Perhaps the ‘luxury model only’ strategy has hoodwinked the Volt’s release. Although a stronger market was primed for a US built electric vehicle in 2006, GM didn’t foresee the economic downturn of 2008.

An expanded model rollout including, say a Ranger-type light utility vehicle on a ruggedized version of the existing chassis, would (have) promote(d) municipal and commercial purchases and an opportunity to build private consumer acceptance.

Don J: That is a stupid question. Correlation v. causation. Did the Dem congress of 2006 to 2008 make ANY substantive policy changes? No. They did not and could not since the GOP held the senate and presidency. You might as well blame all the problems in the world since 2006 on the ‘Miami Vice’ movie because it came out in 2006 too.  (Quote)

Correction the Dems had control of the Senate also. The house and the Senate are where all the Power really is. As you say they did nothing. Now all they want to do is Spend Spend Spend!!!!!

Again are you better off now then you were in 2006 when the Dems took over the House & Senate????? We need a change. If you want Nancy out of power Vote out your Dem Rep! They put her in power.

jeffhre:
I would like to see something that doesn’t conduct electricity, in case of leaks, like the oils used for the tranformers in power transmission applications. I recently saw an article where someone built a case and submerged their entire PC in mineral oil, based on the same idea.  

Most petroleum products, it seems to me, have insulating properties. So, there isn’t anything I’d be the least bit concerned with regarding which lubricant/oil-based-coolant is utilized.

My curiousity regarding this particular fact is to be able to plan my curriculum in the distant future. But, the curriculum for 2010 (next month), is somewhat preparatory to the anticipated changes for the 2012 Fall Semester content for technicians for what I call “Newprocess (one word) Education” (all on live repair orders in shops). (A “start to finish” approach for *all* automotive topics).
I suppose that fact will turn up sooner or later: (Is Dexron VI used hydraulically in Volt? (yes or no) would answer all five questions.)

I would give 2,500 Volts to 2,499 dealers, and Lyle, as promo ‘not for resale’ vehicles.

I honestly think the best purchase technique for this new tech, is to let the public experience the Volt feel. They would also help immensely with Dan Petits’ education theme.

2nd. Prepare to invest in a second line to bring production above the 60K per year limit.

ANY other use of the money is silly IMHO.