After more than three years of intense debate, discussion, and speculation and over a fifteen hundred articles on GM-Volt.com, the moment has finally arrived for GM to unveil the Chevrolet Volt’s pricing.
The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starts at $41,000.
Taking the $7500 tax credit into account the net cost to the buyer will thus be $33,500. The MSRP includes a $720 destination charge.
GM is pricing the car’s lease price much more aggressively. The 3 year 36 month lease payment will be $350 per month with $2500 down payment.
GM is able to offer such a low lease price because of the determination that the car will have a high residual value, though they are not releasing it at this time.
GM will begin taking orders for the car at participating launch market dealers in California, Washington DC, Michigan, Texas and New York starting today.
The car comes with a generous list of standard features for the base MSRP. If a buyer decides to, he or she can add up to 4 premium options which include leather seats and steering wheel, rear camera and parking sensors, polished wheels, and one of three premium paints.
Fully loaded with all the premium features the MSRP will be $44,600 or net $37,100 after the tax credit.
“The Chevrolet Volt will be the best vehicle in its class…because it’s in a class by itself,” said Joel Ewanick, vice president of U.S. marketing for General Motors, who made the announcement at the Plug-In 2010 conference. “No other automaker offers an electrically driven vehicle that can be your everyday driver, to take you wherever, whenever. The Volt will be packed with premium content and innovation, standard.”
To assist the ordering process and manage expectations GM has a specialized customer call in number of -888-VOLT-4-YOU (1-888-865-8496), where a Volt adviser will take your questions. As well there will be a special website to see the status of the order and build process.
Local Volt dealers can be found on the website getmyvolt.com
Included in the MSRP of the car is an unprecedented 5 years of OnStar directions and connections as well as mobile phone connectivity.
“We wanted to make the Volt ownership experience unlike anything we’ve done at Chevrolet, because the Volt is unlike any vehicle we’ve offered,” said Tony DiSalle, director of Chevrolet Volt product marketing. “We want customers to fully enjoy the Volt lifestyle by providing unprecedented connectivity to their vehicle through the Volt mobile app.”
The car comes with a 120V standard charger that will recharge the car in up to 10 hours.
An optional 240 V charger will be available. 4400 customers in launch markets will be eligible for a free charger made available through DOE grants.
And there you have it. Now we know the price.
You can also ask your questions of the Volt team in the box below. Volt vehicle lien director Tony Posawatz and Volt marketing director Tony DiSalle will answer selected questions in a videocast that will appear at 4PM Eastern time.
This entry was posted on Tuesday, July 27th, 2010 at 11:00 am and is filed under Financial. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.
+43
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:01 am)Participating Chevy Dealers selling the Volt shown at http://media.gm.com/content/Pages/news/us/en/2010/July/0727_voltpricing/_jcr_content/rightpar/tabbedframe/par3/download/file.res/072710%2520Chevrolet%2520Volt%2520Participating%2520Dealers.doc
I’m pretty disappointed in the price. They are taking the short sighted approach it seems.
The lease looks very attractive though, and the announcement of options was very exciting.
I feel like they could have really hit a home run today, but instead they went against all their previous quotes stating it would be in the 30’s (sometimes saying “closer to 40″) before the tax incentive.
join thE REVolution
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:01 am)WAHOO!!! I WANT ONE!!!
+15
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:02 am)That is disappointing but not too surprising. 41 + dealer prep + 7% sales tax should put it over 44K. Then wait for the tax credit check in 2012. This will push many to lease I think.
+6
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:02 am)They deserve this price and the car is worth far more than a 100 mile range BEV.
Everyone of them will sell.
Demand for them will spur on the process of developing Volt Version 2.0.
+32
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:03 am)I guess I’m not too surprised, but I am a little disappointed. I really thought the “comfortably under $30,000 after the rebate) was for real. I hope GM finds a way to lower the price for 2nd generation because many folks that want this car won’t be able to afford it.
+44
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:03 am)Ouch, 41K base price. Very steep. And yes the lease is a very attractive alternative.
+4
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:03 am)Lyle, thanks for the info. Off to the dealer…
+8
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:04 am)From the article:
“We wanted to make the Volt ownership experience unlike anything we’ve done at Chevrolet,
Ya, like make a reliable product at a reasonable cost.
+87
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:04 am)After more than 3 years of watching, hoping and actively supporting GM’s Volt design and development —including two trips from my home in Florida to NYC at my own expense— I’m sorry to say I think they’ve seriously misjudged the buying public. To illustrate my own view, let me say I’d seriously consider buying a 2011 Lincoln MKS hybrid at just over $35,000 —a beautifully-styled luxury car whose hybrid technology has been proven in the Ford Fusion hybrid— rather than a Gen 1 Volt.
GM, I’m not saying the Volt isn’t worth $41,000 —I’m saying you don’t see the big picture like Toyota did when they introduced & sold the Prius at a loss!
+2
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:04 am)Wow, more than $40K!
GO EV!!!!
+16
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:05 am)Lease price is … Accessible in ways the msrp just isn’t. That’s practically a force. Who would assume all the risk of purchase of a car this radically different if the lease option is this attractive?
+23
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:05 am)The MSRP is higher than I expected, but not a lot higher. I was thinking more in the range of $37K to $39K. Thinking that the MSRP could be in the low 30s just didn’t seem realistic, IMO. On the other hand, the lease is much better than I imagined. Much much better.
For those disappointed in the price — which includes myself to some extent — keep in mind that $350/month is a great deal. A really good deal. Just ten years ago a much less capable car was $500/month and you couldn’t buy it at the end of the lease.
Also keep in mind that in the last two years we’ve gone from having one EV — the Tesla Roadster — available at about $125K. The Volt even at $40K has reduced this price by 2/3rds. The GM engineers are good but they’re not miracle workers.
+56
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:05 am)Too much for the common person. Really disappointed by this news. Now I need to look at my other options.
+20
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:05 am)Priced way to high for the masses. The lease option amount is on par with Leaf. Lease might be the better way to go for those who want it.
+7
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:05 am)WOW! The suspense is over. What a relief, even if it is a bit pricey. Gee, that lease is going to be attractive to a lot of people.
+58
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:06 am)That is a disaster. They didn’t get it below $30K post tax-credit. They didn’t even get it below $40K pre-tax-credit.
+32
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:06 am)Well, count me out.
Assuming my trade didn’t have an outstanding loan (which it does) I’d be looking at $500/month payments for 72 months at 4%.
+16
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:07 am)They’ll sell them all, but….
Time for a break.
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!
+36
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:07 am)You would have to save alot on gas to pay 41K for a Volt and not 16K for a cruise…….
+33
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:08 am)This confirms my decision to wait 2 or 3 years to buy an ev.
+8
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:08 am)$41k!!? Wow, higher than what I was expecting… think I’ll be going for the lease option.
+13
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:08 am)Price is what I expected and what was originally stated by Bob Lutz ($40K). $350/month is not a bad lease. I’m not a lease person, but this is a unique car. There’s so much technology thats moving at a fast pace, I think i would want to upgrade after 3 years.
+7
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:08 am)Ouch! I won’t be buying until 2012 anyway so I hope the price will come down by then. Mid 30’s would be great.
+20
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:09 am)I’m a bit disappointed. I’ll wait for Gen 2
The lease is the financially better way to go because you amortize the tax rebate over a shorter period of time, and you protect yourself from obsolescence. But I’m not a lease type person so for me it’s a non-starter.
+22
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:09 am)Aaaaarrrrggh!! Now it’s official; my next car is a Cruze. I will say this in defense of the Volt, however: All of the people claiming that this price tag will doom the vehicle sales apparently have no idea how many SUVs cost $40K. I am sure sales will be brisk since it is such a revolutionary vehicle.
+14
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:11 am)Who says they’re not losing money at this price?
+12
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:11 am)Then I think they have succeeded in that, the price is perfectly reasonable for what one is getting.
They are going to sell out of the first two years of production regardless no point in them losing more money than necessary. As long as the prices drop enough by Gen II I don’t see this hindering adoption in any way.
+4
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:11 am)So when does Gen. 2 come out again?
(Need a lot of time to digest this, and I don’t mean my chicken salad).
+15
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:12 am)Holy s#&t! This is much higher than I expected.
Well I did suggest that GM should price it just above cost and make a profit. GM is not in a position to loose money on each car. I just thought they would be able to make money on a much lower price. At least this will minimize if not eliminate excessive dealer mark up. Better the money goes to GM than the dealer in my opinion. I think some dealer markup <$2k is acceptable, just not $5 to $10k some have been suggesting.
+7
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:12 am)I think that this says good things for the long term.
1) It says that GM thinks it is WORTH it.
2) It will take the Volt to profitability very soon
3) It says that GM believes what we have been saying, namely there is a lot of demand.
4) It means that the car will be around for a long time. The price will come down somewhat gradually.
+16
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:12 am)I’m in!
But I live in Iowa, so I’m going to have to wait. 
For the same lease price, which would you rather have: a Volt or a Leaf?
Folks, this is 1st generation, early adopter technology. Compare it to the 1st HD flat screen TVs or the 1st (name your ubiquitous electronics device). You pay the early adopter premium. The cost will come down in succeeding editions of the Volt.
+4
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:13 am)This is not a good deal, DonC, if you are used to paying cash for a car.
+12
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:13 am)Apple’s products are priced way higher than the competition, and people can’t seem to get enough of that stuff…
They will sell all the Volts at $41000, though.
+13
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:13 am)In Georgia the Volt will cost $33,500 after tax incentives while the Leaf will cost around $21,000. That is a $12,500 spread difference.
+25
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:14 am)I am going for LEAF….waited till this day…now the pricing is out…I am also getting out from waiting list….
I am GM fan…and I love GM….but…
its really not for common man
With $12-13k difference with LEAF…It doesn’t make much sense to go with VOLT..just to avoid range issue…I can get 12-15 towing service (ya if I forget abt the range issue) for LEAF…and I don’t think if I forget abt the range one time and paid for towing I won’t make the mistake again….
+44
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:14 am)I am deeply saddened by this announcement. I think the Volt is an absolutely amazing car, but the MSRP is way too high! $41K is way too high for a Chevy compact. Cadillac? Absolutely, but definitely not a Chevy. So much for it going “mainstream”…..
The GM execs just don’t get it. This car needs to be affordable and go mainstream to help us get free from foreign oil and it needs to be produced in high volumes (300K per year, minimum).
I don’t care what kind of tax credits that are offered: the $41K sticker price is and will be a HUGE turn-off to a lot of people, especially when they can get a Leaf for approx $9K cheaper ($16K cheaper with the tax credit) and a Prius for a whopping $19K cheaper.
It really doesn’t matter how much GM tries to “educate” people about the Volt: it will be compared to the Leaf and the Prius regardless. $41K will not fly and GM is shooting itself in the foot.
Flame away at me and call me a troll if you’d like (even though I do think the Volt is a great vehicle), but this is not looking good at all.
+38
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:14 am)I thoght gm killed the cadilac converj but apparently they rebadged it a chevy and kept the price
seriously though that is more than I am willing to spend but to get off oil is probably worth the price. I think the price must be driving the production numbers. Good luck gm. This car will be at the topof my when I win the lottery list
+34
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:14 am)Yup. A smashing engineering success by the engineers has been knocked down a few pegs by the accountants.
+15
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:14 am)I think there was probably a lot more thought put into this than we realize. I’m just not sure what their end goal is. Looks to me like they want people to lease this vehicle. It may be too expensive for an average person to buy, but it isn’t too much for them to lease. I expect that is what most people will end up doing. I’m just curious why GM would prefer to have people lease than buy…any thoughts people?
+7
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:15 am)Expensive indeed, but I hope GM will sell a lot – for me I will lease the Ampera when possible in Sweden if the competitors are still behind:-)
+4
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:15 am)This car is in such demand this is probably the right price… demand will set the price … that’s the way it’s supposed to be… If I get the chance of getting one .. I would.
+3
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:16 am)> To significantly reduce emissions & consumption in a reliable & cost-effective manner.
That purpose needs to be taken seriously now.
+32
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:16 am)Allow me to take this opportunity to welcome all the new members of “The Gen II Club.” Remember our motto: “All things come to those who wait.” We’ll be scheduling our quarterly “Teeth gnashing & wailing” get-together later this month.
No, I was never in the running for Gen I, but I’d hoped that more people would be.
The question most of us must now ask is: “Will the Voltec program survive it’s first year,” or “Will there be a Gen II or III?” I think the answer has to be
YES.
GM will sell all 10K (and maybe more) at this price. Just not to us.
The good thing about being forced to wait is that tomorrow’s Volt will be better and cheaper. The bad thing is going to be enduring another couple of years of heavy-duty Troll @#$%.
+7
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:17 am)Ouch! I was holding out hope that we’d be surprised with a lower than expected price. Guess not.
+9
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:17 am)Hi all,
It looks like GM is taking the Tax Rebate as a profit. I said a few posting ago, I bet without a tax rebate, the price would be around $33,000
+5
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:17 am)Too exorbitant. GM blew it. I’m going to hold out and see what Toyota/Tesla comes up with.
I wonder how much Big Oil is subsidizing the automakers to suppress progress on electric vehicles. They’ve had 150+ years to perfect the technology and make it affordable. There are old newspaper ads from the mid-1800s advertising electric cars. This is a pity.
+6
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:17 am)A disappointment.
No matter what people do look at price.
Lease may be the better option.
We will see what kind a demand is generated.
Will this be a Camaro Moment?
+13
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:18 am)I was going to put this in yesterday’s thread, but comments closed. As the issues all still apply here are some observations:
1) Premium fuel. Not surprising. As most seem to understand, aging fuel is the issue. At one point, I know it was being bantered at GM that they might have to come up with some mechanism to burn off fuel, as it would sit in the tank too long and get stale. Volatility is the issue, and the stuff your cars want is the octane (C8H18) (8 for oct-). Hence, the octane rating. The octane wants to boil off, so it is a no-brainer that they dictate you start with more of it via premium fuel.
2) LED lights. It is foolish to desire regular lights when LEDs are available. There is a reason your regular headlights melted the snow- because so much of the energy is WASTED as heat. Do you want to drive less miles every day on pure electric so you can melt snow just in the winter? In my home, I have replaced all bulbs I can with LEDs- we’re talking 90% less electricity and decades worth of longevity.
3) $7500 tax credit. If you have heard of the phrases, ‘Alternative Minimum Tax’ and ‘refundable credit’, you know there are strings attached to this money. This is not ‘Send in your UPC bar codes and we will mail you a check’. The previous hybrid tax credits were linked to AMT (although I am pretty sure I read that this new credit avoids that HUGE drawback) and I got burned as NY property tax deductions ensured that I ran into the AMT wall. The solar tax credits I had were not refundable, meaning that if you don’t pay enough tax you carry them forward until you do pay enough tax to be offset by the credit. Understand the ramifications for ROTH IRA retirees. They might have a boatload of money, but no taxes!! This means that the electric vehicle credit is no benefit whatsoever. GM should NOT use this credit as part of their calculations in determining sale price, as there is no guarantee this money will be forthcoming to the buyer. It sets them up for lawsuits if they use the figure in their sales pitches.
4) 220 Charger. I asked this question outright during the GM Volt chat session. I asked why you would need a charger if the Volt would have the charging control circuitry built in. The point is you don’t HAVE to get the charger. It was explained about the communication circuitry, safety, etc. But there is nothing stopping you from buying the proper parts at Home Depot and fabricating the connection yourself. It is advantageous to have the charging wall unit, but the premium price (I think it was supposed to run $1600) makes me wonder if most won’t just forego the option and rig up a 220 connection on their own.
+6
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:18 am)Here’s what I don’t get; it’s based on a Cruze platform. A fully loaded Cruze is still $20K cheaper than the Volt. Are the Volt’s electric motors and battery really $20K all by themselves, even after eliminating the cost of the Cruze transmission?
+33
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:18 am)I’ve spent 3 years pursuing the Volt. I even got to see it at the GM design and technology event last summer. I even told some of the exces and engineers riding with us what I would be willing to pay for a Volt- which was somewhere in the lower to mid-30’s max. But $41,000?
I’m sorry GM, but this is unacceptable. Yes- we who are well-aware of electric vehicles realize this is a totally different car. But the car looks like a Honda Civic, and the general public will find it difficult to cough up $41,000 for a car that looks like a Civic yet costs the same as an Audi A4.
There is no way in hell I will pay $40,000 for this or any car. I make a pretty good 6-figure income, but $40,000 for a car is obscene in my eyes. At that price it would seriously still be way the hell better to just buy a Honda Fit and wait for the cost of electric cars to come down to more reasonable levels.
As you can tell, I’m extremely disappointed. GM- You have GOT to lower that price. I more than anyone else wants to see you succeed with this. But 40k is a a stretch.
+12
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:19 am)To buy all the high end options and state and local taxes = $50K for the Volt
It looks like GM wants most people to lease instead of buy this car. Then, if there are any real problems with the car, they can take them all back.
I do not think I am a conspiracy type person, but does that sound familiar??????????
I guess I am out until Gen-II. So maybe I am not so unlucky not to be in the limited release area after all…………………
$50K for a car is just more than I am willing to spend. I guess I will just drive my Crossfire until it dies.
I know they will still sell every one of the first 10K units, even at these prices. But the 2012 model year will be a different story. Maybe that is why they will only make 30K units!
Very disappointing to say the least.
I wonder what the CS mileage will be???? Then all my questions will be answered.
+4
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:20 am)Data collection and limiting exposure to risk.
+1
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:20 am)A dose of commercial reality. Personally, 33K net is very reasonable for all the new tech that is crammed into this vehicle, what it can do, and the lack of current competitors, let alone the risk GM is taking. Seriously, a fully loaded Prius V costs that much with decade older tech. And the lease is EXTREMELY attractive and afterwards there’ll be cheaper next gen volts.
Don’t see how anyone can criticize this price point without knowing a) how much they take to build @ quantity & b) what the market really is for these (it’s all just projections right now, highly unknown). Nissan is way out on a limb as they’ve already admitted.
If you drive around 40 miles every day this is definitely worth looking at especially with the lease.
+5
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:21 am)I was wondering about GM’s strategy for the IPO. Releasing the Volt at 41K and selling out the entire years allocation immediately has got to look good for the future if your’e an investor. Along with tons of Equinoxes and Camaros going out at over 40K according to CorvetteGuy. Investors should like the potential to sell their IPO stocks for a profit based on GM’s ability to grow margins. That must of looked a lot better to the folks in accounting than Ed Whitacre’s claims of low thirties.
Oh well on to Gen II.
+17
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:21 am)Wow. I guessed low. A four-seat compact car for $41K. Amazing.
Well, they’ll sell 10K in 2011, I think, but this explains why they won’t need to build more than 30K in 2012.
It will be most interesting to see how the PHEV Prius prices out.
+10
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:21 am)Well, we told them over and over that demand would be much greater than supply. What happens when supply is low and demand is high? Prices go up.
One look at my bank account tells me I’m firmly in the Gen 2 boat now. But despite the price tag, every single one of those cars will sell within weeks. I’m sad for me, but happy for Volt.
+11
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:22 am)No wonder they are only building 10,000 of them. The competition would have eaten GM’s lunch if they make more than that.
#9 Ditto — I think there are cheaper solutions out there. I am priced out.
+5
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:22 am)Comparing the Lincoln MKS hybrid to the Volt: The Volt will be less money, by $1500 if purchased, factoring in the $7500 tax credit.
Now we all have the information we need to make our own personal economic decision. It’s not realistic to believe the Volt was going to be priced for EVERYONE to afford it. They are only making 10,000 of these in the next year.
+4
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:23 am)Even if you’re generally not a lease person this particular lease really is a “no-brainer”. Should be interesting to see how they managed to get a $42K car down to this level. For a $42K car you’d expect lease payments in the $450 – $500 range. But sometimes it’s just easier to go with the flow and not to look a gift horse in the mouth.
+2
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:23 am)What makes you think this isn’t @ a loss for GM?
+5
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:23 am)Like many of you, I too am disappointed in the price. However, if I am lucky enough to get one of the first Volts, I will take the lease option and return the car in three years. By then, the Gen II version will be out and no doubt the price will likely be more affordable at that time. Also, by then, I’m sure there will be more competition and therefore, more choices.
+15
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:24 am)This is a colossal disapointment! I was hoping for anything under $35K, but not even under $40k?!?
I would have preferred a Volt, but Nissan here I come.
+4
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:26 am)The price seems a little steep, but in the long run is probably a really good price. After all there will only be !0,000 of these cars and there is a lot of demand.
I fully expect the 2012 model to be cheaper than this 2011 model.
+5
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:26 am)Wow! Talk about missed opportunity. GM could have saved face and regained a lot of consumer good will by meeting even the highest end of their 3rd upwardly revised estimate for price ($35-$40K). So for $1K/car ($40M for the first 2 years of production), they blew it and blew a lot of credibility in the process. Such a shame. Every dollar north of $35K starts losing early adopters. Every dollar north of $4K more than the Leaf starts significantly losing buyers that considered both a viable option. Every dollar north of $6K more than a reasonably equipped Prius starts losing customers that look at both cars.
On the bright side, the lease is good and will probably allow them to sell out the first 2 years. Only 3 yr lease, no 5 year? How many miles/yr? Restrictions on E-miles?
+7
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:28 am)Now serving number 7…. Number 7 please…. If everyone would just form a single file line, I’ll get to you just as quick as I can!!!!!
+11
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:28 am)POSTED earlier today ……update!
What is the competition for the VOLT today?
Ford Fusion Hybrid ~ $28,100 to $28,800 before Ford announces removal of hybrid premium
Prius ~ $32,000 fully loaded
Leaf ~ $32,780 standard config.
New competitor!!!! – 2011 Lincoln MKS hybrid at just over $35,000
Will the pricing of today’s VOLT reflect these realities or will they push the envelope?
LOOKS LIKE GM WANTS TO PUSH THE ENVELOPE. The only brighter option seems be leasing… but how many miles?????
Early adopters are willing to jump in but they generally are not stupid if the pricing is in gouge territory.
The “average” person will also make these comparisons and …. SEE 41,000 to 44,000 then look at the options above….. Prius at basic config is a lot less and Ford Fusion is a lot less. the LEAF is in the ball park if you need a car that needs no range extension.
Will be a lot of fun to see how it all plays today. :+] “Play” is not as fun now.
Looks like the “Old GM” is still alive.
+5
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:29 am)I’m surprised and disappointed by the announced MSRP. Not that it matters much because I don’t live near a early sales area, and I’ve always been leery of driving to Detroit to buy a car.
However, a high price may be a “fair” method to control early demand when the supply isn’t available. This pricing strategy may be more like the cost of a new electronic gadget than of the traditional car market. The early adopters get to pay the freight as production ramps up. And a lot of shenanigans with dealer waiting lists, special favors, etc., may go away at this price. There probably won’t be a lot of “added dealer markup” at that price.
If GM decides to increase production down the road, then lowering the price can bring back the demand.
One worrisome idea, if most of the early cars are leased, then GM can claw back the Volt just like it did the EV1.
+9
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:30 am)$41000 for a chevy???? NUTS!
+11
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:31 am)People, please cheer up. There are TONS of vehicles out there that are sold for much more money than this and all they provide is snob appeal. This is ground breaking technology; it will cost more. If you have been complaining all along that the idea is to get off of (foreign) (planet killing) oil, then stand your ground. Do not buy a (non hybrid) gas alternative in defiance. Stay the course. Either hold out for the (presumably cheaper) next iteration of the Volt or see what competitors have to offer in electric drives. In a couple years, the sky will be the limit. Whatever you do, tell yourself ‘No Plug, No Sale’.
+10
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:32 am)What worries me is that if the loyal Volt supporters are disappointed and opting out of Gen 1 what will the general public think? Will the Gen 1 Volt be a smashing success? If not then there is no Gen 2. This is scary.
+20
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:32 am)I too am deeply disappointed. This price is over the top! Not sure what GM is intending to do by pricing it at $41K but this solidly places me out of the Volt market. I have to imagine there are a lot of others who feel the same.
My wife and I both have a good jobs, with good pay and no bills including being mortgage free but to pay $41K for the Volt when I can purchase a Prius or Leaf (and I know they ain’t the same so go ahead an flame away) however the price differential is simply too great. And I have to believe that for the majority who have been active on this site and even those who have been just lurking this was quite a disappointment.
Where are you Statik??
+1
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:32 am)Was there any info on when the first customer can expect delivery?
(that person better share their MyVolt page too)
(considering buying the domain name Voltbook.com..hmm)
+2
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:33 am)And if you want to drive your Leaf from Georgia to Virginia you better take a week off work and reserve all the camper sites with electrical outlets on the way.
+3
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:33 am)Now…just wait for it…
“send inthe trolls, there has to be trolls (everybody sing along!!)
they will sell every one they make, leasing is a better option for consumers and GM as they will get them back (most likely) for real world information. many will choose that option for pricing vs buying.
I hoped for lower, but this is cool. comparisons? fusion hybrid? not hte same tech, ditto for lincoln or anything else…
BEV are totally different. the plug in Prius? lets see the AER, (rumoured to be 12 miles, less than 1/3).
there will be no shortage of takers for gen 1.
+1
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:33 am)They probably priced it this way on purpose so that most people won’t want to spend that kind of money on a car. The 41K pricing is too much for most people, and they’ll lease it instead.
GM never wanted to sell an electric car. This pricing scheme just proves it. Once those leases are done, GM takes back the cars – calls it a disaster and kills the product, just like last time.
+7
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:33 am)OK, the dream is over. 41K & taxes & dealer Markup – $7500 is well over 40K. And that is beyond my price point. Anybody want my slot at the local Dealer.
My Wife will not let me buy another Ford after all the trouble our Freestyle gives us. So as much as it pains my Patriotic American Hart I guess a Japanese / Korean it will be
+2
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:33 am)Anyone know lease terms? how many miles included? does the $350 price include taxes?
-6
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:33 am)Turns out what you thought were trolls were just contributors with an above-average grasp of reality.
+4
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:34 am)… at the end of three years they can crush them all. History repeating?
Let’s hope that’s not the case though.
join thE REVolution
+2
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:34 am)When I initially was told that my Volt would not arrive until March of 2011, I was fairly disappointed. But this will give me time to put more money into the piggy bank. Don’t know how much dealer prep is, guessing $400, but sales tax in MI is %6, so that is really close to $2,500 (hopefully that is also deductibe on federal income taxex). And March is close to tax time. Sitll, it will be some extra effort, but if this is not worth it, I don’t know what is.
+5
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:35 am)I didn’t really expect them to have an MSRP of $32,000 like the Leaf is priced. That would have been awesome. However … I did think that GM would surprise us with an MSRP of $37,000 at least though. I would have been fairly happy with $35,000. Oh well. This $41,000 price is disappointing. It’s like the prices of HDTVs were in the first year they came out. You wanted one badly, but you just couldn’t swing it if you didn’t have the extra money in your budget.
Maybe GM is trying to convince people to LEASE instead of buy for this 2011 model. Maybe the purchase price will drop a good bit for the 2012 model, which I hear will go on sale in the summer of 2011.
Leasing might be a good decision anyway since electric car technology will be changing pretty quickly over the next 5 years or so. I guess everyone better start saving a little more each month. That $2,500 down payment for the lease isn’t so bad if you’ve been saving a couple hundred or so each month over the past year.
+2
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:36 am)You should work on your reading comprehension, the leases offer the option to buy the car at the end of the lease.
+4
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:36 am)The Gen II club will sustain this website for another 3 years !
Talking the wifey into a Gen I lease now :>)
+6
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:37 am)We can cut, shred, rip apart Toyota for just about everything.
But what they are not, is dumb. They are a highly successful company.
My bet is they will come significantly under $41,000.
They don’t have to prove anything to the American people as they are already convinced of Toyota quality. Sadly, GM holds the other side of that perception.
+3
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:37 am)$41K + Dealer destination charges.
Then what is the CS mode mpg? It better be the 50mpg “bogey” Andrew Farah has always said it was reaching for.
lol….
EV1…..it was lease only.
Volt…..only financially feasible option IS TO LEASE.
See the parallelism?
+10
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:37 am)Corvettes are in the Mid 50’s
+1
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:38 am)I wish logic would prevail with these posts: As we all know and have burned in our brains, GM is only building 10,000 units this coming year and only 30,000 the next. By that time, Gen II will be out and probably cost less
You are ready to take orders! LOL. I’ve bet you have been waiting for this day for quite some time.
+1
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:38 am)It’s absolutely NOT the case, the lease comes with the option to buy.
-7
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:38 am)GM put a “low” number because they want to have another EV-1, once you rent it, you must return after lease ends, that is why they set high price for purchase because buyer can’t be forced to return it.
GM is doomed! Another EV-1 is in the making
+7
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:38 am)traverse, silcerado, corvette, tahoe, suburban, avalanche loaded Equinox, loaded impala,
Lots of Chevs North of 40. Not for a vehicle this size mind you, but then again for game changing technology?
a comparably equipped Prius is about 33k, so what the biggie here folks?
+4
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:39 am)Sure only if you ignore the option to buy in the lease terms.
+5
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:39 am)I think I’m even more disappointed than when GM moved away from the original concept design. And I think what’s really the most disappointing is that unlike the latest and greatest electronics tech/toys/gadgets, you just know the price for gen 2 and 3 won’t be dropping like the price of PC’s and HDTV’s did.
+7
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:39 am)Yes, why the huge discrepancy between purchase and lease? I think even people with ready cash will consider the lease. $350 * 36 months = $12600. That means they consider the car still to be worth about $29k after 3 years. Highly unrealistic. We all expect Gen II to be available for close to this price. Would you buy a new Gen II for $33k with new warranty or a used Gen I for $29k? That brings us to two possibilities, 1) Gen II price will be significantly higher, 2) They really are planning to re-possess and crush after all. I don’t really believe in option 2, so the Gen II will be over $35k. I guess this is just reality and it does cost GM this much to make Volts.
Suddenly the production estimates of 10k for 2011 and 30k for 2012 look much more realistic. There really won’t be more demand.
+1
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:40 am)He’s here.
http://nissan-leaf.net/2010/07/27/leaf-remains-the-ev-for-the-people-as-chevrolet-prices-the-volt-like-a-cadillac-starts-at-41000/
+12
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:40 am)The Nissan Leaf folks must be dancing in their offices today. They are going to absolutely bury GM with this pricing mis-step. They are already dominating the social media, buzz marketing and commercial (Lance Armstrong anyone?) lead up to their release. Now they have been handed the whole BP weary EV market on a silver platter. Too bad, GM could have really knocked it out of the park with an affordable MSRP. But I’m afraid they will be reduced to an asterisk on the EV revolution now.
+1
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:41 am)Well, I’m disappointed, but maybe it isn’t THAT bad. We paid $30k for our G6 convertible, and this is only a few thousand more. I guess I’ll see how I feel about it after a night’s sleep. The lease probably wouldn’t work–I’m at around 90 miles a day.
+5
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:41 am)Yeah, but:
Some Volts will still be purchased outright. Just not by any of us.
IF most Volts will be leased then crushed, what will those remaining Volts be worth in a few years? Jay Leno take note …
+2
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:41 am)ANL has already been testing OEM’d PHEV Prius.
They will price it very close to that $41K. maybe $38K. That’s the common approach of “If they can sell their product for $xxxx then we can sell ours for a little less but still make a profit while undercutting them”.
+1
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:42 am)Sorry for the reading comprehension thing I just realized this article doesn’t included the information.
I have read at another site the the lease included the option to buy, so people can quit freaking out about the lease issue.
-9
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:42 am)Actually, a $33K Prius has features the Volt lacks. And you can get the very desireable solar sunroof option (another feature the Volt lacks) for significantly less than $30K. And you can get them today, with proven reliability.
+4
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:44 am)Many things to consider here:
1. Lyle: please stay on top of your contacts at GM to publish the number of people who have paid deposits for the Volt nationwide in the coming weeks. These reservation numbers will ultimately tell us of the Volt’s demand at this price point.
2. Equally important, we need to pay close attention to the number of new LEAF deposits that come in over the next few weeks as well. I believe that there are a number of people whom are either anti-foreign oil or eco-minded, and they will be happy with either car. At this price point, if we see a strong uptick in LEAF reservations over the next two or three weeks, then that indicates that those who would be happy with either car (but were holding out to hear the Volt price) may have gone the other way.
On the flip side, if LEAF reservations drastically fall-off, then that’s a great sign for the Volt. 
3. For everyone who has been disappointed with GM’s decision to do a limited roll-out of 10,000 Volts this first year, we now see why. This price point is what most Volt enthusiasts expected, but it is cost prohibitive (after all, $40,000 will buy you a new, base model Mercedes).
4. I am glad GM has priced the Volt at $41,000 because I want the company to make money (well, at least not lose money). They’ve been bailed-out once recently, let’s keep it at that.
5. $41,000 will sell 10,000 Volts, I’m not certain about 30,000, but if we want the Volt to be at the 100,000/year production range, the price must come down. I think that GM’s biggest gamble here is that the Volt and the LEAF will increase battery production enough to the point that the price for them drops drastically in the next few years, and hopefully that will result in a 2012/2013 Volt that costs $35,000 before any tax credit (which, hopefully, will still apply at that point or be renewed). In short, this is not a mass adoption price, but it’s important to remember that it’s not going to be a mass adoption car at least for the next few years either.
That’s what I’ve got, feel free to “plus or minus” me at will…
+1
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:44 am)Interesting point.
-2
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:46 am)OK, I know this seems OT on a day like today, but I just read an article that claims a company named AFS Trinity is building Ultracapacitors that will be used in the Chevy Volt primarily for the regenerative braking system. Anybody? Lyle? A little help…
+11
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:46 am)Sometimes it’s easier to take a new way when it’s easier rather than trying to stay on an old path. In any event the Volt is about as expensive as a Toyota Avalone, which I’ll try to explain below.
Well a lease on the MKS is about $600/month. Why? Because the MKS is expected to depreciate much faster than the Volt. And this is important for the following reason.
It’s hard to overemphasize the role depreciation plays in the cost of owning a car. Take two cars. One has an MSRP of $50K. One has an MSRP of $30K. At the end of three years the first car has a resale value of $40K. The second car has resale value of $15K. Which car has cost less? Which car would it have been better to own?
In the example of the MKS and the Volt, the MKS is going to cost you $9K more over three years. And since the lease payments represent the best estimate of actual depreciation, the lease payments are telling you that the Volt will cost you a lot less to own than a MKS, and the lease offered by GM is allowing you to recognize that savings on a monthly basis. IOW the MSRP is an important number but it’s not the most important number.
Cars are not like houses, which have a decent chances of appreciating in nominal terms over time. They’re simply depreciating objects.
+2
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:47 am)I guess I’m out of the early adopter pool for sure. Doesn’t work for me. Not when I’m only filling my small SUV every other week. Just have to see what it costs a few years down the road. Just the sales tax and first year’s property tax would eat up most of that $7500.00 tax rebate.
We still don’t know the mileage after charge depletion either.
+5
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:48 am)Lots of “unknowns” on that Lease Program according to Sales Manager and Finance Manager here. Info sent out so far is vague, but it appears that the $350 per month lease ‘includes’ the Federal Tax Credit, much like what we read about Nissan doing on their LEAF lease. But since they are not absolutely sure, I am told to hold off on lease quotes being in stone.
+6
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:50 am)Actually it’s a BS point. GM has made clear that you can buy the car for its residual at the end of the lease, which is typical for leases BTW. The lease payments are simply the the difference between the purchase price and the residual. What the low number is telling you is that GM strongly believes in the product so it’s willing to assume a high residual.
-8
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:52 am)The criticisms of this price point sound almost communist to me.
+5
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:53 am)They are only producing 40,000 of these cars over the next two years. Let the elitists and Hollywood types pay the price. The Volt is not a car for the average person at this time. Lets see how serious they are about this technology in a couple years. They really won’t have a choice but to produce this technology at an affordable price in a couple years because there will be a lot more choices by then. Then the average person will be able to get their hands on this type of technology. Whether thats GM or someone else is of on consequence.
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:54 am)I would’ve bet $39,999.
I am #1 on my dealer’s list so it’s just a matter of buy or lease. I’m not a lease guy, but this seems attractive. I will check out the lease to buy terms and make up my mind.
You don’t think they’re doing the attractive lease thing so they can pull an EV-1…?
+12
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:55 am)Good thing that nobody around here overreacts to anything, eh?
+1
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:57 am)Yes it seems they wanted to get 1,640,000,000 for the 40,000 volts they will have for sale. Thats one billion 6 hundred forty million dollars. Get back their R&D money it seems.
+4
Jul 27th, 2010 (11:57 am)The mainstream media is how most of America will hear about the Volt’s price, is this is what CNN just posted:
http://money.cnn.com/2010/07/27/autos/volt_price/index.htm
The article doesn’t appear to be critical, and it claims that the lease price is a match to the price of purchase for the LEAF. So far, so good for GM.
+4
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:00 pm)GM-Volt.com is getting some love right now from the New York Times. Here’s a quote from their story on the Volt’s pricing which is up on their website now:
“As of Tuesday, 52,464 people in all 50 states and 97 countries had joined an unofficial waiting list at the Web site gm-volt.com, which is not affiliated with G.M. The average price the waitlist members said they were willing to pay for the vehicle is $31,437.88, more than $2,000 below the amount it will cost after the tax credit.”
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/28/business/28volt.html?_r=1&hp
+6
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:00 pm)The lease would end up being about $250/mo (for most people) if you factor in fuel savings. Something most people seem to be forgetting about.
Also…though GM might be working hard to decrease the cost of the Gen II, I doubt they’ll be able to decrease the cost by $7500 (the amount of the tax credit)…so you won’t gain anything by waiting.
I’ve said before: The Gen I battery will probably be one of the best engineered battery systems available. Gen II will cut out a lot of cost possibly including the heating/cooling system. I bet we’ll see much more calendar longevity out of the Gen I….but we’ll have to wait to see if I’m right or wrong on that one.
+2
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:01 pm)Yes 40,000 Volts in 2 years @ 41k= One billion 6 hundred & 40 million dollars. Get back your R&D dollars it seems on the first 2 years of sales. Thank you GM.
-10
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:02 pm)(click to show comment)
+2
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:02 pm)The dissapointing part of this is that this means that even at GEN 2, it is likely the price will still list in the mid to upper 30’s. But, also the tax credit will eventually run out, so not only does the price need to drop, but it must also drop below what that after credit cost of today ($33,500).
So, eventually they need to get the MSRP “comforably” below $33k in the future, to even beat todays $41k price. I just do not see this happening on GEN 2 or 3.
The added cost for the range extender is just such a burden, that will always command a higher price than a BEV. So, based on the Leaf vs. Volt pricing, the range extender imposes about $7,000 of overhead. For some it is worth it, for me not so much.
+2
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:05 pm)I want leather and the backup camera & sensor. What colors are available, and how much will you give me for my trade (Blk 2006 Civic EX 4-Dr, 39,500 miles, clean car fax (no door dings –iexcellent condition). Oh yeah, do you deliver to DC?
+2
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:05 pm)If the lease option has an early buyout provision, and, if there was a way to have the tax credit value passed onto the customer at time of buyout, then the lease is an incredibly good idea.
Since I drive 19,800 miles a year, and, since leases generally have mileage limitations, I would need to be able to buy out at around the one year mark because of that.
The 41,000 dollar figure plus tax and the extended bumper to bumper warranty would place a retail sale just beyond my reach, (since I have to competitively run my business margins so tightly, I would not be able to get the tax credit in a retail sale), but a lease with option to buy with the tax credit value entirely subtracted from the buyout sale would work.
(The high annual mileage would be related at least in part to my/(your?) going around every day promoting the Volt (how could anyone **possibly** stay home??) (trust that one, as I drove the Volt already), so, that fact ought to be somehow realized that active promoters are really working for GM in a very very direct way, and in that first year, could actually be earning that credit).
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:06 pm)OT, but I almost bought that car. Do you still like it, and do u have any problems w/the automatic convertible roof?
Regarding the Volt, 90 miles/day, the Volt may not be the best car anyway. However you would have been getting 40miles of electric (possibly both ways).
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:06 pm)Fortunatley, this aspect of the Volt is mostly controlled by the engineers and not the accounts nor marketing.
+6
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:08 pm)Per GM’s website, Chevy vehicles with a starting $41K over MSRP…
‘10 Corvette ZR1 MSRP $108,180-$118,180
‘10 Corvette Convertible MSRP $53,580-$69,480
‘10 Corvette Z06 MSRP $75,585-$82,755
‘10 Tahoe Hybrid MSRP $50,720-$53,525
‘10 Corvette Coupe MSRP $48,930-$56,635
‘10 Suburban 3/4 ton MSRP $42,245-$48,580
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:08 pm)Toyota’s in the business of building affordable cars. I’d guess the PHEV Prius will be about $5-6K more than a similarly optioned non-PHEV Prius. And it will qualify for a tax credit. Net price for a PHEV Prius with few options may be under $27K. Yes, it’s a guess but I think it’s a good one.
+1
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:08 pm)Perhaps it’s time for a poll on the impact this price announcement has on those who are on this sites wish-list. A) Still a buyer. B) No longer interested.
+26
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:08 pm)Too much whining. I’ll buy one at this price and sacrifice somewhere else. We all need to pay a little more to get off of oil and other fossil fuels. What is the cost of the gulf oil spill? The spill in China? The spill in Africa? Increasingly volatile weather patterns?
If everyone continues to have a “walmart” attitude of I want it all and I want it cheap, nothing will change. Time for our country and the world to grow up and realize we all have to make different decisions and accept the trade offs.
Now let the flaming and name calling begin.
+2
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:09 pm)At the announced purchase prices, the dreamers without cash are out. But into a lease, so all is well enough.
+4
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:10 pm)I’m not sure if I smell the blue hair at the nursery home of the Old GM or not. I’ve never flamed GM at all on any previous posts. I’ve been an excited, enthusiastic supporter. The engineering is phenominal and groundbreaking. The price announcement however is a complete downer. Unless prices fall dramatically in two generations this car will not be the groundbreaking game-changer we were all hoping it would be (reduction of oil use by a large percentage of the population). It’s hard to imagine that GM could cut $10,000 out of the cost of the car in two generations when we know that’s basically the entire cost of the battery packs. 41K to 44K was the price I was hoping people would pay after large dealer markups, not the foundation for the future sales of the vehicle line.
So, assuming some price shavings in future generations, where do you see this going? Hypothetically speaking, let’s say GM cuts thermal management from the battery packs ($2K), sees a marked improvement in battery costs and contracting (~20%, maybe $2K), and figures that they can cut some other corners in the cabin or otherwise. I don’t see them saving any money by changing engine architecture (already using off the shelf GM engine) or otherwise. So, Gen 2 (or maybe 3) could cost $37K. How much lower could they go? Maybe in Gen 3 or 4 the battery price is half of what it is now? That would put the cost around 34K maybe in Gen 4 realistically?
In former days on this site, people tallied up the basic costs of the car body and engine and then forecasted the added costs of the voltec technology to try to figure out price. One of the things not accounted for in this methodolgy is the cost of R&D. I’m hoping that’s where $41K price is coming from. Since the math above doesn’t work out otherwise for cost reduction (unless you are adding in some R&D cost recuperation), I can only *hope* by Gen 3, Volt pricing is more in line with Prius pricing and accessible for the masses. And by that I mean “comfortably under $30K”. And what happened to that statement about being “pleasantly surprised” with the pricing? I guess Ed Whitacre didn’t exert enough influence on the Accountants or GM felt like the market was different than previously expected or….?
And BTW, What happened with the IPO? I thought they were going to wait until after the IPO to announce pricing?
+8
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:11 pm)Plan B. In 3 years there are going to be some deals on just off-lease Volts to be had
+2
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:11 pm)Way to create a list like it’s six separate cars, when four of them are corvettes.
+12
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:12 pm)$41k?
This is the first time I’ve seen a number mentioned above $40k and of course it turns out to be the real number. Very suprising, especially since they’ve stated the price of the Volt would be impacted by the price of gas. (Meaning, the more gas cost, the more they can probably get for the Volt.) Well gas is realatively cheap right now and here they are pricing the car higher then any number I’ve seen to date.
It’s a very disappointing number for a person who doesn’t believe in leasing vehicals.
I’m completely turned off by this news.
In fact this is the second time this year I’ve been turned off by “Chevrolet”.
First I was excited for news on a new Impala and hoped it would compete with the Taurus, but it looks like it’s going to be a RWD vehicle, which I’m sure some will love, but the American full size car market could use another AWD car. I hoped the Impala would be it. It’s not.
Now this.
I hoped the Volt would appeal to the masses, but at $41k it won’t.
I’m sure they’ll sell or lease the ones they make, but what the hell happened to competing with Prius? Is it really trying to compete when it’s priced about 50% higher then the Prius V?
Did I mention I was disappointed and turned off.
I believe I’m now done with the Volt for the forseable futue.
In full disclosure, I wasn’t planning on buying a Gen 1 version anyway, being that I still have younins in car seats, but I was damn sure pulling for it.
I’ll pull for Gen II also, but I certainly won’t be logging in daily to read the latest news.
This sort of feels like a “Casey at the Bat” moment. As far as I’m concerned, Casey again has struck out. Is that too much? Sorry, but I had high hopes. $32k would have been a homerun. Sure, they wouldn’t haven’t been able to meet the demand but they could have boosted their post bailout public image. Instead, they price the Volt at $41k, which I personnally think looks like they were only looking out for #1. I’m not saying they shouldn’t, but where was that 5 years ago, and in the long run, (assuming a few others think like me) I think this strategy hurts them more then it helps them.
One bummed out fan of American cars…signing off.
+3
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:12 pm)Too much. Not even gas savings make it worth it for me. The lease does seem like the much better deal.
+4
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:12 pm)For 36 months at $350 we are looking at:
$ 12,600
+ 2,500 due at signing
———-
15,100 + license, registration and taxes.
In Connecticut, we don’t pay sales tax on the Volt.
Leaf neither. We do pay it on regular ICE cars though if they get less than 40 MPG
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:12 pm)I would like to know what kind of deaal the government is getting. Will they be buying or leasing? and at what cost?
+3
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:13 pm)The bright side is that the lease price is VERY low.
Even if the Lease price was higher, it would be a difficult decision to lease vs. buy, since you have all the questions/issues with the batteries and other new technology.
I expect at least 80% of sales of the Volt will be leased. You always have a few that insist on owning.
BTW: I am NOT a lease guy, but in this situation it makes so much sense, you would almost be insane not to lease.
+6
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:14 pm)This does sound way too much like the EV-1. It is probably the reason Bob Lutz left for retirement. Once he heard the price thye were going to ask for the Volt he said I’m outa here. Well it seems I will need to call up my dealer and cancel my order. At least I will get my deposit back. $37500 was my upperlimit. Even with 5 years of onstar. I had anticipation and determination building for all the years GM-Volt.com was around only to be disappointed by a price way out of the market. It was the first GM car i was interested in since my 1970 Pontiac Catalina. Before 1970 all I bought was GM now I have to look at the Leaf i guess. Dazed and confused.
Take Care,
TED
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:14 pm)Well, I was steeling myself for $40K, hoping that all of the people predicting down in the 30s were right, but expecting to option it way up somehow into the mid-40s anyway. $41K is a bit of a surprise, but on the other hand, the base car has a lot of stuff that I thought would be optional.
Back in February, my guess was $47,950 with what I thought the option content and prices would be. http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4246 Guess I’ll have to save $48K after all.
+8
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:15 pm)OH NO!!!! The most technically advanced automobile ever built is 41,000 dollars year one! Oh no, a company that just emerged from bankruptcy isn’t going to sell a car at a big loss!! Oh no, we might have to wait 5 years for it to be around 30k!!
This price makes sense. I’m glad to see them not underpricing this masterpiece. Sometimes, putting a premium on things makes them look more appealing.
Who doesn’t want a Ferrari because it’s out of there price range. I guarantee you if Ferrari could make a fast beautiful car next year for 30 thousand they’d sell more in one year than they have the last ten.
Don’t overreact people.
-13
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:17 pm)(click to show comment)
+9
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:17 pm)One other thing. The Volt is priced a lot like the new Cadillac CTS coupe, the car I have serious lust for. Given similar costs (OK within a few $K), I’m still going for the stick-it-to-OPEC-mobile.
+10
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:17 pm)Then you are clueless about what “free speech” means.
+4
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:17 pm)In other news… Nissan just announce they will offer the same 8yr 100,000mile warranty for the LEAF as GM is for the Volt
This is a bit of a surprise as I think most expected it to be less, more like 5yr/80,000miles
+1
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:19 pm)I believe that’s the point.
+1
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:20 pm)At this point, I suspect that Toyota has a lot to prove to the American public…Especially when it comes to quality.
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:20 pm)TOO MUCH…I haven’t commented for months and I have many reasons as to why I have slowly faded away from this blog and to more extent this car (well at least Gen1 and probably even Gen2 now)…
Over 1 year ago…after finally physically seeing the Volt at the NY Auto Show I told myself 2 things…
1) It will be very difficult to move from my beloved BMW into this (my first) GM product – BUT I still wanted to do it (at that time)…
2) Looking at the Volt, its styling, its size and whatnot… if they ask more than $40k I will have to first look into another Bimmer, maybe even clean diesel if I can afford it, before making the move to GM and to Voltec.
So here I am and I have already jumped the gun and purchased a new (to me) BMW. I feel as though I have cheated on my “freedom from oil” self because not only did I get an ‘06 BMW but I went backwards on fuel efficiency by getting an M3 !!! (used to have the basic 3 series)…
…I am a typical American jerk who is using more fossil fuel now instead of less… I am sorry for that… but I am having a hell of a lot of fun with my SMG tranny!!!
Someday I will make the right choice…. just not yet
Good luck to all who go for Gen1 !!! I will still be reading…..
+5
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:20 pm)… and I don’t think for a second that most Volts will be leased, then crushed. What would be the point if some Volts will be purchased outright?
I bolded, italicised and all-capped “IF” (time to lobby Lyle again for “underline” tag support?).
… and NO, I will not lease any car.
+2
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:21 pm)With sales tax and seller’s premiums pushing 50 g’s VOLT is out of reach but for the targeted upper middle income ($125,000/yr.) home owners. Nothing wrong with that. (Assuming a general rule of thumb being 15% of after-tax income for transportation.) However, today this site expresses its great disappointment – GM’s competitors are dancing on the table.
Here in California the $7500 tax credit is diminished by a sales tax 8.25% the highest in the U.S. plus in certain areas a supplementary tax. For example 9.75% in Sacramento. Whereas on the other hand, GM leasing plan which certainly connotes decent value down stream is taxed in California at 10% (short term leasing)
No one here doubts VOLT outselling its 2011 production. Maybe that’s part of the pricing strategy. GM has proven an ER EV market – its MSRP near 50 g’s a really big bullseye – its ears down for competition a bunch.
+1
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:23 pm)I brought this up in a previous thread about the 10K Volts to be produced. For all of you going to buy (bless your soul) or Lease, you will be buying from a pool of 10K – 2500 (Government and Municipal sales). So technically, all of you will be fighting for 7500 Volts the first year.
Of course that is if there was any truth to a previous thread here about the government and utilities buying Volts up to 2500 – 3000.
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:23 pm)I would have thought so also, but I seem to remember their sales have increased since their “mistakes”.
+4
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:24 pm)Or just rent a vehicle for your yearly vacations
+3
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:24 pm)You know, if the thing had (all along) been called the [Buick, Olds(until retired) or Cadillac] Volt, most of this bitching wouldn’t be taking place. It seems that there was a preconceived idea what the ‘Chevy’ moniker meant. Examine the vehicle for what it is and ignore the heading they put it under. Someone here actually stated “You could get Mercedes..”. How STUPID! I guess I think too much like an engineer and try to be objective. NO ONE has a car like this and NO ONE will for SEVERAL years. My daughter lives out of BEV range, so my (electric) options will be limited to just ONE choice for awhile. It doesn’t matter to me that it is called a ‘Chevy’.
-1
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:24 pm)41,000.00 X 10,000 = $410,000,000.00 we will pay for the first 2,500 volts for our beloved politicians to drive this allows 7500 for sale at $41,000.00 or more actually for sale to the public. does any one actually believe they will not sell out at this price. Question is do you think GM should leave money on the table?
Tom
+2
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:25 pm)Safe to say that we’re all pretty much avid Volt fans but I’m sure each of us has a “line in the sand” that just isn’t going to be crossed. At $41K before incentives the Volt is on the wrong side of my line in the sand and I’m sure a few others.
I’ll check in with the Volt every once it a while to see how things are going but I think this is the end of checking in on the Volt almost daily for me. Sad to say but, let the exodus begin…
+2
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:25 pm)I factored that in, and think I’m going to attempt to lease one (if i can get a chance to)
+3
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:25 pm)I simply cannot afford this car.
+3
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:25 pm)First time in my life I’ve wanted to live in CT!
+1
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:25 pm)Personally, I don’t have a problem with the price. In fact, given the limited number of Volts that will be coming off the line – at least in the early stages – Chevy could’ve gotten a bit more creative. Just as automobiles are reliant upon foreign oil, GM has been reliant on U S taxpayers. GM could’ve set a minimum price, and then accepted sealed bids for the first batch or so of new Volts. Whoever wants one the most can have it, provided of course that they can pay for it. GM (or others) could finance it up to the minimum bid, and anything over would have to be paid for in cash. They could call it GM’s “Paying Back America” program.
The Volt will help our country wean itself from foreign oil. “Paying Back America” could help GM wean itself from the taxpayer’s pocketbooks.
+6
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:25 pm)$41,000 for a Volt? Well that pricing let’s me and millions of potential Volt buyers out of the Volt arena sad to say. What exactly is GM thinking? They have a golden opportunity to attract new customers that would ordinarily buy foreign and they price it at $41,000. GM had a once in a generation moment to separate themselves from Toyota and Ford and they fumbled the ball badly. I wanted a Volt, was willing to pay a premium, but come on its a small car albeit with high tech wonders installed, is still not worth 41K to me. Looks like it will be a Ford Fusion or some new Ford hybrid still on the design tables for me. GM you disapointed me and lost a customer.
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:25 pm)Maybe when you lose money on every sale you say what the heck and you price it to match your low production intent.
IS GM the home of the milliVolt or the microVolt?
Awaiting Volt GenII.
How do we think Nissan feels about the Leaf now?
How about those Prius guys?
Still like the Volt idea, kudos to Mr. Lutz.
Hoping battery development does improve cost and performance and that it doesn’t stall like solar cell production.
+1
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:26 pm)I can compare them because you said “Chevy”
+1
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:27 pm)Do you have a link where it lists the details on the option to buy at end of term? I’d like to look into that.
join thE REVolution
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:27 pm)Let’s just hope they sell the Prius I trim level to the general public this time. Prius I is fleet only.
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:27 pm)Hi,
Do you think American companies will ever succeed again without government handouts paid for by the ever shrinking American middle class? Do you think GM would have been better off going bankrupt and shake the reigns of an uncompetitive and highly overpaid union labor workforce? What is your opinion of the Chinese market and when will GM brand an electric Buick? Do you think the Nissan Leaf will be economically more attractive to consumers looking for a truly electric car? Will anyone at GM have the cajones to truefully answer any of these questions?
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:29 pm)Of course not. They should give it to me.
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:29 pm)Link?
http://uk.ibtimes.com/articles/20100727/chevy-volt-to-use-afs-trinity-rsquoultracapacitors-for-better-acceleration-regenerative-braking-capa.htm
is this it?
Don’t see any value in incorporating the capacitor into the battery, would be more cost effective to keep it separate. This article does not say GM is a customer, only that they would like to sell their system to GM. GM is committed to buying LG Chem’s batteries for the foreseeable future, so I don’t think AFS Trinity has any chance as their claim to fame is incorporating the cap into the battery.
+1
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:30 pm)+1
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:32 pm)Too steep for me. Lease looks attractive, but nothing to show for your money at the end. If you want to lease, you better do it quick before GM realizes that they over estimated the residual values once thousands of three year old Volts flood the market all at once. However, that will be the buying opportunity for me. Looks like I will be waiting 3-4 years for my Volt even though I live in one of the initial markets. Sheesh, $41K…
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:32 pm)Let’s not forget this is a whole new class of vehicle, not in the same league as the Prius.
Perhaps you could compare the Volt with the Leaf, but at the same lease price I see the Volt going 3 to 1 at least vs the Leaf. They probably added at least a couple grand to the purchase price so they could sell the lease at a comparable cost.
This will make the Leaf a big loser in the U.S. and GM will come out victorious. I love a good corporate battle.
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:32 pm)Has to. First of all if it didn’t then the credit would be lost since only the lessor, not the lessee, could claim it. Second is that even with the cost of money set to zero you’d be looking at depreciation of less than 10% a year. Even with the credit GM is assuming the Volt will depreciate less than 15% a year, which is a very strong statement of confidence (vehicles with the best resale values depreciate at least 15% a year) …. or a reason why they’re only willing to make 10,000! LOL
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:33 pm)Well paint me disappointed. I was really hopping the car’s base price was going to be $35K, which is my deal breaking price. I can’t justify a $41K initial investment like this.
Lets just hope the affluent buyers that can afford the Volt will help drive down cost.
+3
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:35 pm)I’ll be waiting for Gen II or the Model S. The big question is, will federal credits be available then?
All the best to those of you who are ordering. I’m sure you will love the VOLT and be pleased with your purchase. The wait will soon be over!
+5
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:35 pm)So much for the $5000 dealer mark-ups. Given their limited supply, the higher MSRP makes sense. To me at least. And, personally, I’d rather GM get the money than the dealers.
+2
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:36 pm)$41,000? Ripoff. Time to build my own EV…….
+9
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:36 pm)We’re in a recession because, among other things, people wanted instant gratification on easy credit and bought a lot of things they didn’t need (some of this was fueled by stupid lending practices at GM dealers).
In 2006, American Savings Rates actually went NEGATIVE.
Ted’s not a joke; he’s a sensible guy who’s going to stick to his budget.
-1
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:38 pm)Greedy – Greedy. I’m out. Please remove my name form the mailing list.
-1
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:38 pm)I saw this coming. I really wanted a Volt, but they were determined to price it up there with some very nice cars with proven technology. I bought a new 2010 BMW 528i for 44K. It even gets decent gas milage. There is no way i would have been happy driving a Volt for the same money as a nice European sport sedan. It had to be cheaper. A lot cheaper. Like they said it would be in the beginning. Maybe next time… I still want an electric car. But for 40K, I want it to be a very nice car! And the BMW is sweet.
+1
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:38 pm)True. But at a lower average transaction price. Which, considering the major uptick in auto sales in general since then, isn’t saying much.
+1
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:39 pm)So much for price gouging by dealerships.
+3
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:39 pm)Ouch! Yow! Eeeeeooow! Zowy! Gee willikers, that’s a lot of money. I think I’ll save my money and buy a new Chevy Cruze plus $25,000 in carbon credits from whoever will take my money. That’s WAYYYYYYyyyyyyyy too much money for a single, simple four passenger without leather, rear camera, or any of the other fun stuff! And it’s really too bad because, I bet I’m not alone.
+3
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:39 pm)Bingo.
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:40 pm)I found a post where GM is partnering with China to sell BEV’s in 2011 & 2012. Maybe they now figure a BEV is safer,( problem wise) and cheaper to produce. Maybe Gen 2 Volt will be a BEV who knows. Quote below:
Stracke also said that Shanghai GM, the joint venture of General Motors in China, will launch several hybrid and electric vehicles within the coming months.
+4
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:41 pm)It looks like management killed the electric car again.
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:41 pm)You’ll all do well to keep your hands in your pockets and not buy the first years’ output – even if the price were MUCH more reasonable. Almost any car has a few bugs to be worked out when it first comes off the line – never mind one with a whole list of new technologies in it.
If I do ever get one it with be Gen 3 or 4 after the batteries are assured to last – the generator motor is smaller and the no gas range is extended anoth 15 to 20 miles along with the price being in the mid to high 20k range.
+1
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:41 pm)I have always thought looked a lot like the Acura TL…Just something to keep in mind, A 2010 TL with their technology package is almost $40,000….
+1
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:42 pm)The only thing I have at this point is the paragraph from an autobloggreen article.
http://green.autoblog.com/2010/07/27/2011-chevrolet-volt-to-be-priced-at-41-000-350-month-lease-fo/
+3
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:43 pm)41K was equal to the most I would pay, so right on the line, BUT the lease option is such a good deal, i’m going to go that route, then upgrade in 3years.
-4
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:45 pm)Let’s face it, neither the LEAF nor the Volt are big enough to hold 4 or 3 passengers and their “les bagages” on a long trip. Both will have to opt for renting a bigger car or take the bigger car they own.
That’s almost an assumption now.
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:46 pm)I very much doubt GM that really expects the Volt to have that high a residual value. They’re subsidizing (or giving a substantial discount) to people who are willing to lease. Probably because it enables them to keep a closer watch on the cars.
Basically, what this tells me is that they’re nervous about all the new technology…
+3
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:46 pm)Attention GM engineers and marketers.
A lot of people here are threatening to take their ball and go home but don’t worry.
They’ll man up and pay the price that is worth the car, and I believe this car is worth this price. Especially for the next couple of years.
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:47 pm)Yes, that is it. Sorry for not including it.
-2
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:47 pm)After all my expenditures in solar and all the rest of the green things, I have looked around me at the failures of this selfish American society and realized my sacrifices may be in vain. I have thought about writing an apology letter to be opened by my granddaughter in the year 2070. As she looks around at the bleak, broken and backward society it has become, she will know that grandpa and grandma tried to do the right thing by her. I will include your comments in that letter so she has a grasp on how other people approached this pivotal time- at a time when the paths were clear, but destructive consumption continued unabated.
There will be no plane trips to a far off continent for ‘holiday’, because planes consume a nearly insurmountable amount of biofuel. But, at least, just as after the dark ages when the plague killed off millions, land will be plentiful. She will need it to grow vegetables and hope a bunny hops by, because meat is a rare treat.
OMG, how can you be so self indulgent as to KNOW what you are doing is wrong and continue doing it? In the legal system, they call that ‘premeditated’ and justice is handed out accordingly.
Save your own writings and refer to them again in 20 years. If it all turns okay, I guess you’ll pat yourself on the back and be thankful that not everyone approached this life the way you did.
+2
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:48 pm)Is it possible to take yourself off the wait list? It would be interesting to see if the # drops significantly.
Tom
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:48 pm)How does the 8yr battery warranty factor into the lease? I’m guessing they are building into the residual value and only leasing through their financing arm. Either GM owns the vehicle at the end or the owner buys it out. I’m not knowledgeable enough about leases to know what is possible and what isn’t. It does appear that leasing EV’s, at least the first generations, will be the preferred method.
+12
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:49 pm)It all depends on how important it is to you to stop using foreign oil. I, for one, would rather have the Volt than any BMW. But that’s me.
+2
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:49 pm)And they just priced the volt out of range for most people. Sure they’ll sell all they can make the first couple of years, but beyond that the volt’s prospects look dim; unless the price drops drastically in the next couple of years. I know I definitely have no reason to follow news on the Volt anymore.
+1
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:49 pm)Just realized a mistake in my calculations, the term of the lease require a $2500 down payment. That will make the residual value $26,500 not $29k. Somewhat more realistic. I am also not figuring in the federal tax credit of $7500, so how does this play in? If they include that in the residual value then it drops dramatically to $19k which becomes very realistic.
Now we have two important remaining questions:
What is the pay-out value at the end of the lease?
What is CS mileage?
+2
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:49 pm)Actually the profit they will see will be signifigantly less. They are not building the cars with free labor out of thin air with no materials. The cost of materials and labor are probably easily 30k then you have advertising costs, and the MSRP includes a built in dealer markup. i bet their profit is only several thousand per vehicle.
Also to figure the residual cost
41,000 base price
-2500 down payment
-7500 tax credit (kept by leasing dealer)
-12600 (350/mo for 36 mos)
————————
$18,400 residual value (I bet in 3 years a used volt will sell for more than this)
Imagine a scenario where the lease is turned back in to GM, GM dets data from the car then replaces the battery with technology +3yrs for a lighter car with better range.
Volt Gen1+
Probably could sell it in the upper 20k lower 30k price range
+2
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:50 pm)GM may produce an EV. In fact, I hope they do. But they still need a gen 2 with a range extender for those of us who are willing to pay the extra for it.
+2
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:51 pm)Too High–just knocked me out of even considering it. And I refuse to do a lease–that option is rare financially viable for most people.
So if they price themselves out of the market and sales are void it becomes a “good excuse” to not make such vehicles.
Typical GM, damn I wish our automakers could see past their dinosaur way of doing business.
+2
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:51 pm)Okay cool guy, so under your logic, because NO ONE has a car like this, then Chevy can price it at $41,000 and we should ignore the fact that a new Mercedes (again, stripped down base model) can be purchased at the same price. Under that rationale, GM can charge $60,000, $80,000, or even $100,000 because no one has a car like this and no one will for several years… are you kidding me??? You can’t justify a price level because it’s the only one around; rather, you can do it if it is the only one around and there is no competition. GM is facing plenty of competition from not only the LEAF, but the flood of plug-ins that will be arriving in 2012. People cannot ignore price comparisons. True, it is a car in its own class, but buyers should consider what $41,000 will get them elsewhere as well. I’m not advocating against the Volt: I support the Volt 100% and hope it’s a huge success, but I cannot stick my head in the sand and pretend like $41,000 is a steal either when I can purchase a luxury car for the same price. I will buy one, but I do not expect the rest of America to share my enthusiasm for this $41,000 car either.
-2
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:51 pm)I meant Chevy Prizm
+3
Jul 27th, 2010 (12:51 pm)