Now that the Chevy Volt program is on the home stretch with an eye towards launch in less than a year, GM has created a new position, director of global Volt marketing. Maria Rohrer has been assigned the job, and I had the chance to sit down with her for a brief Q&A.
What’s your position?
I am the director of global Volt on the marketing side.
I work on coordinating with all of the countries around the world developing the global Chevrolet brand. I will have global Volt launch marketing responsibilities including here in the US.
Is launch marketing a new chapter? It wasn’t talked about a year ago.
It was not. With my appointment, I came in so many days ago with global marketing responsibility already. And since Volt will be global in nature. It will be here, it will be in Europe, it will be in China, it will Be in Canda. It’s primarily global. From that standpoint it makes sense to look at it from a global standpoint. We do have very capable peole on the ground running the Chevrolet business. So we’re going to be coordinating with all of the countries where its going to be going.
How many countries will the Volt eventually be available in?
It’s a sizable list in Europe plus China, Canda, and the US.
How about South America?
Not right now
India?
Not right now.
Not Korea or Japan?
No.
Do you already have a clear internal roadmap for US rollout of the Volt?
We are putting the plan together as we speak. So stay tuned, we are going to make announcements as we get closer and closer to launch.
It will start regional and eventually get to national. Chevrolet is a national brand.
What are the pros and cons to a simultaneous rollout everywhere in the US at once as opposed to just California first? People on my site are all around the country and want it now.
There is a very strong sense of acceptance of this kind of vehicle in California. That’s number one.
You think the demand is greatest there?
The demand is absolutely the greatest there. It doesn’t mean we wont have demand elsewhere, we definitely will. Volt is the kind of vehicle that is gaining lots of different traction all over the place. I think people in California understand what it stands for, what its all about, are open to diffent propulsion systems, and this is a market that will receive it from day one very very well.
Absolutely it is our intent thought to make it as national as possible. Strategically the California market early on makes a lot of sense.
I am struggling with that, what’s the downside of letting everyone have it all at once?
There is no downside but, for example, I spent a lot of years at Saturn. My background is such that I am incredibly interested in pursuing the customer experience as we roll this out. So there is a whole separate element separate from the rollout which is making sure that everywhere we go that we can actually nail the custom experience as we go. That is incredibly important to this vehicle and to the company. Doing it haphazardly I think will jeopardize that.
So you’re saying a slow careful gradual rollout?
I’m not saying slow. I’m saying careful and calculated making sure that the customers that are buygin into us absolutely have the kind of treatment, the kind of service, the kind of experience that I would expect them to have for something that is as unique and unusual as our electric vehicle.
What kind of special treatment are the early buyers going to get?
We’re still working on that . Clealry with our renewed and refreshed dealer body, healthier with a greater sense of how we have to take care of our customers, at Chevrolet we’re absolutely going after the best experience. With an electric vehicle there are just going to be needs that are different than for the rest of the vehicles in the showroom.
You mean servicing?
Yes. Its a different propulsion system that they haven’t seen. It will require education training and a different level of attention. The role is to treat everybody wonderfully in the Chevrolet stores. The vehicle by itself technically will require some different knowledge bases and different certifications that we will have.
I want to be very sure that we are securing that relationship and that experience as we go.
How about the issues if installing 240V chargers being a unique part of the buyers experience. Do you forsee a potential problem there? For example BMW with the MINI-E program had a difficult time getting chargers approved by some local municipalities.
Im not worried about it but I’m cognizant of it because of some of the feedback we’re getting is just like what you say. We are looking at whether that is something that we would want to do. I think as I look at the nature of the consumers we are likely to get, there are a lot of consumers that already have 240 running. Most people have 240 lined up already, whether its in the garage is another story. I’m taking all of that into consideration. Is that something that we want to do or, if people coming to us are very capable in some cases they may just want to do it themselves?
You might give them that option?
We might. We are learning from all the feedback that we’re getting.
Can you give me a picture about how long its going to be from when the first market gets it until every market gets it in the US?
Hard to say at this point, but it all depends on how we secure the customer experience along the way.
Would you consider working with the GM-Volt.com Want List in some way?
I won’t say no at this point.
+29
Dec 21st, 2009 (7:33 am)Good luck, Ms. Rohrer. I hope you are successful in your new position. Please give the following suggestion some thought:
Market the Volt as doing something patriotic for our country. It is so by getting us away from oil and getting us out of wars we do not need to fight. It helps us end terrorism as our national interests shift away from foreign oil. The Chevy Volt represents hope for the future of our country and the future of our planet.
-1
Dec 21st, 2009 (7:43 am)Good morning Rashiid. Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday season.
Merry Christmas everyone!
Dec 21st, 2009 (7:44 am)From the article,
Would you consider working with the GM-Volt.com Want List in some way?
I won’t say no at this point.
–
I’m number 110 on that list. Please feel free to consider me.
Thank you.
Dec 21st, 2009 (7:45 am)Good morning, Michael. Same to you and your family.
+1
Dec 21st, 2009 (7:45 am)It’s really apparent that GM is strenuously trying to be as fair as possible to roll out Volt in the best ways possible. While it is true that California has long been ahead of the rest of the planet regarding alternative propulsion (which merits Volts’ initial release priorities), I’m really encouraged where perhaps to some extent, the Want Listing might offer some bit of usefulness for GM to gradually expand Volt marketing.
This is because many of the various levels of commitment to GM have been obvious here for several years. Sometimes, that consistency of commitment expressed might be helpful for GM management to determine if realistic and unrealistic expectations might be inherent with individuals’ commentaries for a technically-fair return of accurate and positive commentary.
Also, for management to understand which individuals might be appropriately and accurately positive in expressing the Volt experiences at this important growth time.
Maria is another very clearly talented ambassador for GM.
+9
Dec 21st, 2009 (7:48 am)I don’t live in CA but I do like the strategy. They really won’t have too many Volts to see for the first 6-9 months after the rollout. Spreading them all over the country gives the opportunity for many small dealerships to sell one or two. The problem is that now you have to count on these small dealerships spread all over the place to do a good job with service and support.
It would be better to have dealerships selling much larger numbers of Volts in focused areas to get the initial lessons learned documented. There will be issues of some sort whether it is with the electrical charging or possibly with some minor tweaks needed with the vehicle. Focusing this into trained dealers will help with the customer experience.
+1
Dec 21st, 2009 (7:53 am)Nice interview Lyle. Since I live in Southern California I do not see a problem with California being first. We buy more hybrids than anyone by far.
As far as installation of 240 V outlets, I think every Chevy dealer should have a list of licensed electricians for the area or zip code of the buyer. Each electrician, to get on the list, would have to be licensed for the area (i.e licensed by the city where the work will be done in addition to the state license) and know how to pull the necessary building permit to install the outlet.
Dec 21st, 2009 (7:53 am)I’m sure you and Dan are right, but don’t forget, they mentioned Albuquerque in the “Song.”
+4
Dec 21st, 2009 (7:57 am)“Would you consider working with the GM-Volt.com Want List in some way?
I won’t say no at this point.”
Sure sounds like a legally binding “yes” to me.
Dec 21st, 2009 (8:00 am)When in the USAF, I was stationed temporily in Albequerque. I liked it a lot. A friend and I went up to “A” mountain. Nice view of the city from up there at night. That size city might be a really great city also to have Volt initial release because of the highway layouts, it seems to me.
Dec 21st, 2009 (8:01 am)Ms. Rohrer has a big job ahead of her. One of them will be to rebut other manufacturers’ efforts to negate the Volt’s advantages with competing products and misleading claims.
For the former, think Leaf, Prius and Ford (yes, Ford. Read about Ford’s plans to launch a Volt-killer: http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/how-ford-plans-to-undercut-gms-volt-in-price/).
For the latter, think of how Verizon’s ubiquitous and successful “map” ads promoting their 3-G network have AT&T on the defensive.
Dec 21st, 2009 (8:11 am)Yikes! Chevy will let customers install their own home chargers?
Every Volt dealer should partner with their own Geek Squad to do this – some local, reputable home electrician service. The LAST thing GM needs is injuries or deaths due to electrocution or house fires.
If GM does that only for the first few years, then fine, but they must do it initially.
+13
Dec 21st, 2009 (8:15 am)I would have loved for Lyle to go down a longer list of places not to be included in the rollout just for the humor. He was on quite a roll…
Iceland?
“No.”
American Samoa?
“No.”
Equatorial Guinea?
“No.”
Republic of Congo?
“No. Excuse me…. would you please leave my office now?”
LOL.
+6
Dec 21st, 2009 (8:20 am)Sounds more like CA will be the Beta site.
Not impressed with all the “customer experience” lines. Just say why your only offering the Volt in CA, and be upfront about the reasons. No need to hide the fact that GM needs to train all the sales & service dept’s, plus get some real life feedback once they start selling it world-wide.
This interview sounds so “old school GM” to me.
——————————————————————————————-
“You think the demand is greatest there?
The demand is absolutely the greatest there.”
How do you qualify this statement. I find it hard to believe that somehow a Californian has more appreciation and desire for a Volt then anyone else. Now, maybe the tight regulation on emissions may make the state more desireable, but this sounds like a load of Shaving Cream!
——————————————————————————————-
“I am struggling with that, what’s the downside of letting everyone have it all at once?
There is no downside but, for example, I spent a lot of years at Saturn…… ”
Come on, she first says their is NO DOWNSIDE, then goes on to explain the downside. I just hate the double-speak, and yes I know it seems a little nit-picky, but lets be upfront and honest, and stop providing ammunition to support my “old school GM” scenario.
——————————————————————————————-
You might give them that option?
We might. We are learning from all the feedback that we’re getting.
Could you imagine what it would cost to have GM install the 240 V service in your garage! GM should provide all the specs and requirement to the customer, and let them deal with having an electrician install this. Having GM in the middle increases the price by at least X2, guaranteed!
——————————————————————————————-
Merry Christmas to all!
Dec 21st, 2009 (8:23 am)Rashiid, I’m way down near 50,000, but I’m with you in that sentiment. I suspect that most people on the list are more than willing to help out.
.
And I have 240 in the garage
+6
Dec 21st, 2009 (8:23 am)It is a mystery to me how GM went from using an on board charger that would accept 120 or 240v to having 2 chargers, one having to be at home. Or are they just not publicizing the fact that the on board charger will accept 240v? Since much of the world is wired with 220-240v, having the onboard charger only accept 110 seems unnecessarily restrictive. Surely they aren’t that stupid. It would be like trying to market a laptop worldwide that was restricted to 120v.
+2
Dec 21st, 2009 (8:27 am)“Maria is another very clearly talented ambassador for GM”
Not sure what part of the interview gave you this impression, but I guess I was on the other side of the fence.
Nothing she said seemed to indicate that she had a grasp of what the Volt is all about, but she also did not say much that said she did not.
Seems to early to make any sort of clear judgment either way. But, this interview was so “GM”, it made me a little ill this morning.
A whole lot of speak, with very little substance. Hopefully she makes up for it the next time Lyle interviews her.
—————————————————————————————————-
Dec 21st, 2009 (8:28 am)That greentechmedia article contains:
More flakey statements (not gtm’s, but Fords) about what Ford “might” do, “if” Volt takes off.
*Ford is at least 4 years behind GM.
*Ford is not even trying.
*Ford wants everyone to beleive that suddenly they can come out of a “technological-nowhere” and “poof”, that there is something different than what already exists.
*Ford has no credible technological commitment, because you can’t hear anything progressively absolute in anything represented by anyone who discusses what Ford “is?” doing.
*Ford marketing department employees have a very seriously difficult job ahead of them to repackage and represent thier obsoleteness as acceptably-competitive, even a year before Volt release.
Getting back to substantial news media (this site), clearly the concreteness of the ways that our GM professionals inform us right here, prove to me that GM has left the remaining OEM’s in the dust.
Dec 21st, 2009 (8:29 am)Is it possible to post a contact email for Marketing Director Maria Rohrer? Some ideas are best communicated in private rather than in a global forum as this.
=D~
+1
Dec 21st, 2009 (8:33 am)Sorry for hi-jacking current topic:
http://car2blog.net/106/vauxhall-opel-ampera-plug-in-hybrid-2009-car-review/
There is a claim that Opel Ampera (European Volt) get’s a 15 liter tank to get thie car achieve 300 miles (~450km).
I’m unable to check the source of it and how reliable it may be, but taken as is:
if the 450km includes the 60km Battery mode, that is about 4l/km -> 58MPG (US) on charge sustaining mode.
if not including AER, that get’s it to ~3.4l/km -> 69MPG (US)
May it be real ^^
/off
+1
Dec 21st, 2009 (8:33 am)Is she the one responsible for the Volt dance?
Dec 21st, 2009 (8:39 am)November 2010 will be looked upon that way, especially since the resulting data will be warm climate only.
Delaying the cold climate owner endorsement simply does not make any sense.
Dec 21st, 2009 (8:43 am)Lawrence at #20
Ampera with a gas tank under 4 US gallons would be interesting if true.
That might really open up lots of discussion and of course, speculation regarding Voltec efficiencies.
Dec 21st, 2009 (8:45 am)Well, as should be expected we get some political dancing around where GM is not ready to publicly announce things. I strongly suspect that the next round of announcements will come at the Detroit auto show. Many announcements there come during the media events which are the week before the show opens to the public. Another clue about where the Volt will be going is what dealerships are being trained for Volt maintenance. CLEARLY, and this might be a sign of decisions being made, GM has respect for our list and our interests. And Lyle has provisions for a second list, a list of dealers. But those dealers need to be approved, presumably certified by GM. Gee Lyle, have any of them been made official yet?
Dec 21st, 2009 (8:50 am)15L is about 3.9 US gallons. This seems really off what we have been hearing, regarding fuel tank capacity.
IF they achieve anything near the numbers that would be HUGE. But, everything up to this point leads me to believe this to be unlikely.
As usual, we need to have patience, but the desire to know this number drives me a little crazy.
+1
Dec 21st, 2009 (8:52 am)I agree with this 100%.
The human side of me is really disappointed that GM is acting is such a darn rational manner. It’s UPSETTING.
Pardon the rant.
Merry Christmas,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Dec 21st, 2009 (9:02 am)Really?
What about the 80 that are already on the road? Isn’t that their purpose, to prevent the need for post-rollout updates?
+2
Dec 21st, 2009 (9:03 am)My fear is that by the time the Volt gets rolled out to other areas of the country, the $7500.00 rebate from the feds will be no more. This would effectively put the Volt out of my pocketbook and looking for alternatives or possibly just keep what I’ve got.
+1
Dec 21st, 2009 (9:05 am)Didn’t GM intend to make the Volt feel like any other car to the driver? She’s making the buyer feel the car is not like anything on the planet. It has four wheels and gets you from point A to point B, but doesn’t use a gas engine to do it.
I have one recommendation for her. DON’T SCARE YOUR CUSTOMERS.
“The demand is absolutely the greatest there.”
Says who?
Lyle please give her the data you collected regarding the locations (STATES) of the people on your list.
“My background is such that I am incredibly interested in pursuing the customer experience as we roll this out. So there is a whole separate element separate from the rollout which is making sure that everywhere we go that we can actually nail the custom experience as we go. That is incredibly important to this vehicle and to the company. Doing it haphazardly I think will jeopardize that.”
What’s she saying? If California Dealers mess up the VOLT rollout experience for the customer other dealers in other States would do the same?
She’s lucky I’m not her Boss!
As Trump would say “You’re Fired!”
NPNS!
Dec 21st, 2009 (9:05 am)Your link is bad. Try:
http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/how-ford-plans-to-undercut-gms-volt-in-price/
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.
Dec 21st, 2009 (9:06 am)Nice catch!
Merry Christmas,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Dec 21st, 2009 (9:11 am)If you cut and past the address in the link works, but thanks for this one too.
The article itself is PURE speculation for 99% of the info in it!
It should howerver, be a really interesting time to be alive (God willing) in the next few years!
(Computer trouble on the sig)
Merry Christmas,
Tag
Dec 21st, 2009 (9:15 am)Unless they release 250,000 in CA, the tax credit money will still be available (assuming it’s been printed).
Merry Christmas,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Dec 21st, 2009 (9:15 am)I just noticed in one of the forums a question on annual vehicle inspections. This would qualify as a “customer experience” issue that Maria is talking about. And this would have different requirements by state and even by metropolitan area. So, yes, there ARE legitimate issues to deal with.
Dec 21st, 2009 (9:17 am)Amen to that. I hope that she is not flooded with any ill wishes from this site. It would NOT be a good PR move for the want list.
JMO
Merry Christmas,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Dec 21st, 2009 (9:23 am)You are being too harsh! The California thing probably has more to do with government regulation than anything else. Those people gave us Nancy Pelosi and the current debacle going on in Congress. GM has to kowtow to them without appearing to. So in marketing speak California is a “trend setter”. California is also a good place to see if you have stuff good enough to compete with foreign products, and this is not just the hardware, but marketing and sales approaches as well.
Dec 21st, 2009 (9:23 am)Not to worry Todd @ 28, the roll-out will probably last about a year, so only 8 to 10 thousand Volts will be restricted, but in model year 2012, perhaps 60,000 Volts will be available nation wide. So Toyota will have no chance to use up all the tax break money before there is a Volt near you.
BTW, Toyota is expected to market between 20 and 30 thousand Prius PHV in 2012.
Dec 21st, 2009 (9:24 am)John,
Love all the real life data history on your site. Looks like your mpg drops by about 10% from the warmer months to the colder November month.
So, I suspect (obviously it will, but how much?) that the Volt will suffer a more severe degradation in both range and mpg. Would be interesting to see this number, but likely it will be a while since most cars will be in CA (hopefully someone moves back to upper midwest, and gives us some real life data on the Volt.
Dec 21st, 2009 (9:25 am)I agree that it makes little sense, but I guess they are being very cautious (overly so IMO). It could backfire.
Merry Christmas,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Dec 21st, 2009 (9:37 am)That wasn’t my link ^^
The one on my post is related to the Ampera
http://car2blog.net/106/vauxhall-opel-ampera-plug-in-hybrid-2009-car-review/
Cheers
Dec 21st, 2009 (9:40 am)I thought that the 250K vehicles eligible was PER MFG. If that’s incorrect, I’d love to know the correct info.
Thanks,
Merry Christmas,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
+7
Dec 21st, 2009 (9:50 am)Sorry, but I still find the “I think people in California understand what it stands for, what its all about, are open to diffent propulsion systems, and this is a market that will receive it from day one very very well.” statement very insulting.
The rest of us get is as well…..
JMHO
Dec 21st, 2009 (9:57 am)I believe the credit quotas are 250k vehicles per manufacturer with a sunset on the credit being at the end of 2014 for all.
Dec 21st, 2009 (10:00 am)If she had just preceded the comment with “Except for the people on your site…” It might have been a tad less insulting.
Merry Christmas,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Dec 21st, 2009 (10:01 am)It’s obvious with the fact that roll out begins in California that it’s to satisfy CARB regulations first and foremost and depending on how the market there performs, they’ll go to other areas of the country.
That being said, I have read stories like this.
http://www.mlive.com/kalamazoo/stories/index.ssf?/base/news-32/1230652222152930.xml&coll=7
And it just cracks me up that it makes headlines when on the west coast, in Oregon, I can buy one for less than $30,000 and it’s not even close to making headlines.
http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/ctd/1518926481.html
Here in Oregon, during 2008, you couldn’t get your hands on a Prius in less than a month unless you were willing to pay $25,000 for a used one and then it turns out that the country as a whole bought less overall in 2008 than 2007. If you go to cities like San Francisco, every other car is a hybrid now (ok exaggeration, but there are a lot more than the midwest and east I know that). Clearly the west coast is a cut above the rest of the country as far as demand for these types of vehicles.
Dec 21st, 2009 (10:02 am)THANKS!
Merry Christmas,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Dec 21st, 2009 (10:19 am)Good Luck
Have talked to GM here in Denmark, but they don´t know if or when they will sell the VOLT.
Dec 21st, 2009 (10:20 am)Sorry, Rashiid. I accidentally clicked on minus with posting #1. The count should be 2 higher than what it shows.
Merry Christmas to you and family!
Dec 21st, 2009 (10:22 am)human side?, what about your other side… like this?
http://bit.ly/6JRfvL
Dec 21st, 2009 (10:22 am)Ok,
I gave him +1, so since I usually do not give + ratings, this makes up half of his losses
+1
Dec 21st, 2009 (10:26 am)Tag,
You’ve said time and again that GM has to get the Volt spot on perfect. From what I read out of Maria’s statement, the important thing for GM is customer service. By rolling out in select locations in California, they can better plan their technician training. That is the most important factor after having a well designed vehicle. Without proper servicing at the dealerships, GM will be stuck with its old GM reputation.
Maria Rohrer gave direct answers to all Lyle’s questions. As Global Marketing Director, her number one concern is insuring service to GM’s customers. Everyone complains about how expensive it is to get your vehicle repaired at the dealer; if the dealer can’t service your car then it is a game breaker. This is the next issue GM must properly address to make the Volt spot on perfect.
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Merry Christmas and Happier trails to you in the New Year.
Dec 21st, 2009 (10:27 am)Maria was responsible for the name the Volt color contest. She was also part of the nationwide middle school show & tell last month. I believe she worked for marketing for Buick before this.
Here’s her linked in
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/dir/maria/rohrer
Dec 21st, 2009 (10:29 am)I wish Maria Rohrer well in her position, but am very disappointed in her interview.
The acceptance of the Volt technology on this website goes without question. If the truth were known, the Volt may never have been developed this fast if it were not for Lyle’s http://www.gm-volt.com. So, it is just a little disappointing to hear Maria suggest the acceptance of the Volt technology is greater in California than elsewhere.
Dec 21st, 2009 (10:31 am)Great interview, Lyle. Like you, I’m uncomfortable with the west coast only rollout. Hey, the Volt will be manufactured in the midwest–how about giving us midwesterners a shot! Any dealer can get the expertise needed to give the customer all the help he needs. The potential problems are way overated. Right out the gate, my guess is that the Volt will be more reliable than the average car. Let’s keep the pressure on GM to get a national rollout going ASAP.
Dec 21st, 2009 (10:32 am)I went back and gave it a +1 for you.
Merry Christmas,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
+1
Dec 21st, 2009 (10:32 am)Yeah, can’t blame you. She could have said something like “because CA has a history of accepting alternative propulsion vehicles it will be easier for our dealer network to roll out the vehicle.” No idea what that means but it sounds OK and isn’t insulting.
I think Rashiid had the best idea, which is that GM needs more than a “green” message with the Volt. Environmental attributes are important but there are other compelling reasons to get on board, the economy and national defense being two. Perhaps not one of those “Taste Great – Less Filling” commercials but something along those lines.
Dec 21st, 2009 (10:37 am)I *hope* that they would have anticipated a good deal of grumbling from this site about the CA rollout. I’d like to believe that that would matter, but in reality I think that it’s a done deal.
Merry Christmas,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Dec 21st, 2009 (10:37 am)You have a little of the old and the new modified bill in there.
The limit is 200,000 per manufacturer…down from 250,000 industrywide. The sunset is removed (except for NEVs and kits), and now there is a scaled quarterly wind-down after the 200,00 is reached.
First quarter once 200,000 is reached: 100% of rebate
1st/2nd full quarter after 200K: 50%
3rd/4th quarter after 200K: 25%
Dec 21st, 2009 (10:43 am)Thanks for the update. I hope that GM runs through it’s allotment as fast (and practicably).
Merry Christmas,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
-15
Dec 21st, 2009 (10:48 am)(click to show comment)
Dec 21st, 2009 (10:52 am)lol. Thanks Estero. Merry Christmas to you and your family as well.
Be well and stay safe.
Dec 21st, 2009 (10:54 am)I’m not a Californian, but I’ll agree that California has shown the initiative with regard to green technology in the area of automobiles. From the government, business, new automotive manufacturing, down to it having Silicon Valley, and its peoples interest in the electric vehicle, they are ahead of the rest of America. I am not doubting the intense interest as represented by the people here and on the “Want List”. Lyle seems to be connected to Corporate GM and the flow of information from GM to Lyle is great and shows their appreciation of what he has created for them and us. Hopefully, we will all get a Christmas gift from GM in the form of opportunities to get an early Volt.
But for sure the very limited roll out in California will allow GM to set up the best technician training process. By perfecting it in California first, it will guarantee that service is number one across the country. Nissan is releasing the Leaf is a similar fashion to those cities where early interest in infrastructure has been acted upon. Since the Volt is not tied to infrastructure as much as the Leaf, GM can concentrate on getting the dealership repair shops up to par on this new technology. The game isn’t so much mechanical, although still important, but more electrical. Dealers will have to hire and have trained electrical technicians for servicing the Volt. This is an entirely new area for GM and will take time to properly set up training classes, and train the trainers. After that they can move the training crew around the country to new release locations. It looks like they are an plan and on schedule for the November release.
Merry Christmas and a Happier New Year.
+7
Dec 21st, 2009 (10:57 am)How do you figure that? Each Volt vehicle will use less gas than a non hybrid vehicle. The first 40 miles are free of a gas station trip.
I do however, agree with your 230 MPG comment.
Dec 21st, 2009 (10:58 am)#30 LRGVProVolt
Sorry the link doesn’t work. Apparently the computer program turned my punctuation (a close parenthesis) into part of the URL.
I agree with most of your skepticism about Ford’s plans. However, they do have a Prius-like hybrid system already on the road and they’re basically talking about beefing it up with a bigger battery, much as Toyota plans to do with its plug-in Prius. So it’s not all smoke and mirrors.
The price of the Ford product will be interesing. Adding a battery good for 20-30 miles will add a fair amount of cost.
Dec 21st, 2009 (10:59 am)Statik,
Not sure I follow.
If the quota s 200k, then how do you still get a rebate after the 200k limit is reached?
Probably missing the obvious, and to lazy to research it myself….
\Nice to see you posting
Dec 21st, 2009 (11:01 am)This is a remarkable cogent and positive post. I hate it (g).
Merry Christmas,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
+1
Dec 21st, 2009 (11:01 am)And look what happened to Saturn!
Dec 21st, 2009 (11:04 am)You’re both right. Every single Volt will reduce oil use, but it’ll take many years before the technology makes a *significant* dent in foreign oil.
JMO
Merry Christmas,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Dec 21st, 2009 (11:05 am)Off topic, but seems to be a lot of mainstream media info. on use of natural gas.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_us_energy_shift
Maybe that CNG car is the way to go for the future? At least for some of us
The US supposedly has at least a 90 year supply at today demand (how long will it last if we divert as an transportation fuel?).
Seems risky, since most homes use natural gas for heating. And if they start diverting this source to vehicles, then the price goes up, and the end date for home heat comes faster.
+3
Dec 21st, 2009 (11:12 am)GM is not the government. They have no choice but to ‘let me’ install an outlet or contract it myself. They also have no choice if I want to have my mechanic change the oil instead of using theirs.
It’s not a charger, it’s a hard-wired outlet. The charger is onboard the car.
DIYrs that can do this work can usually do a better job than a contractor that doesn’t give a shit. It’s not rocket science, it’s a couple of wires.
My experience with Geek Squad is not so good. I am pretty sure that they don’t directly do AC electrical work. CAT5/6 and coax cable (low voltage DC) are totally different skills.
I hope that GM sells the 240v cable set prior to the car roll-out. It would be so cool to have one hanging on my wall ready to go.
Dec 21st, 2009 (11:16 am)Maybe buying the wall unit could be considered your (our) deposit/commitment toward our Volt’s purchase.
Merry Christmas,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Dec 21st, 2009 (11:19 am)Agreed. The more you listen to them the more they don’t seem to get it.
GM heads are always saying stuff like ‘stay tuned’. When is the last time anybody ‘tuned’ anything? Radio and TV are all digital now and losing market share daily. Even the volume controls are a digital simulation of an analog world.
Join us in 21st century already!
+5
Dec 21st, 2009 (11:20 am)Would you consider working with the GM-Volt.com Want List in some way?
Would you consider providing one of the pre-production vehicles to the dealerships chosen for launching the VOLT?
Would you consider GM licensing one of these 3 songs for the VOLT TV ads?:
Magic Carpet Ride – Steppenwolf
Vehicle – The Ides Of March
Drive – The Cars
Would you consider my resume? I’d sure like to be on your CA team of Ride and Drive presenters…
+5
Dec 21st, 2009 (11:27 am)You’re right, Tag. But that dent starts with the first car.
Dec 21st, 2009 (11:30 am)Yeah, the 200,000 is the trigger for the wind-down.
Lets say car 200,000 is sold January 15th, 2015, a JImmy’s Chevrolet in Springfield, Ohio. Rather than having Corvette Guy’s customer across the country get a lump a coal and a $0 rebate the next day for his purchase at Singh Chevrolet across, the rebate continues on same as always (at 100% – $7,500), that is until the end of the quarter is reached. The sale of car 200,000 triggers the process…which is staggered.
This way no one is surprised/caught off guard, and this also give the manufacturer some time to adjust to the new pricing reality. From April 1st until September 30th (in my example), the rebate goes to $3,500. Then from October 1st until March 31st 2015, it is $1,875. Customers on April 1st, 2016 get nothing.
/hope that helps
Dec 21st, 2009 (11:32 am)The lady should run for political office. She talks without saying anything – just like a politician.
Dec 21st, 2009 (11:39 am)That last date’s year was a type, it should have read (just to avoid confusion):
“…Then from October 1st 2015 until March 31st 2016, it is $1,875. Customers on April 1st, 2016 get nothing.”
+2
Dec 21st, 2009 (11:42 am)I agree. If they chose to roll it out everywhere or not, they still need to educate the sales and service departments now.
-1
Dec 21st, 2009 (11:45 am)“What’s your position?”
lol…….
I can go many ways with that question for her…
GrrrrrrrrRohrer!
+1
Dec 21st, 2009 (11:48 am)I *knew* that I could count on you to chime in on that one (g).
Merry Christmas,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
-1
Dec 21st, 2009 (11:50 am)EMP will bring this ride to a screeching halt
Dec 21st, 2009 (11:53 am)I loved “classic Saturn” and it’s already been dead for several years. I don’t know if she was part of its demise, but I feel it’s safe to say it wasn’t a one-woman job.
Personally I wish her all the success in the world. The better she does, the better the Volt does.
+1
Dec 21st, 2009 (11:56 am)So? EMP will bring -any- modern car to a screeching halt.
Dec 21st, 2009 (12:13 pm)Unless there is something new since they announced the charge cord sets, the Volt has an onboard charger that accepts anywhere from 110v to 250v (not sure of the exact range) and all voltages in between.
Is there a link to some information that changes this?
+3
Dec 21st, 2009 (12:15 pm)Unfortunately, 80 is not enough. A fleet of 10,000 will uncover many other minor issues. I base my note about little problems with my own personal experience as a long time GM only purchaser. I also see this with softare testing. Developers go over the code really well for a long time and then once it is released, the bug list grows immediately.
For instance, I just bought a 2010 Equinox. This has been in development for some time now. They have been running these around well before production. They are also just a typical gas vehicle building off of the old Equinox and the Malibu.
With that in mind, they built tens of thousands of them before going back and changing the transmission logic due to some customer complaints and drive-ability issues. Its just a software change but the point is that even after extensive testing, the car still needed to be tweaked.
Now the problem is that not all dealers seemed to understand the issue. Complaints on boards such as Edmunds discussed going to the dealer and being met with a “huh”? when discussing the need for the transmission software update. Some dealers took care of it and understood the issue, others did not. This led to some pissed off customers.
As I read about the early equinoxes, I see many of these tweaks being reported from the Nav system to memory seats, to head light strength.
I had a similar experience with tweaks needed on my 2004 Chevy Colorado (They had to tear the engine down and replace valve seals on that one). (For some reason I keep buying new release GM cars). I also had a 1980 Chevy Citation (first year). The list of problems on that vehicle is too long to document although I greatly enjoyed the car.
I am not trying to bash GM. Its hard to find a bigger GM supporter than me. I am just being realistic and noting that 1st year cars can have a list of minor bugs even after extensive testing.
This is why I like the limited rollout. If there is a problem, the dealer will be on top of it and not say “huh?”` This helps with the customer experience.
Dec 21st, 2009 (12:23 pm)Good point! I don’t remember seeing ‘electric’ as one of the options for fuel type on the emissions test receipt. Also, the ICE will somehow have to be running to check it’s emissions. Do they just drive it 50 miles? Or do you just bring it without the battery charged? Or do they test it without the ICE running? (zero emissions).
Dec 21st, 2009 (12:30 pm)I guess the answer to these questions would be the state’s prerogative, but they’ll likely pattern the answers on the decisions made in Calif. After all that seems to be “where it’s happening” (darn it).
Merry Christmas,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Dec 21st, 2009 (12:40 pm)Unless you have a pre-1975 car, an Electromagnetic pulse (like from a nuke explosion) would take out your ignition computer or micro-processor. Personally, I’d want to be somewhere else if that happens.
Dec 21st, 2009 (12:40 pm)Speaking of charging, we all know it will use 120VAC @15A & 240VAC @ ~25A, but what about those in a Trailer park with 120VAC 20A?
Dec 21st, 2009 (12:45 pm)It’ll brung your nuts to a screeching halt to. lol….
Donno if you’re familiar with EMP but it is non controllable and every direction, so you can’t point it. Might leave the boys down below effete.
Dec 21st, 2009 (12:46 pm)Afghanistan?
No.
Somalia?
No.
Pandora?
OK, that’s about enough…
Dec 21st, 2009 (1:01 pm)No silver pole in your office?
/Cue Def Leppard “Pour some sugar on me”……
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVxiHC9AJQw
AHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAA!!!!
Dec 21st, 2009 (1:27 pm)Interesting. Looking over the Want List, of the states that have over 1k people, only California is on the West Coast. 2 are in the Midwest, 2 are in the South, and 1 is on the East Coast. And the next one down is Midwest, too. I think they are greatly underestimating the appeal of the Volt to other “non-California” states of the union.
Having said that, I understand having a carefully-planned rollout. I would expect nothing less for something so groundbreaking. I think planning a rollout in only 1 state may end up being a bit of a slap in the faces of the folks who have been waiting – patiently or not – for a chance at this car, especially when you consider what will happen once the Volt goes cold-climate. Without some serious info to back it up, Volt-naysayers will have a field day with cold climate, and will try their darnedest to scare folks away.
My 2 cents worth, for what it’s worth (around $0.02?). Happy holidays, folks!
Dec 21st, 2009 (1:31 pm)8:33 am
Amen!
Dec 21st, 2009 (1:32 pm)I am guessing that their will be several markets in the initial roll out. I don’t see why they would skip the DC metropolitan area with the 3 highest median income counties in the country. There are other areas that I am sure on the short list also.
Dec 21st, 2009 (1:33 pm)You are a true pig, my friend.
Dec 21st, 2009 (1:49 pm)9:05 am
It’s interesting to note the reference to the 50,000+ waiting lit at GM-Volt.com. Pretty cool!
Also the reminder that Ford has had several PHEV Escape prototypes in the hands of Southern California Edison, and others, for many months. While an Escape is by no means a Volt, it is fair to say that Ford is in the game at some level.
+1
Dec 21st, 2009 (1:50 pm)As a developer, I have to whole-heartedly agree.
There is no way to predict what subtle bugs might crop up when you are running a small datacenter on wheels!
It’s not just one set of code or even one computer (or even one developer) we are talking about here. All of the control computers need to talk to each other (with possibly a central redundant computer) and each of those has it’s own embedded o/s and code. (Not to mention the processor micro-code which you have little docs and little control over.) Then, you have to display a lot of real-time information on both/each of the monitors.
This is not a small task to do this spot-on correctly using only 80 test platforms. I’d wager that there are even 100k mile bugs that they have never hit in another implementation. How do you fully test the code “when the car hits 100k miles, display a reminder to do x”. Yeah, you can simulate these break points, but, the real-world can do disastrous things to your neat “fully tested” code.
Dec 21st, 2009 (1:57 pm)8:11 am
I respectfully disagree. I have an unused 240v dryer outlet about 5 feet from where the charging port of the Volt would be located. If I could just have a standard 240v plug on that end and the charger on the other, it would be a huge plus for me.
On of the strongest disincentives I have about the Volt is the idea of having to go through a big rigamarole with an electrical contractor and the city to get 240v capability. It is one of the few things which would cause me to think twice about the Volt. If this issue could go away, it would be a big relief to me.
-6
Dec 21st, 2009 (1:58 pm)Show me this so-called “dent”. More than likely two(2) years after the Volt launches the U.S. use of oil will INCREASE (not decrease – aka dent).
Sorry but there will be NO DENT IN AMERICA’S USE OF OIL. You are just making illogical conclusions.
The impact of the Volt plus all other EVs on the road will have no impact whatsoever on the overall oil use. You and your ilk probably believe in Santa too. LOL
+2
Dec 21st, 2009 (2:04 pm)There’s NFW anyone that resembles the Geek Squad is going to be doing electrical work in my house. I can’t be too harsh on them because I cut my teeth in the IT industry doing the same thing — but untrained underpaid teenagers aren’t going to be working on anything essential in my house. I’ve learned an awful lot from mistakes that the typical geek-squader has yet ot make.
It would make much more sense to hire a trained/certified electrician, or let me do it myself. I have more invested in the outcome of the installation than anyone, so I will be meticulous, which will keep me from making mistakes. The trained professional will have experience and training, which will keep him/her from making mistakes.
Dec 21st, 2009 (2:05 pm)PDNFTT (my bad).
Merry Christmas,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Dec 21st, 2009 (2:08 pm)
Dec 21st, 2009 (2:12 pm)11:27
Right. +1.
Sorry to repeat myself but, “A journey of 100 miles starts with a single step.”
Dec 21st, 2009 (2:17 pm)11:39 am
Yeah, and on the equivalent date for hybrids, the price of the Prius dropped by about the same amount as the expired tax credit, LOL.
+1
Dec 21st, 2009 (2:17 pm)OK than, you can just say that it’s a significant step toward removing your personal dependence on foreign oil, just so long as your commute is less than 40 miles. It’s one of the few significant steps that an individual can take toward that end.
Of course, foreign oil delivers the food to my local grocery store, and also powers much of the equipment on the farm that grew the food. But I don’t have any control over that — so I have to make my personal changes where I can. And, yes, I do plan to expand my backyard garden in the spring, thank you for asking!
Dec 21st, 2009 (2:20 pm)11:56
EMP will bring the world to a screeching halt. Quite likely permanently.
“Peace On Earth, Goodwill To Men” “It’s a matter of life and death.”
+2
Dec 21st, 2009 (2:22 pm)Dude, get your thong out of a wad. Nobody expects the huge dent you speak of for proof immediately. Dang man, calm down. It’ll be gradual. It starts from the first car and dominoes onward till it hits the magic number to “make a dent”.
Sheesh…..
And Santa is real cause you’re getting COAL!
Hoe, Hoe, Hoe!!!
Dec 21st, 2009 (2:24 pm)“There is a very strong sense of acceptance of this kind of vehicle in California. That’s number one.”
All 50 US states are represented in ‘the list’, but, California *is* the top one by a good margin over second place, Texas, which is my personal favorite.
Sorry, Ohio, you’re up there, but, ya need to work on it
http://gm-volt.com/wait-list-data/
+1
Dec 21st, 2009 (2:29 pm)I highly doubt the “common folk” here in CA will be able to even test drive one. The big mucky mucks of Hollyweird/Politics will most likely scoop them up.
Dec 21st, 2009 (2:34 pm)Yes, Noel. I am sure they have something in mind. However, they have it under wraps. If they had something superior to the Volt we would be hearing about it. It looks like all they are considering are parallel hybrid technology. IMHO, GM has a better design in the serial hybrid technology of the Volt.
Merry Christmas and a Happier New Year.
Dec 21st, 2009 (2:51 pm)So, unlike Nissan they will stick to just one state.
Interestingly, no rollout plans in Japan. That is very weird.
Dec 21st, 2009 (2:54 pm)Hardly. NY has the highest % of people not using cars in the US. Several EU countries have a much higher % of people using alt modes of transport.
Even if you mean only personal transport – there are several countries using NG which will easily overshadow CA by a large margin.
Or does “the planet” mean just US to you ?
Dec 21st, 2009 (3:06 pm)I haven’t put my name on that list because, since it was unaffiliated with GM, it seemed pointless.
I’m interested in the vehicle, though. In fact, I just wired my garage for 240V.
If they decide to use the gm-volt.com list I guess it will prove me wrong.
+1
Dec 21st, 2009 (3:08 pm)Noel Park is Right on.
This outlet can’t be treated like some kind of magical power plug. I don’t care what the outlet looks like it is nothing special to an electrician. Many of us have these for our Dryers, hot tubs, a generator hook up and our electric ovens.
If GM wants to help they can hook us up with a discount electrician through the dealer. But for goodness sakes, don’t make a big deal out of an electrical outlet and try to tell us that if we don’t pay for Mr Good Wires electrical service that we will burn our house down.
Bottom line, any electrician can do this job and there are many many electricians available.
Dec 21st, 2009 (3:09 pm)When are we getting our Volt down here?
Dec 21st, 2009 (3:15 pm)Unless “down here” is southern Calif, I don’t know.
Merry Christmas,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Dec 21st, 2009 (3:39 pm)If it otherwise meets code, it would be a small task to replace the box and faceplate with the charge-cord set installation.
Using a plug (like a dryer) is against the electrical code in the US since the other end is also a plug. You might be able to get away with a twist-lock, but, probably not in residential. When it’s behind a dryer, you can’t snag the cord and pull it out partially which could expose the blades enough to pose a hazard. Running the cable across the floor… not so much.
The other problem with a clothes dryer 240v install is that it may not follow current electrical code. It may be 3-wire instead of 4-wire. Might need to make sure the circuit breaker and wire is sized correctly as well.
The best thing to do is follow the installation instructions that come with the charge set.
I advise to always use proper permits and a licensed electrician to do any of these changes. Amateur wiring can be dangerous and can reduce the resale value of your home.
Dec 21st, 2009 (3:41 pm)“Ms. Rohrer has a big job ahead of her. One of them will be to rebut other manufacturers’ efforts to negate the Volt’s advantages with competing products and misleading claims. ”
He’s right! So many of my non-engineer friends think of electric cars with limited range and in constant need of charging. Ms. Rohrer needs to get the word out about the simplicity of using the Volt, Don’t complicate the message with technical jargon. Save those discussions for Lyle and us.
I hope Chevy uses the Want List for their first mailing. The response rate would be terriffic and she could use these results in further marketing.
I volunteer right now to be an early customer and promise to give good, honest feedback.
Thanks!
+1
Dec 21st, 2009 (3:49 pm)OT, . . . the sound of flood gates opening (?),
Better Place’s Renault Fluence EV to sell for under $20,000
http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/better-places-renault-fluence-ev-to-sell-for-under-20-000/
/I’m assuming there’s a battery lease to go along with that price, . . but if the lease is reasonable. . . .
Dec 21st, 2009 (4:06 pm)120 add,
http://www.autonews.com/article/20091221/RETAIL03/312219982/1186#
“We buy electricity. Our job is selling miles,” Agassi told Automotive News. “We’re the new gas station network.”/ ughh — disregard floodgate comment — sounds like Agassi wants to be the ultimate middle man
+2
Dec 21st, 2009 (4:32 pm)====================
I have said this before, but I suppose I can repeat it here one more time: (This is a slightly revised version…)
So who does GM want to really be the Beta Testers for this vehicle?
A bunch of snot nosed movie stars and hot air politicians that basically hate GM to start with, and would whine and cry that the car is junk, when they have the first little problem.
Or
A group of highly technical people spread across the country that understand the meaning of being a Beta Tester, and really do want the Voltec system to succeed, who would work with GM to perfect those last little details, and provide detailed reports back to GM on their experiences. These same people have been following the development of the car for years, and understand what GM is trying to accomplish.
I’ll take Ohio over California any day……..
JMHO
One other thing: When did dealerships become Chevrolet Stores???
Dec 21st, 2009 (4:38 pm)I think that it will really help the Volt rollout that Maria is a hot babe and apparently single.
Dec 21st, 2009 (4:45 pm)=================================
No real surprise about Japan. GM sells next to nothing there.
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/18/gm-aims-to-double-sales-in-japan-by-2011/
http://autos.aol.com/article/japan-bias
+2
Dec 21st, 2009 (4:47 pm)OK. I’ll go there. I’m from Missouri.
Show me the study that says use of oil will increase in the US in the next 3 years (EVs or not). For the last 2 years it has decreased. We currently are swimming in oil with no place to put more.
It’s not just EVs that will reduce the use of oil. It’s E85, wind, solar, NG, and biofuels as well. Not to mention CAFE. And not least of all the angry Americans!
Yeah, EVs are a very small drop in the ocean of oil for the next few years, however, Americans are mad as hell about the price of oil. When we get mad and fed up, we change quickly. Hell, we even elected an African-American as president. We’ve NEVER done that before.
Every EV will sell as fast as they can make them for the foreseeable future even if we are inconvenienced in some way. We will stop using oil just for the hell of it. And nobody can stop us. We’ll even hand-build EVs in our garages just to stick it to the sheiks! Even if it costs twice as much as using oil, we will do it.
In other words, it’s a movement. EVs are the catalyst. Ya can’t stop it and ya can’t predict what will happen.
Dec 21st, 2009 (5:08 pm)A year ago Bob Lutz stated that no one will get a Volt before 2010. We’re now just 1 1/2 weeks away from 2010.
GM reports that they are in good shape financially. National employment numbers have improved in most U.S. states. The international stock markets are hanging in there. With most performing better than expected.
The GM line is looking good and is being supported by an aggressive marketing campaign. Howie Long, Best Car Win, Volt dance.. ect.
The Cruze will be released this Summer followed by the start of Volt production in November.
The competition really isn’t responding. Example: Two new cross overs from Kia both offering around 20 mpg. Not even close to the Chevy Equinox numbers.
_______________________________
A word of advice for GM. Make the product roll out simple and understandable. Offer basic models at good prices. Learn from the successful roll out of iTouch and Droid products. These offer a good price usually linked to some sort of long term agreement. These need very little advertising as both products are fun, useful, cool, have long battery life, are expandable, and have a long list of high end accessories.
I learned of the Droid by testing the latest model which a friend owns. He most likely discovered the Droid in a Motorola Sales and Support Center. This one Droid purchase combined with a good buying experience and happy ownership will likely sell at least 5 more.
Learn from this winning formula and follow it closely.
=D~
Dec 21st, 2009 (5:29 pm)Hey Tag @ 41, it is my understanding the 250,000 limit is for all vehicles and then a phase-out. I have seen both ways expressed on the internet, but I think the overall limit is the correct view. I am no expert and as is often pointed out, I can be wrong.
Dec 21st, 2009 (5:38 pm)Statik clarified it above, including an example.
Merry Christmas,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Dec 21st, 2009 (6:04 pm)That’s funny my Mom always says big muckity mucks, and she grew up in northern cal, maybe it’s a “regional thang.”
Dec 21st, 2009 (6:54 pm)Tag,
did you get the low down on my handle from yesterday?
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.
Dec 21st, 2009 (7:00 pm)Rats, no I missed it – and I’ve been reading every post (well I guess I missed at least one)! Could you please point me toward it (or repost it).
Thanks,
Merry Christmas,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Dec 21st, 2009 (7:04 pm)4:06 pm
Yup.
Dec 21st, 2009 (7:10 pm)Yes the batteries belong to the company.. you buy a monthly miles plan (which also includes the electricity used to recharge them and whole battery swaps if desired), not leased.. they promise the miles plan will be cheaper than buying gas.. but gas at $2.65 a gallon?
PBP has all my support, I wish them all the luck and if they can make big profits even better.. I prefer they get the profits than the arabs.
Dec 21st, 2009 (7:12 pm)Ultimate Middleman = Monopoly
Dec 21st, 2009 (7:19 pm)Off topic….
Ford offers buyouts to UAW workers…
http://money.cnn.com/2009/12/21/news/companies/ford_buyouts.reut/index.htm?section=money_latest&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fmoney_latest+%28Latest+News%29
“Under the terms of the new buyouts, Ford workers with at least a year of experience will be eligible for a payout of $50,000 plus a new car voucher worth $25,000 or an additional cash payment of $20,000.”
Dang, what a cashout. I wonder how many will take the offer.
Dec 21st, 2009 (7:24 pm)I put it up pretty late. Sorry about that. I’ll save you the trouble of looking for it.
It stands for where I live. Right now I need a Tagamet for my stomach.
Can’t keep up with the number of posts and not sure if I answered everyone responding to my posts. Had a rough night last and slower than usual today.
Merry Christmas and a Happier New Year.
Dec 21st, 2009 (7:29 pm)THANKS, I was here until after midnight (east coast time) and still managed to miss it.
Be well,
Merry Christmas,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Dec 21st, 2009 (7:46 pm)Mike (from the last thread)
“What? You don’t believe that the ice caps and glaciers are melting and disappearing, or that there are millions of people in the great the U.S.A. that don’t have health insurance.?”
A, its not likely we can do much about melting ice caps with the present strategy, although the guy from microsoft might have hit on an idea, and
B, Obama isn’t being honest about the costs of health care for all
Dec 21st, 2009 (7:59 pm)There goes *that* discussion.
Merry Christmas,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Dec 21st, 2009 (8:03 pm)If GM wants to improve the customer experience. Don’t have a no answer from every dealer in Southwest Florida when I go in to buy a Volt.
Take Care,
TED
Dec 21st, 2009 (8:07 pm)Hey JEC,
I can see what you mean about what “side of the fence” you are on.
That’s the indistinct thing about marketing. It seems to me that marketers have a really subtle job in needing to look at the entire profitabiltiy picture.
One of the really nice things about this site, is that I am allowed to say some really (properly) disruptive things. Do you realize that all the other sites would never “put up” with my outrageous viewpoints. There is something very deeply credible with any site that puts up with the type of
“apple cart” upset that I could (unintentionally as well as intentionally) cause on behalf of the greater good. (My deep political opposition not only needs to think I’m crazy, it would not at all surprise me if my medical records were politically-corrupted to reflect such political opinions by the religious right). (I have had indications of this, which is nothing new to their practices down through the decades).
If I happened to have my own website, (which I will never do), it would be disregarded and dismissed because I am too often involved with protecting the interests of you very vehicle owners, to the dismay frequently of (and I am not at all talking about GM), to the dismay of what I would call “extreme profit America”, who might be just as willing to soak you for every penny you might ever get.
GM is not nor has ever been like that. That is why I really deeply like GM management, all the way up, and all the way to the service bay.
Everyone knows I am on GM’s side.
I flatter no one.
But if there is any corporation that deserves every bit of acknowlegement for their superb interest in both the customers interests as well as the environments’ inerest, it is the management and engineers at GM.
Dec 21st, 2009 (8:12 pm)Hey Dan!
You’re more than tolerated here, you fit right in! I’m not sure I’d put that on a resume or anything, but it’s the truth – we’re a very mixed basket of nuts (lol).
Merry Christmas,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Dec 21st, 2009 (8:14 pm)Thanks Tag.
Very Merry Christmas to you too. And, a very proseperous New Year is coming to ALL.
Dec 21st, 2009 (8:19 pm)7:12 pm
Yup.
Dec 21st, 2009 (8:29 pm)-3
Dec 21st, 2009 (8:32 pm)MILF!!!!!!!!!
Dec 21st, 2009 (8:49 pm)“I think people in California understand what it stands for, what its all about, are open to diffent propulsion systems, and this is a market that will receive it from day one very very well.”
Yu c, peuple heer en kEntucky dunno no wat the Volt stands fer. Dem der peuple en cAliforniia do doh. I bet dey hav sum juice…i mean electrik at der housses. We stilh usin de john outside. Be years b-for we can understand dem volt cars.
Doesn’t this comment by her insult anyone but me?! People in California understand what it stands for?! Gimme a break. How stupid is she or how stupid does she think the rest of the U.S. is? Pathetic choice of words.
Hawk
Dec 21st, 2009 (8:55 pm)The insult was noted very early in this thread.
Merry Christmas,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Dec 21st, 2009 (8:59 pm)Noel,
I love the comment that even the trolls here are civil (LOL). That says a great deal about our group and this site.
Be well, Merry Christmas, and a HAPPY VOLT YEAR!
Tagamet
Dec 21st, 2009 (9:17 pm)“Ms. Rohrer has a big job ahead of her. One of them will be to rebut other manufacturers’ efforts to negate the Volt’s advantages with competing products and misleading claims. ”
***************************************************
Good luck, Ms. Rohrer.
I’m sure you get the importAnce of your task to present such a new tech product to the market for its approval.
Here is my idea for the kind of commercial to illustrate the strength of Voltec:
Two sailboats head out of a seaside port on a nice day for a day of rest and recreation. (sailboats are like electric cars: quiet and greener)
One says Volt on the billowing sail and reads Chevrolet or Chevy Volt on the stern.
The other says “battery-only electric vehicle” or something similar on the sail, and Ford ‘n’ Nissan on the stern.
The only difference between them is that Volt has a big outboard motor on the back (not a Honda, heh).
Near day’s end the ocean is suddenly becalmed.
The bev sailboat swings the boom back and forth frantically trying to find a draft.
The Volt sailboat calmly dips its outboard into the water, fires up and heads for home port.
As it heads into the harbor it passes a Coast Guard cutter ( the emergency roadside service), which is headed out to rescue the bev.
This stuff writes itself.
Dec 21st, 2009 (9:19 pm)Dan,
I was not saying your were wrong, just that my view point came from a different direction.
I appreciate all the opinions, including the good, the bad, and the ugly (Hey, Clint Eastwood would also fit in here!).
Wishing you and all the Volteze a Merry Christmas (Ok, the Trolls to..)
Dec 21st, 2009 (9:20 pm)Dan,
I was not saying your were wrong, just that my view point came from a different direction.
I appreciate all the opinions, including the good, the bad, and the ugly (Hey, Clint Eastwood would also fit in here!).
Wishing you and all the Volteze a Merry Christmas (Ok, the Trolls to..)
Dec 21st, 2009 (9:23 pm)Volt45,
I like the Coast Guard cutter touch (g).
Merry Christmas,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Dec 21st, 2009 (10:31 pm)
Dec 21st, 2009 (10:34 pm)I believe Maria is referring to the entertainment industry rather than the per hour working public. With just a few thousand Volt being available the odds of even getting a test drive are low.
Expect to see several news people driving the 2011 Volt around San Diego, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. With plenty of on air comments to follow.
=D~
Dec 21st, 2009 (10:49 pm)Hey JEC. Yes, I agree with you and I’m perfectly ok with where you’re at. I just tend to ramble on (and on).
On a different set of notes,
Considering new angles of approach from different perspectives is what this site enables 7-24, and, it’s really nice.
That’s exactly how I work every day, with technicians that have experience from every imaginable direction based on their work histories. But the goal is to head toward the correct solutions and directions for whomever needs us to solve problems (before the problems get out of control).
At no other site have I ever seen this kind of technical advancement occur as at this magnificent site.
We all strive to understand each other, and then, technical advancement results.
OTOH, (not related to 99% of posters here) closed minds everywhere accomplish nothing anywhere.
Closed minds often are entirely too reliant upon self-forgiveness for [technical] shortcomings, ommisions, and insufficient customer care. While yes we must all always strive for the self-awareness for self improvement to search for the true needs of others, I sadly find all too often in one-half of all the auto repair business (usually chains) that there is too close a correlation between excessive self-forgiveness/the corporatized protection racket, and intellectual laziness and just outright crass self-forgiveness-arrogance as well as incompetence that causes the vehicle owner to not have the correct things fixed firstly.
Americal wants more jobs.
That is not going to happen in a technical age without technical writers/educators of all kinds. There happens to be a lot of exceptional technical writing performed by many at this site, and, it’s pretty impressive. America wants more jobs. It just is not going to happen with entrenched “old time” [mis]“leadership” that just wants to keep in control of power for power retention sake only.
Leadership that understands technology will promote the right conditions for job growth. (Texas needs a different Governor).
Dec 21st, 2009 (11:26 pm)OT: Looks like the SAAB talks will continue until the end of Dec.
Merry Christmas,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
+1
Dec 21st, 2009 (11:58 pm)As always, I’ve been informed (and entertained) by almost every post on this thread. And I want to wish everyone here a truly joyous Christmas & a Happy New Year!
Dec 22nd, 2009 (12:25 am)Same to you! We’re in the home stretch.
Merry Christmas and a Happy Volt Year,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The Volts’ Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Dec 22nd, 2009 (12:39 am)Why do we need a global marketing program when GM only intends to make 10,000 the first year and 60,000 the second? We could sell that many right here on this web site!
As far as the waiting list is concerned, there is no better advertising than putting real Volts in the hands of the people on this site. GM-Volt.com helped to make the Volt a reality. Grass roots support is more powerful than $10 million in advertising. Many of us have been actively part of promoting the Volt for years.
Just imagine what would happen if we got the first Volts in our respective regions!
Dec 22nd, 2009 (2:09 am)There is a company which will shortly announce a produce which turns a dryer connection into a J1772 connection. (It will also keep the dryer connection). From what I understand you are not the only one with a dryer connection in the garage.
Dec 22nd, 2009 (5:51 am)Something like this that I posted on Tesla’s blog a couple of years ago (http://www.teslamotors.com/blog2/?p=53) except for J1772:
“David Kosowsky wrote on September 5th, 2007 at 8:55 pm
I have to check my loads, but a thought in the meantime that could help for many situations:
If it’s practical, either design into the charger or create a separate load switching device to sit ahead of another large load to restrict to only one of the 2 loads at a time. For example, plug the charger (or load switching device) into the dryer’s outlet and then have an outlet in the charge (or other device) to plug the dryer into. At these loads, this wouldn’t be a cheap option but should be a lot less than installing a new circuit for the Thayer.”
Dec 22nd, 2009 (5:59 am)+100
We have to give Ms. Rohrer credit for intimating for the first time that GM might be inerested in doing something with the GM-VOLT.COM wantlist. This is HUGE and I hope Lyle will follow up with her on this.
Dec 22nd, 2009 (7:03 am)I hope your right, but I wouldn’t count on it.
Dec 22nd, 2009 (8:05 am)Next year should bring the world a few viable options to burning mostly fossil fuels for personal transportation. I hope we humans are smart enough to take this ball and run with it.
Dec 22nd, 2009 (11:07 am)2:09 am (!) Now that’s dedication!
As to the product you reported on, “God send that it shall be true.”
Dec 22nd, 2009 (11:10 am)5:51 am
Yeah man, bring it on!
Dec 22nd, 2009 (11:16 am)7:03 am
I hear you, but my hope is that they’re smarter than we give them credit for. I mean, what could it cost them to send us all an email and dare us to put up or shut up? I bet that they could sell more cars for less effort than any previous time in the history of car marketing. I’m about as backward as anybody about all of this “digital age” and “viral marketing” stuff, but even I can see the potential there.
Dr. Dennis can sure feel free to give them my email any time.
Dec 22nd, 2009 (3:16 pm)Lyle, get over it. Sorry you can’t get the Volt first but its not necessary to badger the poor woman. She has only been on the job for a couple weeks.
Ms. Rohrer very aptly stated that California will just have more demand and the right kind. What that translates to, in terms of customer experience, is that those in CA will probably be more willing to forgive sloppy salesmen, poor new owner training etc. Where as in NY, or FL or somewhere else, as a buyer you may not put up with that kind of poor treatment.
Sure there are those that view and participate on this site, like yourself, but they are thinking about the larger market. Which I don’t blame them for. They are looking to sell 50k+ cars, not 5k. Hitting the ground running outside of CA benefits everyone.
Dec 23rd, 2009 (4:46 pm)Where the heck is Canda?
Dec 25th, 2009 (12:44 am)I am concerned about the recent lawsuit for patent infringement filed against GM/Volt by the Owens Magnetic Car Co. 85 years ago this concept was a mass produced vehicle. Now 85 years later GM revives ancient technology. In the meantime practically every manufacturer has a car coming to market that will be technologically superior to the Volt in every way and will cost 50 to 30% less. These cars will be available at the same time the Volt goes on sale. GM still doesn’t “get it” and engineers the world round are laughing up their sleeves.
Dec 30th, 2009 (8:31 pm)Marketing the Volt.
B52′s_Roam (if you want to)
http://garfwod.250free.com/Volt_Roam_B52s.mp3
=D~
Jan 2nd, 2010 (9:28 am)They are talking about needing a charger installed in your garage for 240v fast charging. IMHO a really dumb idea.
Jan 5th, 2010 (9:00 pm)Marketing the Volt.
BillySquire_EverybodyWantsYou_clip
http://garfwod.250free.com/Volt_BillySquire_clip_1.mp3
=D~
Jan 6th, 2010 (11:22 am)Had a talk with the man-on-the-street today. Looked about age 36. He had just parked his bike on a bicycle rack. Here’s how the conversation went:
D>Look at all the V8 trucks on the road. And with just the driver. What a waste of fuel.
M>Yeah (shaking his head).
D>Looking forward to the electric cars that are coming out. Will be very stealthy.
M>I was walking in a parking lot recently and a hybrid nearly backed over me. Couldn’t hear it.
D>Yeah .. the Nissan Leaf electric car will have a humming sound. And the Chevy Volt will have an inoffensive beeping sound.
M>The what?
D>The Chevy Volt.
M>Hum? (like he never heard of it)
=D~
Jan 15th, 2010 (9:16 pm)Marketing the Volt.
BryanAdams_Heaven_live_acoustic_clip
http://garfwod.250free.com/Volt_BryanAdams_clip.mp3
=D~
Jan 16th, 2010 (12:08 pm)Marketing the Volt.
Expose_LetMeBeTheOne_clip
http://garfwod.250free.com/Volt_LetMeBeTheOne_clip.mp3
=D~
Jan 16th, 2010 (8:59 pm)Expose – Let Me Be The One
metacafe MYPLAY video
http://video.search.yahoo.com/video/play?p=Expose+Let+Me+Be+The+One&ei=UTF-8&fr=yfp-t-701&tnr=21&vid=0001537514588
=D~