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One-Year Left to Volt Launch: Has the Date Slipped?
In case you haven’t noticed it’s November 2009, and there’s just one last year left until someone can buy a Volt.
GM has internally targeted what it calls a production launch date for the Volt of November 2010. This date was first publicly stated by Bob Lutz, exactly two years ago in November 2007. Read post here.
Since then GM has communicated that date very strictly. In the Spring while I was out at GM’s Milford proving ground, I had the chance to further question Volt project director Greg Ciesel on the details.
“The exact date in November is about the middle of the month,” he said. “There is a target date. In this program, every hour is scheduled.”
“How many will be sold will depend on the shipping time to the dealerships and the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays,” said Ceisel. “Those things will limit the number from a logistics standpoint, but I expect there will be a lot of interest for every vehicle that we can get to a dealer in 2010.”
More recently Volt vehilce line engineer Tony Posawatz indicated that around 2,500 2011 model year Volts would be produced in calendar year 2010.
All is good right? Not so sure.
We recently heard that GM would be delaying the North American launch of the Chevy Cruze from April to July of 2010, and since it’s a platform sister to the Volt and shares many of the same components, it could be speculated that the Volt might be delayed.
In fact, a few days later GM CEO Fritz Henderson was in Washington DC giving testimony to members of Congress. Among other things, he was asked about the status of the Volt by Michigan Senator Carl Levin.
The Detroit News reported his response as follows:
Henderson said the Volt would be released at the “very end” of November or December of next year.
December? Are there some delays creeping in?
According to Volt spokesperson Rob Peterson, no.
“Production launch remains November 2010,” he said. “Once vehicles are built they are sent to dealers. No change in plans.”
On an online webchat the new Volt vehicle line executive Doug Parks who is replacing Frank Weber was also asked if Henderson was setting the stage for a date slip.
“There is no contradiction,” responded Parks. “Fritz essentially said we are on time and target. Our start of production remains November 2010 – a year from now.”
So is the date slipping or not? It’s for you to decide.
137 Responses to “One-Year Left to Volt Launch: Has the Date Slipped?”
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November 2nd, 2009 at 9:56 pm
I don’t think that qualifies as a slip. It’s close enough.
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November 2nd, 2009 at 10:02 pm
I think it’ll be a grey slip. They’re be producing a couple in November 2010 but by the time they have enough to ship out and they arrive at dealers etc it’ll probably be well into December.
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November 2nd, 2009 at 10:29 pm
Call it what ever you want. It’s the game these people play. You can love it or hate it. They do not care. If they made the right call you will buy it. If they did not make the right call they will sell you something else. The REAL problem is that there are LOT’S of good cars made in other places that people want. This last purchase plan by the powers to be sure proved that. JMHO
Take Care
Arch
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November 2nd, 2009 at 10:34 pm
IMO, GM will be rolling to the point of
having several hundred at the dealers by the middle of Nov.
Lyle—Do you know what other vehicles will be built on the same line? Do you know what the line rate will be? Do you know what % of the line rate will be for the Volt.
I wouldn’t think the Volt would be built on a different line than the Cruse
for example.Most of the sheet metal would probably be common attachment but different part nos.
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November 2nd, 2009 at 10:41 pm
Wasn’t the plan to start building in April for a “slow ramp” so that there will be enough to ship 2500 to dealers in November?
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November 2nd, 2009 at 10:53 pm
It sounds like he’s saying that November 2010 is when GM starts building Volts, (launch of production), and is not so tightly tied with when they’ll be in dealerships, for sale and in stock. I’m guessing you won’t be able to walk into a dealership and buy one until early december.
They’re saying “production” and we’re hearing “on sale”, when that’s not what they mean. I think that’s what the entire confusion about a delay is based on. But in the grand scheme of things, it’s only a month. I’d wait till spring myself when they’ll be in greater stock and its warmer.
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November 2nd, 2009 at 10:54 pm
In the grand scheme of things…. WHO CARES.
The sun will still rise, The Palestinians and Jews will still be fighting over worthless pieces of dirt, There will be Americans dieing in the middle east over oil, the economy will still be in recession, unemployment will be about 10%, taxes (local state and federal) will be higher, Chrysler will be a shadow of its former self thanks to the German car company that ran it into the ground, my Pontiac Vibe will be near worthless as a trade in because GM killed the brand, gas will be expensive (or very expensive), and most people won’t be able to buy the Volt until well into 2012.
Any questions????
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November 2nd, 2009 at 11:02 pm
Solo—No questions.
I hope you can start to feel positive and laugh a little.
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November 2nd, 2009 at 11:18 pm
I agree with those who say, “it really doesn’t matter”… “close enough”… etc. Because I won’t be getting MINE, here in Wisconsin, anywhere near November 2010. In fact, I probably will have to wait until Gen II or III.
What DOES matter is that SOME Volts are sold thru normal channels, so that numerous reviews, extensive accumulated miles, real owners’ real-world experiences, and so forth start to pile up. THEN IT’S FOR REAL. And then, if all goes well, the numbers built and sold will become significant. It snowballs from there.
Sorry for the over-the-top emphasis, but I’m getting pretty anxious for this thing to stand on its feet in the real world! One year to go!!
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November 2nd, 2009 at 11:38 pm
GM played their cards wrong on this one. We have 50,000 plus people here wanting a Volt, why couldn’t they get the production ready and plan for cranking out 50,000 to 100,000 the first year, rather then making it a status thing. Look at how good Ford is doing now, making products people want for a fair price, while making billion dollars profit this quarter….Get smart GM or the volt will go the way of the Delorean…
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November 2nd, 2009 at 11:46 pm
I can tell you; with regard to Camaros, barring any unusual delays; from the time the GM system shows the car actually starting down the production line, to the time it arrives at the dealership; it’s 6 to 8 weeks.
Now, subtract 1 week for the train ride from Canada, and it would be reasonable to project 7 weeks. So, if “start of production” is mid-November then the showrooms will not get them till after the holidays.
Raise your glass and drink a toast to January, 2011.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 12:09 am
When Michigan Senator Carl Levin asked me about the status of the Volt, I played it cool.
I told him: “Late November or December…whenever we get around to it.”
Then I added: “Got a problem with that Carl?”
He got the hint.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 12:12 am
(click to show comment)
November 3rd, 2009 at 12:20 am
I just got laid off from my job with the 4 mile commute! Boo!
I just got hired to a job with a 37 mile commute! 58.728% Yay! 41.272% Boo!
Now I’m looking at what I can do to eke out another 3 or 5 mpg out of my car.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 12:23 am
50,000 people gave $0 and nothing much else to be “counted” on this site. How many of those will actually put down money when the car’s available?
It’s great that this site has a following, but don’t assume anything remotely near a 100% retention.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 12:26 am
Um. What happened to threading replies?
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November 3rd, 2009 at 12:29 am
I don’t see the cause for alarm. It was always going to be a slow launch. I still hold to my position that initial scarcity will help the Volt. Nothing could be better advertising than Volts playing hard-to-get. Scarce, but not too scarce. Make enough so they can stave off (imho, idiotic) criticism of the Volt being the next EV1 and that people have a chance to see one now and again. In the meantime focus on getting costs down for gen II which can be made in the large quantities everyone wants.
Does Gen II Volt -> EREV Orlando + Converj -> Gen III Volt -> EREV Colorado + Midsize Crossover sound like a reasonable progression?
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November 3rd, 2009 at 12:40 am
Um, yeah, we did away with that.
Turns out it was all baloney.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 3:57 am
Gone, thank goodness. Gone, thank Lyle.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 3:58 am
I don’t care if it slips a bit.
I would much rather GM be absolutely certain the car is ready to be released.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 5:08 am
As one who turns up late for the party I dont have a problem with the current format.
The threaded replys were a bit intimidating.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 5:50 am
I just wish they would update the chevyvoltage website with more videos.
I mean the whole video update on the volt test drive was just pathetic. Hi this is so in so we just stop for a potty break on our volt test drive, things are going okay.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 6:51 am
So back at the beginning we had all pictured that we would be able to go into a local Chevy dealer and buy a Volt in November 2010. We were too optimistic, because the meaning of the words changed between then and now, and the corporation did too.
The good news is that something is still going to be happening toward the end of 2010, and presumably the consequences of something happen will be that some Volts will begin to dribble out at the very end of 2010 and during the first half of 2011. Maybe some volume production will begin toward the latter part of 2011.
Considering all that has happened between the beginning and now, I’m glad that things are as good as they are, schedule wise. There is still going to be a Volt. Some Volts — at least a few — will go to a dealer or maybe even a few dealers by sometime 1st quarter of 2011. Some customers — at least a few of them real customers — will get one then.
It is not what I once was imagining, but it is a big step forward from where we have been.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 7:08 am
Given that GM is going to build so many Volts earlier in 2010 for government fleet use before they go into the hands of private citizens, we will have many more milestones to pass that will indicate any problems. I can’t see any supplier not making their contribution to the Volt a top priority in this economic downturn.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 7:25 am
“Other opportunities” were given as the reason for the recent changes in Volt engineering and product leadership. This action in itself will lower prioity of the Volt launch date schedule. As the new top team will be co-introducing several models.
As mentioned above, release date and actual delivery date are two different things. I feel the Volt delivery date may be closer to January 2011. I also feel there will be enough buzz and inquiries to demonstrate that Volt sales will be brisk. This should domino into higher initial production rates.
Look at the Camaro. GM expected the new body style Camaro to sell well. They obviously didn’t expect the Camaro to be a perpetual pre delivery sell out. If they had, we would have Camaro’s to test drive at the local Chevy dealer.
During yesterday’s visit to my local Chevy dealer I asked about the Camaro. The salesman said that he had three out back. And that they were sold.
=D~
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November 3rd, 2009 at 7:34 am
I agree that the process is exactly on track for what has been represented. The way it’ll work is the way it’ll work for everything to be as perfect as possible. I’m really impressed because I get the feeling that nothing concurrently being done outside of the Volt program is considered to have a higher priority than the Volt program.
It will be really exciting to see someone able to show us their Volt, and, for them to hopefully visit with us here on this site.
You know how much I tend to “talk everyone’s ears off”? Well, maybe I could be more relevant if I were able to give a daily diary entry right here if I were able to get a Volt. I would have to have conversations with the OnStar connected to the office of Britta if there wasn’t a lot of other work for her to do.
(6:30 am. Off to work).
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November 3rd, 2009 at 7:38 am
Well not exactly
But close enough.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 7:59 am
Well I think it doesn’t really matter if the Volt is launched in November 2010, or even mid of 2011. What matters is when they will start mass production…
Other automakers haven’t been as optimistic as GM in regard to mass production of electric vehicles. Maybe it turns out that they were after all right.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 8:05 am
All it takes is one sellable Volt made in Nov 2010 to be considered on target. I think in the grand scheme of things it’s inconsequential. The bigger question is how quickly can they ramp up production to make the Volt *available* to those of us who won’t be in the initial targeted sales zones.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 8:07 am
Rashiid
Right on, as usual.
Virtual perfection in those first 1000 cars.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 8:16 am
KEEP’EM HONEST, LYLE!!! Nice work!
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November 3rd, 2009 at 8:23 am
I’m one of the 50,000 and 100% committed to getting off of oil in 2012. I just don’t know if it will be the Volt or something else. It’s up to GM to provide a good value. They will need to lower their price a little by second half 2012. Because they are moving so slow they will have plenty of competition. Competition is a good thing for the consumer, unfortunately is hasn’t been too good for GM. Hopefully they have figured it out and they are playing possum with their plans (to induce more government rebates and at time of purchase) and will lower their cost and up their production plan in 2011. Otherwise I’m afraid the competition will leave them in the dust.
The EREV concept is great for not worrying about range anxiety. But there are certainly a million folks out there that can get by with 100 mile range BEVs. And I suspect 2015 models will have 200 mile range and the EREV advantage will be reduced. GM needs to push the platform and stop worrying about $2 gas. $2 gas could happend if our economy starts shrinking, but it is certainly a short term thing as that would just lead to less drilling and higher prices down the road when prices adjust.
There is very little oil left in the world that can be obtained for less than $70 a barrel. Personally looking at what I’ve read about oil exploration, the value of the dollar and our looming inflation, I think we are just a couple years away from much higher oil prices.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 8:32 am
A big plus 1 for post #11, Corvette Guy has hit it on the head. Or close enough to the head to not bend the nail. So I am looking at mid January 2011 to see the 2011 Volt in a showroom near me (Southern California) with a waiting list of about 6 months.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 8:38 am
Click on the link below and tell me who stealing from who. Toyota also stole a piece of technology from a company in Virginia and lost in court. Today, Toyota has to pay royalty to that company.
Show me proof that GM stole technology from Toyota.
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/toyota-lose-patent-appeal-for-prius/
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November 3rd, 2009 at 8:41 am
I Agree!
Lyle, Is there a picture of the true production Volt that can be used for the site? The picture you’re using has the old hood. The new hood bends over the fenders.
NPNS!
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November 3rd, 2009 at 8:47 am
The fact that Lutz put out a a date, that included the actual month, two years ago, is in itself ridiculous.
You cannot have this type of resolution on a project of this scale, so far from its end date. The best estimate would have been 4th quarter of 2010.
That Nov. date was a dart, that Bob threw, and maybe he is lucky and hits it, but likely, they miss. I do not really care, but when I keep hearing this magical Nov. 2010 date, it just rubs me the wrong way. Why would GM even be providing a schedule resolution of 1 month, even at this time, I still think the best GM should be providing is the quarter for the release date.
Come on GM, you know that no project of this scale should have a specific completion date, to the month. Why, do you need to do this? Your just setting up for disappointment and missed date.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 9:07 am
I gave GM all of the time it needed . FORD has 4 EV’s and will have them out in SEP 2010 .
TIGER
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November 3rd, 2009 at 9:15 am
“We recently heard that GM would be delaying the North American launch of the Chevy Cruze from April to July of 2010, and since it’s a platform sister to the Volt and will be built at the same DHAM plant, it could be conclude the Volt might be delayed.”
I don’t think the Cruze is going to be built at DHAM.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 9:18 am
#32 tom said “The competition will leave them in the dust”. What competition is that? Nissan with the battery leasing that will end up costing more than 40K over the years? Ford with the 40K Focus EV? Mitsubishi with a car you can’t even buy in the US for who knows how long?
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November 3rd, 2009 at 9:31 am
Lurtz,
There’s really only one way to find out – and perhaps we’ll never know. But I suspect if Lyle was somehow able to gain ‘official status’ for this wait list and take $1,000 deposits, GM would be SHOCKED at the results. I believe there are many more REAL BUYERS in that 50,000 list than anyone gives this site credit for. I believe this because of the staying power of Lyle’s site and the passion and dedication of each and every contributor. I only wish we could ‘officially’ answer the question: How many real buyers are in that 50,000!
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November 3rd, 2009 at 9:31 am
Thats one of the things I like about him.. I bet he drives a bunch of people at GM wild when he does stuff like that.. recently he let slip out what the CS mpg was going to be, he should have kept quiet on that and reserved it for the late 2010 marketing campaigns.. now he’s got Toyota worried.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 9:33 am
BobS #32;
In my post I said I was hoping that GM was playing possum with their plans to induce more government rebates and rebates at time of purchase.
But Yes Nissan and Ford both seem much more committed to getting out there sooner and in larger volumes. Even though their GEN1 is 100 mile BEVs, their apparently larger commitment to higher volumes will lead to lower priced higher AER GEN 2. At 10,000 cars a year GM is not even competing and that won’t allow them to lower their costs as significantly as producing hundreds of thousands of BEVs a year as Ford and Nissan plan to do by 2012.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 9:38 am
OFF TOPIC
Just got back from my daily trip to AllCarsElectric and read about a new battery chemistry that is being tried in Japan. It is a Nickel-Lithium battery with the Nickel and Lithium separated by a glass film called lisicon which will keep the incompatable materials apart.
My question to those on this wesite that know MUCH more than I regarding batteries, What will happen if the Lisicon film is damaged and the two mix.
Am I overly worried about the two mixing?
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November 3rd, 2009 at 9:42 am
I believe this would result in a small thermo-nuclear explosion, so if it happens, you will never have another worry.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 9:45 am
Just as a little fyi on Camaro build:
The full production line pushed out its first completed pre-production car on February 4th, the actual start of deliverable production started March 16th (was a month delayed).
The first ’stunt delivery’ from the Jackson auction was April 11th, and the first actual RP6 delivery was reported on April 17th.
In a related matter to the Volt:
In 2008, the last plant to shutdown for the winter/Christmas shutdown was Lordstown on December 23rd…most plants were closed through January 20th. (Normally it is just two weeks, but with poor sales and trying to perserve cash, it was extended a week-workers go on go on layoff and get unemployment/supplemental pay that week)…it could end up being the same this year.
If GM doesn’t get the line up and producing in 2010, it will likely be February for actual customer deliveries.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 9:53 am
Here are a few comments from yesterday’s WebChat with Frank Weber and Doug Parks – some very insightful comments that relate to today’s topic:
Monday November 2, 2009 4:10pm Doug Parks: “Our primary focus is on making this Volt the best it can be for the start of production late next year. We’re already applying learnings into Gen 2, but stay tuned on timing announcements.”
Doug Parks: “Our most recent ride and drives inside the company confirm we are on track. The Volt is on time and on target. There are no plans to delay production launch.”
4:18 Doug Parks: “I’m not announcing production numbers but people need to be aware that the whole system (dealers, service, production, salespeople) all has to be trained. This is a new technology with new training for all systems and we need to start as we intend to go. That means a controlled launch (sorry, no numbers today.)”
4:22 Doug Parks: “My main philosophy is to focus on the car – perfect it so that all details will be addressed and customers will be delighted. Believe it or not, this about more than “just” the Voltec propulsion system. The entire car needs to be right.”
BOTTOM LINE: Doug Parks is saying all the right things. I think it is a positive sign that GM has brought someone in to lead the VOLT team who has broad experience in launching high-volume vehicles for GM. I read this as a positive sign for VOLT’s future as GM is not treating this as a niche product, but rather a volume product. They are being cautious with their words to the media and public not to build up expectations, but their actions say they are gearing up to take VOLT and EREV to high places.
Go GM. Go VOLT. Bring it on!!!
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November 3rd, 2009 at 9:53 am
Been waiting for three years ,, no problem waiting a couple more weeks . Ask wife to rap one Volt up and put it under the Xmas tree. As a X military man I will own this auto as much as a salute to all my bothers and sisters that have paid dearly for our thirst for Black Gold and the hope their children will not have too.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 9:57 am
#336 Edwin Mang
Good to hear your comment. I just received a copy of ” MY FORD”
fall 2009 edition. There is a four page article on Fords new European style Focus and the all new battery-electric Focus. I realize this will not have a range extender, but this does not bother me because my commute is 17 miles one way with a plug in at the office while I am working all day. The range for this Focus is to be 100 miles with a top speed of 85 mph.In addition to this it will be produced at the Wayne Mich. plant . Site manager is Bob Webber for this $550 million conversion.Plant to open in 2010.
I think by the time that GM gets the VOLT on the road, their will be plenty of compition. Yes, I am one of the original 10K on the list here and probably will not be buying the VOLT, at lease not in the forseeable vuture. I don’t think the Volt will be the game changer that GM is looking for. But who knows, now that they don’t have to repay their government loan and secured new contracts from the UAW, it sure puts them way ahead of Ford.
Have a Great day,
God Bless America,
Tom
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November 3rd, 2009 at 10:00 am
# 974 on the wait list… currently have a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid… I don’t expect a Volt to get to a dealership in Central Alberta Canada till some time in 2013 … I have deposit in hand for the Volt … My Fusion will be paid for by then and there is room in my driveway for both cars,,,
I could do side by side product testing…
I will keep the Fusion as it is a bigger car (seats 5) …
and I am extremely happy with a combined city/highway milage of 5.4 L/100 KM (approximately 50 MPG Canadian / 42 MPG American)
Let’s just get the Volt into production ASAP
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November 3rd, 2009 at 10:01 am
#41 While Nissan seems most aggressive outside of GM here is what I have been reading: ” Nissan announced it plans ‘to make available up to 1,000′ LEAFs in each of five major markets: Tennessee, Oregon, San Diego, Seattle and the Phoenix/Tucson region. In addition, 2500 charging stations will be installed in each of those markets. US production would begin in late 2012 at Nissan’s manufacturing facility in Smyrna, Tennessee.”
I don’t consider 5,000 cars in only 5 markets very aggressive. Regular production isn’t planed until a year after the Volt.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 10:04 am
LeoK,
I hear what he is saying, but, this is really the same speak you would get for any new product introduction.
When have you EVER heard a company say “Well, gee we really want to meet our launch date, and we are willing to sacrifice quality to meet it”
This goes for any company under the sun. The proof will be in the pudding, and lets hope that they can emulate Jell-O for this launch!
As much as I would like to believe, GM needs to provide a track record of “getting it right”. They just have not earned my trust yet, to believe them, but you need to start somewhere, and hopefully the Volt will be the first of many GM products that begin changing attitudes of persons, such as myself.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 10:16 am
Why would you relate the Cruze delay to a Volt delay? The Cruze delay has nothing to do with the platform, and thats about the only thing they share. They are not even being build in the same facility. The Cruze in Ohio, the Volt in Detroit. Sounds like you are just trying to start something here. Seriously, I would like you to address in more detail why you would relate the two when it comes to one having a delay…
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November 3rd, 2009 at 10:21 am
Statik said
In 2008, the last plant to shutdown for the winter/Christmas shutdown was Lordstown on December 23rd…most plants were closed through January 20th. (Normally it is just two weeks, but with poor sales and trying to perserve cash, it was extended a week-workers go on go on layoff and get unemployment/supplemental pay that week)…it could end up being the same this year.
——
I have been wondering about this. Why announce the “start” of production of such an important project just before Xmas Vacation?
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November 3rd, 2009 at 10:39 am
In my experience, no more than 10% of any group of people that say they will buy something will actually do it. GM is wise to not lean on the waiting list here. At best it will be a list of “possible” sales the dealers can use.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 10:43 am
RB, who does they we you are referring to consist of… A slow ramp has been on the table for the last 18 months.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 10:43 am
If it’s end of November or early December 2010 for launch–that’s close enough IMO. It’s that 3 months delay for the Cruze that I think is ridiculous. Maybe I do need to back off GM a bit considering they did just emerge from bankruptcy and are still needing time and space to get adjusted/organized. But even with that said, the Volt and Cruze still need to be considered absolute top priorities for this company to get to market. And honoring their original launch dates for these cars stand more as symbolism in that “We are keeping our promises”.
side note: Where are the October sales numbers for the Automakers? It’s November 3 and I haven’t heard a peep. I assume some cars were sold in the month of October, right?
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November 3rd, 2009 at 10:45 am
Bob s;
I am interpretting Nissan’s plans that they have the ability to produce 15,000 leaf’s a month by the end of 2012. Of course it takes a while to ramp up to this level. So far I haven’t seen that GM has the commitment to make that many Volts by the end of 2012. As has been stated a zillion times, the price of gas and the state of the economy will determine the actual volumes. But what I’ve been saying is GM may be more open in its product development of the Volt, but they seem to be targeting a much smaller production volume by the end of 2012. And that lower volume if it turns out that way will keep GM from being able to lower their cost and compete with the competition.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 10:53 am
My SWAG is Camaro a being high volume production problem and Volt low relatively low with new tech complications; both would have supplier issues and hiccups at production start-up, but the line itself will be a less complex endeavor for the Volt.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 11:15 am
Hey Statik,
What’s your latest Ford prediction . . . still think they’re doomed to the same fate as GM?
Ford posts surprise $1 billion profit, zooms past expectations
http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/02/ford-zooms-past-expectations-posts-surprise-1-billion-profit/
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November 3rd, 2009 at 11:15 am
I’m not going to cry about a month or 6 weeks delay pushback in production of the Volt, as long as it gets produced and hits the market without problems and issues leading to image-killing recalls.
If there is any concern, it’s that GM will survive 2010 and be there at the end of the year to usher it through. The Volt is key to restoring GM’s image in the automotive marketplace. It’s not the numbers it will provide to GM in dollars and cents – that will not be significant.
Instead it is the prestige GM will gain from the Volt which will cause change in people’s negative thinking about the company and and its products. These newfound positive attitudes toward GM will boost market acceptance of all its offerings around the world. And that’s how the Volt will be a major player in GM’s turnaround from bankruptcy to profitability.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 11:20 am
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November 3rd, 2009 at 11:24 am
Alas, that sounds about right to me.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 11:26 am
Today is still the day. Ford is always out first ahead of the others, usually in the AM (I don’t know why), and around 2PM is historically when the domestics hit the wire.
Sidenote/WAG: GM should have a decent month comparitively speaking. Last month was a vacuum from CFC for them, and last October (2008) was the real heart of their ‘carapocalypse’
The guys that really did well on the CFC are probably still a little more hurt…I figure Ford is off a bit, and Toyota a little worse than Ford. As always, Chrysler likely is terrible…and Hyundai/Kia is a monster.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 11:33 am
Statik, Tom, CorvetteGuy, Tom M., Schmeltz: AGREED–spot on as usual…..Except for a small point from Tom M.: “But who knows, now that they don’t have to repay their government loan and secured new contracts from the UAW, it sure puts them way ahead of Ford.” Everyone knows that Ford & the UAW WILL negotiate a new contract. Aside from the fact that Ford profit was just short of $1 BILLION for the 3rd quarter, here are some true, present-day, total production numbers across the board…….3rd quarter production was 495,000 units and 4th quarter production will be 570,000 vehicles. That is a 15% increase quarter over quarter, and a 33% higher level than one year ago–Just thought y’all might like to know…….
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November 3rd, 2009 at 11:33 am
I agree with Rashiid, but I do have one small suggestion.
Dr. Dennis:
Is there any easy way to make the quote include the number of the comment it’s quoted from, in addition to the name of the person quoted? I think that it would make it a lot easier to go back through the thread and refer to prior thoughts, many of which are only partially quoted.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 11:37 am
Well “Cash for Clunkers” figures into those production numbers somehow. It really pulled down the inventory. My sense of it is that, if they ramp production up like that too soon, they will just get stuck with another big inventory burden again down the road.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 11:41 am
Yeah, watch out Anderson Cooper! +1
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November 3rd, 2009 at 11:46 am
#40:
I agree. +1
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November 3rd, 2009 at 11:48 am
Because that way they can get away with producing 10 for internal consumption, and say they met their “launch date” in 2010.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 11:58 am
Noel Park said: “My sense of it is that, if they ramp production up like that too soon, they will just get stuck with another big inventory burden again down the road.” I was illustrating how Ford does it (as opposed to GM and Chrysler) around the holidays/end of year, so they don’t ‘feel it’ so badly inventory-wise when they shut down in January……JMHO!!
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November 3rd, 2009 at 12:00 pm
Actually, the UAW workers overwhelmingly rejected a new contract. (It was recommended by the UAW management.) Apparently they weren’t interested in doing givebacks now that there’s a hint of light at the end of the tunnel. The new production lines they were promised just wasn’t that interesting. The 27 billion dollar debt Ford has on its books? Irrelevant. After all, if Ford follows GM and Chrysler into government sponsored bankruptcy, the taxpayer will bail them out.
http://www.detnews.com/article/20091101/AUTO01/911010321/1148/Analysis++Rejection+of+Ford-UAW+deal+spells+trouble+for+region++industry
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November 3rd, 2009 at 12:09 pm
Ford is out…up 3%.
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/New-Products-Drive-Fords-prnews-21082826.html?x=0&.v=1
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November 3rd, 2009 at 12:09 pm
I think a small volume 2011 model year is not the worst thing in the world. It will keep demand high for the 2012 model, and will give more feedback to remove usual 1st year bugs.
For me it’s not that huge a problem. I want the fools who’ll pay a $5000 premium to be first on the block out of the way, and the initial problems fixed anyway. My target was always Spring 2010, but with my Mazda3 and Prius running well I can wait even six months beyond that. BesidesI have to get the house properly grounded and the roof redone with solar anyway.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 12:17 pm
A few months one way or the other is immaterial.
In 2010 and 2011 we will see dramatic introductions of game-changing products that could re-define global energy usage. And your own lives, too.
Voltec is one of those game changers.
You already know about that of course.
And it certainly appears the GM is dead serious about getting it right.
Now imagine all your electricity is “free”. For your car and your house.
Here are two more game changers:
Solar Shingles:
http://blogs.wsj.com/environmentalcapital/2009/10/09/fiddling-on-the-roof-dows-solar-powered-shingles/
A great new way to store that energy:
http://www.heraldextra.com/news/article_b0372fd8-3f3c-11de-ac77-001cc4c002e0.html
Its going to be fun to watch these and other innovations as they become available over the next year or two.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 12:19 pm
Close enough? I don’t know how the car business works, but if we miss a deadline in my industry people get fired. If you publish a timeframe for your customers you work extra if needed, but you make it happen. That’s just basic good business.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 12:21 pm
Clarification on Ford numbers: Net up 2.6%, adjusted they were off .6% — 28 selling days in 2009, 27 in 2008
(Wanted to make sure my prediction for Ford of ‘off a bit’ was right, lol)
http://www.cnbc.com/id/33603990/site/14081545?__source=yahoo%7Cheadline%7Cquote%7Ctext%7C&par=yahoo
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November 3rd, 2009 at 12:22 pm
As much as I’m anxious to get driving electrically, how can anyone (unless filthy rich) put down a deposit on car they haven’t seen and don’t know what it will cost?
I’m not filthy rich so my plan for a long time has been to buy in second half of 2012 whatever makes the most sense. And EREV might make the most sense, but if they are still at 10,000 cars a year and haven’t made it to the midwest yet, I may have to buy a BEV. And it will be GM’s fault if they lose my business because they let other companies capture the market.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 12:37 pm
This is off the current topic but I think there was some information posted about this a couple weeks ago. It seems the ethanol production company GM is invested in, Coskata, has the demonstration plant up and running. Interesting to note that they say the plant can produce ethanol from almost any feedstock including municipal waste.
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09307/1010282-113.stm
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November 3rd, 2009 at 12:47 pm
I agree. What matters, IMHO, is the level of production in 2012-2015. And how fast they can get prices down for gen 2.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 12:50 pm
#64 Noel;
The quoting tool is already excellant. You just highlight with your mouse what you want quoted and then click the quote and it copies it for you.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 12:57 pm
#69
Ohhh, and I thought I was a cynic, LOL! Move over statik, LauraM’s in town.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 12:58 pm
LauraM said: “Actually, the UAW workers overwhelmingly rejected a new contract.” True–that’s what I was referring to. They will renogotiate next year, as Ford felt they were ‘close enough’ to let this contract ride until the next go round……..:) As well, I can assure you–Ford will NOT “follows GM and Chrysler into government sponsored bankruptcy…..”
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November 3rd, 2009 at 12:59 pm
Exactly. Except when I say it it ends up with 2,000 words. 2010, 2011 is fine to refine their product, and I’m sure for many reasons they don’t want to come out and say ‘by 2012 we’ll make 25,000 of the gen 2 volts every month’. But thats what I want to hear anyways.
Sure they have to see what gas prices are, try and coerce more government rebates, see what the competition does and see what technological improvements happen over next 2 years.
But is it really that hard to have the vision of making 25,000 volts a month by mid 2012, and selling them for 33,000 less a government rebate. Gas will be over $3 a gallon and could easily be a lot more than that. I think what needs to happen is GM needs to step up and commit to these types of production levels and the government needs to step up and make the $7500 rebate cash at purchase and extend well beyond the first 200,000 vehicles (how about the first 400,000 vehicles before slowly phasing it out completely on the one millionth Volt?).
As I posted yesterday, each Volt will prevent $12,000 to $24,000 in money going overseas to buy oil over the course of its life and this will create jobs in our country. Reducing oil usage helps national security and helps keep the cost of oil down for those still using it. Also investing in this technology quickens the rate it will become affordable for everyone without subsidies (and those subsidies pay for themselves by keeping the money in the country, with the Volt it is fueled with American electricity instead of Saudi Oil).
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November 3rd, 2009 at 1:05 pm
I’m expecting more companies with pluses instead of minuses in sales, but you mentioned a good point regarding the carpocalypse last year. Technically, maybe we should compare this year’s sales numbers with 2007 instead of 2008 so that there is a better feel for sale disparity. But then again, that would just yield never ending bad news–LOL!. Second thought, let’s just go ahead as we currently do and feel good about seeing pluses all over the place!
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November 3rd, 2009 at 1:10 pm
Sorry. I’ve been in a bad mood lately due to a)GM opening a new design center in China. (Why are we taxpayers supporting them again?) And b)the UAW workers rejecting the new Ford contract, which is going to mean more production moving out of the country.
Like I said before, I don’t really care whether or not GM meets their production deadline. I’d rather they do the extra testing necessarily to produce a good product.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 1:10 pm
We – at my job – almost always fail to make project by schedule.
We work with oil – which means explosive gases/liquids and poisonous chemistry. This is too big responsibility; we prefer to check drawings 10 times more rather then make everything by time.
The Volt program is in some case similar: too much responsibility from those, who are currently working on program. I am 100% sure that they will miss target launch date.
If not, it will be a pleasant surprise for me. “We, pessimists, are more happy persons than optimists”. Almost (c) from gm-volt blog
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November 3rd, 2009 at 1:10 pm
#69
Ohhhh, and I thought that I was a cynic, LOL! Watch out statik, LauraM’s in town.
Oops, sorry. My computer took so long to post this the first time I gave up and started over. Oh well, Laura’s comment was pretty funny, so no harm in seeing it again, I guess, LOL.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 1:17 pm
I don’t know about that. Statik and a few of us were discussing this very topic a few months ago in a thread here. He pointed out that Ford’s debt will likely be too large for them to continue to service in the long term. After hearing that, I can envision them needing the “40 day reboot” as well in a year or two. It would be wonderful to be wrong and I would hate for them to meet that fate too, being that they seem to be doing so many of the right things.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 1:35 pm
AGREED completely- There is always a chance, I suppose. However, I’m sure that LauraM. knew, as well as most posters here, that the $27 billion in debt which she was referring to, was all planned and new. Whether we call it LUCK, TIMING, good PLANNING, or even a combination of all three, the point is that Ford was the only one that was able to free up some assets & receive credit before the “credit crunch” of last year, thus keeping them from ‘going to the well’ with GM & Chrysler…………A lot of all that planning had been ‘in the pipe’ since 2004-2005.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 1:37 pm
Based on what I’ve read, the UAW leadership made the decision not to go back to the drawing board. Not Ford. Given that 70% of the UAW members voted against the new contract, I’d say any further negotiations wouldn’t get them anywhere anyway. The UAW spoke loud and clear. They want to be able to go on strike in 2011. And they don’t want to have to do work that’s not in their “job description.” Bringing jobs back to their communities doesn’t matter to them.
http://www.freep.com/article/20091101/BUSINESS01/911010549/1320/UAW-accepts-defeat-of-plan-to-alter-Ford-deal
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703294004574509942431423158.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
As far as Ford not going to the taxpayer–they’re trying to deal wtih that nagging debt problem. But I don’t know….10.7 billion dollars due in 2011 is a lot of money to roll over. The credit markets are not what they were. And I’m sure people remember what happened to Chrysler’s secured creditors. And GM’s unsecured creditors. And Ford has a lot of “secured” debt.
http://www.detnews.com/article/20091103/AUTO01/911030377/1031/Ford-s-next-step–Tackle-debt
Notice that they followed up their profit announcement with both an equity offering and a convertable debt offering. I think it’s a good move. It’s a necessary move actually. But it’s not exactly a sign of strength.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aeksfektPiMk&pos=5
I’m not saying that Mulally can’t pull off this turnaround without going to the US taxpayer. He’s doing an amazing job, and I think they have a shot at it. But it’s not a slam dunk by any stretch. And the UAW’s recent vote definately doesn’t help.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 1:46 pm
In my limited experience in retail (12 years), only about 2% actually buy something that they request to be stocked. The same with coupon/promotions. 2% is the most I would expect from this anonymous list. However, since it *is* anonymous, we will never know the run rate.
2% of 50k is still 1000 cars. That’s more cars than Tesla has built so far!
Those first 1000 (retail) cars will be watched very closely I think. GM will probably heavily entice people to hand back OnStar telemetry for the first run. (Don’t forget to read that fine print!) I think it is entirely possible that they will lease (not sell) the first retail run just so they can get the real-world data.
GM has been selling mid to high-end vehicles for years. I think they know how to get this one out the door.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 1:56 pm
To go along with your thoughts on the UAW and Ford, Laura, I think Ford is really becoming a victim of their own success. On one hand, they have to improve, make money, gain market share etc. to attract investors. However, when they accomplish those various things, the UAW feels that if they’re healthy enough to make a profit, they are healthy enough to give them whatever they ask. What’s ironic to me, is that the UAW management seems to “get it”, but it’s the actual workers who are being difficult. Unfortunate to say the least.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 1:58 pm
GM was up 4%, Chrysler off 30.
http://www.cnbc.com/id/33603990/site/14081545?__source=yahoo%7Cheadline%7Cquote%7Ctext%7C&par=yahoo
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November 3rd, 2009 at 2:06 pm
I agree with you 100%. I could be wrong, but I thought one of the articles I read about the UAW concessions with Ford pretty much stated that Ford had the mindset that they did expect the vote results that came in the way they did, and they would deal with it next time around……..Kind of the old ‘kicking the can down the road’ problem.
As you point out, Mulally has done well up to now, let’s just hope he can finish the job……Keep in mind as well, that Ford did get BIGTIME concessions from the UAW at the end of 2008. 
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November 3rd, 2009 at 2:10 pm
AGREED COMPLETELY–You hit that one on the head, exactly right, and spot on.
Let’s keep in mind also that 2009 will be the first time Ford has increased its marketshare since 1995. 
1995!!! Pretty STRONG when you consider the economic landscape & climate world-wide that is plaguing the industry, as well as other industries…………IMHO
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November 3rd, 2009 at 2:23 pm
I like LauraM. She’s very witty. And certainly not that cynic most of the time. It’s a tad unfair to compare her to Statik, he has a much darker state of mind. He’s an acquired taste that you learn to appreciate over a period of time.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 3:23 pm
Pretty naive. How many of those 50,000 have bought something else? How many cannot afford a $32k car? How many like the idea of the Volt but will buy the equivilent ICE car for $19k? How many are kids, or 20 somethings living in their parent’s basements?
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November 3rd, 2009 at 3:38 pm
I think he was joking. I’m pretty sure that a 2 week delay is not warranting the thought that GM has canceled stealing electric car technology from Toyota.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 3:43 pm
#96
Well actually, that was what my mother would call a “backhanded compliment”.
I agree with you completely about LauraM. She is a big asset to GM-Volt.com, IMHO. And I would say exactly the same thing about statik.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 3:45 pm
#85
Don’t be sorry, I agree with you completely. I thought that your comment was very funny, and I was just paying you what my mother would call a “backhanded compliment”. Sorry if I was too clever by half. Keep up the good work.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 3:46 pm
I don’t see how you could consider what was stated a slip in schedule, no need to grasp for tea leaves Lyle
In any case, a lot of you are not even mentioning the fact that Tony implicitly said they would be producing around 2,500 Volts for 2010. That is a much larger number than the few hundred people around here have been saying.
For 2011 we’re looking at 60,000 units, much larger than the 10,000 people have been saying as well.
Both very encouraging signs. This time next year, Chevy will have two of the most competitive vehicles in any market with the Cruze and Volt.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 3:47 pm
#98
Joking or trolling, LOL. You’re a generous person. Good for you.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 3:48 pm
Agreed, like wise if the Volt is selling faster than they can get them on the lots GM will most definitely increase production to meet the demand.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 3:55 pm
#97
Well I agree with LeoK at #40. I think that GM would be shocked to find out how many would put up a deposit. I would put a check for $1000 in their hand today. There’s only one way to find out, call our bluff. For about the 10th time, come on GM, I double dawg dare ya.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 3:57 pm
Do any of you gearheads see Hemmings Motor News? If so, check out the photo at the top center of page 56 of the current (December 2009) issue, LOL.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 3:57 pm
Didn’t you ever set a goal? The November date is a goal set by GM. There is nothing wrong with setting a goal and try to meet that goal. I don’t see why you see this as a negative on GM’s part.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 4:03 pm
Memo to myself: never take bets against this person
GM +4%, Ford -.6%,Toyota -3.5%, Chrysler -32.3%, Hyundai +49%
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November 3rd, 2009 at 4:07 pm
Just one:
Who peed in your coffee cup?
I’m still betting on a release of SOME form of Volt on Independence Day 2010.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
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November 3rd, 2009 at 4:23 pm
Ok we can split the difference 6%.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 4:33 pm
Off topic.
STATIK..welcome back..you were greatly missed my fellow Canuck!!
I missed you man….
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November 3rd, 2009 at 4:40 pm
As the post said, Mr. Lutz invented the November 2010 date about 2 years ago. As you correctly said, the slow ramp up and other mild forms of backing away from the original Lutzian date have been ongoing since shortly after that time.
But “in the beginning we”…. really believed him, or at least I did, and I think so did most of the people reading the posts at that time.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 4:49 pm
Let’s not forget that CA has jacked income taxes up by 10% On Nov 1, 2009…
http://freerepublic.com/focus/news/2375074/posts
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November 3rd, 2009 at 4:51 pm
Regarding trolls
Here is a good look at their ecology
http://www.cracked.com/funny-2724-trolls/
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November 3rd, 2009 at 4:53 pm
Yes, we all do remember. Likely the most important long-term consequence of what was done is the unintended memories and the actions (or non-actions) that will occur as a result, especially in automotive.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 4:56 pm
#111
Yeah, a lot of us complained about why it was going to take so long, LOL. I mean, we thought that they had better get some gee whiz new products out there PDQ, or something terrible might happen. Like bankruptcy!
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November 3rd, 2009 at 5:03 pm
Sorry… This new management team without Waggoner and Lutz is mealy. They don’t appear trustworthy. Not sure they know how to build cars, market them or even if they want to.
They look like imposters to this reader.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 6:13 pm
Old GM You Lie !
New GM You Lie !
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November 3rd, 2009 at 6:17 pm
#113
Excellent link! LOL
BTW, check out #116 & #117
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November 3rd, 2009 at 6:20 pm
Well Lutz is still there, if it makes you feel any better. And what makes you think that they knew how to build or market cars? The company went BK under their “stewardship” after all.
It goes against my grain, but -1.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 6:41 pm
This just in: GM to keep Opel.
http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE5A25RL20091103
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November 3rd, 2009 at 6:46 pm
GM Board votes to keep Opel after all….
http://www.reuters.com/article/businessNews/idUSTRE5A25RL20091103?feedType=RSS&feedName=businessNews
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November 3rd, 2009 at 6:47 pm
Opps … Vlad got the scoop (+1) – sorry for the duplicate post!
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November 3rd, 2009 at 7:04 pm
#120
Or not sell it to Magna and the Russians anyway. If you read the article, this move seems to be a result of an inquiry from the German government, asking GM if they realized that the several billion euro contribution from same was NOT contingent upon the sale to Magna. So maybe they are just going back to the drawing board to see if they can make a better deal. Weren’t the Chinese interested, LOL? Or was it the Koreans?
And what about Frank Weber?
BTW Vlad, I have been really pleased about the international participation here. Are you commenting from Transylvania by any chance? That would be a cool addition to the blog.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 7:09 pm
#7
In addition to the Opel story mentioned above, there is a story up on the Reuters wire about Hamas in Gaza having new, allegedly Iranian, rockets which can reach Tel Aviv.
The beat goes on.
I note that your score is now +18. Somebody besides me must appreciate your comment.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 7:16 pm
Hey Statik,
Fill us in on this deal here.
Also, what might Frank Weber say about this?
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November 3rd, 2009 at 8:05 pm
Can GM just abort the sale given Opel is held in a trust?
How did Frank know? It does explain how he was so sure the Ampera would be produced, given Magna was thinking of killing the project.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 8:27 pm
All four of GM’s core brands had positive gains this month. Understanding that we need to take this with a grain of salt since last year at this time sales were dropping like a rock, this is still good news. Kudos to GM for the positive gain!—Keep it up.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 8:28 pm
Tune in tomorrow for another thrilling episode of “How The GM Turns”.
Maybe it’s not too late to bring back Saturn and Pontiac. Wait a second, has the Hummer deal closed yet?
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November 3rd, 2009 at 8:34 pm
LOL! Ain’t that the truth. And tomorrow Marchionne reveals “The Plan” for Chrysler, Fiat, and all of their friends! Stay tuned I guess.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 8:48 pm
GM has wanted to keep Opel from the beginning. But the German government wanted the sale. And they made it a condition of further aid, which Opel needs. Basically, the Opel unions hate GM. They blame GM mismanagement for Opel’s problems. And they probably have a point. Think Chrysler=Opel. GM=Daimler.
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/finance/2009/0828/1224253403927.html
Also, Opel has too much capacity. Whoever winds up with it is going to close some plants. The German government may or may not have been hoping that Magna would save German jobs at the expense of British, Belgian, Spanish, and Polish jobs. That’s probably why the EU stepped in.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8296714.stm
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125174578806973431.html
Regardless, I think it’s great for the Volt and the Ampera that this particular deal didn’t go through. The Russian economy relies heavily on oil exports. And Sberbank is owned by the Russian government. They had every incentive to scrap the Ampera.
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November 3rd, 2009 at 9:38 pm
#110
Statik are you back? Officially? If so, welcome back! And I’d love to hear your perspective on both Ford and Opel….
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November 3rd, 2009 at 11:19 pm
Thank you for the vote of confidence. I enjoy your posts too. But I wasn’t offended. Really. And, honestly, I can be very cynical. Maybe even more than Statik. I’m just cynical about different things. And I came here later than he did.
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November 4th, 2009 at 12:43 am
I guess I am back in the sense that I am contributing articles for the site. It didn’t seem right that I was writing pieces, and not commenting at all.
I really left the commentary community because I felt I was being a distraction to what Lyle was trying to do/get people to talk about, I always seemed to end up just hijacking threads…especially under the ‘older’ threaded comments setup, and that was the last thing I wanted to do.
So I figure I would touch in now whenever I might have some information that could be helpful in some way (like the Camaro ditty today…or other bits of obscure information about the industry, or info from Q&As with execs) .
No more tangents, lively debates, rebuttals, extrapolations or predictions of company’s plans/future health. (I’ll leave that for articles, lol)
/I’m trying to find a balance. I will say it gives me the shakes to not talk about Ford today, or GM’s SEC filing this week, (=
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November 4th, 2009 at 11:16 am
Could you include Ford in the next article? Please? Inquiring minds want to know! To me, at least, it looks like they have a genuine shot at it. And Mulally’s doing an amazing job. And that billion dollar profit is impressive. And so is the margin increase. But I don’t know that much about the industry, and I’m sure I’m missing things.
I know it’s not directly related to the Volt. But it’s a competitor. And it’s a relevant comparison to GM, IMHO.
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November 4th, 2009 at 11:54 am
#129
OMG!!!
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November 4th, 2009 at 1:01 pm
well, I have two entries on that list I think. I tried to remove my second entry when I realized I had already added myself some months earlier, but it didn’t work. i don’t really remember because both additions were a couple years ago.
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November 8th, 2009 at 9:40 am
It doesnt matter when this car is released. Even though I signed up for this list like 2 years ago, I will never have a chance to get one of these vehicles…and none of you will either, unless your a celebrity or ready to fork out 10 grand above the going price, along with some rediculous interest rate. GM isn’t even planning on mass production for years from now. So…just forget about the Volt…Prius will have plugins soon along with other companies.
My next car will be electric…but probably foreign.
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