaf
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October 9th, 2009 at 7:36 pm
Sorry I am just a real Azz hole and can not get laid for the life of me so.
I take back my previous posts
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October 9th, 2009 at 7:38 pm
4. Jason Bereznay
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October 9th, 2009 at 7:48 pm
You must be very out of touch. Here in Berkeley, gas is around $2.80-$3.07 depending on where you go. We currently just went through he worst recession in FIVE decades of which we are just coming out of. This time next year gas will be above $4.00 easily. Nothing to do with speculation. The volt will be on the market in perfect timing.
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October 9th, 2009 at 8:08 pm
So I figure I have a better chance of getting a Volt in my driveway than winning the lottery. Actually we have a better chance of going extinct as a species than I have of winning a Megabucks lottery.
My odds may be long, nowhere as near as good as Lyle or Statik, but it has to be better than a trolls. I may not be as prolific as some of the posters here. However quite by accident, I may have said an intelligent thing or two that may have helped the Volt cause.
I have a lovely commute on empty roads, Something I enjoy. So the Volt would have some privacy. Besides me wife would be pleased.
They know who I am,
Cheers
RedHHR
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October 9th, 2009 at 8:39 pm
Hey cream of sum young guy. Eat me
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October 9th, 2009 at 8:43 pm
Me so tired of live in kave. Ugly girls already wrapped in towel. Like U kall duble bagger.
I tired of bangen da camel. dis kave suks camel azz
pakistan girls are ez lay but ugly, so camel but ugly
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October 9th, 2009 at 9:02 pm
I’d think that 2.5 million lines of code is probably about right for this car……
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October 9th, 2009 at 9:06 pm
Yes, months vs yrs. $100s vs $10,000s. Apples vs oranges.
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October 9th, 2009 at 9:07 pm
We dont know, but IMO the reason GM is only ramping up from 10,000 for the first year to 60,000 is:
1. They want to limit recalls to manageable numbers, this is brand spanking new tech after all.
2. Having the ability to make a lot of cars in one go costs a lot of money, money GM cant afford to invest in a moonshot.. they will ramp up prudently.
3. its better to be sold out than to have cars languishing on the dealer lots.. the press would have a field day.
I also believe GM is not losing money on the Volt at $40k each, from the recent Lutz interview.
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October 9th, 2009 at 9:12 pm
GM may not legally be able to let those in the list pre-order, but those in the list would be great ambassadors if offered a test drive ahead of everyone else..
The free publicity would be incredible..
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October 9th, 2009 at 9:20 pm
DaveK, we have another electric RC nut on the forum..
You should do a GWS EStarter on floats, lots of float planes in Canada. Lots cheaper than your Multiplex and a lot more aerobatic.. probably just as easy to fly.
http://teamtracon.netfirms.com/aircraftgallery/nfpicturepro/albums/userpics/Estarter/DSC_4708.JPG
http://www.wattflyer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=933
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October 9th, 2009 at 9:24 pm
My mom’s 1994 Saturn is still taking her on road-trips — she’s been to the east and west coasts with it within the last 2 years. And she’s not exactly mechanically inclined…
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October 9th, 2009 at 9:35 pm
“Batteries are the key technology which will decide the fate of automakers,” Toyota Senior Managing Director Toshio Furutani said.
and GM depends on LG.
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October 9th, 2009 at 9:37 pm
This may be a myth.. there is some debate on the issue that Toyota ever lost money on the Prius.
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October 9th, 2009 at 9:55 pm
Yes, but their words become correspondingly shallower and more pathetic
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October 10th, 2009 at 12:31 am
Yep… Got 189,000 miles on my 4×4 Suburban with only basic maintenance. Thats towing our 5000 lb boat, hunting in the mountains with 4 wheel drive, and pulling more than one Toyota out of the ditch during a snow storm! (and a semi truck once…really.)
My co worker has 08 Tundra with a brand new transmission…$3800.00
Love my 2001 Suburban… about time for a new one.
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October 10th, 2009 at 1:19 am
I’ll be happy to “test” one in Montana.
I would sponsor a demo event in every major city here: Billings, Butte, Helena, Bozeman, Missoula, Kalispell and Great Falls. I’ll show it at the Capitol building, let the Governor drive it, and create a higher per capita demand than any state.
Then I’ll venture on over to Cour D Alene, Idaho and Spokane, Washington followed by a quick trip through Fernie, BC and Calgary, AB. (Total about a 480 mile radius from my home town of Kalispell, MT).
So what-d-ya say GM… One Volt for Montana…aka: me?
(I can dream right. LOL)
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October 10th, 2009 at 3:15 am
Herm .. the float plane looks good. The wing tips look like they make for a stable flyer. No plans on going with a water plane here. Thinking about a big U2 type glider soon. One guy at the field (and oil rig hand) has a huge glider with folding prop. It’s hangs in the air a long while with lipo assist to periodically get it back to altitude.
I currently use a GEM EV at work. Has 4000 miles on it and seems to be getting stronger. Will be big fun to one day drive a freeway-able electric vehicle.
=D~
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October 10th, 2009 at 8:06 am
MuddyRoverBob
While I can not read Rasiid’s mind I thought he was attempting humor and it struck me as humor. This is coming from the guy who nearly always jumps on the post that make us look like ugly americans.
I have not read below here since yesterday and probably you and Rashiid have workied this out.
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October 10th, 2009 at 8:19 am
Jihad Johnny is right. Most Toyota lovers would be shocked if they bought a GM. Many Toyo lovers think GM cars fall apart quickly. The shock would be how well they perform.
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October 10th, 2009 at 8:25 am
E gliders are a lot of fun, I own several.. my favorites are high performance climbers that climb vertical and are nearly out of sight in less than 10 seconds.
The GWS Estarter is a very popular trainer, very stable yet aerobatic.. lots of fun for doing touch-and-go type landings. Surprised you are not familiar with them.
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October 10th, 2009 at 8:35 am
The time it takes to set up new production facilities may be in terms of years. Final minor refinements of Volt are not at all an issue in order to drive the set up for far greater production.
So, now is the time for a great push of e-mails and commentary to assist in the positive influencing of interested parties in order to help cause the necessary positive conditions to do this.
This site has been exceedingly essential for public good in these daily technical discussions out here in the “wild” regarding all of the technical aspects as well as the practical aspects of the electrification of the auto.
Especially for the refinements of expectations, the free speech capabilities made available right here, and expressed consistently right here have gone extremely far in advancing both the public’s general understandings of the electric vehicle, as well as a source for insights required by the technical investor.
GM merits expansion of Volt and VOLTec production at a far more expeditious rate.
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October 10th, 2009 at 6:51 pm
Noel Park
Probably true, but perhaps the old saw “nothing ventured, nothing gained” will play a factor when they do get ready to make some decisions.
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October 11th, 2009 at 1:47 am
Hmmmm.
OK, I take back every thing unkind Ive said about Bob and GM.
I can supply the map coordinates of my driveway if that helps in any way.
No,, wait, what was that I heard about cruise missiles….
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October 11th, 2009 at 9:49 am
I agree with the maintenance issues with a first year car. I have a 2006 Impala, which has a first year release of a new fuel management system for the flex fuel engine. I purchased this car with the intent of running it on E85 ethanol continuously. The fuel management system cannot determine the alcohol content of the fuel over extended periods. When the computer gets the alcohol content wrong the engine starts hard, runs rough and the fuel millage gets even worse than it normally is with E85. The only solution from the dealer and GM has been to run two to three tanks full of regular gasoline through it to allow the computer to recalibrate. I feel that I have been lied to about this car being a flex-fuel vehicle since it will not operate on E85 on a continuous basis,and now that it is off warranty (73,000 miles) I have to pay to have the computer reset when it acts up. When the computer is operating correctly the car runs fine on E85, with the normal 30% drop in fuel millage. I would purchase another Impala, I like the size of the car and it is a great highway car, but I would rather have a Volt. I currently have switched to E30 ethanol and the car seems to run fine on it, But I would rather use more alcohol and less imported oil. I hope GM gets the Volt right, if they release it with promised performance that is not realized they may not get another chance to get it right.
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October 11th, 2009 at 10:37 pm
Kill the ads. Lower the price. All the cars you will build are sold already. Get smart and start taking deposits. Cash in beats spending for ads. If the car is any good, word of mouth will sell them.
No wonder the company is bankrupt.
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October 11th, 2009 at 11:06 pm
I agree your situation is a good fit for squeezing economy out of the car purchase, but they may be looking for all kinds of angles in a Project Driveway. I have very similar commuting needs, and would of course love to try it out as well (you know, for the good of the project). Seriously though, I hope they do that, and I hope it involves all different types of drivers, climates, uses, charging situations, etc.
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October 22nd, 2009 at 3:11 pm
I am a retired G.M. engineer and would love to run that Volt in the Arizona Desert. my driveway is ready.
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