Jim Campbell is the newly appointed chief of Chevrolet. I had the chance to ask him for his thoughts on who he thinks the customers of the Chev Volt will be, and how GM will educate the public about how the Volt is superior to pure EVs.
What do you think the market potential will be for the Volt and who will the customers be?
As a team at Chevrolet and with the dealers, we have a big job to do to educate potential customers about the category of electric vehicles . And frankly the industry as a whole has to do that so that people understand exactly what an electric vehicle is as it compares to a hybrid or a plugin hybrid. So that is the first order of business.
And then the second piece of it is to define the Chevrolet Volt as an electric vehicle with extended range capability which is a key differentiator for us. In terms of a daily commute its that you can go up to 40 miles gas free. For those who travel more than 40 miles in a day the generator will seamlessly kick in and give you up to 300 more miles of range.
So the differentiator for us is that its an electric vehicle with extended range capability and the key is its really going to relieve the range anxiety that many people considering the category will think about.
So that’s our job we have a lot of work ahead of us to do that.
It makes a lot of sense to me and I understand the value of the Volt, but sometimes you talk to people who don’t follow the industry they say things like “only 40 miles” and you know how that goes. So how do you plan to educate people? TV commercials? You can’t force them to read a book. What will be the mechanisms?
Again were going to have to use all the media, digital, social, advertising at the appropriate levels. Today I spent the entire day doing interviews every half and hour and that’s actually a great way to get the word out what the Volt is.
Explaing that in interviews is one of the steps in the process. Its going to take a multimedia effort for us to get the word out. Chevrolet is going to have a key role in that obviously GM more broadly, and really the whole industry has a big job to do to educate about the category of electric vehicles an how they differentiate from hybrid and plugin hybrids.
Do you plan to work in a consortium with other automakers to produce this message? Obviously competitors are going to try to say their solution is better.
The bottom line is the vehicle we’re going to categorize as an electric vehicle and the range extender is one of the key differentiators. The real news is we’re already deep into the validation of the vehicle with the engineering team to prepare for production of the Volt. A lot of our competors are working on EVs, and others are still in the concept or show car stage, so I think we have an advantage there but we have to make sure we capitalize on the opportunity at hand.
+15
Feb 22nd, 2010 (7:43 am)I’m buying one as an early-adopter – I WANT THE FIRST ONE! (or, maybe #2 after Lyle).
(btw, it’s interesting that the question was never answered in the interview.)
+8
Feb 22nd, 2010 (7:53 am)“What do you think the market potential will be for the Volt and who will the customers be?”
Did anyone find the answers to this question?
+12
Feb 22nd, 2010 (8:00 am)I didn’t find an answer in there either…my guess is Lyle just wanted another reason to use this great picture…executives and their “talking points” = mostly just air with noises attached
+6
Feb 22nd, 2010 (8:03 am)Mr. Cambell felt forced during this interview.
GM needs to understand that a huge number of people are pulling for their effort to get these electric cars out to the public. Perhaps a reply like, “Well, we know 1000’s of bloggers are interested”.
It’s not an “US” and “THEM” relationship. We want GM to win big with all the Voltec vehicles.
=D-Volt
+13
Feb 22nd, 2010 (8:20 am)To be fair, the poor guy just did 2 interviews an hour saying the same thing over and over. Maybe he just hadn’t broken out of that mode yet. I’m always impressed with the seemingly endless access Lyle has to GM’s upper level people, and we get the same access.
As the clock wears down, I’m assuming that the pressure is ratcheting up on all these folks. It must be pretty intense for them to have their marching orders about what NOT to divulge, and still come across well. That’s got to be tough.
Wow, and this is pre-coffee. Maybe I’m not quite awake yet. (g). It’s been HOURS since I was on the site though (lol) Sick, sick, sick….
Be well,
Tagamet
PS I’m with Prowler!
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****No More “Stay Tuned”!
+3
Feb 22nd, 2010 (8:20 am)Meanwhile, there’s a bunch of consumers here at GM-Volt who know what it is and want it yesterday!
+16
Feb 22nd, 2010 (8:24 am)I say to Chevrolet, don’t waste any time or money on education, just worry about building them, and I assure you, we will be happy to take care of the rest.
+10
Feb 22nd, 2010 (8:26 am)Although he didn’t answer the question outright, let me answer it instead.
“What do you think the market potential will be for the Volt and who will the customers be?”
Huuuuuuge.
Me. Me. Me. Me. Me. Me. Me. Me. Me. Me. Me. Me.
+4
Feb 22nd, 2010 (8:33 am)Well, it is clear that Mr. Campbell wanted to convey that the Volt is an Electric Vehicle (that happens to have a range extender). So much so it sounds like GM’s core message about the Volt…
On GM’s website, there is a feature to “BROWSE BY VEHICLE TYPE”. One of the selections is “Hybrid”. GM should create another “VEHICLE TYPE” called “Electric Vehicle” . Of course, it might also convey that GM’s business plan is to produce EVs and/or other EREVs.
+12
Feb 22nd, 2010 (8:34 am)I know that you’re absolutely right about our group, but GM DOES have a big education job ahead. With as huge as this project has got to be for their “new start”, it’d be unwise to count on any “one” approach. I know I’m stating the obvious – and I’m not discounting the education the troops here are doing. Come to think of it, we could do an even BETTER job if we had our hands on a Volt to SHOW people what we’ve been talking about – to everyone that’d listen. (lol).
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****No More “Stay Tuned”!
+1
Feb 22nd, 2010 (8:38 am)Ever heard the term “a better mousetrap”?
-31
Feb 22nd, 2010 (8:39 am)(click to show comment)
+1
Feb 22nd, 2010 (8:44 am)No, he didn’t answer this, but we did…
http://gm-volt.com/2010/01/29/lutz-driven-by-peak-oil-not-global-warming-how-about-you/
(Click on “View Results” under the poll).
+6
Feb 22nd, 2010 (8:46 am)The mass market will never accept a pure BEV, and why should they? The combination of EREVs and cellulosic ethanol provides a zero net carbon solution without any new infrastructure.
+6
Feb 22nd, 2010 (8:54 am)Well said! Word of mouth regarding a well built product is still the best advertising money never needs to buy. They should still put their product out there with all the mediums available but a competitively priced, perfectly built Volt will generate a groundswell of grassroots advertising.
+2
Feb 22nd, 2010 (8:58 am)Yep, but you’d still have to educate people before they’d beat a path to your door.
Be well,
Tagamet
Feb 22nd, 2010 (9:05 am)367 comments that day – a good day! Still, I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t describe our group as a “normal population” – statistically, of course. A good indication of the motives *here* though!
Be well,
Tagamet
+4
Feb 22nd, 2010 (9:13 am)Not yet. Someday in the future I hope.
+3
Feb 22nd, 2010 (9:32 am)If GM wants to put the idea across that the Volt is an electric vehicle and not a hybrid.. then just offer the genset as an option. I am sure almost no one would order one that way but it would make a very serious point. Eventually offer a fuel cell as an option also.
Every review would have to mention this… eventually the point would get thru.
+4
Feb 22nd, 2010 (9:51 am)Not that I could afford to buy one, but I never saw the EV-1 as anything but a rich persons toy.
Most of us who do not live in La La Land (Sorry CJS!) are not going to risk a BEV.
But an EREV will work for us.
+4
Feb 22nd, 2010 (9:52 am)“So the differentiator for us is that its an electric vehicle with extended range capability and the key is its really going to relieve the range anxiety that many people considering the category will think about.”
Yup.
+24
Feb 22nd, 2010 (9:54 am)I never cease to be amazed at what Mr. Campbell has to say to Lyle. Doesn’t he know who and what Lyle represents? Lyle and the rest of us here at gm-volt.com are way above the curve on knowledge about the Volt, yet he talks to Lyle like he is a first year college student.
And Tag, I disagree with you about excusing him because he may have had a bunch of the same types of interviews. He is the head of Chevy! He should be able to adjust his comments to match the person he is talking to, don’t you think????
Sorry if I am coming across as a grump, but IMHO Mr. Campbell needs to work on being able to answer a direct question, instead of the corporate speak he has been spewing………….
One other thing. Has GM given up the term “Hybrid” to Toyota? The last I recall, the Volt is technically a serial hybrid, isn’t it?
Rant off.
NPNS
+7
Feb 22nd, 2010 (9:58 am)I disagree that right now pure electric is THE answer. I don’t think any one technology is THE answer right now. The range extender adds so many possibilities of limitless weekend road trips (just add gas at a gas station) and yet still gives you 100% electric powered driving for Monday through Friday.
I agree it is not the total solution, but, right now it makes a lot of sense. Battery technology will continue to evolve and before this decade is out we will be able to go further than 40 miles on a charge and use the combustion engine less and less. I think we are approaching the end of the beginning and I am really excited about what I see coming done the line. JMHO
Feb 22nd, 2010 (10:00 am)Electric hybrids are even making it to the aviation industry: http://www.avweb.com/eletter/archives/avflash/1572-full.html#202049
LJGTVWOTR – NMST
(and be well guys and gals)
Tag, don’t you need some sleep?
Feb 22nd, 2010 (10:00 am)He could have said Demand will far out strip supply. This will cause a lot of talk about how hard this car is to get. Fact is everyone wants something they can’t have, so there will be a lot of media coverage. Many people will be taking about this cool new electric car they can’t get their hands on this will get the word out. Some will say it’s a lot like my Cruze and I only paid 1/2 the price. They will love their Cruze and look forward to gen 2 Volt.
+2
Feb 22nd, 2010 (10:08 am)Morning Tag and everyone!
I just **had** to start with Tag’s “to be fair” opening. That is precisely what is going on when an educator (Mr. Campbell or anyone else) has to demand of themselves an intellectual task all day long, every day.
The nicest thing we can do for GM, is for ourselves to keep studying all the aspects of Voltec.
Then, post commentary that shows that we are both open minded and attentive to managements’ needs somehow. Astute attentiveness as shown in posts from here on out might (emphasize might) be a way to gradually show to management an option for you (or me) so somehow participate as being reservedly useful.
When I teach technicians all day(and, although only for this audience I sometimes need to be blunt at first to assure them I thoroughly know their business, period), for
**all other**
audiences,
the “person to person” involvement/interview confers the most information due principally to personal presence. The excitement and passion in the voice of the speaker present has no substitute.
Perhaps excitement can be sometimes misconstrued as pressure, but I don’t think so here.
One of the things that I know regarding the educational process of technologies, is that you can never teach everyone enough of it, so, just like Tag always says, look for that “teachable moment”. In technologies like this, for the consumer that is totally unaware of Voltec, (most), that “teachable moment” will be very many and too far apart for when Volt comes out. For those who are dedicated readers of this site, Voltec is “right here and now” for as many “teachable moments” as are possible. (As per DonC’s comment yesterday for many of us here who desire to “Keep it real” with the referential power of experience.)
But overall, Tag, you have exactly focused on the intellectual tasking that is going to be required of “all of industry”, and, that task is one that ought assure a very enjoyable intellectual participation with the public for at least five employable years. Why?
When I teach diagnostic waveforms on a Genisys, I am constantly amazed that there is always, always, always more work (7 years running now) via a new shop opening (who are eager to learn), or, a shop down some side street that I’d never heard of (who has heard of me, and, they wonder why I hadn’t visited them yet (the weekly tool truck standard). Some being mildly miffed, not understanding that there are 1800 servicing facilities in my 50 mile service area (and, 7 years later, I am **still** the only “live repair order educator” in the country that does thorough training). (IOW They might have called me instead, because I can never know who wants me there at the specific time they are funded).
Same things exactly with GM where, from a marketing perspective, the educational process is the marketing, not the price, not the low-gasoline use, just little 30 second Public Service Announcement types of low key announcements on PBS channels.
I think that if Ken Burns (who does the finest documentaries sponsored by GM that I’ve ever seen) is brought in to this PSA (Public Service Announcement) type of educational process, Ken’s talent to get the messages across might be another avenue of prestige available to GM which GM is used to.
That way, many others could learn how to explain Voltec, for the clear ways Ken’s productions explains things.
For many of the rest of us, for the various ways we communicate our loyalty to the new philosophies regarding electrification and its intended benefits to society, the GM pros know we are here for them. Maybe at our next live chat, we could ask if there are contracting opportunities with GM in the various ways and departments that education needs fulfillment.
Careful branching out of the differing defined educational processes for the various audiences is key to doing a thorough passionate educational job for all those differing “eager to learn” audiences.
+9
Feb 22nd, 2010 (10:11 am)My hand is up! Pick me!
I am happy to do a ‘dealership-by-dealership’ tour with the Chevy VOLT.
I will give everyone, who wants one, a test drive and presentation.
And I’ll do it over and over until they get it!
+4
Feb 22nd, 2010 (10:16 am)Went to the Chicago Auto show Friday and saw the Volt in person. I was impressed. What concerned me was I walked right up to the Volt display, maybe three other people were looking at it. Most of the other Chevrolet vehicles had more than three people standing around them. I don’t think the masses are ready for this technology yet. A big job ahead for GM to mass market the Volt
+5
Feb 22nd, 2010 (10:24 am)I’d have to agree that Jim Campbell did not change mode based on his interviewer – never taking into account Lyle’s background nor the audience that Lyle’s comments would be directed toward.
Chevrolet leadership and PR folks have to begin ‘tweaking’ their message based on the knowledge level of their audience – otherwise the public will just hear white noise.
The absolute BEST way to educate the public on the VOLT and VOLTEC technology … is to put early vehicles into the hands of the thousands of believers on this site … starting with Lyle … and let them go out into the world spreading the good news. It is, one hundred and ten percent, the BEST way to get word out, gain valuable early product feedback, and build an army of VOLT fans.
This is the closest thing to “build the vehicle and they will come” that the auto industry has ever seen …
Go GM. Go VOLT. Bring it ON!!!!!!!!!!!
Feb 22nd, 2010 (10:42 am)I tried it once and didn’t care for it. Thanks for the concern though. Maybe when I get *particularly* goofy on here (admittedly a a very tough call), my friends (read: pretty much everyone) could switch from “check your meds” to “get some sleep”. It’s always good to have that kind of input.
Thanks,
Be well
Tagamet
/I bailed EARLY this morning (~2:30). The “night” before was 4:06 – that’s too late.
+2
Feb 22nd, 2010 (10:53 am)Looks like GM knows their customers and competition.
The real competition is not with LEAF and other BEVs. They won’t even be sold in the same markets for a couple of years (except San Diego ?). The competetion is with Prius and other hybrids. Probably other high mileage vehilces like Jetta.
So the first order business is to convey that Volt is an EV – not a hybrid. Then say that they have solved the range anxiety problem by putting a genset.
+3
Feb 22nd, 2010 (10:58 am)If Chevy would use our “Early Adopter List” they would get all the Advertisement they need for free!!!!!!!
That is IMHO
+6
Feb 22nd, 2010 (10:59 am)I agree with many comments here. Many people in many industries (including Mainstream Media) don’t yet grasp the information revolution taking place right now. Information is being communicated at an astonishing rate by none other than… people. That is, via internet, people are telling each other what is cool, great, money saving, fun, horrifying, exciting, etc.
Yes, advertising and marketing is still an effective communication tool, but more and more the “village square” of people talking to each other via blogs and group web pages is dominating the world of information exchange. Just look at the ratings of mainstream network news organizations. There are now blogs that get more page views than CNN – because people trust them more. This is a revolution in communications. The old gatekeepers are losing grip. That’s just fine with me and democracy.
For GM, and Voltec products this is a near-miracle. Because they have a product that people REALLY want. This blog alone is like a multi-million $$ volunteer army of ER-EVangelists. Mr. Campbell would do well to get familiar with this phenomenon. It is far more effective than the media he will buy simply because it costs him nothing. So, NOTE to Mr. Campbell, your social media marketing starts right here at GM-Volt.com. With 40k people who love your product and will stump the world to let others know about it.
That’s not a bad asset for any business. Forty thousand fans who want only to see you succeed. Rock on VOLT!
+4
Feb 22nd, 2010 (10:59 am)Respectfully Herm I think you are wrong there.
The only reason I’m the least bit interested in the Volt is because of the range extender.
If there was no range extender (‘just’ a battery) I’d be buying a ‘pure’ I4/V6/V8/diesel car that I can count on. Sorry, when it comes to the safety of my family all else is secondary.
The Volt WITH the range extender is the only way I’m buying an electric car.
You will find most people are with me here.
+3
Feb 22nd, 2010 (11:11 am)The Volt IS the best technology available for a truly drivable electric car at this point. It doesn’t preclude further battery development though. In fact, it is a system which facilitates development of all forms of technology to replace the gasoline powered ICE. My only question is how do we get one? Will folks on this waiting list get any special consideration or should we start taking our local Chevy dealer to lunch every week?
+2
Feb 22nd, 2010 (11:12 am)GM has a series of “talking car” TV ads including the following with a link to the on-line ad at GM Canada’s website.
Volt “recharge” TV ad – 2010 Oympics in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada:
http://www.gm.ca/gm/english/vehicles/chevrolet/olympics/videos#/recharge
Cheers
+2
Feb 22nd, 2010 (11:13 am)I think you’re going to have to arm-wrestle a lot of people from this site…
+3
Feb 22nd, 2010 (11:13 am)To answer BillR’s question — the answer wasn’t in there. It should have been something like “When you have a product that can so significantly reduce emissions and our dependency on foreign oil you not surprisingly have a lot of people interested in it. You should know that Lyle! You have what, 50,000 people who have signaled an interest in the car at your web site? Our job is to build on that support with an educational effort so that the rest of the country will understand the benefits of electric vehicles and extended range electric vehicles.”
C’mon Jim, show a little excitement and some confidence in your car. It’s the best thing GM has done since it turned out all those tanks in WW II! Stop treating it like it’s as important as the next Malibu.
FWIW the off the record answer should have been: “Our plan is to clone Tony Posawatz a thousand times and send them all out there.” Now THAT would be effective. Tony has just the right mix of enthusiasm and knowledge and personality for the job of Volt evangelist. The guy is so engaging, and he can present the technical information so well, he gets people revved up. And he delivers a huge amount of educational information in the process.
The second off the record answer should have been: “Well we’re not sure how we’re going to do it but we certainly aren’t going to do it with the Volt dancers”! We’ve tried that.” (Sadly I fear this would have required too much of a sense of humor.)
Feb 22nd, 2010 (11:14 am)+2
Feb 22nd, 2010 (11:15 am)Please allow me to rephrase that,
“FORTY-THOUSAND PEOPLE HERE WANT THE FIRST ONE”
+11
Feb 22nd, 2010 (11:19 am)I think GM is marketing this thing all wrong. The “electric vehicle with extended range capability” description is just too awkward. It also subtly reinforces range anxiety by raising the spectre of limited range in the first place. It’s as if GM is saying “Electric cars have limited range but our doesn’t because we have a range extender.” Good grief.
IMHO, a better description would be “an electric car with a gas generator”. Everyone knows what a generator is. People know that generators kick in whenever the power goes out and will simply assume (correctly) that this is how the Volt works. No one has a clue what a “range extender” is. Why spend all that energy re-educating the public? And every time someone explains it, they invariably use the word “generator” anyway. Just cut to the chase already.
I also wouldn’t go out of my way to express how different this car is from every other car. Consumers will say “why should I take a flyer on this funky, really different, scary thing?” The more GM emphasizes the differences, the more anxiety the average consumer will have (of course, we Volters love the differences!). If I were GM, I’d be almost nonchalant about it. After all, this was the original purpose of the Volt — it can be your only and everyday car, drives like any other car, etc. I’d emphasize that *is* a regular car, except that you can drive for 40 miles without gas. Emphasize the bennies (gas free) and not the anxiety-producing differences.
+14
Feb 22nd, 2010 (11:21 am)When there’s a gas shortage, and there will be, like there was here in Atlanta two summers ago, and the only people able to drive anywhere are Volt owners, believe me, people will take note.
+2
Feb 22nd, 2010 (11:23 am)Absolutely! And in a big way too.
Feb 22nd, 2010 (11:26 am)Dan,
For all the good points you made, I was particularly struck by the (I think valid) philosophical point that almost all of us here come to the site to learn from the posts – to receive information. At some point very soon, maybe we should be reversing the process *more* toward, “How can we help” . I know that we already do a lot of speculating and some fantasizing, but to date, we’re mostly GM information *consumers*. I also know that we already provide an incredible amount of word-of-mouth information to the public – and maybe that’s all most of us *want* to do. But maybe it’s possible for GM to provide VERY brief, physical informational materials to spread the good word. I’m thinking something very short – like business cards with just enough Volt-specific info to prime the pump such that others end up seeking more info on the net *on their own*. Something almost cryptic like “Want to drive without gas? Check out (fill in the space) – You tube clips, social sites, etc. Anything OTHER THAN a direct reference of GM (so it doesn’t look like gratuitous advertising). Anyway, maybe there’s a way for us to start “giving back”. Given the ride Lyle has given us, it’s a darn small price.
This is *seriously* just an opinion.
Be well,
Tagamet
+2
Feb 22nd, 2010 (11:27 am)OFF-TOPIC WARNING.
Quick question about the site refresh, guys. Are we still supposed to get immediate feedback after voting for a post (up or down)?
So as to not clutter up this discussion, I’ve started a forum thread for your replies, here:
http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4275
A more detailed description appears there, as well.
Mike-o
+1
Feb 22nd, 2010 (11:29 am)Not only is Jim’s challenge campaigning VOLT, he must also overcome tons of free ink given to LEAF and competitions non-stop EV announcements. I’m sure he and his boss Susan Docherty have discussed better identifying GM’s EV’s. Chevrolet Electric is a candidate. If so then the entire fleet would follow like Cadillac Electric. Plus if there’s a VOLT, AMPERA and spark, the Cruze handle is mis-characterized-notwithstanding it sounds cold and scaly. There could be the the Resistor, Coil, Capacitor, Filter and I guess maybe the entire PC board.
+1
Feb 22nd, 2010 (11:32 am)MuddyRoverRob—#34
I gave you a plus one and if possible a plus 100. As I stated on this website maybe 18 mo two years ago, there is no way I would put my wife in a pure electric vehicle. I take care of her car. You can call that coddling, but I have been doing it for 50 years of marriage so you could call it habit.
Feb 22nd, 2010 (11:34 am)Sir once again I must emphasize CJS is 400 miles north of us here in La La Land. Though he is close to La La Land North (San Francisco or Berkeley, Hmmm)
Why is this so hard for normal people to understand, eh.
Feb 22nd, 2010 (11:37 am)DanPetit—I would like to ask a personal question. You can feel free to tell me to—-
Do you get your training thru the GM training centers?
Are you an independent contractor?
You are obviously very knowledgeable of automotive repair. Training obtained somewhere.
Do you obtain the GM repair manuals early?
+2
Feb 22nd, 2010 (11:40 am)#7 & #10
+1 to both of you. Amen.
I truly believe that a cadre of 20-30,000 GM-Volt.com die hards could provide word of mouth advertising that money cannot buy. I vaguely remember reading “The Tipping Point”, and the idea of the critical role played by the “Early Adopters”.
I saw a hybrid Tahoe on the freeway this AM with “HYBRID” down the side in letters about a foot high. I have seen numbers of similar ones, and even Escalades, on dealers’ lot, so I guess it’s a factory deal. I’m no fan of the big truck 2 mode as it exists today, but the graphic idea isn’t bad.
I would be willing to drive around in my Volt with BIG electric car and/or PHEV explanatory graphics plastered all over it. We advertise on our shop trucks, and it is highly cost effective. I have no problem showing off my “green cred”, and we are trying to change the world here, after all.
+2
Feb 22nd, 2010 (11:40 am)Ranting with you Jim, that’s a shame.
JC NPNS
+1
Feb 22nd, 2010 (11:43 am)#47
Puhleeze!! Those of us who live in the Los Angeles megalopolis think that San Francisco and Berkely ARE the real La La Land. It is WE who are normal, we are, we are, we are!!!
+1
Feb 22nd, 2010 (11:43 am)Great Prowler, but you are too careful, FIFTY-THOUSAND is better.
Best regards,
JC NPNS
+2
Feb 22nd, 2010 (11:44 am)Wow! Dan, this is one of your longest posts.
All kidding aside, what you say about your experience with respect to GM educating everyone about the “electric car” category is good observation for them to follow. Those 30 second advertisements are necessary to capture the public’s interest. A coworker once gave me a saying that I have practiced over and over: “Seize the moment of curiosity for the acquisition of knowledge.” The advertisements are meant to peak that interest.
In advertising, the message needs to be short and to the point! (Especially with the high cost of advertising.) Usually, a question can get the persons immediate interest if it is posed right. GM and its series of “May the best car Win!” advertisements, is a challenge to every new car buyer’s intelligence to get the best for their money. They have a good strategy in this type of ad: it’s better to be an educated customer! As we here at GM-Volt.com all know we are!
As far as Jim Campbell not answering the question, I think he did. In essence, he is saying that GM doesn’t know what the potential market is yet. There is a huge potential of consumers for electric vehicles that remain, even at this late stage so near to roll-out of the Volt, oblivious to what a Volt or even an electric car is. By saying that they need to educate the populous, he is recognizing the huge job ahead of them in properly marketing the Volt. I believe that they are totally aware of a potentially huge market for the Volt and all EV vehicles. Before they can ramp up production, there needs to be a valid way of estimating that developed demand. If after using an education strategy, they see that huge potential changing to want demand and actual orders at their dealerships , then production planning can commence to meet that demand. We can see the tremendous expense of building new production facilities like the battery assembly plant.
He can’t really say more than he has in this interview until GM is ready to begin either training of its dealership’s repair technicians or its outreach program to educate consumers. Another reason for not being forthcoming in his answer to the question exists in there is no need to reveal to their competition what specific means of capturing the public’s interest will be until they are going to start their educational program. We , here, at GM-Volt.com, in one way, are setting the ground work for educating them. Within the last decade, the internet has become a new media for educating the world. As may sister used to say to me, “The media is the message.” The moment for GM to enter this new stage of the Volt’s deployment has come and will be as exciting as watching it’s development. As we discuss the pending marketing campaign, here on GM-Volt.com, we see the final phase in its becoming a reality. The next nine months will be very exciting.
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again
P.S. All this wind has warn, me out! This will most likely be my last post for the day. No promises though.
+2
Feb 22nd, 2010 (11:44 am)I believe that the Reason for this is the that the Volt is neither a muscle or a concept car — and those types of vehicles are what really brings attendees to a car show. This re-enforces the concept that Chevy/Opel/GM will have to educate the mass market that this rather plain looking car is a revolution in propulsion technology.
I will admit that I was first drawn to this site by the lines of the Volt concept vehicle. It was only after that initial attraction that I spent the time to understand the technology behind the good looks and understand the potential for this kind of a platform. (Ok, just re-read that last sentence, with a few minor changes it could apply to any girlfriend that I ever had.)
We now have a car that will not stand out in a parking lot foll on compact and mid-size sedans from all manufacturers — yet we still need to generate that initial interest. Until recently, I would never have considered spending more than $30,000 on a small four seater that didn’t come from Bavaria. After the early adopters who understand the technology, and the celebrities that just want that “Green Halo”, it will take a concerted effort to generate sustainable interest until the price drops to be on par with similar size strong Hybrids.
JMHO
+1
Feb 22nd, 2010 (11:48 am)I tend to think of all of California as La La Land.
Sorry about that, from a distance all I see are ‘woodies’ with surfboards with beach boys music on the radio…
No nastiness intended, sorry if I hurt your feelings.
+1
Feb 22nd, 2010 (11:50 am)Only 23 years married but exactly the same deal.
+4
Feb 22nd, 2010 (11:50 am)Hi Noel,
I already began, so go and buy stickers !!!!
The last ones I put on my (and my wife’s) car was from ridemagnetism.com, this one :
and several others, mind you when you go to the car-wash …
Best regards,
JC NPNS
Feb 22nd, 2010 (11:52 am)I think one way that GM will educate the population about the volt is word-of-mouth. The first production run will be limited and so most of the buyers will be early-adopters / technical types who know what an EREV is. They’ll educate their friends and colleagues just by talking about their car or driving them around in it.
By 2012 everyone will know what the Chevy Volt can do.
Feb 22nd, 2010 (11:55 am)La La Land is too dern far. Oaktown (Oakland CA), San Fran (where the women are strong and the men are pretty) bay area are close enough. I’d make the drive just to test drive one.
I still want just the basics…
No Power Windows
No Power Adjust Seats
No Power Side view mirrors
No Power Sunroof (Actually No Sunroof at all!!)
No Power Door Locks
No Power Trunk lock
No Radio (Remember that fiasco? – Get an iPod)
No Heated Seats
No OnStar!!!
The ICEAge is over, Embrace the VoltAge!!!
Feb 22nd, 2010 (11:57 am)AMEN! times 10!
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****No More “Stay Tuned”!
+1
Feb 22nd, 2010 (12:01 pm)1,080 people voted. That’s about the same amount they use for political polls.
And I believe the poll was hosted on multiple sites. Even within gm-volt.com, I would say that we’re fairly diverse in opinion and motivation. The main thing we have in common is that we’re all early adopters, but any poll at this time would be skewed by that.
Here are the results:
What is Your Major Motivation for Wanting an Electric Car?
Energy Security 50% (543 votes)
Global Warming 11% (122 votes)
Peak Oil 24% (262 votes)
Latest Technology 8% (88 votes)
Other 6% (65 votes)
I’m not saying that the poll is perfect, but I will say that with only 11% voting for Global Warming as their main concern, and at least 80% voting for non-environmental issues, I think car makers should re-evaluate target market for EVs. Going green isn’t it…
+1
Feb 22nd, 2010 (12:05 pm)I’ve been following EV’s since 1994 when I first saw a article on the EV1…
One thing for sure is that the Media and the public are still clueless. I still talk to people who do not know what a EV1 is.. or a VOLT…let alone know how they operate.
One of the best learning tools I saw was the EV1 display at EPCOT. GM had the entire driveline laid out in a excellent display… and they had a Engineer there to answer questions. That was a very impessive way of explaining it’s operation and construction. I’m sure GM has the Volt somewhere near it’s Fast Track ride at EPCOT… which by the way … is a great way to experience the electric drive…. the Fast Track ride at EPCOT.
+2
Feb 22nd, 2010 (12:07 pm)Firestorm, is the only way I have to describe the GM volt. I would be very surprised if more than 30% of the US public as either heard of the volt or knows exactly the details of the volt. In my impromptu survey I have asked over the last two years every customer that comes in my door to get their cars worked on , l if they’ve ever heard of the volt and do they know how it works. And with the GM auto plant and many parts manufacturers located here this is a pretty car savvy town. In the first year less than 10% of the people even knew or heard about the volt and this year close to 30% have heard or knew anything about the volt. The word is getting out but until this car hit the showroom floors and the customers start telling their neighbors, friends and family about this car that is when the firestorm will take place. Of course I’m not a pollster and I very well could be wrong but we will see soon.
+1
Feb 22nd, 2010 (12:08 pm)#27 & #29
Amen. 1 to both.
These are the “real guys”. Please Mr. Campbell, pay attention to them.
Meanwhile, I would be happy to drive all over SoCal with a professionally designed “Chevy Volt Extended Range Electric Vehicle” “wrap” on it. With even a “For more information call (800)***-****” or “VISIT GM-Volt.com”, LOL.
Speaking of word of mouth, there is a very nice driving impression of the Volt in this week”s (2/22/10) Autoweek.
Feb 22nd, 2010 (12:08 pm)The latter.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****No More “Stay Tuned”!
+3
Feb 22nd, 2010 (12:09 pm)50,000 want the first one? I’ll settle for the second one…
Feb 22nd, 2010 (12:11 pm)What’s the old expression? “If you bring a knife, I bring a gun!” (lol)
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****No More “Stay Tuned”!
+1
Feb 22nd, 2010 (12:12 pm)#33
Amen! +1
Feb 22nd, 2010 (12:21 pm)EXCELLENT point re the paint-job!
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****No More “Stay Tuned”!
Feb 22nd, 2010 (12:23 pm)Nice images. I’d add one kicking the OPEC habit. Out of curiosity, in the US there are very strong feelings about OPEC and a strong desire to avoid buying oil from countries like Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Venezuela. Is this also true in Europe? Or do issues like natural gas from Russia overshadow this?
Feb 22nd, 2010 (12:27 pm)Although I agree with your fundamentals, I disagree with your geography. Anything beyond OMAHA os “west” (lol).
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****No More “Stay Tuned”!
+1
Feb 22nd, 2010 (12:30 pm)Looks like Tex-Arl has the top score with 50 wedded years (though he didn’t mention how many women that TOOK)(g), Michael is at 40, I’m at 38 years (original), and then there’s the youngsters (hee hee)
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****No More “Stay Tuned”!
Feb 22nd, 2010 (12:34 pm)I think your point is a good one but the poll itself is simply useless. It’s entirely self selected from a sub-population. It would be like asking whether Nancy Pelosi is a good Speaker of the House and having a call in number. You’d probably get different results on Fox or MSNBC.
In this regard, the poll numbers run on the GM site were quite different. And no doubt a poll on Autobloggreen would be different yet.
I’m assuming GM has a lot of research on the issue. It may be that the research shows something different than what we think it does. Or it may be that GM had determined it needs to dispel its reputation for selling gas hogs. Or it may be that GM doesn’t think it can play the anti-oil anti-OPEC card when 99% of its sales are conventional cars that use oil and its low MPG truck lines are profitable. Could be a number of things. But I do agree with you that there is a strong current of anti-oil feeling out there.
Feb 22nd, 2010 (12:44 pm)Obliquely related to the discussion of education about EV and EREV is the question of what the demand for the Volt will be. Over at autobloggreen the first article describes how how demand for the i-Miev has consistently far outstripped predictions from Mitsubishi.
Sorry for the lack of a citation but putting one in would probably hang up the comment, but you should be able to just wander on over.
Feb 22nd, 2010 (12:45 pm)I choose not to address the stats issues (I’m such an empathetic guy)(g), but you’re CLOSE to 100% right. “Simply useless” is a tad harsh. We can at least say that “this self selected population, from the following internet sites (list sites), responded this way”. Granted, all your statistical points are spot-on. There’s information there, it’s “just statistically useless”. We can be pretty sure that GM has drawn a stratified random sample with a very large heterogeneous N from the target population demographic on which they’d apply their stats (probably ANOVA).
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****No More “Stay Tuned”!
+2
Feb 22nd, 2010 (12:47 pm)One strong suggestion I would give Mr. Cambell would be “stop saying up to 300 miles of extended range” Instead the adds should say The Volt has no range limit just like your current car, After 40 miles the gas powered generator comes on and keeps providing electric power till you finish your trip. but be warned, most owners will so rarely need to buy gas for the generator that they may forget where the gas cap is.
Feb 22nd, 2010 (12:51 pm)Jim, well said. I will only add that corporate spokesmen like that CAN do damage to the Volt and to EV’s by wasting precious opportunities to advance the cause. (geeze, I don’t like the sound of that – I sound like a green activist).
LJGTVWOTR
+1
Feb 22nd, 2010 (12:52 pm)Tag—
I fudged. It will be 50 April 8th. Same beautiful lady and we produced one great boy.
I have a beautiful Daughter In Law and my Grand Son loves his Paw Paw.
After that the Volt will just be icing on the cake.
+3
Feb 22nd, 2010 (12:54 pm)Well, the economy is coming back, and the articles about $200/barrell oil are returning. Whoa be it to our mighty nation hence we forget yet again. The difference this time is oil really is difficult to get to and produce most everywhere outside the Middle-East, and all that portends.
There’s a new documentary out called “Collapse” which does well to define the oil issues, not for American, but for the world at large. In summary, oil is far too valuable for human populations to simply burn this to move 4500 lbs of glass and metal. Once gone, or simply in so short a supply, the implications for the quality of life across the globe is staggering. Combine that fact with where the oil is, in the hands of a bunch of American-hating, democracy hating, women’s rights hating, religiously and politically intolerant, well, where does that put us if cars like the Volt don’t come to fruition.
Although I have 4 cars in my drive way (2 Buicks, and 2 Lincolns), I’m in. Time to start weaning if only for the sake of the great country we call home.
CHEVY VOLT: American-made, American-FUELED!
+1
Feb 22nd, 2010 (1:00 pm)I love your idea! Maybe they could even put a button on the dash or keyfob that says “Gas” and it would make the gas cap “beep” to remind you where it is (kinda like losing your car and having it beep). Then let the ads emphasize this “feature”! I bet it’d make the POINT!
Nicely done!
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****No More “Stay Tuned”!
Feb 22nd, 2010 (1:10 pm)One of the drawbacks of visiting this site as often as I do, is that I assume everyone else knows about and appreciates the Volt and EREV concept as much as I do. I swear, everytime I bring it up to people, they may have heard the name “Volt”, but they don’t know diddly about how it works. Hell, as we’ve heard on this site, Chevy dealers know less about the Volt than the average visitor to this site.
True, as more Volts get out there the learning curve will shorten dramatically for folks, but it’s nerve racking at the present.
Perhaps one commercial GM could run would be to feature the Volt, explaining the EREV concept and then cut to a few real people FAQS based on the research done in focus groups.
Certainly the price will immediately qualify the market rather quickly. I hope GM is taking that into account. If the first Volt is $40k then that stigma will live for future generations. Everyone will say right out the gate that the Volt is too expensive. However if they price it in the low 30’s and take the expected loss on the first generation, they will sell more of future generations.
Feb 22nd, 2010 (1:14 pm)You are definitely Blessed with a beautiful family, and you obviously recognize that (which some actually overlook). This Aug 20th we’ll hit 39 years married (and dated since high school and college). Sadly, just staying MARRIED is getting rare enough, let alone for the long term.
It’s nice to know that just being “seasoned” citizens, doesn’t blunt our enthusiasm for tech like the VOLT!
Hmmmm, GREAT population to show off how “simple” the Volt is! Push us to the top of the list GM!
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****No More “Stay Tuned”!
Feb 22nd, 2010 (1:14 pm)#57
Ahhh, You’re way ahead of me, as usual. +1
I thought of you when I read Richard C’s comment at #33, quoted above. You drew our attention to the potential of these wholly different information paths, whether websites, blogs, email, or “social networking” sites to spread the word about the Volt some 2 years ago.
Clearly, this has the potential to “go viral”, in the same way that political and other stories have exploded via these channels in recent years. I can imagine that it may be orders of magnitude more effective than traditional advertising in time.
Imagine if each of the 50K on our “waiting list” sent out a simple email to 20 of our friends, explaining and promoting the Volt. That’s a million people who get a message from someone they hopefully trust, as as opposed to a print or TV ad. How’s that for a source of sales leads CorvetteGuy? Maybe we could all cc you on the emails, LOL. I wouldn’t have a problem doing it, based upon your loyal support here.
Instead of “word of Mouth” maybe we should coin a new term. “Word of Internet”? “Word of Blog”? “Word of Facebook”? Word of YouTube”?
Feb 22nd, 2010 (1:17 pm)You’re right and you’re wrong. They have to state that the car is different since the price is higher than the standard technology.
A lot of people will wait if they feel this is new (anxiety) but many are willing to do their share for the cause, be it get rid of oil, improve the carbon print or else. These are the early customers GM must target and – hopefully – time will allow the others to change their point of view from “this is new and unproven” to “this is cool and I want it”.
In the meantime, better state that it is something else if you want to justify the price premium.
+1
Feb 22nd, 2010 (1:20 pm)Did you see the word OPTION in my post?.. Most of us would choose that option, my point is that it would make the public understood the Volt was an electric car, with an optional range extender. Thats all, not choosing sides between EREV and BEV.
It would force all the reviews to say: “We tested GM’s electric car, with the optional gasoline generator”.. otherwise all you will hear is : “its a hybrid and the Prius is much cheaper”
Then there are actually crazy people out there that want a Volt without the gasoline generator.
+3
Feb 22nd, 2010 (1:23 pm)Me too. Actually, I’ll settle for the 1000th one.
The first one belongs in a museum IMHO. It’s a piece of automotive history. Or at least it will be.
+1
Feb 22nd, 2010 (1:29 pm)I’d definitely volunteer, but it’d have to be a really, really, really, long commercial. Brevity is not my forte (I should put that on a business card). Then again, Dan would need an infomercial (lol).
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****No More “Stay Tuned”!
Feb 22nd, 2010 (1:32 pm)Sadly I won’t be a customer because I have no idea when they’ll make them available in Tennessee. Most likely I’ll be getting a FFH next week but I have been wanting a Volt for over 2 years now.
+1
Feb 22nd, 2010 (1:41 pm)Let me add some perspective to this discussion. Here in the USA, we synthetically manufacture almost ten percent of the transport fuel that we consume. What else would you call corn ethanol, and other biofuels, if not synthetically manufactured fossil fuel?
If you replace a 23mpg gasoline powered car with a 230mpge Volt, you have reduced the fuel requirement by more than 90%. So the remaining ethanol and bio-fuels we presently manufacture, are more than sufficient to provide all the fuel needed to maintain our industrial civilization, without disruption.
This great state of affairs will not arrive for perhaps a decade or slightly more, but it is coming. Nor is it reasonable to expect that zero oil would be available, at any time. The unrealistic, artificial OPEC pricing has led to the discovery of centuries of oil and these artificially high prices have provided the means to develop the technologies where needed to exploit these finds. Peak Oil has turned into an alarmist fantasy.
Feb 22nd, 2010 (1:48 pm)It’s not an unmixed blessing. With the Internet, suddenly everyone’s an expert, and no one looks at credentials anymore. Or even has any way to check them, or any conflicts of interest, even if you wanted too.
Just look at all the trolls we have on this site. Yes. They tend to be obvious. And they’re not going to dissuade anyone on this site. But they’re not all that stupid. And in other contexts, they might be a lot more convincing.
I trust Lyle, of course. But that’s a result of reading numerous articles over a long period of time. And the overall level of intellectual sophistication on this site. But, in my experience, he’s the exception rather than the rule.
Feb 22nd, 2010 (1:51 pm)Congrats on the new vehicle. I hear the FFH are really nice vehicles. Maybe Gen II will be a good timing fit for your next car.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****No More “Stay Tuned”!
Feb 22nd, 2010 (1:53 pm)Even if Mr. Campbell has been doing interviews for 24 hours straight, when Lyle places a microphone in front of him it should be a relief that he now has someone to speak with that is well informed and has a well informed audience. At that point he should be able to say something useful and informative rather than answer a completely different question (like a politician).
Of course there is a risk that anything reported on this site will be repeated to audiences that are less well informed.
+2
Feb 22nd, 2010 (2:16 pm)I try not to be obvious…..
ON the topic of information spread and the internet, sure you cannot trust what you read but we have found that we cannot trust the traditional sources of media either. They seem to provide one sided stories with little sound research to back them up. People are using the internet for information more and more for a reason.
As for the Volt, news of the Volt will spread like a virus and the integrated effects of this word of mouth apporach may well dwarf the impact of GMs traditional advertising.
Feb 22nd, 2010 (2:30 pm)That happens to be the color I want. Anyone know where I can get more pics of the Thunder Gray?
Sure beats the Leaf in a Beauty Contest IMO.
Feb 22nd, 2010 (2:35 pm)Thanks.
I haven’t made myself sign the check, yet! Just wish I could get a Volt instead, though.
+3
Feb 22nd, 2010 (2:37 pm)I did see the word option in your post.
Once again we slightly disagree on what the Volt is.
I see the Volt as the ‘gateway’ to electric drive for the greater population allowing them to try it out with less risk.
You as I interpret it see the Volt as ‘just’ an EV, honestly if you really ‘just’ want a BEV go buy a Leaf.
I really think ‘Muddying’ the waters by making the Volt’s range extender/genset optional will just confuse people.
It will take time but people will soon see the Volt as the EV that doesn’t need to be towed home all the time. That’s why I’ll buy one and why I won’t buy a straight up BEV.
/Can the Voltec system be used as a BEV? Of course! Just don’t call it the Volt.
+2
Feb 22nd, 2010 (2:39 pm)Speaking of educating the public, lets not forget educating the government. I was told by my City Building Department that the California Building Code section 230.2 prohibits the installation of a second electric meter on a home. I provided them the PUC approved rate case letter for TOU-EV-1 PEV charging station but that did not seem to phase them. The entire point of a dedicated second meter for PEV’s is to keep your rates down below tier 2 on your home use, after which they almost double. Forcing PEV owners to add their electricity use to their standard panel would push them over the edge. Even for those with 5KW of solar panels, which I am one. If our own city/county building departments don’t know the code, how is that going to help early adopters get PEV ready? The sooner we all help remove the road blocks the sooner we can get the Volts Wheels on the road. I am trying a back door approach to re-educating my city since the front door was apparently closed. Any inside info on the SAE J1772 standard, IE timeline for possible adoption? Kind of hard to roll out standardized charging stations and autos without standards.
+2
Feb 22nd, 2010 (2:54 pm)OT: Obviously, there’s no need to answer if you’d rather not, but given the Internet as a mixed blessing, if you put the “Pros” on the one side of the scale, and the “Cons” on the other, which side do you think sinks lower – the Pros or the Cons? Overall, do you think it’s more beneficial or detrimental? As I reread this, I see the potential for a “Thread-Jack”. If you choose to answer, maybe you’d rather PM me. I don’t know if you’re old enough to even remember the Pre-Internet Era, (and I’m definitely wise enough to not ask) but I’ve seen the “before” and the “current” Internet and share mixed feelings as well.
Be well,
Tagamet
Feb 22nd, 2010 (3:01 pm)Ahhh, a rose by any other name….
Nice that you and Herm can disagree civilly. Personally, I’m struggling to see a significant difference. Shrug. That’s just me.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****No More “Stay Tuned”!
+2
Feb 22nd, 2010 (3:02 pm)The Market for the Volt is potentially HUGE. I say potentially, because the car HAS TO BE RIGHT!! If it gets released with drifting floor mats, company emails about shortcutting safety to save money, or cars bursting into flames, it could be a disaster. I speak from my experiences with Toyota AND my Chevy Vega.
Some simple advertisments about the car and its technology, some network news test drives and testimonials from early owners ought to do it. Leafy green artistic ads won’t sell cynical gearheads like me. Give me nuts and bolts (volts?) and some early adopters anytime.
GO GM! My tax dollars are counting on you.
+2
Feb 22nd, 2010 (3:14 pm)WOW, I’m the “Mother of all Optimists”, and I can’t START to wrap my head around *that* project.
Maybe it’ll happen in a “top-down” manner, with very large companies (companies with a lot of JOBS in the State) getting the ears of high ranking officials, and work it’s way down to the municipal level? It’s a lot harder to fight your way UP the food-chain.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****No More “Stay Tuned”!
-10
Feb 22nd, 2010 (3:14 pm)(click to show comment)
+2
Feb 22nd, 2010 (3:28 pm)Lol. You’re not a troll! I was referring to the change-my-name-every-day contingent. They can be amusing IMHO. But I wonder if they’re more effective in other forums where people might not know as much.
I agree that the mainstream media was never completely trustworthy. And they’re less reliable than they used to be. A large part of that is because the internet alternative has cut into their revenue, which forces them to cut costs. Which means less money spent on research and proofreading, and other important quality controls. And, as a result, they become less trustworthy. And people react to that, and stop reading them…
It’s a downward cycle that I don’t see any answers too.
I agree that the Internet can be a powerful method for getting the message out. And, hopefully, that will help the Volt, big time.
Feb 22nd, 2010 (3:29 pm)If you go to the *home* page here and scroll down. On the right side is a countdown clock for the Volt’s *purported* release date. I don’t know if watching it would be encouraging or discouraging. Whatever you decide, you’ve definitely paid your dues with 2 years of patience. I think that there are a lot of us just holding our breaths as to whether our current vehicles will “make it” long enough to see an available Volt. I know that the family that lives in our house sure is!
If you do end up in another hybrid, please check back and share your experiences!
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****No More “Stay Tuned”!
+2
Feb 22nd, 2010 (3:37 pm)I see a small 1.4 litre difference.
There are of course a ‘hardcore’ group of people who would rather push their EV than have a genset. More ‘power’ to them.
But honestly most people just want to get on with life.
This November the Volt WITH it’s range extender/genset will be the only affordable-ish EV that does not demand compromises by the customer.
People HATE to compromise!
+2
Feb 22nd, 2010 (3:52 pm)I honestly don’t know.
The internet is putting most of the mainstream media out of business. And, while people like to slam it, I think that losing it completely could be a real tragedy. Someone has to be paid to get the news. The real news. Like Watergate. Or Iran. And there are only so many advertising dollars to go around. And the more companies spend on advertising, the less they spend on other things. (Like, say, the drug companies who are currently spending more on advertising than on actual research.)
On the other hand, there are lots of obvious advantages to the internet. Like, say, this site.
As far as the societal advantages and disadvantages…I’m probably not the best one to ask. When I was in high school, the internet was around but it wasn’t nearly as mainstream as it is today. But I’m not as tech savvy as most of my peers. And I hate the very idea of facebook…
How’s that for a threadjack? Speaking of which, how do you pm someone on this site? I didn’t even know that was possible.
+6
Feb 22nd, 2010 (3:56 pm)That didn’t work, let me try again with a different dead president (lol):
You need to keep a few things in mind:
1) When GM first announced the Volt, the rest of the world automotive community either ignored it completely, or wasted no time in condemning Li/Ion chemistry as “not ready” for automotive prime-time. Now, many automakers have their own programs based on the technology; including the initial doubters. Why? It took the commitment of a major car company to push Li/Ion out of the arena of small devices and into the larger-format realm of vehicle power. By this act alone, GM has advanced the battery state-of-the-art.
Or do you believe that anyone will again offer a 100 mile BEV with 90’s era batteries?
2) Even when providing for only a 40 mile all-electric range, the Volt’s cost strains what the average driver is willing to pay. GM is highly motivated to reduce this cost by improving the state of the battery art again for the Volt’s next generation. The next Volt batteries will be smaller, cheaper and more powerful. This will have an immediate positive effect on all-electric vehicles.
3) The infrastructure needed to support a pure EV as an all-around transportation solution for the majority of drivers does not yet exist. Until it does, pure BEVs will enjoy a more limited scope of use, and market, than cars with an on-board backup.
4) Using an engine as a source of heat may be all that allows EVs in colder climates to function at all. Without an on-board source of heat, pure electric vehicles will be limited geographically, in the already limited niches for which they are suited.
5) In my opinion, there will be a market emerging for EREVs which have greater AER than 40 miles, with smaller engines sized closer to the car’s average power requirement. GM will be most able, initially, to exploit such an architecture. This motivates them to continuously improve battery technology to the more advanced level that this approach requires.
It often seems to me that EV manufacturers (and their fans), are at best indifferent to the EREV approach; but in fact, the EREV is the EV’s best friend. The Volt will accelerate, not impede, the development of batteries which pure EVs will depend on.
“Jackson”
+2
Feb 22nd, 2010 (4:01 pm)Sorry, I had a little reality seizure there. I mean it’s assumed that the Volt is being released, genset and all. I thought that Herm was floating a way to advertise the volt with several “as if” scenarios. I have to admit that when I make a long reply (given my glacial typing speed), I have to scroll back up and try to quickly read the posts made while I was typing. Sometimes I obviously miss someone’s point. I DO share your point about family safety and not wanting to be stranded.
And yes, to the extent possible, the Volt has to be a spot-on, no compromise vehicle. GM will likely get one try to get it right.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****No More “Stay Tuned”!
+2
Feb 22nd, 2010 (4:01 pm)I disagree. First of all, an option that most people won’t want will cut into their first year production numbers. And standardization saves money. Adding extra options cost money. So OEMs tend to pick the ones people will actually want. And this is an option, I doubt too many people will be interested in.
More than that, I don’t want people with only 40 miles AER and no range extender getting stuck on a regular basis, and giving the Volt, in general, a bad name. It’s one thing for some individuals to decide to run it without gas. Then if they get stuck, someone can offer them gas, and they’ll be able to get moving…And no one will blame GM. At least, I hope they won’t.
+1
Feb 22nd, 2010 (4:07 pm)The World Wide Web was a recent implementation of TCP/IP (early 1990s) with Internet Explorer version 1.0 introduced in 1995. The ‘Internet’ was implemented a little earlier than that, but, wasn’t widely available for use outside of colleges and government.
Anyone more than 20 years old should remember the Pre-Internet Era
Of course, older ones refer to using a DVR as ‘taping’ the program (as in VCR). lol.
Point being that technology is advancing at a faster rate than learning can keep up with. (What’s a CD again? How about an LP? 8″ floppy disk?)
I spent part of this weekend consolidating my pictures, MP3s and videos on an HTPC. You can ‘play’ any song (or video or picture) from any PC or TV on the network or Internet (If I let them.) The security cameras are also network aware. Through the HTPC, I can surf the net or play games on the 50″ as well.
Security cam showing the Volt in the garage and interface to the onboard. (future apps).
It’s a beautiful thing.
Feb 22nd, 2010 (4:09 pm)Oh, it’s definitely possible to PM, but you have to know the secret handshake.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****No More “Stay Tuned”!
Feb 22nd, 2010 (4:39 pm)#94 True that! +1
+2
Feb 22nd, 2010 (4:46 pm)#102
Alas, too true. I’ve got the scars to prove it, LOL. +1
+2
Feb 22nd, 2010 (4:56 pm)Maybe the Volt should be marketed as the “Plug-In Generator Car”. The car that runs on electricity produced by a gas powered generator that also includes lithium ION battery buffer.
NPNS!
+2
Feb 22nd, 2010 (5:13 pm)The Volt is, in fact, much closer to the LEAF than it is the Prius; and this is GM’s challenge to get across. To that end, GM should from this moment stop referring to the engine as the “range extender.” They should instead refer to it only as “the generator.” Press releases can talk about how the generator extends the range, but should never refer to a “range extender.” This alone makes the Volt much less ambiguous, emphasizing it as electric car plus, rather than some kind of carefully qualified “hybrid.”
Feb 22nd, 2010 (5:27 pm)I still think the genset on a trailer would be the optimum location. You would take it only when you needed to lug around all that weight, like visiting aunt Josephine in Florida.
+1
Feb 22nd, 2010 (5:38 pm)IMO…classifying the Volt as an EV or Hybrid is just marketing. In the end, it is still a Volt. Of course, a hard core EV enthusiast would feel better about driving an EV that happens to have a range extender (aka generator or fuel cell).
For example,
- I would rather have a doughnut than deep fried bread coated with sugar.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doughnut
Feb 22nd, 2010 (5:41 pm)More power to you Bruce, personally I’ll bring my genset along in my Volt so when I get caught in rush hour traffic with the heat or AC running I don’t get stranded.
Florida would be no problem in the Volt, all ~4500km (one way) to get there.
I’m not so sure about trusting a rented (uhaul?) generator to get me there and back again.
Or do you propose buying a genset trailer and then having to find a place to store it?
Still sounds inconvenient to me.
Feb 22nd, 2010 (6:10 pm)I actually though it was hilarious.
Cassette tapes? I think redHHR has my 8 tracks from when he was my limo driver. I thought CD’s and VHS tapes were pretty awful. Guess I just didn’t know any better because I always liked LP’s.
Technology will completely change the way new cars are perceived, expected to perform and are bought. All consumer items will get more connected, providing feedback to networked systems. Huge investments continue to be made and winners and losers are yet to be determined. We never know where the next breakthrough will come from.
Feb 22nd, 2010 (6:11 pm)There is no “just” in marketing, at this critical stage. These days we often find that a rose by any other name may smell as sweet, but doesn’t sell nearly as well. These are not enlightened times. GM must tread carefully.
In addition, it will be up to the hard core early adopters to demonstrate the Volt’s advantages once this becomes possible to do with actual vehicles. Many reading this will fall into the hard core category.
Actually, the phrase “electric car plus” has a certain agreeable tone about it.
Feb 22nd, 2010 (6:11 pm)I’ve got my hand up! Push me to the top of the list!
Feb 22nd, 2010 (6:15 pm)I had college access to the web in at LEAST the early 80’s, and yes, 8 inch floppies, and even games that came on cassette tapes. Just another way I’ve been Blessed I guess. Although I have the house hard-wired with cat5 cable and wireless, I guess I *am* old fashioned in the sense that the only “Security Camera” in the system is in the bedroom. (Ba-Dump-BUMP). Just kidding!
I suspect that my view of the internet has largely been shaped by the fact that I’ve always chosen to live in small towns (or *outside* of them). The Internet is my window to the whole world. On the rare occasions where my cable connection has failed, I’ve been known to dig out my old 14K, 28K, or 56K modem (that’s a LOT of digging), string phone lines across rooms, and surf that way until my window was restored.
I’ve gotten fairly good at fact checking the information out there, and JUST the access to college research sites, current info re sci, medical research, history,religion, biology, politics, etc and it’s worth its weight in gold for me. Add to that a dash of gm-volt.com for camaraderie (and refereeing) and it’s pretty darn nice. Granted, there is a lot of “dark matter” out there, but that just reflects reality. Just my experience.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****No More “Stay Tuned”!
Feb 22nd, 2010 (6:19 pm)Boy, do I wish I had some control of that! (sigh).
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****No More “Stay Tuned”!
Feb 22nd, 2010 (6:21 pm)Actually Zach, err, Andy the battery configuration GM chose is about the most demanding to implement. A bigger battery would require cells that aren’t more advanced in nature – just cheaper. Though for the life of me, I can’t figure out how to make batteries cheaper without advancing them.
Feb 22nd, 2010 (6:24 pm)Not nice Tag. (g)
Laura, as it was explained to me: “The only way I can get it to work now is to click on “Forum” at the top, go into “Member List”, type the name into the search, click on the result and then pick ‘Private Message’.”
You have a choice of PM or regular email, where the receiving party gets to see your real email address. By real email, I mean the one you have in your Forum profile.
-7
Feb 22nd, 2010 (6:26 pm)You are 100% correct. This greenwash car of supposed “Electric” nature, but is designed to burn petroleum, will indeed be a massive Crutch to the owners.
Just like a stupid crack whore, just giving enough to keep them hooked looks like the plan.
To go further on this, the petroleum crutch will hinder battery research in that the false perception of the Volt being an EV will mask the necessity for a better, larger capacity, higher power delivery and lighter storage device.
A BEV is a tool used for a specific purpose. The BEV owner that has to push it is the idiot trying to use the tool for something it was not designed to do. Fact is, there have been less BEV owners pushing than you even think. A BEV requires a reasonable responsible owner with common sense.
You don’t expect to drive your current ICE car 500miles on a single tank do you? Then why would you drive a BEV past it’s SOC range? Simple common sense, if you lack that then the BEV is not for you.
“affordable-ish” is the question. What will the price be? Whatever price is announced, it should be the price without the Tax credit. Announcing any cars price minus any Tax credit is a sneaky attempt to hide the truth. Besides, does the dealer give you that Tax credit? Does GM? Do they apply you for the Tax credit? Do they sign you up for the Tax credit? Do they give you the forms for the Tax credit?
An “affordable-ish” EV will most likely NOT be the Volt.
It is interesting how many compare a BEV to the Volt by only the Volt’s range. Compare just the battery performance range, the BEV doesn’t pollute and the first real general public BEV out to market will not be $40K before Tax credit.
Range anxiety is one’s lack of understanding the limits of their BEV.
Feb 22nd, 2010 (6:35 pm)BTW, you can only look someone up in the members list if they use the same name as a Forum User ID as they use to post here. Otherwise, you are trying to look up the wrong name. Tagamet is the same in both; I am not. (I used Sojourner as a User ID, and now I use Michael here.) I didn’t know much about the site when I joined.
Feb 22nd, 2010 (6:35 pm)Frank, even if we do get recognition, going to lunch with your local Chevy dealer is a good idea. Maybe you don’t have to go that far, but paying a visit every so often is a wise move. Where I live there are probably about 10 dealerships within about 15 miles. It took 6 inquiries before I got a sales rep that knew enough to get my attention. He may also have been feeding me a line, but he got $500 out of me as a deposit (for a few seconds it sounded like they were considering that to be above and beyond MSRP). As a reward they claimed that cars would arrive before the “official announcement” of Nov 1. Be still my heart. Anyway, I’m #2 in line at that dealer.
Feb 22nd, 2010 (6:39 pm)I think one approach is that the PUC will be educated about the value of electric propulsion and strike down the “EV addition penalty” charges all together. As many have said higher rates for higher use have held California per capita electric use growth down. But adding an EV shouldn’t mash up a households ongoing rate plan with the pre EV rates. Creating a penalty for using less gas, driving more efficiently and creating fewer pollutants.
Feb 22nd, 2010 (6:48 pm)I respectfully disagree with you on many levels. I will not attempt to give a comprehensive reply. But I will give a VERY simple counter example. A Tesla model S with a 300 mile battery, besides being a beautiful car, and probably very fun to drive is just NOT what I want. A year ago I made 4 trips to Florida to see the space shuttle take off (one time). I made 8 runs of 26 hours non-stop driving. When I get my Volt I will be able to repeat that. No way could I do that even with a Tesla. And a Tesla with a 300 mile battery would cost on the order of $70,000. Now you can argue all you want that this would not be a good use of a Volt. Maybe not, but it would be my choice. It would not be a possible choice with a Tesla or a Leaf. A Fisker would probably work, but when will they show up in the flesh? I hope that BEV’s do well. But they just don’t have the flexibility that most of us in fly-over land need or want.
Feb 22nd, 2010 (6:48 pm)Maybe for spot advertising in Kentucky (g)
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****No More “Stay Tuned”!
Feb 22nd, 2010 (6:48 pm)Sir, if you believe we in Southern California are normal, I must insist that you not use electrical or mechanical tools of any kind. Please sir, step away from the keyboard now, it could be dangerous
Feb 22nd, 2010 (6:53 pm)The WSJ had a section on alternative energy today. Must have mentioned the Volt a half a dozen times in different articles. As for me I will wait till the MSRP is published, then if I can afford the Volt I will go talk to my favorite salesman. Still hopping for an offer from my GM card to introduce me to the Volt (Hint Hint GM)
Feb 22nd, 2010 (6:55 pm)Amen from a fellow fly-over country citizen! IMO, a VERY wise choice to not even attempt to change hearts and souls. Better to just smile and wave to them on the roadside, or stop and offer a ride (though I think the former is the safer choice).
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****No More “Stay Tuned”!
Feb 22nd, 2010 (6:57 pm)I would disagree. Range anxiety is real and will be a problem for many people that will cause them not to adopt a BEV (until batteries are better). The problem is, life is full of the unexpected. BEVs will suck down power on cold days trying to heat the cabin. BEV’s will suck down power on very hot days trying to keep the cabin cool. Range will drop off and traffic jams can pop up anywhere (At least around DC they do). I had to drive 30 miles to the Swedish embassy the other week and it took over 2 hours of stop and go traffic.
A 100 mile range may only be a 70 mile range in the winter. That’s about what I drive each day. I would not want to count on the trip computer being 100% accurate to get me home. Running out of power even 1 mile from home would be a big problem.
The range issue will significantly reduce the population of people that will consider a BEV. Even if range issues only pop up 5-10 times per year, that is still a show stopper for many. For those who adopt BEVs and want to constantly monitor the range and manage their life around this, great. Many others simply want a car that goes when they get into it and a BEV is not ready for that task yet.
The Volt is the perfect vehicle for the transition period while we await better batteries. For the average Volt driver who should get 200+ mpg on average and who drives 12000 miles per year, total gas usage will be around 60 gallons per year (less than 3 tanks of gas in my minivan). That is a small amount of gas to provide the insurance of not getting stuck.
I am glad BEVs are going on the market and many will buy them. They are, however, not really ready for prime time like the Volt.
Feb 22nd, 2010 (6:58 pm)Do you still want to. A true ironman – to the core.
I thought I was really doing something when I drove six hours. Still I’d be more interested in those new fangled aeroplanes. They still have those buses and trains thingies don’t they. Here tell they actually save a lot of gas on long trips too. Like the Volt does on the shorter trips IMO.
Feb 22nd, 2010 (7:00 pm)I perceive that we are essentially in agreement.
My purpose in the cited paragraph is to point out that it is in GM’s interest to develop still more advanced means of storing electricity for later products, and so is further proof of the interest of said company in advancing the state of Li/Ion technology. Greater economy of manufacture is the natural result of increasing experience and experimentation.
I should offer by way of post script the observation that my fellow deceased former president hated to be addressed by the sobriquet “Andy,” preferring “Jackson” or “Mr. President.” I myself have no objection to being called by “Zach,” or even Z. T.; provided it does not result in my being called late for dinner. (guffaw)
Feb 22nd, 2010 (7:01 pm)I am cheering for this amazing vehicle. I see some of the comments and of course Chevy does have a big part to play in educating the public. First of all, they are currently the forerunners of this technology and secondly competitors will try to skew their advertising on how the public takes the volt. I personally think this is better than a pure electric car. What the masses need is a car that has the best of both worlds. The abundance of car stations and the abundance of electric outlets. Now to convey that message to the public, thats tough. Some people will look at this and say, “but my Ford can still get 260hp and better torque.” And some will also say, “only 40miles?”
To better educate the public, how about using a tactic such as this, show the 30second commercial. This commercial won’t attract the masses at first but it will bring those skeptics who are already researching electric cars. And as far as I know, the volt is topping the list right now. Those will be the customers that will drive the sale up.
Also Hyundai’s method of marketing is a good approach. Affordable and durable. It worked. I fell for it. So did many others. Durable. is the key.
Feb 22nd, 2010 (7:02 pm)That would have been the era! So how many mistresses did I take you to see?
Feb 22nd, 2010 (7:03 pm)You’re not new here! (lol). Doncha think that the first Volts will be snatched up without the need for incentives? More likely, they’ll hold crawling races through pits of broken glass, with the top three winners getting to try to outbid the other two (and before medical attention). Just kidding, but …
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****No More “Stay Tuned”!
Feb 22nd, 2010 (7:05 pm)Well done sir, will accept guffaw as pre www LOL. (LOL)
Feb 22nd, 2010 (7:08 pm)Hey Tex-ari,
Glad to answer any technical questions about my background.
No training whatsoever from GM tech centers. I am absolutely 100% an independent contractor, and, have been for the last 32 years. I made a deal with myself thirty three years ago, that, if I would relentlessly examine every cause and effect over a large enough sample size for whatever I wanted to learn, then, as long as the accurate results would place my database at least one to two years ahead of commonly held (insufficient) assumptions, then I would study it.
This has worked very well. In the 80’s, after graduating from St. Edwards University here in Austin, I went on to write 14 e-books on microdisk, sold nationally to shops and HS Vocational Education Shops. It was about how parts fail, and, it was called “The Auto Parts Datasystem”. I am/was the sole technical writer for all 14 e-books of 256 abstracts in all. GM sent some reps from Pontiac Motor Division down to Austin, where I had it set up in a computer/printer to print out individual abstracts from a main menu that selected any of 14 submenu’s to then display any of the 256 abstracts for the auto parts store customer the data, or, to hardcopy print the abstracts out. The engineer made the comment that my “Auto Parts Datasystem” “was intimidating”, but, he liked it overall, it seemed.
I mentioned to Tag the other day, that if I did have a family, I would certainly not have had time sufficient for these ongoing studies.
I also never got GM factory service manuals in advance or in the first place either. What has happened over these last 40 years of my involvement most principally with GM vehicles, was initially simply this: The research sample size available was/is, for GM vehicles, the most abundant. The other factor is that Austin Texas is the perfect research city, with all these very brilliant and attentive and very dedicated grads that comprise over something like a third of the populace.
In addition to that, it just turns out that the engineering designs of GM are the most logical and the most easy to follow.
Once you have studied in complete depth many of GM’s designs, there is this simple very-well-thought-out wisdom of GM engineering that becomes established in your mind.
(The highest compliment that can be given for most all their software applications also happens to be the highest compliment that can be given to a software program. That highest compliment also extends even for their engineering designs for GM vehicles as well. Just about all GM “in house” designs, are, well,
**elegant**
and certainly efficient in the most ways possible as compared to all other OEM’s.
Working from the failures backwards is the most efficient way I learned, because you can more reliably infer that unaffected systems do not need as high a priority of access to your research attentiveness, or, high priority to occupy more mental “locus” or locations of memory in the brain (as extensive as all make and model systems are).
This method has served me extremely well down through the decades.
You see, all these “normal function” classes and seminars that are taught out there (not the GM ones, the independent parts store ones), just only mentally-congest and displace the truer technical priorities and logical interactive failure physics that all technicians really are eager to learn about:
**failure experience**.
My most difficult job is not at all performing the diagnostics work on the most difficult systems, it is instead, merely convincing techs and shop management that they have an excellent investment with my time.
Maybe there may come a day when a very significant portion of my time could be contracted out to teach Voltec to the right eager audiences in Texas. That would be fun.
Feb 22nd, 2010 (7:14 pm)Maybe there is a need for an “EV Ombudsman”? As I think about it from several different angles, it seems to make a lot of sense. As consumers we can be trapped by people in local government, state government, retailers, electrical contractors. Sometimes “knowledge is power” is enough, but sometimes it is not.
Feb 22nd, 2010 (7:15 pm)Hmmm, is that the hint of the beginning of a move toward the possibility of an earlier launch???
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****No More “Stay Tuned”!
Feb 22nd, 2010 (7:15 pm)Finally some news on the “JellyBean” car…
http://green.autoblog.com/2010/02/22/report-mitsubishi-moving-to-make-more-i-mievs/
“For the current fiscal year (2010), the number is going up, too, because orders “far outstrip” expectations Mitsubishi said. We heard recently that the number had grown from 5,000 to 8,500 units, but even that isn’t going to be enough, apparently.”
It sounds like they have been selling to “corporate customers” and they want more.
Sup with just selling to corporate customers? Sell them to Pat Q. Public and sell them here too. I dunno when they will bring it here but I have read the 2012 year flying around on that. Price tag was up the roof too, made the Volt look good.
Feb 22nd, 2010 (7:17 pm)Ummm, I’m gonna answer that, as soon as I stop laughing
Feb 22nd, 2010 (7:18 pm)jeffhre!, You big pimpin daddy you!!!
/cue the 70’s disco music and disco ball spinning in the limo……….bow chikawawa!!!
/with his Famalaries shoes and butterfly collar…
Feb 22nd, 2010 (7:21 pm)You are not kidding! I can not wait to see how they hype it up. I will wait patiently for mine though. The GM card will send a small glossy photo/blurb on how great the newest car is with the bill. They might also offer a small incentive? I know they have done it in the past. Big discounts are always saved for when they really want to move them out.
Cheers
Feb 22nd, 2010 (7:35 pm)Bite your tongue! The Volt stinks. Nobody will buy it with just $7500 off. Haven’t you been listening to the Volt failure faithful. You MUST offer GM Card incentives. Muuussst offer incentives.
Feb 22nd, 2010 (7:35 pm)GM should have sent a few Volt models to the Vancouver games. After all the hockey arena is called GM Place.
Feb 22nd, 2010 (7:40 pm)Actually I prefer the term, Big mean pimpin Daddies Daddy……….bow chikawawa!!!
Feb 22nd, 2010 (7:43 pm)It did not take GM long to bump the price up on the Camaro after the introductory price. So I would really expect to see the same thing happen to the Volt. So if we want a Volt, and we all do, then make sure to get the order in. I suspect that the price would go up by the time there was actually a Volt in the dealership. I wonder how long the wait would be, 6 months, or a year? If so would the orginal price be honored? Or will the Volt be like the model T and the price go down…
+1
Feb 22nd, 2010 (7:45 pm)I completely agree! Every time I read that “up to 300 miles farther” statement, I get irritated and mentally tack on “then just fill it up and keep on going, just like your current car.” The Volt has no special range limitation compared to any other gas-powered vehicle (now I realize tank size makes a difference but that’s not the point here).
Feb 22nd, 2010 (7:51 pm)Dang, got to get me a Volt Limo…
Bow Chicawawa with laser light show
Feb 22nd, 2010 (8:10 pm)+1 This is a –albeit diverse– fan site… We are corporate chauvinists (somewhat) for GM because of this Voltec effort. We believe Voltec is the best chance to dent global oil and make the dictators and sheiks cry.
Feb 22nd, 2010 (8:25 pm)Despite any unfounded rumours to the contrary, I cannot support chauvinism.
IMO GM should keep Volt ads low key and hire more security. Thousands of people who have been denied a position on an approved waiting list for years could be dangerous.
Feb 22nd, 2010 (8:38 pm)There are many ways to faucet down our gasoline gluttony. One to drive less often. Which is the route most are taking now. Another is to use something else to drive. The problem with the “something else” part is up until now the options were uncomfortable and underpowered.
Voltec is a huge step forward in reaching the goals of:Comfort, power, and efficiency. Shouldn’t we have the option to drive gasoline free?
=D-Volt
BTW: It’s great to see Nissan pushing the new Leaf. I have seen at least 5 Leaf ads today. Three on web pages. And two on TV. Hope they do well with this alternative to gasoline use.
Feb 22nd, 2010 (8:48 pm)LOL, *somebody* doesn’t recognize a sense of humor and gave you a -1! I know you just want to “bad-mouth” the Volt so that there is one left for you (g).
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****No More “Stay Tuned”!
Feb 22nd, 2010 (8:51 pm)Good idea, so we did.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****No More “Stay Tuned”!
Feb 22nd, 2010 (8:57 pm)http://www.ctvbc.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20100208/bc_olsen_volt_100208/20100208?hub=BritishColumbia
Feb 22nd, 2010 (8:58 pm)Nissan has been showing the Leaf in a commercial that plays a lot on NBC’s Olympic coverage. The EV advertising blitz will grow from here.
Feb 22nd, 2010 (9:01 pm)+1 I think you’re right on the money.
Feb 22nd, 2010 (9:10 pm)This sounds good to me. If this happens it will mean that the Volt is in high demand. That GM is making money on something other than truck sales. And that all the other automotive manufacturers will need to get on board or be left behind. A hot selling $44,000 Volt is a good thing.
Battery technology is moving forward at a steady rate. The first to buy the Volt and Leaf will be watching for improvements and advances in range and technical options. 2016 will usher in the era of pre-owned electric vehicle sales. A huge number of new buyers will then join the electric car driver ranks. These people will ignite a 2 fold demand in new EV ownership. 2020 will be the year when the automobile manufactures who never got on board will fall away. 2025 will be the year when 5 year old children will ask their parents why some cars make a banging noise and smell funny.
=D-Volt
+1
Feb 22nd, 2010 (9:21 pm)Agreed. There is a tension between “being good” and “being free.” Gasoline is the closest thing to physical, liquid freedom. (Besides alcohol, heh, but let’s not go there
)
Times in my life when I chose “being good” seemed like I was occupying a lonely position.
The genius of the Volt is it tricks you into being good and being more free, having more fun, *at the same time*.
The Volt is a SHEEP in a WOLF costume.
Feb 22nd, 2010 (9:33 pm)This has happened on many interviews. We get two opposite messages. This one is “We have a big marketing job ahead of us.” and the other one is “We are only going to make up to 10,000 in the first year”
They could sell 60,000 in the first year without one single bit of advertising or marketing. They seem to think that it is necessary to educate and advertise to the entire market just to sell 10,000 cars. There have even been polls that say 14% would buy an electric car now if there was little difference in price and you could actually buy one.
I don’t understand this at all. Price is the biggest factor, does GM think that a massive marketing program will be required for people to pay a huge premium? They could be right about that, but they will loose their shirt making only 10,000 cars on a line designed for 60,000. The only way to make money is to maximize production. With the economies of scale, they should be working on getting the price down and satisfy the pent-up demand, not trying to create more demand to sell a few at a premium.
+3
Feb 22nd, 2010 (9:35 pm)Sounds like the premise for a good B sci-fi film. Heavily armed convoys guarding the carrier trucks delivering the Volts to the Dealer lots, which are also heavily fortified – surrounded by tall, chain-link fences, topped with rolls of razor wire. Guard towers with spotlights at the corners scan the lot and the angry crowd. National Guardsmen help punch a hole in the crowd surrounding the lot, for the poor anemic young man, who has won the National lottery that allowed this single Volt purchase for his State. But then, HE’S ON HIS OWN! The angry mob blocks his way off the lot! Failing to inch his way out, he GUNS it – the instant torque crushing several in the crowd! He’s OUT, but NOW WHAT? he can’t possibly just park it at his house – surely it would be stolen immediately! He needs to make a RUN for it!…. (announcer’s voice cuts in) “Follow the adventures of our Noble Volt warrior, as he tries to protect his car, his life, and LIFE AS WE KNOW IT IN THE US of A!! This trailer rated PG – Parental Guidance suggested. V,AL,BN. Opening Independence Day 2010…
ok,ok that’s a *little* over the top (g)
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****No More “Stay Tuned”!
Feb 22nd, 2010 (10:10 pm)Thanks for the link! I know that this has been addressed today, but I guess that GM *IS* going to fight over use of the term “hybrid”. I remember “back in the day” when they called it a serial hybrid to distinguish it from the parallel hybrids (even though john1701 never accepted this). I guess they feel that the EV moniker will sell more cars, by stressing the electric side of the equation.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****No More “Stay Tuned”!
Feb 22nd, 2010 (10:14 pm)Not only just one left, but left with a GM Card incentive offer. HA!
Feb 22nd, 2010 (10:20 pm)It was at -1 when *I* clicked the +. Lyle says it has to do with the system’s cache. No idea when it does update.
Be well,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!****No More “Stay Tuned”!
Feb 22nd, 2010 (10:25 pm)Hurry up and be careful GM…
EREV is snowballing:
http://green.autoblog.com/2010/02/22/geneva-preview-proton-hybrid-concept-uses-lotus-series-hybrid-s/
Feb 22nd, 2010 (10:28 pm)Count me in, as long as it is RED!