Lets face it, GM has been promoting the Volt message for three years, as we have here as well.
As a result, a lot of people have at least heard about the car, perhaps even the majority of the US population. Mostly this message has been spread through non-conventional social media and news publications, not traditional commercial advertising.
Since the car will only be released in limited numbers for its first year of production, and demand will far outstrip supply, should GM even bother spending money to advertise it?
“We are still working through the marketing and advertising plan but clearly the public relations buzz and social media attention is most helpful and will help offset expenditures for traditional communication methods,” said Maria Rohrer, former director of global Volt marketing.
“Advocates and enthusiasts like yourself are already on board for sure and we’re thankful for your support,” she said. “That said, I think you would agree that there’s still some need to make sure we open up the idea of driving electrically (targeted properly) to as many as possible for a sustained plan going forth.”
Unfortunately, Ms. Rohrer was not long for her new position as director of global Volt marketing. GM sources have told GM-Volt.com that she has been reassigned, after only a few weeks on the job.
Whether this had do to with her masterminding the infamous Chevy Volt Dance is at this point a matter of conjecture.
This entry was posted on Friday, January 22nd, 2010 at 7:15 am and is filed under Advertising. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.
+5
Jan 22nd, 2010 (7:23 am)Not the first year with only 10,000 being made.
But she brought up an interesting point.
Does the public need to get used to the idea of plugging in their car?
Maybe they don’t need to market the Volt so much as they may need to market the idea.
But you are right Lyle. Demand will far outstrip supply.
And when I get mine, I’m kicking my wife out of bed and inviting the Volt to join me there.
+4
Jan 22nd, 2010 (7:27 am)NO, let the people on list get the first crack with so few being made
+16
Jan 22nd, 2010 (7:36 am)Yes, GM needs to advertise the Volt, especially in those markets where it will be available . Why? To keep the word-of-mouth (and the buzz) going. When a driver sees one at the stoplight, he’ll turn to the passenger and say, “Look, that’s one of those cool plug-in cars that GM came out with this year.”
Yes, also, because we cannot assume that the unwashed masses know the difference between a Volt, a pure EV, and a conventional hybrid. As the horror stores make the rounds about early BEV (i.e. Leaf) adopters getting stranded becasue their battery ran out, it will be crucial that the public understand that the Volt is immune to this problem.
That said, I concur that the advertising campaign needs to leverage all the free publicity the Volt has been reaping, and wil continue to reap.
Jan 22nd, 2010 (7:42 am)Because of the limited supply I say no. There will be enough buzz and free PR without having to also pay for more.
What GM must minimize at all costs is the backlash that would come from “GM made this great car that lots of people want and almost nobody can get one so now we’re all pissed off at GM and we’re going to look to other car makers. Hey I think that new Prius is a plug-in just like the new Volt right? I’ll go down to the Toyota dealership and have a look.”
+22
Jan 22nd, 2010 (7:49 am)GM needs to advertise the Volt, though not to sell Volt cars.
I think the limited amounts of Volt cars of the first year will be sold even without a single dollar spent on advertising.
But what GM now desperately needs is a “look at GM now!” campaign, letting people know that GM has arised from the financial crisis with new, exciting cars, new exciting technologies, and GM overall is new and exciting. High tech, high quality, cool – maybe it “rubs off” to the overall GM image…
Thus GM needs to advertise the Volt, to promote not the Volt itself, but GM as a whole.
+19
Jan 22nd, 2010 (7:52 am)I think education of the media is at least as important as advertising. I’m tired of hearing “experts” or news people saying, “But it only goes 40 miles on electricity”
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The ***VOLTS’*** Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
+1
Jan 22nd, 2010 (7:55 am)I posted this in the “Off Topic” forum. The inspiration just overwhelmed me.
+2
Jan 22nd, 2010 (7:58 am)Use the money set for advertising to help offset the price of the vehicle. The first customers to purchase the vehicle will be the best advertising around. Make sure Lyle gets the biggest discount. This website has been the biggest bang for the buck around. Nice job
+3
Jan 22nd, 2010 (8:06 am)If we look at the Toyota model of business success, we see that reliability is the key to growing market share. And we certainly can see that nay-sayers call into question the life of the Lithium Ion Battery. So I would say yes, make the case that GM has turned the corner and is building reliable vehicles, and two, make the case that the Volt is as reliable as other hybrids. And of course, keep making the case for electrification of vehicles, less gas, less pollution, and less noise.
On the other hand, I would not ramp up advertising until May or whenever the MSRP has been disclosed, and the Volt has been put into the hands of independent evaluators so we know real world AER and charge sustaining gas mileage. Otherwise the ads come off as trying to sell a pig in a poke.
+2
Jan 22nd, 2010 (8:07 am)Regardless of advertising (conventional and/or educational) it is important for somebody(ies) at GM to manage the flow of information, because the stakes are high and emotions are high and there is HUGE room for misunderstanding.
Even if they get free advertising materials from us and others – it needs to be integrated and managed. Can’t totally control it (the Volt dancers), but you can manage it.
+4
Jan 22nd, 2010 (8:09 am)Fully agree.
p.s. I think the Chevy Volt Dance would be a VERY good reason to fire a Communication/Marketing Director…
+5
Jan 22nd, 2010 (8:12 am)With limited supply the Volt simply needs to maintain a presence. Remember when GM posted news that over 2 dozen Volt were assembled and driven across the Eastern U.S. in a test convoy? What happened immediately after? Nissan announced that the Leaf would beat the Volt to the consumer market. As far as we know. Nissan has produced one Leaf powered by a bank of 4 standard automotive batteries.
My suggestion for the Volt is to offer national test drive days. Announce the upcoming test drive days with a 10-15 second radio advertisement.
example: Chevrolet test drive days in the new electric drive Volt! Be sure to come by Earl Warren Showground in Santa Barbara for your free demo drive. May 15th at Earl Warren. That’s Saturday May 15th. Try the new electric Volt sedan!
=D~
+1
Jan 22nd, 2010 (8:15 am)These are examples of things that have to be managed. Probably need to use some advertising money to do this. Some of these things will just automatically generate a positive buz. Some can turn negative. Maybe the proper term is “spin control” (sorry)
.
Remember how even little positive things can be turned negative (the sound of the ICE).
+4
Jan 22nd, 2010 (8:15 am)Lyle,
For what it’s worth, I have several times(I refrain from using the term “frequently”) brought up the Volt with friends or acquaintances in recent months, and perhaps only once was there a vague idea that it was ‘some sort of hybrid(which of course, it is not).’
+4
Jan 22nd, 2010 (8:17 am)+1 to you JohnK. that says it all. The hidden meaning is we are bloody smart if we buy one. love it, well done. makes a good desktop wallpaper as well. heh.
To the subject, I think the marketing is perfect at present. Normal adds with the tag line, “And the Volt is coming” For the first year, I want GM to get away from Normal, advertising, and focus on more soft sell Education type adds which just can not be done in 30 seconds., normal adds can have the tag line “The Volt, in mass production soon. Test drive one today”.
The VERY best advertising, GM marketing can do, is to GIVE each dealership a line Validation model (or two) for use as a demo car. I truly believe, based upon the driving experiences of Lyle et al. that the car will SELL ITSELF once driven.
Jan 22nd, 2010 (8:18 am)Maybe even some of us would offer our own to be used for a test drive day. I would (assuming I had one).
+3
Jan 22nd, 2010 (8:18 am)Advertise = NO
Educate = YES
After 3 years of Volt existence, most consumers still have absolutely no clue what it is beyond being just a vehicle offering a plug. Lacking so much understanding of how it actually operates and the ownership experiences to expect is a recipe for misconceptions & greenwashing. Both automaker & enthusiast should already be working hard to prevent that.
+2
Jan 22nd, 2010 (8:22 am)BT #14, yes, and it seems like a LARGE percentage of people that I mention the Volt to have NO IDEA that it can go farther than 40 miles, and then if it does, “Well then when you run out of battery how hard it is to get out and connect the engine?”
+4
Jan 22nd, 2010 (8:29 am)I see the current adds where they compare the chevy mpg lineup one by one (selectively of course) to Toyota and chevy wins each time. Take the same commercial and add the Volt at the end next to the prius or plug in prius. Again, Chevy wins.
Jan 22nd, 2010 (8:34 am)I want to sell a parsnip to you. I can tell you it kind of looks like a carrot. And that there are vitamins in it. Or I could meet with you. Let you hold it in your hand. And, if you like, take a bite.
=D~
+2
Jan 22nd, 2010 (8:58 am)Of course GM must advertise the Volt if they want the car to sell.
If anyone thinks that GM will not advertise the Volt they are sadly mistaken.
The Toyota Prius has the welcome to harmony, where man’s wants and nature’s needs agree commercial and the Honda Insight has the let it shine commercial. GM is up against both manufacturers in the marketplace and everyone knows it.
If GM (with its bad reputation) does not make a clear distinction between their new Volt and the Prius / Insight both of these manufactures will in time produce their own Volt negating GM’s early advantage.
If it were me providing the marketing, the Volt would be marketed solving serious American global economic problems. The U.S., which consumes about a quarter of the world’s oil, should lead the global transition away from oil.
+1
Jan 22nd, 2010 (8:58 am)If GM feels strongly that production / demand goes up in 2011 and beyond, then maybe advertising is needed.
I agree with everyone that the 1st year is not worth advertising when looked at in isolation, but if you know the 2nd, 3rd and 4th years you plan on ramping up then I’m not sure it isn’t a good idea to get out early. Verizon starting advertising the Droid before it was even available……
In addition if it’s done right it serves as several of you have mentioned as the education tool. Kind of mixing in earlier post of “Look at GM Now” and “Look at whats coming Next”. The buzz alone might help GM Branding.
I also think GM is forced to put ALOT into the success of VOLT. If you think about it this way, there is no other car/truck/suv that GM has that is substantially different then Ford, Toyota, Nissan, etc. The Volt is the one car that NOBODY has like it. And given GM has not shown an ability to compete head on with the other manufacturers and make money doing it. (Don’t get me wrong Cadillacs are cool and GMC’s are awesome) So i think GM has to sieze a market while they are the only ones in it. And I see Volt as different enough from other Hybrids to be that totally NEW stand alone car. So they may be forced to advertise and try to separate themselves from the others if that makes sense…
Go Volt
+7
Jan 22nd, 2010 (9:01 am)I agree and I’ll add to this list. At the Detroit auto-show on Saturday, when the spokesperson was describing the Volt and she got to the part “Built right here in Hamtramck” the crowd applauded. I think not only could the Volt be a green-halo car for GM, but specifically an American-green halo. I think this fact is important to enough ppl in the US, that it should be a marketing point.
+3
Jan 22nd, 2010 (9:01 am)I voted yes. I think the educational piece is very much needed. Not to sell gen1 Volts per se, just to get the idea of electrics out there.
Initially, people need to know this is electric drive and they will use zero gas most of the time. The nitty-gritty technical details of Voltec will be lost on most consumers.
Very few people I know have any idea what a Volt is or how it works. And these are highly technical 30-somethings.
+1
Jan 22nd, 2010 (9:05 am)The better the Volt sells, the faster the public gets acclamated to EREV’s, BEV’s and FCV’s, the faster demand rizes for them and the faster production and sales increases.
Moreover, the Volt IS a halo car for GM, so it really boosts GM’s overall image and sales for the Volt to be seen as much as possible.
+2
Jan 22nd, 2010 (9:05 am)While that sounds good in theory I don’t know how they could pull it off. GM would want, and people would also want, to drive the vehicle in EV mode more than CS mode. How would you keep them charged up all day as one person after another jumps in the drivers seat for a spin? While all us “enthusiasts” here want to experience the CS mode and see what that all entails for MPG etc the uneducated masses would be disappointed for sure if they showed up to drive a Volt and the battery was already depleted and the engine was running.
+4
Jan 22nd, 2010 (9:11 am)Then you are not educating enough
I tell everyone I know and some people I don’t know.
+15
Jan 22nd, 2010 (9:14 am)Yes, without a doubt GM should advertise Volt! Relentlessly!
Most Americans have no concept of the Volt or how it works.
This is not just a campaign to sell Volts. Its a campaign to shift American conciousness toward the genius of Voltec technology and all its benefits.
If you don’t control the spin of your new revolutionary product, your competitors will.
GO VOLT!
+1
Jan 22nd, 2010 (9:15 am)hi RonR 26 …
Then we better make the location the local Chevrolet dealer. This way the people coming to test the Volt can watch Volt video. Or discuss availability and price issues.
You are right RonR. The dealer test drive is the way to go. And with OnStar, the dealer won’t need to check I.D. of the driver. The Volt can be remotely slowed to a stop if driven too far off. Good idea RonR +1.
=D~
Jan 22nd, 2010 (9:19 am)I feel that GM needs to do both educate and advertise the Volt. Education needs to begin and the dealer level and then spread through to the general public. Educating the sales force early on will generate more excitement and even if the Volt is limited when people come in they will see the other great products we have available like the Cruze(mid summer). The advertising will educate the public as to the real benefits of the Volt and its innovative technology.
+1
Jan 22nd, 2010 (9:21 am)They really need to use their heads when they do. I heard a radio spot that talked about a 40 mile range, and that’s NOT good. People listening to that thought that the car would stop after 40 miles.
That’s why I think not having the 2nd gas tank was a mistake. Then they could say the car has a 700 mile range with 40 of it pure electric and grab people’s attention.
Their points should be in order of importance:
1. convenience – “this is a normal car you can drive just like your current car in all ways”
2. Reliability – The car will be as reliable or more than what you drive.
3. Operating cost savings (I know up front costs, but that’s not advertising)
4. Performance – This car will drive better than what you drive now. They don’t need to tout it as a sports car, but they should make it seem like a sporty car. (if it performs that way)
Then down below that is gas savings – environment – future tech and all the BS that people on this site come for.
The reason is that the people that want a green car will know, it’s the people that are on the fence that GM needs to convert.
Jan 22nd, 2010 (9:22 am)Who? What?
The point is to REPLACE current vehicle production with high-efficiency technology.
How many Volt will be replacing Chevy?
Jan 22nd, 2010 (9:30 am)The point of the chevy commercial that I was referring to is to show that for corrolla, camry, Rav4, and I forget what else that Chevy cars are more efficient. GM is on a mission to show that they have high mileage cars. The Volt helps with this.
Volt will be used as a halo car for a few years and I am saying that is great, use it. It would fit right into the end of some of their current adds.
+2
Jan 22nd, 2010 (9:30 am)Thursday, January 21, 2010
Tesla’s $465 million fed loan for Model S EV plant secured:
Today Tesla secured its $465 million federal loan to produce the Model S electric car. By the end of 2013, Tesla hopes to begin producing about 20,000 Model S electric sedans per year. With around 300 miles of EV range, the Model S is expected to cost about $50,000 after a $7500 tax credit.
Tesla also expects the loan to lead to the creation of at least 1,600 jobs.
http://www.hybridcarblog.com/
=D~
Jan 22nd, 2010 (9:32 am)===================================
The only problem with your Droid analogy is that when they set a release date for sale, there were millions of units available for purchase worldwide. With the Volt, there will only be 10K units for an entire year, and only in a few select areas.
So why waste the cash to advertise a product that almost no one will be able to buy?
If they ramp up production for the 2012 model year, available in September, 2011, then it would make sense to start advertising them around July, 2011. By then they could include testimonials from the owners of the first year’s production.
JMHO
+2
Jan 22nd, 2010 (9:36 am)Anyone notice how long I’ve been harping on the lack of advertising for the Volt?
It does’nt matter that the Volt’s first run will be in small numbers and in limited markets, it still needs to be advertised.
It needs to be advertised starting now to get the public informed and get them ready for what the Volt is: a game changer.
GM’s intentions will be made evident in how they advertise the Volt.
This should be interesting.
Jan 22nd, 2010 (9:44 am)Of course GM needs to advertise the Volt! Unfortunately, it’s the only way to convey a message to the public. The current ad is well done, they can start with that and expand on the electric theme.
+1
Jan 22nd, 2010 (9:47 am)The Volt will get plenty of advertising just because it exists. Kind of like Big Foot (or UFOs). No one advertises big foot but because it is like some kind of strange phenomena, people talk about it and everyone knows about Big Foot. The Volt will be similar in year one. Most people will never see one on the road but they will know about it and talk about it because the Volt is a phenomena. There will be news stories, Blog entries, and tales of zero gas usage.
+1
Jan 22nd, 2010 (9:50 am)I think there are potential problems both ways, especially early in the Volt era. If GM advertises big time early and people can’t get the car for a year or more and the price for the available ones skyrockets, that’s not good. But as people have said, there is a big learning curve going from ICE to EREV. Really smart people I talk to have a hard time getting what seems obvious to me about how the Volt operates. So GM does need to educate the driving public but in the short term the lucky ones that have one will be all the advertising that is necessary because they will love the car more than their dog, maybe their spouse!
+1
Jan 22nd, 2010 (9:51 am)Yes
They should advertise, mostly because it will help sell the Cruze.
I’ve said it many times people come in drive the Volt then buy the Cruze. This is why each dealer should have one Volt they keep just for test drives. Gm can advertise the Volt and you can test drive one now at any dealer.
+3
Jan 22nd, 2010 (9:52 am)Had a visit here in Denmark of a good friendd(49 years) who live in L.A. – I asked him : What do you think about the Volt – he was one big ?
I told him about it and he had heard of Tesla !!
So, if folks that live in California don´t know what Volt it is recommended to advertise !!
+1
Jan 22nd, 2010 (9:53 am)Totally agree. Advertise the idea. The Volt is only the 1st among other products (i.e. Converj, etc.) to be introduced.
Jan 22nd, 2010 (9:57 am)I look forward to the day when I see my local Chevy dealer pitching Chevy Volts on our local evening news commercials. That means I can go down to my local Chevy dealer and buy one of these babies.
Jan 22nd, 2010 (10:09 am)Year one, no advertising. Get the car to early adopters and it will go viral all by itself. Year two may need advertising a bit, but not much and after that it will be a regular product offering. A big flashy campaign at launch would be a huge waste of money IMO, as well as frustration for the general public as they rush down to the dealer only to find the dealer has none to even look at let alone test drive. I say pretty much no ads until about 2013.
+1
Jan 22nd, 2010 (10:10 am)What an insane question to ask.
Goodness gracious. Yes, if course they should.
It doesn’t matter if your new product is a revolutionary electric car or a new color of hand towels. You advertise it so people will buy them. It’s just that simple.
+1
Jan 22nd, 2010 (10:13 am)Until the current pent up demand for the Volt has been met, advertising will not be necessary in order to help sell Volts. However as a potential “halo” car for GM, the Volt could become the celebrity that will help improve GM’s image and help them sell other products.
I suspect the Volt will continue to appear in commercials to market GM and Chevy’s brands, but not for the objective of improving demand for the Volt itself anytime soon.
I think GM has done a good job of cooperating with media and site like this to manage viral information and I believe that type of product information is better than paid advertising anyway.
+1
Jan 22nd, 2010 (10:21 am)Yes, well said.
+1
Jan 22nd, 2010 (10:23 am)Yes.
Vehicle – The Ides Of March
“…I’m your vehicle baby! I’ll take you anywhere you want to go…”
DUNT-DUNT-DANT-DUNN-NAHHHHHHHHH….. DANT!
+1
Jan 22nd, 2010 (10:33 am)What is the point in getting the public all worked up and in a lather over this fantastic new car, when all they’re going to find at the dealership is a salesman and brochure. This of course is assuming that the folks live in one of the blessed states of the union and they have a participating dealer. When they find out that they can put down a deposit and then get on a waiting list that is likely to produce at least a year wait, pay a big dealer mark up and in the mean time there will be no test drive or even anything to sit in, what do you think they’ll do? After that experience, how many are likely to toodle on over to the Toyota dealership in frustration?
+3
Jan 22nd, 2010 (10:34 am)I have talked to a lot of my friends and most have no clue about the volt. Advertise … maybe a little but educate … YES.
+2
Jan 22nd, 2010 (10:42 am)If 1000 are available each month starting in October, 200 in LA, 200 in San Fran, 200 in Detroit, 200 in NY and 200 in DC, then if the goal is simply sales, a quick email to Lyle to post delivery times on the GM Volt web site would probably be enough advertising for at least a year.
If the goal is to use the car as a “halo” for GM, I agree that at least in the main cities where the car is available, the chevy dealers should reserve one car for the showroom/test drive. I disagree with the desire to drive in electric mode, since that is for “geeks” like us on this website. I think showing the engine mode is better, since the salesguy can explain that there is no range anxiety, and when the gas gets low, just stop by a station and refill with regular or E85.
+1
Jan 22nd, 2010 (10:43 am)I would have settled for just being able to sit in the car at the Auto Show. I couldn’t even touch the paint by reaching over the railing. When will GM let this car be more hands on? I took some good photos at least. Not sure how to post them here. One new thing I noticed is that the back seat doesn’t fold down completely flat. There is still an angle. (bummer).
Jan 22nd, 2010 (10:52 am)Basically you are talking about an infomercial. I think it would help.
+1
Jan 22nd, 2010 (10:54 am)HALO doesn’t represent change.
SALES are what actually make a difference.
There is no real competition if there are only a few to buy. Advertise a high-efficiency vehicle, sell something else instead. What kind of plan is that?
+1
Jan 22nd, 2010 (10:57 am)Yes, makes sense. Distinct yourself as something NEW & Different. Sort of like the Buick ads. “This isn’t your father’s Buick” or something like that.
+2
Jan 22nd, 2010 (11:02 am)Great idea! But I would add the Volt at the end all by it self and point out that NOONE has a car to compare with the Volt!
Jan 22nd, 2010 (11:03 am)I see your point and it’s a good one.
BUT…
The main value of a car like the Volt to GM initially IS the halo affect.
Why do they advertise $1000 dollar bottles of perfume? Because they REALLY want to sell the $50 pretty close to that bottle in volume.
Chevy absolutely needs to advertise the Volt (and the Corvette) to get people into the showrooms (and on the websites of course!).
The old saying race on Sunday and sell on Monday is absolutely true.
It’s about getting into the minds eye, the Volt can do that for the entire company if they do it right.
+1
Jan 22nd, 2010 (11:06 am)How about an advertising campaign based on the first customers to actually receive the Volt? Get their opinions and understandings of the volt and how it operates.
Actual real life comments from owners versus telling us how great it will be in an advertisement.
People need to understand the volt will be different and who better to explain it to them than owners?
Jan 22nd, 2010 (11:08 am)[just chiming in] But have you seen the interior on the Model S? That’s one huge a55 touchscreen. If I had to guess i’d say its comparable to a 17″ monitor (sitting on its side). There are no physical buttons, just a giant screen. I’m not really a Tesla fan, but I’ve been preaching for a large configureable touchscreen for years. I almost installed my own in my car. I used them all the time on equipment I design to replace expensive buttons that fail, and always wondered why there were so many buttons still in cars. Maybe the majority of the car buying public isnt ready for it, but I think its cool. You get used to not having tactile feedback (ask anyone w/an Iphone)
+1
Jan 22nd, 2010 (11:09 am)There are lots of examples where initial interest implied demand would out strip supply but after a few years that turned on itself and they could not give them away. PT Cruiser for one. They need to keep interest going and innovation going to make sure this is a long term success. Improvements to the initial design are inevitable. There are so many design decisions that could go either way. No product is successful without marketing. Look at the stealth announced G8 as an example of how not to do it. A good company can market a heater in a desert as a got to have product!
+1
Jan 22nd, 2010 (11:11 am)I’m surprised that someone has to ask whether to advertise or not.
Guys, a basic principle in business is to stay competitive.
Thus, if your competition advertises their product, while you do not, then your competitor gains the advantage.
And here’s the rub: even if you make a better product than your competitor, but he advertises and you don’t, he can gain the market share with an inferior product.
The question of advertising is a moot point..General Motors MUST advertise the Volt.
Jan 22nd, 2010 (11:12 am)Or…. maybe buy a Cruze instead?
Jan 22nd, 2010 (11:13 am)Of course GM should advertise the thing. It generates Hype. Look at the slick “I’m a Mac, I’m a PC” ads. What does the Mac do in the end? It computes. Is it better than a PC? Hardly. Is it worth double the price? No. We deal with them at work and they are a pain. Ever try to replace the hard drive in one? You can replace the hard drive in a Dell in about 30 seconds without any tools. But people buy Macs because of the constant bombardment of ads.
Same with the iPod. What does it do in the end? It plays music… for double the price of any other music player. Why are people willing to pay that premium? Perception and hype.
Jan 22nd, 2010 (11:17 am)My only concern with just letting people drive the will need to educated on how to drive the vehicle for maximum EV range.
I know that I never let a customer drive a Hybrid vehicle first, this way I can show them how th vehicle functions in the different modes
and they can watch the screen without being distracted. Then I turn over the vehicle to them and let them have fun and explore.
Jan 22nd, 2010 (11:19 am)GM should make an initial media blitz lasting one month to announce its arrival at selected show rooms.
After one month of TV, Print, and Radio advertising they should wait 3 months to see how sales are doing.
They should not advertise if they don’t have enough Volts to sell.
NPNS!
Jan 22nd, 2010 (11:25 am)It’s a GOOD plan.
While the Volt/Converj/??? production comes up to speed over the next few years they are working to get the company operating in the black sooner rather than later.
That’s just a basic business reality.
The Volt is a ‘carrot’ to get people to take a fresh look at GM’s products.
There has been a definite push to eliminate ‘bland’ from the showrooms, this MUST continue!
+2
Jan 22nd, 2010 (11:25 am)#55
That was Oldsmobile actually. “It’s not your father’s Oldsmobile.” And we know what happened to them.
+3
Jan 22nd, 2010 (11:25 am)Is this a question?
YES!
There are so many secondary and tertiary reasons as why they should that I am amazed people are even asking the question.
1) GM has made an electric car and people in these “select” markets” are already driving them
2) Look – GM is 10x as green as any other major car company
3) Identify electric cars with GM for capturing future market share. The iPod was not the first MP3 player… just the best. It now dominates the market and is synonymous with MP3 player the way Xerox is for copiers and Coke is for soft drinks. GM needs to think on the level that people should think GM and Volt when they think electric car.
4) Advertise the Volt (in those select markets). Oh, and DON’T use the [expletive deleted] same company that made the EV1 commercial. Make a sexy, funny, optimistic commercial that will go viral so you can put it on YouTube later.
5) You will also need to put the car in the hands of the people… almost like a traveling circus. Send a group of the Volts to major events that draw not only the early adopters but the regular citizens. Education is your goal. This car is like a political candidate and it must unseat the incumbent. Go out and “press the flesh” Make this car the one that people are talking about. When you are ready for 2012 production year, the Volt is the car that people have on their mind.
I am sure that the Marketing gurus at GM are already working on these lines… at least I HOPE that they are working along these lines.
Harrier1970
+3
Jan 22nd, 2010 (11:27 am)john,
I know someone inadvertently used the word “win”, but I’ll repeat yet again that this is not a competition. As long as you continue to view it that way, *you* will remain upset – because in a competition, someone *loses*. This is not a zero sum game. The Prius AND the Volt can be wildly popular side-by-side AND reduce our dependence on gasoline.
The Volt can accurately be advertised as a car that will reduce gasoline use. No one should be “disappointed” with its ability to do that.
I understand that you want to use SALES as a measure of success. Initially, the Prius sales will obviously (by GM’s plan) exceed the Volt’s sales. But if this is your measure of success, then, by your definition, the Prius was far less successful than the VW Beetle when the Prius was first released (years later than the VW). Eventually the Volt may well sell as many or more than the Prius, but my point is that it (the Volt) can, and will, succeed simply by reducing gasoline use. By that measure, the Prius has been a success for years TOO – and that’s excellent!
It’s a shame that that bothers you so much.
Be well,
Tagamet
/bbl to answer your inevitable retort.
Let’s Just Get The ***VOLTS’*** Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Jan 22nd, 2010 (11:28 am)The Chevy Volt Dance reminds me of The Trout Dance by Dieter and Etienne on Saturday Night Live.
NOW IS THE TIME ON SPROCKETS WHEN WE DANCE!
Jan 22nd, 2010 (11:32 am)I voted yes.
Why? Because the only ads I have seen are just small 3 second side notes of the Volt. Specifically the same commercial Lyle took the snapshot of in the above picture.
+1
Jan 22nd, 2010 (11:32 am)#5
I sort of cautiously agree with Tibor. +1
It seems silly to spend millions of dollars to generate demand for a product you don’t have to sell in any quantity. On the other hand, GM really does to improve its image for innovation and quality. I’m not much of a marketer, so I’m hesitant to advise anybody. But maybe some sort of a carefully struck balance among not creating frustration through pent up demand, polishing up the halo, and not spending non-productive $$ is possible. I think so, if very carefully done.
Jan 22nd, 2010 (11:33 am)Well said. If they advertise with all of the greenie slogans they will turn off a great percentage of the country right off the bat. Educate. More like a well done video FAQ.
Jan 22nd, 2010 (11:33 am)The Volt need some SERIOUS Advertizing, or GM will drop the ball.
I’ve talked to loads of ‘average people’ , who heard of it, but most of them ASSume it as some sort of GM Prius, or think “The engine charges the battery when it runs low”, or it’s just an expensive Hybrid with unproven technology, or the engine kicks in “to give the car more power”.
Most people Have no idea that the engine Does NOT charge the battery or kick on for more “power”… I’d guess the majority of the public have just a vague awareness of the Volt, & don’t even know you can drive for months without ever usng any gasoline.
I’ve even seen 2 ” future Automobile tech reports” on major TV news programs in the past 90 days (NBC & FOX), where “The car expert” mentioned the Volt’s engine as comming on to “recharge the battery”, & another where “Chevy’s been trying with their Volt, but the Battery technolgy for that type of car isn’t there yet, they hope to eventually solve that soon”
Those of us that visit sites like this have to remember we are the immesurable fraction of the public …
+1
Jan 22nd, 2010 (11:34 am)Plus one for that, and that only because I don’t have more points to award. Sometimes it’s just frustrating listening or reading.
As for advertising, the people who think the Volt needs advertising — and that is the majority here — simply don’t understand both its power and its limits (there are some books that explain why advertising is relatively ineffective, at least initially, for truly ground breaking products if anyone cares to look). Luckily for everyone GM more or less understands, so we won’t be seeing very much of it, if we see any at all.
That aside, educating the media types is an absolutely great idea. I’m sure GM has PR events planned for its initial roll out cities. but I’d hope GM doesn’t wait but starts the education process — for both the local and national media — as early as possible. As in “now”.
How often to you still see in print that the genset recharges the batteries after 40 miles? Less often but you still see it, even in auto centric media. Sometimes the errors are more subtle. Here is a sample: The auto guy at Business Week siad in a roundtable that plugging in the Volt at night would lead to more pollution. That’s crazy. So long as the electricity is otherwise going to ground, which it is, you don’t create ANY additional pollution with a plug-in. You’d only create more pollution or use more energy if the plug-ins required the utilities to increase the baseline, which in the best case for EV adoption is many many years away. Just bad analysis.
+1
Jan 22nd, 2010 (11:42 am)I was kindof thinking the same thing. When the Volt comes out, wont the Cruze come out at the relatively same time, maybe earlier? Won’t the Cruze have an MPG >= 40? That’s almost competing if you ask me. The consumer will see a $40,000.00 car then see a $18,000.00 (SWAG so don’t quote or flame on me) car that gets relatively the same MPG (CS mode compared to Old school mode)
+1
Jan 22nd, 2010 (11:42 am)If the car gets an EPA window sticker with a 230 on it, the media buzz will take care of alot of the advertising.
+2
Jan 22nd, 2010 (11:44 am)Stop, just STOP, being so reasonable and mature.
Jan 22nd, 2010 (11:51 am)For starters I’d agree with you that GM suffers from its legacy of being run by the financial side of the house. It has great design and great engineering. Quality has not been a strong suit because making the car on time and on budget has trumped quality and reliability. As importantly, GM doesn’t seem to understand how to sell its products. That’s a big problem.
As for the need to advertise, maybe I can change your mind. There is one company that is unrivaled at new product introductions — Apple. Next week Apple is releasing a new tablet product. How much advertising do you think it plans to do in the next year?
+2
Jan 22nd, 2010 (12:00 pm)LOL, I’m SORRY. I didn’t think that I said that out loud. (g). I know I’m whistling in the wind with some folks, but that optimistic streak makes me keep *trying*.
I’ll try to be better, but I may have to increase my meds….
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The ***VOLTS’*** Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
+4
Jan 22nd, 2010 (12:01 pm)NZDavid (#15): “The VERY best advertising, GM marketing can do, is to GIVE each dealership a line Validation model (or two) for use as a demo car. I truly believe, based upon the driving experiences of Lyle et al. that the car will SELL ITSELF once driven.”
This is an excellent idea, David ….I sincerely hope someone at GM sees this!
Jan 22nd, 2010 (12:02 pm)Good morning my Captain!
I see this as the absolutely perfect situation!
A solvent Chevy needs to sell a LOT of Cruze’s (many Cruze?) so they can develop more EREV’s like your “Volterado”.
No flame required.
Jan 22nd, 2010 (12:04 pm)I Think this is a major plus for the Volt. Cruze will outsell the Volt 10 or 20 to 1 and if the Volt helps sell more versions of the cruze that is all the better for GM. The same financial logic that says the Prius is a better deal than the Volt can be used to argue that the Cruze is better than the Prius. Selling a few hundred thousands versions of the Cruze is what GM needs right now.
Jan 22nd, 2010 (12:04 pm)I’ll bet that the *KINDLE* advertising will need to shoot up though! Excellent example.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The ***VOLTS’*** Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Jan 22nd, 2010 (12:06 pm)Advertising yes. Education, not so much.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The ***VOLTS’*** Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
+2
Jan 22nd, 2010 (12:16 pm)But you leave out the question of timing. Yes, the Volt needs to be advertised, but when? Advertising does no good when you’re already selling every unit you manufacture. All it does is created frustrated consumers who can’t get something you’ve convinced them they want it.
Notice the Prius ads. When gas was $4 a gallon, there were no Prius ads. Every one made sold within hours of delivery if it wasn’t already sold before. Now that Toyota is making them faster than demand you see ads running.
The same thing needs to happen with the Volt. No ads until mid year 2011.
Jan 22nd, 2010 (12:18 pm)Speaking of advertising…
“GM Employee Behind ‘Chevy Volt Dancers’ Reassigned”
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,583635,00.html
+1
Jan 22nd, 2010 (12:25 pm)Good one.
+1
Jan 22nd, 2010 (12:30 pm)Educate now by directing interested people to a website with complete up to date information. ASAP have test drives available to public withinformation available and free Volt T shirts. Ramp up to demand so people don’t think GM is trying to use bait and switch when people want to buy a Volt but are directed to the Cruise when they are told we don’t have any Volts yet. Advertise if needed when Volts are available to buy.
+3
Jan 22nd, 2010 (12:34 pm)I’m sorry that Maria lost her job. She probably green-lighted the car show (dance number) presentation based only on hearing the cutsie song recording and NOT having seen the dance troop.
Had it not been recorded and put on YouTube, nobody would have cared about this.
+6
Jan 22nd, 2010 (12:49 pm)I think everyone here needs to keep a lid on this whole Volt-thing. That way I have better than a microscopic chance of getting one in 2011.
+1
Jan 22nd, 2010 (12:53 pm)Mountains ouf of molehills.
+1
Jan 22nd, 2010 (1:01 pm)Hi Kdawg @ 91. A + 1 for making me laugh!
+2
Jan 22nd, 2010 (1:16 pm)I voted YES.
And I would suggest two different type of adds.
One add would be at race tracks as the pace car. 100 mph around the track as often as the race requires. NO MORE GOLF CART confusion.
Educational. and the product being sold is Voltec. I would start with a Volt, Then show the battery stating it will power the Volt up to 40 miles by supplying electricity to this electric motor [show motor] which powers the drive wheels at all times. But you say sometimes you drive more than 40 miles. Not a problem [now you show the gas powered electric generator] and you tell us that this generator will keep supplying electricity to the electric motor and you just keep on driving.
The add ends with the statement first the Volt and then more models from Gm in the future.
OK SO I NEVER WORKED IN ADVERTISING
+1
Jan 22nd, 2010 (1:42 pm)I was thinking of calling the inexpensive “stripper model” …
… the “Sparrow.”
Jan 22nd, 2010 (1:45 pm)#79
Well, based upon your previous comment at #75, I am guessing little or none, LOL. That was my first feeling regarding this thread, and has been in the past to this issue, so I’m certainly not arguing with you.
I’m just trying to imagine something along the lines of “The same advanced engineering and design which created the new Chevy Volt is also at the heart of the new Cruze and Spark”. Or some such. I mean, it’s true at some level.
Jan 22nd, 2010 (1:46 pm)I agree with you. I actually got to sit in one at “the Business of Plugging IN”, so I at least expected to do that at the Detroit Auto Show. Bummer. Also wanted to see the Voltec display again and take pictures. GM is almost downplaying the Volt right now.
BTW, anybody have any idea why the LEAF is missing in action?
Also Fisker is not at the Detroit show.
Jan 22nd, 2010 (1:47 pm)I won’t get into the “should/shouldn’t” advertising debate. Volt will be advertised appropriately based on availability timetables (I hope).
I’ll just request that GM goes easy on the “green” message when they do press forward with advertising. They’re getting to that party late with something worth doing on it’s own merits. Let greenies connect the dots if they wish, but stress getting off of gasoline, electric performance, etc. This way, you’ll avoid cheesing off approx 1/3 of car buyers who are anti-warming (and won’t be seen dead in a Prius for that reason); and not necessarily repel the “true believers.”
HALO in this case is for the technology; as in “GM is on the cutting edge;” not “GM is doing the ‘Me Too’ late on the environment.”
Jan 22nd, 2010 (1:48 pm)BTW, KDAWG do you know of ANY Chevy dealer in the Detroit area that has a clue about the Volt?
Jan 22nd, 2010 (1:54 pm)OOO, I can also see an ad where the Volt generator is hooked up and powering a house. And then the house next door, and then…
Jan 22nd, 2010 (1:55 pm)#90
If I had $1 for every politician and celebrity who has said that in the last couple of years, it would pay for my Volt, LOL. Remember the guy who was running for Senate in Virginia or somewhere who called the Indian guy by some slang name and got forced out of the race? Hello? How long ago was that. I mean, the handwriting has been on the wall.
A good survival tactic is to assume that everything you do can go viral on YouTube. She probably got tossed more for not realizing that than for the stupid dance.
Jan 22nd, 2010 (1:56 pm)#91
Too true, LOL +1
+2
Jan 22nd, 2010 (2:00 pm)For purposes of education and advertising alone, this is an option they should allow for sale. An extra-cost box could plug into the port used for charging, and be limited to 80 amps to standard connectors on the box. When used, the battery and the motor would be disconnected (no danger to the pack, or from users backing out with the box attached by mistake).
An engine you use regularly beats one which sits for a year or more with cobwebs on it for that moment when the power goes out. I think the option would sell well.
Jan 22nd, 2010 (2:05 pm)#100
That’s V2G, right? What the hay, the Volt lights up the whole city, LOL. On reflection, I’d do it if it didn’t void the battery warranty. I guess that GM would have to work with the utilities to make sure such didn’t happen, or V2G would never happen.
+3
Jan 22nd, 2010 (2:11 pm)Forty or more years ago, Coca Cola thought they could increase their profits by reducing their advertising costs. After all, everyone knows about Coke. Their sales plumetted. You have to keep your product in front of the buyers.
+1
Jan 22nd, 2010 (2:15 pm)It needn’t be V2G, just the ability to act as an emergency generator would hammer home the point that the engine is a generator, not a mechanical source of energy like in a conventional hybrid. It would be worth doing even if sales were poor, only for the education value.
Jan 22nd, 2010 (2:18 pm)I asked about this during one of the online chats and the engineer said that it would not be available in Gen I, but that they were looking at it for Gen II or III.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The ***VOLTS’*** Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
+2
Jan 22nd, 2010 (2:22 pm)GM needs to give people the chance to learn the how and why of the Voltec system. GM needs to set the tone and establish the public perception.
Ed Whitacre said if Volt sales are high GM can make more to satisfy demand. Beyond the reassurances of that statement, it feels like the Volt will be launched into a quagmire of unknowns. What to do what to do.
Whether it is nobler to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune…or just kick back and let destiny unfold? Does GM gear up to conquer the world or hold back hoping not to lose a fortune on every Volt sold?
Will advertising spur the market and create a new high mileage champion, or send angry mobs to other carmakers demanding anything without a GM mark? Will the Volt take off virally or will advertising result in, Huh…who wants a car that only goes 40 miles?
Think it over and answer well my friends, GM reads these virtual pages. You may be participating in making the next Chevy Volt dance, a string of new Marias, or is it possible – making history
Jan 22nd, 2010 (2:23 pm)Only limited advertising needed for a while.
Jan 22nd, 2010 (2:27 pm)The Voltec store. Aps and accessories that extend the vehicles capabilities.
Jan 22nd, 2010 (2:30 pm)Well they definitely should have it no later than Gen II, and they should reconsider for Gen I; if it is still possible. The Education value loses some steam the later the option is pushed back.
Jan 22nd, 2010 (2:31 pm)GM is going to advertise the volt with all their cars in the “Look at us Now” type campaign. When you add the media buzz about the new GM car anything more then a viral campaign might be a little overkill in the first few years of limited production.
Saying that, GM should do an education campaign as most potential buyers are put off on technology they dont understand. Most people that dont read EV blogs are going to assume they will have to buy another $10,000 battery every 5 years since they already have to buy a new battery in their current vehicles in that same time frame. They also think that any electric vehicle has “golf cart” type of performance. Some people are just scared that they might get electrocuted in their car if a cable gets detached.
People come up with some very uneducated reasons to stay away from new technology and likes to repeat those uneducated assumptions to other people that take it as fact. An education based marketing campaign I think will go farther in the long run then a sales based marketing campaign. Let the local news channels and early adopters fall in love with the car and tell their friends.
+1
Jan 22nd, 2010 (2:39 pm)Due to pent up demand I don’t believe GM will need to advertise any time soon in order to sell the Volt. However I expect the Volt could be used as a celebrity or “halo car” that could help improve GM’s image and help GM sell other cars. Therefore I think it may show up in comercials even though I don’t expect GM will need to drum up any additional demand any time soon.
I think GM has done a very good job of managing the Volt’s development and managing the release of information in order to help foster the viral information and interest around it. Good press and viral response is probably better than paid advertising anyway.
Jan 22nd, 2010 (3:25 pm)#106
Yeah, I know. I was just sort of joking, or playing off of the comment. I started thinking about V2G this morning, and I guess I’ve sort of got it on the brain today. Sorry about that. Best regards.
+5
Jan 22nd, 2010 (3:32 pm)You got that right. Even at my own dealership, what most of the guys around here know about the VOLT is:
1) We may or may not get some.
2) It’s gonna be kinda pricey.
3) Electricity has something to do with it.
4) If we do get some, (corvetteguy) will get all of the sales anyway since he’s the only one who really cares about it right now.
5) Can I get a bonus (spiff) if I can spell VOLT?
Ahh, yes. Life on a car lot. And my mother wanted me to be a dentist.
Jan 22nd, 2010 (3:33 pm)
Jan 22nd, 2010 (3:38 pm)In other news….
http://money.cnn.com/2010/01/21/autos/toyota_no_plug-ins/
Toyota has its own plug-in electric vehicle scheduled for production in 2012. By then, carmakers like Nissan and Ford will already be selling five-seat electric cars capable of driving 100 miles on a charge. But the tiny Toyota will go just 40 miles. And it won’t be available for retail sale.
“You don’t own it,” Reinert said. “You get in it and pay by the minute or by the hour.”
—————————————————————————————————
So it looks like they will not even sell it but lease/rent.
Fuck that! No lease for me. If I can’t buy the car then no sale.
Jan 22nd, 2010 (3:41 pm)Of course GM should advertise the Volt. A more pertinent question to be asked would be, ‘How should GM advertise the Volt?’
The car has benefitted from free publicity and that will continue to build as kickoff time approaches. I think GM can rely on this publicity without media ad buys all the way up until sales begin. What GM can do is to influence the publicity via carefully timed press releases and occasional media appearances/statements by top management.
At around the time of official public introduction, it would be wise to have a short period of widespread, blanket bomb advertising with a very simple, general message announcing the birth of the Volt as the car that gives birth to a new era, a new age in motordom….. where reliance upon oil diminishes, where new standards of comfort, smoothness and quietness are made, where a clean and safe tomorrow becomes a clean and safe today.
Then pull back and let the masses break down the showroom doors to get in.
I think GM will be pretty busy at the start making sure the initial sales are monitored and supported as quickly as necessary, as well as getting any production kinks ironed out.
+2
Jan 22nd, 2010 (3:47 pm)To expand on the Demo Day Volt test drive idea. The public must have the opportunity to demo the Volt. Even if it’s a 3 or 4 minute drive around a parking lot. And even if it’s several months before release.
Getting back into their 4 cylinder import to drive home will seem Stone Age. The crank of the starter. The rumble of burning gasoline and thumping pistons. And the absence of torque on the launch.
Once these factors are realized, the buzz on the street will speak volumes, “When the heck are they going to start selling the Volt?.
You want advertising? This is how you get it.
=D~
Jan 22nd, 2010 (3:58 pm)Hey, I’m just the messenger!
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The ***VOLTS’*** Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Jan 22nd, 2010 (4:02 pm)Somebody famous (Lee Iacocca of Chrysler) once said :
“You lead, you follow or you get out of the way”
Time for GM to lead. It has been following too long.
Jan 22nd, 2010 (4:03 pm)Sounds like GM’s first priority is advertising to / education of their own dealers. If you weren’t there, wouldn’t that list be replaced by: “Volt? uhh … what’s that?”
Jan 22nd, 2010 (4:04 pm)No steam intended for you, just hoping that some GM guys are reading this.
Jan 22nd, 2010 (4:23 pm)Didn’t you read Lyle’s post. It clearly said that. Everything breaks on GM-Volt.com, that was just a copy cat story.
+1
Jan 22nd, 2010 (4:28 pm)Hey I can “Break dance” too.
hehe….lol
+1
Jan 22nd, 2010 (4:37 pm)Sort of off topic but good anyway…
http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2010/autos/1001/gallery.chevrolet_volt_review/index.html
A short article basically saying the Volt prototype works fine in CS mode.
+1
Jan 22nd, 2010 (5:08 pm)An internal General Motors memo last week said Rohrer would become director of Chevrolet truck advertising.
I assume that means she is working on the YouTube Silverado video right now.
+2
Jan 22nd, 2010 (5:12 pm)A lot of the “education” and “buzz” will be taken care of this Summer, when production Volts are driven by the Press, and they write up complete articles about:
MPG in Charge Sustaining mode, handling, noise and vibration, fit and finish, final price, acceleration, 0 to 60 times, 0 to 30 times, cornering, roominess, All Electric Range with aircon on, AER with 4 adults and a kid crammed in, performance on hills and mountains, braking performance, recharging while coasting down hills, intuitiveness of instrument panels, battery warranty, total range with a full tank of gasoline, etc.
The Automotive Press will pick over this car with a fine tooth comb.
If the Volt passes with high marks, there will be no need to advertise until 2012. Maybe a few teaser ads, like in the Super Bowl of 2011.
It’s probably a lot cheaper to do some Internet ads, magazine ads, let the buzz build until production picks up to 50,000 or 60,000 per year. 2010/2011 is probably sold out to people that already know all about the car.
And yes, having them at Chevy dealers all over the country (even if they have to rotate from dealer to dealer – “come see the new Chevy Volt in March !”) would be great for getting the cars into the public consciousness in 2011, 2012.
Jan 22nd, 2010 (5:34 pm)Good, basic article but not so short. There are 5 pages to the article.
Jan 22nd, 2010 (5:38 pm)Ouch! Anybody know if there are tie downs in the luggage compartment for the kid thats being crammed in since its a 4 seater? LOL But I agree with your point. Got to get into the hands of the public an accurate info to the magazines.
Jan 22nd, 2010 (5:42 pm)Heck yea, they should do V2House! Been saying this since day 1. This is @$10K value add for the cost of next to nothing. A non-brainer of no-brainers. Only a risk manager might see it as a red-headed stepchild.
Jan 22nd, 2010 (5:47 pm)How many times was it viewed on Youtube? Doesn’t matter how universally panned it was. That many views is a good thing for the Volt.
+7
Jan 22nd, 2010 (5:55 pm)The Volt is an electric car first, and a hybrid second.
Even my wife knows that…
However she does NOT want an electric car. Electricity is to expensive.
Now I have to go shovel the snow off of the hot tub. The irony.
+3
Jan 22nd, 2010 (6:02 pm)The first time I saw a Colorado was on the dealers lot…
I looked it up online and bought one.
The first time I saw a HHR was on a dealers Lot…
I looked it up online and bought one.
The first time I saw a Volt was three years ago on TV…
I looked it up online, and here I am.
Why advertise? Make the Volt Cheaper!
+1
Jan 22nd, 2010 (6:22 pm)#128
LOL Thanks, I needed that. +1
Maybe dancing cowboys and construction workers. Kind of puts me in the mind of the Village People.
For sure they don’t need to be spending money on that kind of advertising, hahaha.
Jan 22nd, 2010 (6:26 pm)#135
Amen! Second the motion. +1 And good one on the hot tub, LOL. +1
+1
Jan 22nd, 2010 (6:26 pm)Life would be much simpler if your Mom had just called you Spiff
Jan 22nd, 2010 (6:31 pm)You get my vote !!!
+1
Jan 22nd, 2010 (6:37 pm)???
Electricity is a lot cheaper than gas.
Jan 22nd, 2010 (7:34 pm)Yes, especially when it’s at the parking stall at work.
BTW: While scrolling down to get to this bottom post. My son noticed the picture in post #120. He yelled, “Hey, I want to see the Chevy!”. Then he said,”Go to the dealer and buy one”.
=D~
Jan 22nd, 2010 (7:41 pm)OK so it wasn’t just me that couldn’t find the Fisker display.
Jan 22nd, 2010 (7:43 pm)YES! Part of the job in transitioning to electrified transport is to let the world know that this is a clean, affordable, energy independent way forward.
I’m no ad exec but I would send a crew around to the seed Volt drivers and document their reactions to the experience. Catch ‘em at work, home, plugging in, passing the gas station, and let em tell you what their life is like – without gasoline – driving an ER-EV.
Of course the ad referenced in this post is simply excellent. One of the best bits of television advertising I have ever seen. Keep up the GREAT work GM. There are millions of people who want you to succeed.
Jan 22nd, 2010 (7:47 pm)No I don’t, but I haven’t really been asking around either. I’m going to see where the chips fall first before I start aggressively pursuing a purchase. Hopefully they will set up some kind of pre-order, but who knows.
Jan 22nd, 2010 (7:48 pm)Actually around here it is about half the price ($0.20 a KWh) I told her that, however….
If sombody else told her, she may belive it. Not me though, she knows I want a Volt and I must be making these things up.
Later, I get to be in the hot tub with her, I will not mention the price of electricity, or gas.
Cheers
+1
Jan 22nd, 2010 (8:01 pm)I could definitely see some 10 year olds straddling the battery for a quick ride to the beach, ice cream store or mall… Is it legal ? Maybe just in Texas…
Is it safe ? Probably a bit less safe than speeding while talking on the cell phone and trying to eat a Big Mac…
Will it happen ? I would bet on it.
Jan 22nd, 2010 (8:23 pm)#145
Smart thinking. Some things are more important than even the Volt, no matter what Rashiid said at #1. No hot tub for him if his wife reads this blog, LMAO.
Jan 22nd, 2010 (8:41 pm)I see it the same way. If I got to be in the hot tub with your wife, I wouldn’t mention the price of electricity or gas either (evil grin).
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The ***VOLTS’*** Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Jan 22nd, 2010 (8:50 pm)I feel bad chuckling at her expense, but I am still chuckling.
Jan 22nd, 2010 (8:57 pm)LOL, yeah, I know. I was just teasing you. I hope that some of the GM guys and gals are reading this blog too!
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The ***VOLTS’*** Wheels On The Road!!**********NPNS
Jan 22nd, 2010 (9:02 pm)Yea, I got one like that too (not the hot tub). You just got to count your blessings.
Jan 22nd, 2010 (9:28 pm)(italics mine)
… and so they have! There will be neither a generator tie-in nor a V2G option in Gen I precisely because of GM risk managers.
I still think the generator tie-in minimizes those risks, compared to V2G (the battery pack remains untouched, minimal onboard modifications required).
Full Disclosure: I also happen to think that V2G is a terrible idea unless EEStor turns out to be real (and you are guaranteed a place to plug in at work, where most Volt owners will be during peak electrical demand). Your battery pack lifetime is measured in numbers of cycles, and you’re going to let the utility do that while the vehicle is at rest? Not me. IMHO, we’re all better served by a utility-scale battery storage system that sits on the ground at your local substation.
Jan 22nd, 2010 (9:33 pm)(follow-up to previous)
As several of us discussed in yesterday’s thread, a large utility-scale battery will probably be needed for an EV battery fast-charge station (to have plenty of juice available for high-amp fast charges without bringing the grid down).
This large-scale battery could double as grid-available storage in the absence of EVs which may not be plugged in when peak demand hits. It seems like it would be in the utility’s interest to help such stations get established (through subsidies or energy cost incentives), only for the battery reserve in the places where they are installed.
Jan 22nd, 2010 (9:47 pm)Oops, sorry Koz; I just re-read more carefully. You were actually sort-of agreeing with me …
(exits, chagrined)
Jan 22nd, 2010 (10:00 pm)GM needs to advertise mostly for image, an emblem car. Chevrolet has risen dramatically in brand rating and they need to capitolize and to sell the brand to the next generation. Green is a great story.
-2
Jan 22nd, 2010 (10:12 pm)GM has not lost its old way of doing things ..more emphasis on Ads than quality of its cars ..yeah that dancing girls by one of the high paid employee of GM ..geez I wud love to have that job …as an executive to hustle girls at shows ..once again GM need to put its efforts on quality not on Ads ..Look around do u see ads from Honda, Toyota etc not much their quality cars sell by themselves ..Had 4 Honda in last 20 years ..& very much satisfied ..
Jan 23rd, 2010 (2:33 am)That poor guy. I hope he thought ahead and put solar panels on the dog house. Gonna be pretty cold out when she takes that Volt.
+1
Jan 23rd, 2010 (2:44 am)When the Wall Street Journal praises wind power for lowering (Texas)electricity prices, you know we’ve reached a benchmark in renewable energy. ( http://www.triplepundit.com/2009/08/wind-power-in-texas-actually-lowering-electricity-prices/ )
+3
Jan 23rd, 2010 (6:06 am)FOR EVERY SEASON, FOR EVERY REASON, FOR EVERYONE
A commercial with numerous vinyettes of varying people stating their reason for wanting a Volt just as they enter their current car (all competitors):
“I want my Volt because I want the latest technology” (enters Audi A4)
“I want my Volt because I want to support my country” (enters Mercedes C class)
“I want my Volt because I want to use less gas” (enters Prius)
“I want my Volt because I want a cleaner environment” (enters Landcruiser)
“I want my Volt because I want less compromises (enters Insight)
“I want my Volt because I want a quieter world (mounts a motorcycle)
“I want my Volt because I want my cake and to eat it (enters BMW 3 series)
“I want my Volt because I want to drive electric and take my family with me” (enters Roadster)
“I want my Volt because I want a smaller footprint” (enters Range Rover)
“I want my Volt because I want to be part of an American Revolution” (enters Camry)
FOR EVERY SEASON, FOR EVERY REASON, FOR EVERYONE
CHEVY VOLT
Jan 23rd, 2010 (7:27 am)Could be very powerful.
Jan 23rd, 2010 (8:49 am)Koz, you must be in advertising. Or a professional wordsmith.
Jan 23rd, 2010 (9:03 am)If you do get in the hot tub with my wife, tell her I NEED a Volt. She might listen to you!
Cheers, Oh and I did see a shooting star.
+1
Jan 23rd, 2010 (9:03 am)I always suspected that was part of the Project Better Place financial plan.. they will have several battery swap stations with many batteries just sitting around unused.. very easy to make money by stabilizing the grid for the power company, and they pay very well for those services. Eventually as worn out batteries get cycled out of the battery swap stream they can be used right at the station for those duties.. the hardware and space is already there.
Note I am talking about grid stabilization and not just reselling the kwh back to the power station.
http://arstechnica.com/science/news/2009/09/the-doe-makes-its-case-for-on-grid-energy-storage.ars
Jan 23rd, 2010 (9:09 am)Actually, I can see a half dozen wind turbines from my Lazy Boy right now. From the WSJ (the nations largest daily paper) land based wind is about twice as expensive as coal, and offshore wind is twice again as expensive…
Just Saying
Jan 23rd, 2010 (9:14 am)Nope, just a sleepless, blind squirrel finding a very occasional nut.
Jan 23rd, 2010 (9:26 am)To add to my post above, I did read the low Texas price article mentioned. To sum it up. When the wind blows, the price goes down. When the wind does not blow the price goes up. It kind of hinted at more infrastructure projects.
Jan 23rd, 2010 (12:03 pm)#157
Yeah, pretty amazing. Nice link. Thanks. +1
Jan 23rd, 2010 (12:06 pm)#162
Great idea! +1 Maybe Agassi ought to hire you as a consultant.
Jan 23rd, 2010 (7:11 pm)Yes…
But not for the Volt’s sake. Rather, GM needs to advertise the Volt so as to improve their image.
- The Saj
Jan 23rd, 2010 (10:13 pm)Yes, I think GM will need to do lot of advertisement trying to persuade buyers to buy the Volt giving much better alternatives out there.
Today I saw the Tesla Roadster in action with my own eyes in the Tesla dealer here in Seattle. We have several already running, fully functional. So the myth of the electric car has been dismistified. Some high-tech employers here in the area already installed quick chargers in the parking stores and in some locations between Seattle and Portland we see quick charge stations built. For me this is it.
Why in the world should I buy the Volt? If Tesla comes up with the smoking hot Tesla Model S for $50K which can go over 180 miles with single charge, why should I spend $40K to buy a GM that only can run 40 miles and switch to the old technology (gasoline).
I think we possibly are watching a whole new market unfolding. As long as development of better capacitors and batteries are developed to make sure Lithium does not become the bottleneck here, we may see a whole new boom in electrical vehicles folks. Sorry but I do not believe that the Volt will make sense by the time it is launched. It is too little, too late.
Jan 24th, 2010 (8:12 am)Yes they should advertise the VOLT.. even though all of the first couple years of production have already been spoken for… it’s good PR and the advertisement will keep the public aware of electric car advantages. I think most people are not aware of the technology incorporated in the VOLT . They think of it as just another hybrid. The VOLT is a electric car with a range extender ICE. I would like to see a hydrogen fuel cell version and a all electric version.
Jan 24th, 2010 (11:49 am)Part of the problem with selling the idea of electric cars is the American people do not understand them and if they do, they don’t this its possible in anything that doesn’t look like a golf cart or giant egg. Many people I’ve spoken to think the Volt is a hybrid, like the Prius. Others think the Volt is not feasible from a business perspective nor will it ever be. GM needs to educate America even if there are not enough Volts to go around at first. Creating an off the charts demand will insure the plug-in electric car will never be abandoned.