[ad#post_ad]As we reach the summit of production Volt launch, the Chevy marketing machine begins to ramp up.
GM is serious about selling this car and has high hopes it is the tip of the spear for future generations of electric cars to come. Though only 10,000 to 15,000 units will be produced in 2011, in the interest of being cautious, after that the company will ramp up to march demand.
We hope demand will be high, but at present it is uncertain, as GM isn’t announcing how many orders it has taken.
According to Automotive News, Volt marketing chief Tony DiSalle said over half of the people who have ordered a Volt are first time buyers of a Chevrolet brand vehicle. He would not give specific numbers nor say whether any of these so-called conquest sales had purchased other GM brands in the past.
DiSalle also reported that the very first Volts would go to customers, not dealerships. Dealership demo models, one of which each Volt dealer is required to have on hand, won’t start being delivered until February of next year.
Today the company has unveiled one of two new TV commercials for the Volt that will appear during the World Series which begins tonight. This represents the premiere of national high profile prime-time Volt advertising. Along with the ads the new Volt tag line, “its more car than electric,” is debuted.
Part of this Volt advertising blitz is intended to draw in showroom traffic to Chevy dealers. Even if people don’t or can’t buy Volts right away, it is hoped they may buy other cars like the Cruze.
“I hope there are redundancies with dealers,” said DiSalle.
GM will also be debuting several Chevrolet ad spots during the series which feature the new Chevrolet tagline “Chevy Runs Deep.”
“The World Series is a defining piece of American culture,” said Joel Ewanick, vice president, U.S. Marketing. “It has a story, a soul and a connection to every generation – just like Chevrolet. You can’t get a better fit than Chevy and baseball. It’s the perfect opportunity to talk about Chevy’s commitment to America and showcase our newest cars, trucks and crossovers.”
“As we prepare for Chevrolet’s centennial in 2011, we’re beginning a new chapter in Chevy history,” Ewanick said. “This is a brand that has touched all Americans. We’re proud of our heritage and eager to let people know how we can create a better future through vehicles like the Cruze, Volt and other fuel-efficient models that will be coming soon, including a new sub-compact car and the Spark. We believe this campaign provides a great platform to tell that story.”
Check out the first exclusive showing of the new Volt commercial below called “Anthem” which celebrates all the different freedoms driving a Volt can provide and tell us what you think.
Source (Automotive News)
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This entry was posted on Wednesday, October 27th, 2010 at 7:25 am and is filed under Advertising. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.
+1
Oct 27th, 2010 (7:27 am)lyle,
wheres your advisory trial volt?
p.s i like the bit in the ad “it goes far, really far” the best
stuey
Oct 27th, 2010 (7:33 am)Good camera angles for the Volt. Is this the first offcial ad we’ve seen wothout the “production model my vary” footnote?
=D-Volt
Oct 27th, 2010 (7:35 am)I would have preferred they say “An electric car that ALSO goes really far.”
+4
Oct 27th, 2010 (7:38 am)How about bringing back the line “See the USA in your Chevrolet”? I guess that I qualify as a “conquest”. Never bought a Chevy before. Pontiac and Saturn, but they are going away…
+2
Oct 27th, 2010 (7:40 am)Better than I expected. Don’t like the tag line of “More car than electric” and was glad not to hear it.
+7
Oct 27th, 2010 (7:41 am)I’m one of those people that Tony DiSalle was talking about who have never bought a Chevy and I have a deposit down on a Volt. Of course, the frustrating thing is that GM still has not allowed my dealer to place the order even though I’m in a launch market and am one of the people in the initial allotment for a dealership that has been told they will initially get 34 Volts.
Thus, no tracking number, no expected delivery date. Nada.
On the bright side, I get to drive the Volt this weekend in DC. Looking forward to it!
+16
Oct 27th, 2010 (7:45 am)No one can fairly accuse GM of hype in this inaugural commercial —its almost surprising to hear Tim Allen, the master of OVERstatement, delivering masterfully UNDERstated lines that shouldn’t offend anybody. So it should easily open doors, eyes and ears for hopefully many, many “higher voltage” ads to come as the campaign escalates.
Oct 27th, 2010 (7:46 am)Kup,
Try sending an email to Angie at socialmedia(at)gm.com
She has helped many other people over on the Voltage forums get more information and get the ball rolling when things seem stalled. Just explain the situation. She may ask for the dealer info.
Oct 27th, 2010 (7:58 am)I was thinking the same thing .supposed to have it the 24th whats up?
-89
Oct 27th, 2010 (7:59 am)(click to show comment)
+2
Oct 27th, 2010 (8:02 am)An informal survey in the forum section resulted in 20 non-GM conquest sales, 2 Chevy drivers, and 2 drivers of other GM brands. Not enough responses to be accurate but interesting nonetheless.
+30
Oct 27th, 2010 (8:08 am)#10
EricLG said:
I think I’ll start calling Volt owners “25 mile nomads.” Hopefully they can make it to the beer store and back.
There you go again, trying to mislead people who can’t be mislead.
+6
Oct 27th, 2010 (8:10 am)I hope every dealer gets hundreds of walk in’s. I also hope they do not get to pissed when there told not here until next year.
Tom
+2
Oct 27th, 2010 (8:16 am)I’ll give it a “7″ only because Tim Allen really does a great delivery, and because I’m excited that the tv ads start tonite! And I agree that since he did not speak the tag line, that text at the end can be easily replaced with something better in future ads.
Oct 27th, 2010 (8:17 am)Are both the World Series teams in Volt launch markets?
-69
Oct 27th, 2010 (8:21 am)(click to show comment)
+1
Oct 27th, 2010 (8:23 am)I suppose that kind of advertising has some benefit, doesn’t do anything for me. I’m sure it’s hope is to get people curious about the Volt. I’d like to see 30 seconds of “how would you like to buy a car that could reduce $20,000 of oil imports over it’s life while giving you a driving experience unlike anything you’ve ever known”
“as GM isn’t announcing how many orders it has taken.”
Just to make sure I’m not missing anything, orders are only for folks that live in the early release states right?
I went couple months ago to my local chev(rolet) dealer and left my name and contact info and they said I’m the only person that every came in (I’m in Ohio) and that i’d be #1 whenever they get an allotment. They also said they are training their techs on Volt maintenance early 2011 even though they won’t have any cars to sell for a year.
So just wondering if there’s anything else I need to do to?
I’ve signed up for the Leaf in May as well, and not really sure which car i’d get, but I figure late in 2011 when I hopefully can pick one or the other, I’ll have a year of real life experience with folks driving these cars.
-69
Oct 27th, 2010 (8:25 am)(click to show comment)
+23
Oct 27th, 2010 (8:27 am)Starting tonight, millions of people will Google their way to this site to learn more about the Volt. To those I say, “Welcome. This site is an outstanding source of information.” because of that fact, there are several visitors posting misleading info, or outright lies about what the Volt is, how it works, and its true capabilities. Don’t be fooled. The Volt is the “Electric Car with Extended Range”, and a tremendous value with an 8-year/100,000 mile warranty.
If you haven’t already heard, “Cancel your gasoline credit card. You won’t be needing that any more.”
-61
Oct 27th, 2010 (8:27 am)(click to show comment)
+32
Oct 27th, 2010 (8:31 am)GM Marketing is intent on selling the Volt as an electric car, not a hybrid like the Prius. This was the source of their “ICE only generates electricity, it never directly drives the wheels” gaffe. I don’t envy them, though, it’s very tough to educate the public about a completely different type of car using any medium and it’s virtually impossible to do it in a 30 second TV ad.
I’d like a testimonial ad. Show a professional woman unplugging in the garage and driving off, talking about how much she loves her new Volt, loves driving to work and shopping using clean electricity instead of having to stop at a smelly gas station every week. Then the music turns serious and she says “Last month I got a call at work. My mom had fallen and broken her wrist. She lives 200 miles away, but I hopped in my car was at her side in three hours. My Chevy Volt automatically switched from electricity to gasoline for the long trip. No other electric car can do that.” [Now at work, she parks and exits, casting one last backward loving glance at the Volt, then turns the the camera]. “And the best news? Mom’s recovery is going great. I’m driving back up tonight to take her to our favorite Chinese restaurant. I can’t wait to see her use chopsticks with that cast on!”. [Laughs and turns to greet co-worker as they head toward sleek office building].
+6
Oct 27th, 2010 (8:33 am)Why advertise a vehicle that is presumably sold out for the 2011 model year of 15K units? Word of mouth of the drivers alone to their friends and colleagues will line up the sales into 2012.
A company that owes the Fed. govt lots of loot and then is about to IPO doesn’t need to spend on something like that. Now, for the Cruze, different story as they probably intend to sell 150K units easy in 2011.
-60
Oct 27th, 2010 (8:34 am)(click to show comment)
+5
Oct 27th, 2010 (8:35 am)“Chevy Volt: The freedom to choose, electricity or gas. The freedom to go as far as you want, whenever you want. Chevy Volt, the freedom of America.” Get Malcolm McDowell to do the voice-over, and you got yourself a great commercial.
-61
Oct 27th, 2010 (8:36 am)(click to show comment)
+9
Oct 27th, 2010 (8:37 am)I have to ask.. Why don’t some of you like the “It’s more Car then Electric”..?
I’m guessing GM has decided they don’t need to market the Volt to Electric Car / No Gas / Environmental Enthusiast so they’re targeting potential buyers that want a car which happens to go 25 – 50 miles on EV range and yes are willing to pay up for the novelty of it. That might be a tough sale, but I suspect the first few hundred thousand will come and after that GM’s going to need to get the price down or gas moves up making the Volt more attractive.
I’m not saying “It’s more Car then Electric” is a slam dunk slogan, but I understand their tactic. I think it’s also a not so subtle dig at pure EV cars.
I’m close to CorvetteGuy’s number of 7, but will give it an 8 mainly because the last scene where the Volt is driving off on a road that clearly requires a car with extended range.
The Go Anywhere theme is GM’s angle.
Go Volt
+60
Oct 27th, 2010 (8:41 am)EricLG,
Man…you really are just a miserable person, aren’t you… ::sigh::
+2
Oct 27th, 2010 (8:42 am)There have been several questions about Lyle picking up his Volt. From yesterday:
-21
Oct 27th, 2010 (8:43 am)(click to show comment)
-63
Oct 27th, 2010 (8:45 am)(click to show comment)
+3
Oct 27th, 2010 (8:47 am)We at GM-Volt are the patients number 1 with the virus. We have told people about this car who don’t go to this site. Some of them will get infected and think it’s an iPad on wheels and turn into patients no. 2. A lot of them will see the ad during the World Series and say “Hey there’s that Volt car!” and then start telling other people they know about it. And so on. Then some of those people out of curiousity will visit a Chevy dealership to look at the Volt or whatever. It will be interesting to see the Chevy numbers at the end of 2011.
+47
Oct 27th, 2010 (8:48 am)For the EricLGs’ of this web site: I don’t get how you enjoy being a serial troll. Honestly, where’s the sense of personal gratification in that? The only thing I can think of, is if a troll like yourself has been assigned troll duties from a competing company of the Volt and you are paid to sit in your cubicle and spew your garbage. After all, what kind of idiot would want to troll day after day for free on their own time? Life is too short to make yourself do that.
+4
Oct 27th, 2010 (8:50 am)The commercial is OK, but the lighting was bad. The message was mostly on target.
+8
Oct 27th, 2010 (8:51 am)Hear, hear. Let’s summarize
Motor trend flogged the car and got 127 miles per gallon in testing.
Tom
+1
Oct 27th, 2010 (8:52 am)I like the “See the USA in your Chevrolet” slogan also. Sure wish GM would use it with all the Chevy brands.
-60
Oct 27th, 2010 (8:55 am)(click to show comment)
+5
Oct 27th, 2010 (8:58 am)I am a first time Chevy buyer although my Dad owned a sweet black Impala from the 70s with a police suspension that I learned to drive in.
I like the subtle use of “Man” at the end of one of Tim Allen’s sentences about how Americans like to be spontaneous and just get out there and go. This harkens back to that age of freedom in the 70s, i.e. sex, drugs and rock & roll. Maybe a stretch but thats how I see it.
Now all of us who grew up with that freedom, feel responsibilities like keeping a job and providing for our families. One of the responsibilities we feel is finding a way to decrease our impact on our world. The Volt is one way to do that.
-Book
+24
Oct 27th, 2010 (8:58 am)I’m sure new visitors to this site will quickly learn that “EricLG” probably works for a Toyota dealer and stops by here daily with pathetic rants in an attempt to convince anyone that the Volt has a higher price tag than a Prius, and he himself says he can’t afford it, then for that reason ‘nobody should consider’ a Volt. We are sorry that he cannot afford this great car, and we apologize for his continued juvenile attacks here.
+1
Oct 27th, 2010 (8:59 am)Most of us are engineer types not marketing types. We generally don’t like obfuscation. Just the facts will do.
Putting on the marketing hat though, I’m thinking it’s not all that bad. The general public has no clue what’s under the hood and doesn’t care as long as they can jump in and go where they want when they want.
I believe that the Converj was canceled simply because of having to plug it in *and* put gas in it. The appearance/perception is that it’s inconvenient even though it may be more convenient in reality.
+9
Oct 27th, 2010 (9:00 am)I don’t see how GM can sell 3500 Volts in two months. They aren’t making them that fast yet.
GM made no such announcement. A web site made this up and semi-quoted an unnamed source to add support to their theory. Future electrification plans depend on 100 variables, of which the IPO is probably #62.
+13
Oct 27th, 2010 (9:02 am)OR. He’s a 13-year-old delinquent with nothing better to do for hours at a time. I’m thinking it’s like a game as in “How many negs can I get today”.
-54
Oct 27th, 2010 (9:06 am)(click to show comment)
+1
Oct 27th, 2010 (9:07 am)OK last thing and then I have to go run the dog this morning.
This commercial targets people in CA (full disclosure: I live in SD and have a white diamond Volt set to be assembled at the end of Nov.) and people who might like the idea of driving in wide open spaces like you find in the middle of CA. A lot of CA people will be watching the World Series and will say “Hey, I’ve been on that road. Is that the Volt? I wondered what that looked like.” CA people also like to think they are ahead of the curve on adopting new technology and being green-sensitive. So this is a natural market to go after.
I don’t think it’s very likely many Volts are left unspoken for in CA but just in case … and if they can’t get a Volt, check out the Cruz etc.
-Book
+5
Oct 27th, 2010 (9:08 am)EricLG,
Kind of like the boy who cried wolf at this point though. I really don’t think it matters what you say now, you will get voted down. Sad but true.
-50
Oct 27th, 2010 (9:09 am)(click to show comment)
Oct 27th, 2010 (9:10 am)If I wanted a pure highway cruiser, I’d buy a 300C or a Lucerne. Both Prius and Volt are too small for traveling long distances comfortably.
+12
Oct 27th, 2010 (9:11 am)I can’t afford a Mercedes Gull Wing, but I don’t cry about it on a Mercedes web site… Only into my pillow at night before I go to sleep. (sniff)
-44
Oct 27th, 2010 (9:11 am)(click to show comment)
+8
Oct 27th, 2010 (9:13 am)Your not normal !!!!! If you’ve been posting on this site for years YOUR Not Normal ! Take your geek hats off and realize that 80% of america could care less about EV autos . So the ad’s need to target the masses not the super Geek’s .
GOOD STUFF Doggydogworld
I’d like a testimonial ad. Show a professional woman unplugging in the garage and driving off, talking about how much she loves her new Volt, loves driving to work and shopping using clean electricity instead of having to stop at a smelly gas station every week. Then the music turns serious and she says “Last month I got a call at work. My mom had fallen and broken her wrist. She lives 200 miles away, but I hopped in my car was at her side in three hours. My Chevy Volt automatically switched from electricity to gasoline for the long trip. No other electric car can do that.” [Now at work, she parks and exits, casting one last backward loving glance at the Volt, then turns the the camera]. “And the best news? Mom’s recovery is going great. I’m driving back up tonight to take her to our favorite Chinese restaurant. I can’t wait to see her use chopsticks with that cast on!”. [Laughs and turns to greet co-worker as they head toward sleek office building].
The Grump .“Chevy Volt: The freedom to choose, electricity or gas. The freedom to go as far as you want, whenever you want. Chevy Volt, the freedom of America.”
simple easy to understand !
+2
Oct 27th, 2010 (9:17 am)The Volt has been called the most over-hyped car in history, so the understated ad does seem appropriate. I think most everyone that hasn’t been in a cave for three years has heard of the Volt.
The biggest mis-conception out there is that you can ONLY go 25-40 miles, so the ad clearly addresses that issue in a way that most can understand.
I agree that the general public isn’t going to care if the engine drives the wheels or makes electricity as long as they are not stranded on the side of the road, as a BEV would be once the batteries are dead.
The tag line could be better, as most agree, but I think they are trying to position the Volt as a regular car that just happens to run on electricity. This is encouraging that they are positioning the Volt as a regular car that regular people can buy and not a halo car.
+3
Oct 27th, 2010 (9:19 am)I’ll give GM the right to use my tag line, for a small fee.
Volt, the true dual fuel car.
Or
Volt, the only dual fuel car.
Caption: Dual fuel describes the Volts capability to drive 25 to 50 miles on electricity and 300 miles on gas.
NPNS!
+22
Oct 27th, 2010 (9:22 am)Well, after following this site for months and learning so much in the process I thought it time to join and add my first post.
I liked the commercial and believe it hit some great points differentiating it from alternatives. I share some of the views above, as it’s a risk to get folks excited about something they likely can’t actually buy for months.
I agree with John K, and hope that GM considers working “See the USA in your Chevrolet” into future advertising. Retro is in and it would work for me. One thought is to add it in a subtle way to the soundtrack, just as you’ll hear a few seconds, of the old Star Trek theme amidst the latest movie theme – That sort of thing. Maybe GM will consider a more direct use, and center the whole ad around it – “So jump in and take that trip you’ve been planning. Charge up when you can and don’t worry when you can’t. Just go see the USA in your Chevrolet.”
Just my two cents worth. Many thanks to Lyle and all the members for making this such a fantastic site.
+1
Oct 27th, 2010 (9:23 am)# 47 CorvetteGuy
I can’t afford a Mercedes Gull Wing, but I don’t cry about it on a Mercedes web site… Only into my pillow at night before I go to sleep.
But we’re talking about oil independence!
+2
Oct 27th, 2010 (9:24 am)A little of topic but here’s a link to an article about some new battery technology, (one can only hope that this one will actually make it to market). They supposedly drove an Audi A2 for 375 miles on a single charge, and it can potentially be completely recharged in 6 minutes. I know we have all heard this before but maybe… http://www.upi.com/Science_News/Resource-Wars/2010/10/26/German-electric-car-sets-world-record/UPI-84921288102816/
+3
Oct 27th, 2010 (9:26 am)“This is America, man.”
What a powerful message. I really like this commercial. Good Job GM Marketing!
+5
Oct 27th, 2010 (9:28 am)The bailout money went to UAW workers, not “GM”. The company called GM would have restructured and emerged from bankruptcy without a bailout. But the UAW workers would have lost their gold-plated medical plan and had their pensions and wages slashed. Bondholders would have owned the restructured company instead of the federal government. I probably hate the bailout more than you, but your anger is misdirected. “GM” was not the beneficiary.
You couldn’t be more wrong. Dependence on imported oil is a matter of national security and national economic well-being. People want to do their part, but no one wants to be a chump. Expecting individuals to pay extra for EVs so their oil-importing neighbors can pay less at the pump is unrealistic. We’re all in this together, we all benefit from reduced oil demand and we all need to pay our part.
I’d prefer a feebate program. Charge each new car $0.50 for every gallon it will use during its lifetime. Think of it as a 50 cent gas tax, but paid upfront instead of at the pump. Use the cash to fund rebates for cars which run primarily on domestic fuels. It’s not a perfect scheme, but it would make a huge difference.
+16
Oct 27th, 2010 (9:28 am)Lastly, if you want to discourage negative commentary in this site, don’t respond to it.
I’m talking to you CorvetteGuy.
Whether you think so or not you are someone that people read here because you are little bit ahead of all of us on Volt knowledge. People follow your lead. If you don’t try and correct the nonsense that the negative person spouts and just ignore it, guess what, that person will just be crying in the wind. Get some composure and comment on the cool stuff that’s going on with the imminent release of this car … man.
+2
Oct 27th, 2010 (9:30 am)The ad is OK. I don’t like the tagline. Personal opinion….
I just think it is a mistake to nationally advertise a product that is not available nationally!!! I don’t understand that logic at all. People looking for a Volt are not going to buy a Cruze or a Traverse. But then again, I am not in the car business…………..
And to tom w:
I am #1 on the dealer list at Sweeney Chevrolet in Youngstown, OH, as well. My advice is to stop back in and ask to talk to the owner or general manager. Then they will know you are serious. I have been told that as soon as they know when Ohio has been opened up to sell the Volt, I will be contacted.
Oct 27th, 2010 (9:31 am)Actually yes.
Even though the Texas Rangers play in Arlington, not Austin, the GM rep I talked to over the weekend said that all of Texas pretty much was the launch market. I’m guessing same is true for California.
-12
Oct 27th, 2010 (9:43 am)(click to show comment)
-43
Oct 27th, 2010 (9:44 am)(click to show comment)
+4
Oct 27th, 2010 (9:47 am)Part of the point of advertising the Volt is to get people thinking about GM as a progressive, “green”, high tech, company. All of the things that GM hasn’t been for the greater part of two decades. Even if consumers don’t or can’t purchase a Volt yet, it will at least get people thinking about it how the actual GM/Chevy might be different than their perception of GM/Chevy. For many people, it will take a couple years of proven performance of the Volt (and other products), and paying back the government loans before they’ll even consider GM again.
-44
Oct 27th, 2010 (9:48 am)(click to show comment)
+6
Oct 27th, 2010 (9:52 am)======================================
John A:
Welcome!!!!
Excellent post. You get it. We look forward to hearing more from you!
+17
Oct 27th, 2010 (9:55 am)Eric, the problem is that most of your posts are simply aimed at getting people pissed off at you (which they succeed in brilliantly).
When you do occasionally post something sensible, rational, or fact-based, it gets lost in all the noise.
+3
Oct 27th, 2010 (9:55 am)+1 for humor. We need more of that!
Oct 27th, 2010 (9:56 am)Thanks for the confirmation.
I guess that it is convenient for GM that Minnesota, Cincinnati, and Atlanta didn’t make the series.
+2
Oct 27th, 2010 (10:04 am)EV future look better and better everyday. 372 miles + and fully charged in just six minutes
Battery breakthrough: DBM Energy’s KOLIBRI AlphaPolymer Technology
http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/27/dbm-energys-electric-audi-a2-completes-record-setting-372-mile/
+7
Oct 27th, 2010 (10:05 am)If we are ever going to substitute away from oil, we need to subsidize alternative technologies until they get up to scale. Economies of scale should be in your Econ 101 class…
-40
Oct 27th, 2010 (10:06 am)(click to show comment)
-47
Oct 27th, 2010 (10:08 am)(click to show comment)
+3
Oct 27th, 2010 (10:12 am)I’ll tell you why I give this commercial a 2. This commercial itself is very well executed — I’d give it a 10 for execution — but the emphasis is misplaced. GM is selling a completely new technology. Where are the benefits of this new technology? Environmental benefits? National Security benefits? National Economic benefits? Operating cost benefits? Ride and convenience benefits? They’re not here. IOW this commercial makes perfect sense if you know what an EV is and why you want one, but it makes no sense if you don’t. The take-away in this case is that “it’s like the car I have now” which leads to the obvious question: “Why buy this one and not my regular car?”. Put another way, this is a great commercial if your competition is a Leaf, but not if it’s 99.99% of the cars being offered.
My suggestion would be to use something along the lines of “sometimes a new technology solves many problems at once”. You could list the problems — environmental, economic, national security — and then explain how the Volt provides the solution. Then add that you get this AND lower operating costs and a quiet ride and the convenience of filling up in your own garage. I’m not good on the creative end so I won’t bother even trying to do this, I’ll leave that for CorvetteGuy. Make the case for EVs and forget about the range extension for now. People will figure this out immediately on their own once they’re interested in an EV.
+2
Oct 27th, 2010 (10:12 am)I am a Volt supporter but some people n this site have rose colored glasses and like to hear the words ”I told you so” after the real world releases from GM and EPA come out. Please stop giving the TROLLS more bait, every time you are wrong because of the rose colored glasses things get more heated. Anyone notice how it becomes more and more polarized. I warned supporters of this but it seems they want to stay on the GM marketing path!!
+2
Oct 27th, 2010 (10:15 am)I’m pretty sure that Toyota and Toyota dealers have better things to do with their money than come here and annoy people. It’s not going to accomplish anything. I seriously doubt that anyone who is interested enough in the Volt to come here would be deterred by one of the trolls comments.
+2
Oct 27th, 2010 (10:16 am)It seems like Tim Allen is saying it goes “really far” and then at the bottom you can read that fine print that it goes 25-50 miles on electricity. People who don’t know anything about the car probably think that “really far” is the 25-50 miles they refer to. I wish they would’ve said it has unlimited range like any other car, but 75% of Americans won’t use a drop of gas during their average comutes.That sounds better to me.
Oct 27th, 2010 (10:17 am)I think it would be imperative to get the extended warranty of 4 additional years and a total of 100,000 miles. If GM offered it at no cost or greatly reduced cost (so the dealer warranty rep could get paid), then the total cost including finance cost might stay below 50k. (To include 6.25 percent sales tax for example, and title and fees plus a $2500 taxable warranty cost otherwise.) (The tax credit doesn’t cover everyone.)
I’ll just have to wait until the Gen 2 price gets down.
But Micheal is posting some really great data from the owner’s manual.
Oct 27th, 2010 (10:18 am)Someone needs to tell Ewanick that it’s “Chevrolet” and not “Chevy”.
+11
Oct 27th, 2010 (10:20 am)OMG. Eric, this is very funny. Yes these technologies were subsidized. Heavily. Very very heavily. The government gave away the spectrum for radio and TV. Gave it away! (Ditto for cellular spectrum BTW). And electricity? The government paid for the infrastructure. Have you never heard of the Tennessee Valley Authority? Ba ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!
More generally I’m opposed to subsidies. But we’re already subsidizing gas to the tune of several bucks a gallon, and we’re not accounting for its externalities, so providing the very modest subsidy for EVs seems seems like a second best solution. The real criticism would be that the subsidy is too small.
+5
Oct 27th, 2010 (10:22 am)So far our best troll of the day has 15 posts out of 78 which is 1 out of 5 (19.2% to be exact). What a waste of time.
P.S. And I’m not mentioning the replies. So basically, again, the thread is not about the value of the new GM publicity but rather the arguments of said troll.
Oct 27th, 2010 (10:22 am)In regards to yesterdays posts on MPGe. DaveK and DonC check this out. With these numbers it gives the Volt MPGe of ~113 if only driven electric, throw in some avg gas use and the # is slightly lower. This is what I am talking about.
http://www.businessinsider.com/gm-2009-8
+5
Oct 27th, 2010 (10:22 am)I have started driving my Cobalt a lot more, as the S-10 has recently gone over 250K miles, and I don’t want to wear it out prematurely, LOL. The Cobalt gets a consistent 30 mpg in mixed highway/city driving. It has all the performance I need. If the Cruze is substantially better than the Cobalt, it will be one hell of a car.
I am going to drive the Cobalt until Chevy shows me a Volt or Volt derivative with a combination of price and performance that I can’t resist. My early adopter demons are under control.
All the best to all of you.
+5
Oct 27th, 2010 (10:22 am)I really disagree. We have had a number of very interested “regulars” leave because they got tired of it.
+3
Oct 27th, 2010 (10:23 am)There is absolutely no way to explain it all in a 30 second spot. I think this will do what it is designed to do…get people’s interest and then they will search out more info on the car.
-41
Oct 27th, 2010 (10:24 am)(click to show comment)
+8
Oct 27th, 2010 (10:25 am)I’m guessing you are being sarcastic here.
Forget “was subsidized” – gasoline is heavily subsidized even today. Gasoline has never been able to stand on its own even after 100 years. Just the last decade we spent $1 Trillion “securing” oil – apart from all the blood spilled.
+13
Oct 27th, 2010 (10:26 am)#79
I just give him an automatic -1 and move on. There have been dozens of them here over the years. Eventually they just give up and go away. It’s all part of the fun, LOL.
+14
Oct 27th, 2010 (10:26 am)This would have been true earlier in Bush’s admin but by December 2008 he was a lame duck who didn’t want Chrysler and GM bankruptcies to be his presidential epitaph. Besides, it was too late for him to exercise any control over the restructuring process and “stick it to the unions”, anyway. The entire restructuring would have played out under Obama who still would have been able to funnel $50 billion into UAW pockets. Bush would have only been blamed for the BKs. There was no possible upside for Bush, so he punted.
As a professional money manager I have followed over 100 corporate bankruptcies. The language is always apocalyptic prior to filing. Not only will BK completely disrupt operations and cost countless jobs, but fire and brimstone will rain from the skies, earthquakes and floods will destroy the landscape and dogs and cats will start sleeping together. Then, on the day they file Chapter 11, everything suddenly changes and “thanks to the cooperation of our stakeholders we are confident the new XYZ Corporation will soon emerge stronger than ever before”. It’s all just posturing.
The global oil trade is not a “free market”. Ever hear of OPEC? They are a cartel whose operations would be blatantly illegal in a free market country such as the USA. It is absurd to apply free market logic to a not-even-close-to-free market. Our national policy today is complete dependence on people who hate us. That’s a monumentally stupid policy, whether you call it what it is or dress it up in “free market” ideology and pretend it’s our only choice.
The Volt far from perfect and I’ve been a big critic on this site. But it’s the only “no sacrifices” vehicle architecture today which can eliminate oil imports. The $7500 tax subsidy is a bargain.
+5
Oct 27th, 2010 (10:27 am)The ad is FAR better than what I expected. GM hit the nail on the head. It’s the reason I had concern years ago about the EV-1. Driving 24 miles to work and back, fine. But what if the social gang calls and says, lets go downtown to see a movie. “Sorry, I don’t have the range,” just doesn’t cut it. Thousands of BEV users will be disappointed at sometime in the future when plans change and they don’t have a plug or the time to charge.
The ad shows driving in the neighborhood, doing the commute, recharging, then passing the gas station while you keep on going FAR to some distant location (like LA to Vegas.) What more do you want? Babes draped over the hood stroking the charge handle while inserting it into the charge port? The ad gets to the point right away and then concludes that this isn’t just an electric car, but a car that can go far. Brilliant.
One suggestion to GM. Run the ad multiple times to really hit a home run and get a Clio award.
+5
Oct 27th, 2010 (10:28 am)#85
Amen. +1 Except that it’s going to end up being a lot more than $1 Trillion when it’s all added up.
+3
Oct 27th, 2010 (10:29 am)Maybe their marketing research shows that most of their target demographic already knows what an EV is?
-33
Oct 27th, 2010 (10:32 am)(click to show comment)
+4
Oct 27th, 2010 (10:33 am)===========================
I really try to ignore nonsense, but you are truly living in a dreamworld….
Electrical generation, Radio, and TV are government controlled monopolies, so yes, they are subsidized.
Do you really believe that Toyota would have built the Prius without the financial assistance they received and still receive from the Japanese government? But I guess that is OK in your eyes. You should be as equally upset with Toyota as you are with GM! And you would let an entire industry be destroyed in your home country because of foreign governmental subsidies that artificially lower the prices of their products here?
Those are truly remarkable positions you promote.
If you don’t like GM or the Volt, that is fine. I truly don’t care. But by trying to shout and insult your way into making us believe you are right about everything, and we are all wrong, you just make yourself seem that much more ridiculous.
Was the Gen-1 Prius perfect? No. Is the Gen-1 Volt perfect? No. But I and many others here are willing to give GM the benefit of the doubt on this car to see where Gen-2 takes us. You obviously are not.
But do you have to tell us 20 times per day????
-37
Oct 27th, 2010 (10:34 am)(click to show comment)
+6
Oct 27th, 2010 (10:35 am)Agreed. Eric’s being extremely annoying. And I can see where it would drive people off. But I doubt it would affect anyone’s vehicle choice. Or decide to buy a Prius. Which is what Toyota would be interested in.
-37
Oct 27th, 2010 (10:35 am)(click to show comment)
+1
Oct 27th, 2010 (10:36 am)There is an All-Electric version of the Mercedes Gull Wing, I think it’s called the E-600. Either one would be fine. Now where did I put my lotto ticket…? I need to check to see if I won last night.
-35
Oct 27th, 2010 (10:40 am)(click to show comment)
+14
Oct 27th, 2010 (10:43 am)I for one will skip any post posted by EricLG. I wil not read his hostile comments.
+12
Oct 27th, 2010 (10:45 am)I’m glad to hear that you finally agree. Good for you!
+2
Oct 27th, 2010 (10:46 am)I never said GM “wanted” a natural BK. Companies almost never “want” to file BK, that’s why they trot out the apocalyptic language. I said that without a bailout GM would have restructured in BK, just like thousands of other companies before them did. The company would still exist, it would just be majority-owned by bondholders instead of the US Government. And UAW members would have taken huge hits instead of emerging virtually unscathed.
Oct 27th, 2010 (10:47 am)The song in the commercial is by Freelance Whales – “Generator ^ First Floor”
“We get up early just to crank that generator…”
+1
Oct 27th, 2010 (10:48 am)I’m not feeling particularly anemic today. Face it, you’ve been shunned.
-35
Oct 27th, 2010 (10:51 am)(click to show comment)
-36
Oct 27th, 2010 (10:53 am)(click to show comment)
-35
Oct 27th, 2010 (10:56 am)(click to show comment)
+7
Oct 27th, 2010 (10:58 am)Companies never want to file bankruptcy. Mainly because it basically wipes out the shareholders. Which, according to current corporate philosophy, are supposed to be the major beneficiaries of all the corporation’s activities.
That said, the UAW did not emerge unscathed. They didn’t take nearly as many hits as they should have. (Among other things, the pensions should have gone to the PBGC, which would have meant the US taxpayer taking a hit, but it would also have reduced benefits substantially.) But they did not emerge unscathed.
However, if GM had tried a regular ch. 11, they probably would have wound up in ch.7. Getting the necessary DIP financing from the private sector would have been a challenge in regular times. During the financial crisis, not possible. That would have had ripple effects on the entire industry, and we would have lost a major portion of our manufacturing base. Probably permanently.
+4
Oct 27th, 2010 (11:00 am)Funny how one stinking little letter can completely change the meaning of a post.
You’re pretty funny Eric. Please hang around and get some more neg votes.
+8
Oct 27th, 2010 (11:03 am)I’ve been trying to ignore your posts.
But, for the record, GM is a corporation. It’s a piece of paper. It itself doesn’t gain or lose anything. The people the corporation was supposed to represent were the shareholders. And they were wiped out in the bankruptcy proceedings. So, no, they were not bailed out. Unlike, say, citigroup shareholders, who were.
+9
Oct 27th, 2010 (11:12 am)Better yet, I’m going to give a -1 to anyone who responds to his posts. If others would do the same, his presence would be entirely closed down. That’ll really tidy things up.
+2
Oct 27th, 2010 (11:14 am)I haven’t done the numbers. But the trillions for the nominal cost of the Iraq war doesn’t even start to cover it. Not when we’re spending over $700 billion a year for defense.
-38
Oct 27th, 2010 (11:18 am)(click to show comment)
-40
Oct 27th, 2010 (11:20 am)(click to show comment)
-41
Oct 27th, 2010 (11:23 am)(click to show comment)
-40
Oct 27th, 2010 (11:26 am)(click to show comment)
+3
Oct 27th, 2010 (11:30 am)Why don’t we talk about something else???
I am reading the Volt Owner Manual- Chapter 9: Driving and Operating – Charging – Page 9-44:
“Do not allow the vehicle to remain in temperature extremes for long periods without being driven or plugged in. It is recommended that the vehicle be plugged in when temperatures are below 0 degrees C (32 degrees F) and above 32 degrees C (90 degrees F) to maximize high voltage battery life.”
So what is the definition of “long periods”? A month, a week, a day, or a few hours?
What do you think?
+16
Oct 27th, 2010 (11:31 am)Let’s stop commenting on EricLG’s posts… Seriously, why try to rationalize with someone that is irrational?
He’s the ultimate pot calling the kettle black. No need to deal with him. My newfound joy is searching for his screename in the browser, clicking -1, and moving on to people whose opinions are not formed based on a predetermined conclusion.
join thE REVolution
+5
Oct 27th, 2010 (11:31 am)Here’s a complete list of the “Chevy Runs Deep” commercials:
Chevy Anthem
Chevy Moments Coming Home
Chevy Moments First Car
Chevrolet Dogs and Pickups
Chevy Volt anthem
It looks like there are shots of the Volt in some of these other commercials. They’re probably available on YouTube but I didn’t bother to track down links.
+20
Oct 27th, 2010 (11:31 am)Eric, I usually read your posts even after they have been downgraded to oblivion. I have also noticed that some actually have content (not new content but atleast substance). I must therefore judge the negativity your posts are subjected to have much more to do with your confrontational style.
I can’t speak for others, but I routinely give you a -1 because you are being an ass.
+1
Oct 27th, 2010 (11:32 am)#78
EricLG: Nonsense. Was the ICE subsidized ? The radio ? The TV ? Electricity ?
———————————————–
DonC Says
OMG. Eric, this is very funny. Yes these technologies were subsidized. Heavily. Very very heavily. The government gave away the spectrum for radio and TV. Gave it away! (Ditto for cellular spectrum BTW). And electricity? The government paid for the infrastructure. Have you never heard of the Tennessee Valley Authority? Ba ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!
More generally I’m opposed to subsidies. But we’re already subsidizing gas to the tune of several bucks a gallon, and we’re not accounting for its externalities, so providing the very modest subsidy for EVs seems seems like a second best solution. The real criticism would be that the subsidy is too small. DonC(Quote) (Reply)
———————————————————–
The real criticism is that you get the subsidy only after you file taxes, and only if you owe $7500.00 or more do you get the full subsidy.
If Obama had made the Volt subsidy like the subsidy for the “Cash for Clunkers” program, the Volt financing would only be $33,500.00 instead of $41,000.00. Instead, we have to deal with the IRS to get a Volt subsidy. That alone may dissuade some customers from buying a Volt. I can hear it now, “Wait, I thought this car came with a $7500.00 rebate. So why is the price still $41000.00? I have to do WHAT to get it? Forget it, just show me the Cruze.”
Plus 5 for Obama’s good intent, but minus several million for Obama’s clear thinking. The IRS is NEVER your friend.
+1
Oct 27th, 2010 (11:32 am)For people “in the know” a 2 second ad with a closeup of the Volt and the comment “It’s here!” would suffice. For for who could care less about gas consumption, I think GM is mostly wasting their breath. It’s for those people inbetween that marketing could have an affect on. They may buy a Volt and they may even give consideration to other Chevy vehicles such as the Cruze that they would have otherwise not considered. I think focusing on the differentiating value of the Volt and GM’s technology push is more important than focusing on the fact that this is more car than electric. I just don’t get that tag line. Who is it supposed to speak to?
Oct 27th, 2010 (11:33 am)Jim I,
Jim,
I suspect that means long-term outdoor parking at Pheonix International Airport.
+3
Oct 27th, 2010 (11:35 am)The commercial was good but I think GM needs to look back a the old EV1 Commercials they were a little dark too.
You don’t really want to associate the volt with dark.
IF you go on you-tube you can see some old EV1 commercials again dark
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wodTinlvlB8&feature=related
I would put the Volt in a modern lab with bright lighting explaining how the volt is the only electric car that has unlimited range because you can keep filling it up period and for the rest as your daily driver it will use no gas. Keep it simple. Then when you get to your hotel on a long trip you run a plug out of your room to charge it up!
Quick recharge in 4 min ( fill up)
GM needs to get aggressive with the other vehicles out there because their product is really superior in every way. The volt hands down is really the Best electric car on the market period.
Superior to leaf in every aspect as I can see:
-Better battery quality thermal cooling
- Better ride
- Much better styling
- Range is superior
- Has AC
- Special Bose Stereo
Even go back to the Ev1 days of how all the owners were complaining about range.
I think Nissan is going to have some initial impact from the ” New Factor” but the owners might sell off their cars after a year or so of stressing going to the beach and go out and buy a volt.
Oh and I don’t think Nissan can claim they made the first mass produced electric by a major manufacture. If you look at history the electric car was made by many major manufactures EV1, Toyota RAV etc including Detroit electric back in 1920. Maybe some can chime in here.
GM can claim they are the first to mass manufacture a extended range electric.
My advice to GM is to keep steady on the project as years pass the volt will become a household name.
It will take time .
+2
Oct 27th, 2010 (11:36 am)I really like the “secondary tag line” that appears afterwards… “Chevy Runs Deep.”
Attention GM marketing Guys:
To really put an “exclamation point” on that statement, how about having the VOLT pull up, and in the background is a 1957 BelAir, a 1969 Camaro SS, a 1976 Corvette Stingray….?!
+2
Oct 27th, 2010 (11:42 am)“Volt! The Electic Car that travels far in the world that is and can’t wait to get to the world that will be.” – free for GM’s use without attribution!
Oct 27th, 2010 (11:44 am)At least it is a commercial. Seems to be too tame for such a game changing car. Did it really state anything “new” to the average car driver???
If I was not an informed driver about what the VOLT can do…. I am not sure I would be that interested based on what I viewed.
+3
Oct 27th, 2010 (11:47 am)I read that if you want to get peoples attention, you need to express your message in under 30 seconds. The book suggested one effective why to do that may be to ask a question. In this advertisement for the Volt, GM doesn’t ask a question but does solicited one: How far will the
Volt go? This ad reminds us all of the reason the Voltec drive train was created: Extend the driving range of an electric vehicle once the battery charge is depleted. IMHO, this is the best initial message to get across to the buying public.
A mix of ads with various messages will peak the future buyers interest. This ad sets the stage for succeeding ads with more information about the Volt. Future ads need to build on this initial message.
One item bothers me about this ad. “25-50 miles of electric driving in moderate conditions.” is different than what we have been hearing; 25 miles is not a range one gets under moderate conditions and 50 miles would be realized whenever conditions are perfect. So moderate is not a word I would have used for this caption.
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.
+1
Oct 27th, 2010 (11:49 am)I noticed they didn’t list the KWh of the battery…
Oct 27th, 2010 (11:57 am)Yes, exactly, +1.
MPG is a fairly meaningless number for plug-ins. Gallons Per Year (GPY) is a lot more meaningful.
For the Volt, the majority of miles for a typical driver will be electric, so the MPG is CS mode doesn’t have a huge impact on GPY for most people.
Of course, if the Volt stays a lot more expensive than the Plug-in Prius, most people will buy the latter.
My hope is that GM is just getting warmed up and will offer something that’s priced more competitively in the near future. They’ve admitted they’re still working “certain kinks” out of the battery, and that GM “wanted to maintain an aggressive development timetable” for the Volt.
http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/10/25/emissions-rating-for-chevy-volt-doesnt-consider-electric-driving/
So it could be that future Volt models will be more cost optimized. We can only hope. Competition is good for everyone.
+2
Oct 27th, 2010 (11:58 am)Or the cost… Or the weight… But in a future world with ubiquitous charging opportunities a range from 400 to 500 miles would be optimum for a pure battery EV that is driven primarily on the highway.
+1
Oct 27th, 2010 (12:07 pm)Excellent!
Much better than anything we’ve seen from GM’s marketing department.
+2
Oct 27th, 2010 (12:15 pm)If you add in the hidden costs of oil, gas prices would be over $10/gallon.
http://www.setamericafree.org/saf_hiddencostofoil010507.pdf
+1
Oct 27th, 2010 (12:17 pm)Who says they owned it?
+1
Oct 27th, 2010 (12:18 pm)After all the GM brillance in designing the VOLT and getting it into production the sales staff took over. I hate to sound like a troll (don’t think there are enough bridges for them to hide under after the last few days of this blog’s postings) but I’m afraid GM found the first cousins of the Three Stooges to take over!
First the Volt song, then the Volt Dance, now the Volt slogans. The latest, “Chevy runs deep.” This reminds me strictly of submarine warfare. They were effective in World War II (I was there) on both sides, but by the end of the war a great number of the subs had been sunk, and with all hands lost. Something I really don’t care to think of while contemplating my Volt. But this is just the start of the Stooges little contributions.
They have another,”it goes far, really far.” This refers to what I think is the Volt’s weakest link, the electric battery range. I’m afraid many will think the car runs 40 miles and then leaves you stranded. Who wants a ‘”far range” of just 40 miles? And then the worst of them all, ” it’s more car than electric.”
Just 100% backwards. Emphasis should be on what’s new and different, not what’s the same. What you get for paying almost twice as much as a conventional car with the same functionality.
I like a revival of ” See the USA in your Chevrolet” (won’t forget the tune). It could easily be recast as ”See the USA in your electric Chevrolet.”
Of course the best one of all would have to be my contribution (free to GM):
“Tomorrow’s car today”
BIG BTRY
+1
Oct 27th, 2010 (12:22 pm)It’s comforting to know that more people will be watching this “non-event” World Series like me at least to watch the Volt commercials. I’m also tuning in to support the teams that do not “buy” their way to the top year after year. So sad to watch smaller market teams lose their great players to certain large market east coast teams year after year.
Oct 27th, 2010 (12:26 pm)Although thsi link doesn’t answer your questions, it does provide more information on the KOLIBRI lithium polymer battery:
http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&sl=de&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dbm-energy.com%2Findex.php%3Fms%3DFaq%26PHPSESSID%3D5284e9159236c9873e6962da921fdc7e%26ft%3D1265026644
There is a reference to saving “70% energy and money”; this link is a translation and at times is incomplete or doesn’t make sense.
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.
-8
Oct 27th, 2010 (12:28 pm)We always agreed on GPY. It’s the misleading value I disagree with. Use of ideal-condition numbers is what got the EPA into trouble with MPG estimates. How is the “15 gallon” situation any different? It doesn’t take those who drive 15,000 miles per year or those who live in the north into account.
+3
Oct 27th, 2010 (12:34 pm)On that we completely agree, probably won’t affect buyers vehicle choice. But I come here to learn and discourse. I view this place as a community. Discourse includes disagreement, but discord disrupts community. Thus, the constant purposeful discord is tiring. Thanks for the interchange.
+1
Oct 27th, 2010 (12:34 pm)I think the commercial is pretty good but I’m not so sure about the tag line. I would just go with a tag line that simply says … “CHEVY VOLT … THE NO COMPROMISE ELECTRIC CAR”. Maybe there could be a whole SERIES of Volt TV commercials that would have different tag lines.
Another tag line could be “CHEVY VOLT … THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS”
How about this one … “CHEVY VOLT … THE NEXT GREAT EVOLUTION OF THE AUTOMOBILE”
How about this one … “CHEVY VOLT … THE FUSION OF 21ST CENTURY TECHNOLOGY AND THE AUTOMOBILE”
When I think of good tag lines I think about ones like these:
“PORSCHE … THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE”
“BMW … THE ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE”
I think some of GM’s old tag lines such as the “LIKE A ROCK” with the Bob Seger song were pretty good too. I’m sure it sold a lot of trucks. A well thought out tag line with a hit song from the past usually works pretty well.
I think making the Volt sound exclusive, cutting edge, high tech and unique is a good thing. I wouldn’t go overboard with TOO much high tech stuff though. You don’t want to intimidate potential customers or have people think that the Volt is only for high falutin’ people from the east and west coasts. I want GM to sell the Volt all over the world.
Not everyone is nerdy and fascinated with new technology like a lot of us on this blog are. There’s no question that the Volt is a totally unique kind of vehicle though. There’s not another car in the world with a powertrain like the Volt has. You gotta mention the “new and improved” aspects of ER-EV vehicles vs. traditional IC engine cars and so forth.
I think GM should have advertisements that talk about the cool, new high tech features of the Volt without making potential new customers uncomfortable about making this change in their lives where their car runs on electricity most of the time. A lot of customers that haven’t done much research on the Volt will probably be skeptical of course.
Also … GM has to overcome objections about past GM quality and reliability problems in cars over the past 20 years or so. If customers buy a Volt they want to make sure it IS very reliable and high quality … especially at the price range it’s in. The Volt is a different kind of horse for Americans to ride, but they still want it to be a dependable horse with a good, user friendly disposition.
+2
Oct 27th, 2010 (12:36 pm)Puzzled and surprised…. but not really.
If this is truly a FORUM where there can be open discussion about he VOLT and its related subjects I find it strange there are some that want to remove or “shout down” positions that may be in conflict with them. The negative push on “EricLG” posts comes to mind. Many posters have engaged very useful posts about his comments.
The true value of all posts helps everyone understand the positions posted. If one is incorrect other posters make that apparent with information and web links to back it up.
I for one will read all interesting posts pro and con no matter how many minuses some may advocate. I will decide if the post is worth a response or smile when others have already replied.
This is what makes this forum worth reading.
If that goes away then it will be time for me to move on… There are many other VOLT sites available … but so far not as dynamic at this one.
That is my 2.5 cents :+}
+6
Oct 27th, 2010 (12:36 pm)Lyle needs to install an ignore feature pronto. We can play ‘whack-a-troll’ faster than the trolls can surface for air.
-29
Oct 27th, 2010 (12:44 pm)(click to show comment)
Oct 27th, 2010 (12:51 pm)-Able to access Facebook while driving. Damn … wish I had asked for a demo of that when I test drove it last week. It is one of the more bizarre pluses of owning the Volt.
Moreover, I am seeing that if it is in the Volt, it is also in the Equinox etc. So all those internet and On-Star things are prob. in most up-to-date Chevys. The push-button start is in just about every car advertised these days. So it just symbolizes being modern not necessarily being electric.
-Book
-28
Oct 27th, 2010 (12:51 pm)(click to show comment)
+1
Oct 27th, 2010 (12:56 pm)caldoodlevolt,
Just thought of another good feature of adding ”electric” to the tried-and-true “see the USA in your Chevrolet” gingle. When you add the word electric it sort of jumps out at you for emphasis. Try in with humming and find out. The very thing GM needs to hit you with; the Volt is a new and different car, its electric, and you should rush out and buy one (or at least order one).
See the USA in your ELECTRIC Chevrolet
BIG BTRY (yep I’ll give this one to GM for nothing also)
+1
Oct 27th, 2010 (12:57 pm)I think it’s in day(s).
+6
Oct 27th, 2010 (1:00 pm)I added my -1 vote to all of his posts without actually reading them.
-29
Oct 27th, 2010 (1:02 pm)(click to show comment)
+1
Oct 27th, 2010 (1:02 pm)Nice commercial.
It wouldn’t hurt if they added more patriotism to it.
Perhaps include our soldiers.
Oct 27th, 2010 (1:02 pm)The ad misses the mark. Which is: ‘just what makes VOLT so special’
We need maybe an animation- something – differentiating VOLT from PRIUS…then followed by the on-location road show featuring the real McCoy. Yes, and a “…See the USA-in your electric Chevrolet…”
GM needs to press the hot button. Now maybe GM feels it wants to keep excitement reined-in as production so limited. And sell CRUZE. At best, with the sound off – it comes across as just another car ad.
This ad is slanted towards World Series. Where millions watch in groups like in golf clubs, restaurants, bars and whatever – with the sound a lot of times turned down. There needs to be something visually captivating to keep the viewers attention. (Cute not dumb.) VOLT buyers are in a special class.
For that LEAF (or Toyota) lover thats really annoying this site (and making four-digit minus points) – for most present generation Li-ion batteries, EV range falls between near 50% over norm to 50% of norm. For VOLT that means a near best 60 mile range down to lowest 25 mile range. Here’s the point: If an uphill ride brings VOLT’s rang down to 25 miles- the same would happened for LEAF’s 100 mile norm range. The diff being VOLT still gets there.
Let me say today (from Alameda) the Bay Area is alive with World Series fever.
+3
Oct 27th, 2010 (1:03 pm)It’s really simple:
“The Chevrolet Volt – A Better Electric Car”.
-12
Oct 27th, 2010 (1:03 pm)(click to show comment)
+1
Oct 27th, 2010 (1:04 pm)Interesting stuff. I ordered a copy from Helminc today. They sure do charge a lot for shipping and handling.
-25
Oct 27th, 2010 (1:04 pm)(click to show comment)
-23
Oct 27th, 2010 (1:09 pm)(click to show comment)
+2
Oct 27th, 2010 (1:12 pm)I wouldn’t have given the commercial the low mark of “2″, (maybe 6 out of 10) but agree with the rest of your sentiments however. If someone already knows what an EV is, then the commercial is relevant and makes a great deal of sense. But as someone else already said, the Volt is a very difficult and complex thing to describe in a 30 second window. I don’t envy the marketers for this. Let’s hope they have some more commercials up their sleeves that better frame the benefits you listed there DonC.
By the way, I especially liked your comment, “Sometimes a new technology solves many problems at once.”–that’s very clever and meaningful at the same time. +10 my friend.
+5
Oct 27th, 2010 (1:17 pm)Just as in politics, we are talking about “spin”. Toyota, Nissan, GM and any other product to sell will always quote the highest number-value-benefit-feature… Prius fans quote 51 to 71 MPG’s because somewhere a test was done that gave that result. To be equally fair, GM could quote 57 to 127 MPG’s for the very same reason.
EricLG and his buddies get real upset when the ‘high-end’ numbers for the Volt get quoted, but have no difficulty in quoting the highest possible numbers for a Prius. Or, in the case of Price, they quote the lowest number for a Prius and the highest number for a Volt.
It’s all spin. And mathematically, the 15 Gallons-Per-Year is just as valid as any number you would like to quote for a Prius. And, unless you ‘plug-in’ a PiP 5 times per day, there is no way a Prius can do 15,000 miles on less than 16 gallons of gas in one year – the Volt can and will.
+2
Oct 27th, 2010 (1:24 pm)Yes, because the iPhone (which was a little bit of phone; a little bit of computer) was such a miserable failure :/
People want new products that give them additional capabilities beyond current models, but without additional restrictions. GM is smart enough to know this.
+4
Oct 27th, 2010 (1:31 pm)It’s not about being “able and open to handle and discuss all views.” The issue is the constant rancor. Reread my post #137. Thanks.
+4
Oct 27th, 2010 (1:32 pm)I haven’t received my copy of the Volt manual, but based on my present experience with my Buick Regal, I consider a week (seven days) a “long period”. When I was on vacations, I had to startup the engine once a week and run it on a short stretch of the highway near my home (H’way #22 in Puerto Rico) at least three miles. This will allow the minimum engine warm up, lubrication and oil cycling, and tire warm up and rotaion to prevent a flat spot. Afther I stopped and parked, I checked the trans fluid. Later, I let the engine cool down, then checked all the other fluids and the tire pressures. That was my secret for a long lasting automobile. I learned this when I had my Olds before the Buick. I recommend this to all car owners, even Volt owners.
Raymond
-25
Oct 27th, 2010 (1:40 pm)(click to show comment)
+3
Oct 27th, 2010 (1:41 pm)After readng all the good and not so good comments on the Volt ad (which I haven’t seen yet), I am amazed that no one remembers or mentions the original EV-1 ad “The Electric Car has arrived”, showing all the home appliances coming out into the street to greet the EV-1. By far, an EV is the home’s largest appliance, beating out the stove and the refrigerator!
GM can redo that same ad with the Volt, since the EV-1 only appears for a few seconds at the end. It should be in the YouTube files somewhere.
Raymond
+3
Oct 27th, 2010 (1:46 pm)In the Volt manual on page 2-7 and 2-8 it talks about “Remote Start.” A few weeks ago someone here asked about timing on preconditioning the cabin (heating or cooling). The manual says it heats or cools for 10 minutes. This can be repeated once for 10 more minutes (between times of actual driving). One can also include the heated seats in the remote start through the personalization settings (3-6 and 5-8). The heated seats come with the premium interior package, i.e., leather seats.
+2
Oct 27th, 2010 (1:48 pm)That info on the PiP is amazing, since none are on the road yet, while the Volt has been rolling for several months already. What will Toyota do if the PiP doesn’t keep what they promised?
Raymond
-19
Oct 27th, 2010 (1:53 pm)(click to show comment)
+1
Oct 27th, 2010 (1:59 pm)Raymondjram,
I’m just doing the math based on reports a PiP can only do 12 to 14 miles on pure electric, and that’s only if you’re really careful with the accelerator pedal. Volt testers have reported regularly getting 50 miles all electric. If the PiP can do 50 miles AER, then I stand corrected.
+3
Oct 27th, 2010 (2:00 pm)Thanks for the info. Has that vehicle been keeping what Toyota has promised for the “plug in” version? How does it compare to the Volt in gas consumption?
I don’t care about the price yet. A regular Prius is worth over $30,000 here, and I know one person who has a 2006 model. I don’t dare ask about the price for the “plug-in” version!!
Raymond
-24
Oct 27th, 2010 (2:00 pm)(click to show comment)
-27
Oct 27th, 2010 (2:03 pm)(click to show comment)
+5
Oct 27th, 2010 (2:07 pm)You would not say that if you or a family member was a GM worker, or depended on a GM-based income! Shame on you!
Raymond
+6
Oct 27th, 2010 (2:09 pm)Exactly. Stop feeding the… well, you know. -1 and that’s all. I don’t even read them anymore. At least not today, he’s shooting in all directions.
+5
Oct 27th, 2010 (2:12 pm)Here’s an interesting commercial, I like it:
Chevy Volt — Beautiful
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxA_fTDh5ZI&feature=youtube_gdata_player
+3
Oct 27th, 2010 (2:14 pm)Tall Pete,
Agreed. I just feel bad for Lyle since the goal of these guys IS IN FACT to push people to leave the site. If you don’t fight back, the terrorists win. I’m just sayin’.
+2
Oct 27th, 2010 (2:20 pm)I agree that 15 GPY is overly optimistic. I would guess closer to 50 GPY, but we’ll need offical EPA AER and CS-MPG numbers to be more specific.
With respect to “miles per year”, 12,000 is the U.S. average for passenger cars:
http://www.epa.gov/oms/climate/420f05004.htm
“Step 3: Determining the number of miles driven
The number of miles driven per year is assumed to be 12,000 miles for all passenger vehicles. This number is based on several sources. Calculations from EPA’s MOBILE6 model show an average annual mileage of roughly 10,500 miles per year for passenger cars and over 12,400 miles per year for light trucks across all vehicles in the fleet. However, these numbers include the oldest vehicles in the fleet (vehicles 25 years of age and older), which are likely not used as primary vehicles and are driven substantially less than newer vehicles. Since this calculation is for a typical vehicle, including the oldest vehicles may not be appropriate. For all vehicles up to 10 years old, MOBILE6 shows an annual average mileage of close to 12,000 miles per year for passenger cars, and over 15,000 miles per year for light trucks.
FHWA’s National Highway Statistics contains values of 11,766 miles for passenger cars and 11,140 miles for light trucks across the fleet. However, as with the MOBILE6 fleet-wide estimates, these numbers include the oldest vehicles in the fleet. EPA’s Commuter Model uses 1997 data from Oak Ridge Laboratories for the number of cars nationally and number of miles driven which produces a value of just over 12,000 miles per year. Due to the wide range of estimates, 12,000 miles per vehicle is used as a rough estimate for calculating the greenhouse gas emissions from a typical passenger vehicle.)”
But as always, your mileage may vary…
-20
Oct 27th, 2010 (2:21 pm)(click to show comment)
+2
Oct 27th, 2010 (2:23 pm)I just watched it!!! That one is much better for holding your attention. The first one has the great visuals, and that’s fine, but this one gets the point across much stronger on WHY the Volt is “beautiful”.
When all of these ads run sequentially during the World Series, I believe GM will hit a home run! (silly pun intended
)
-30
Oct 27th, 2010 (2:24 pm)(click to show comment)
-27
Oct 27th, 2010 (2:29 pm)(click to show comment)
+1
Oct 27th, 2010 (2:35 pm)The ad seems to position Volt against LEAF and other BEVs primarily, and not Prius. Is this an indication of GM’s commitment to EREV over BEVs for the next several years? Bad news for those longing for a GM BEV, but good news for GM and the majority of drivers, IMHO (especially if price for Voltec can be lowered during this period).
+2
Oct 27th, 2010 (2:38 pm)Thanks for proving my point with the neg votes!!!!
+4
Oct 27th, 2010 (2:38 pm)WHY DO I ALWAYS SAY
“Do not engage, [-1] and move on” ?
Because, if you engage by quoting the morons, you pull their inane comments out of voted-down invisibility (and encourage them to come back for more). Remember;
Just vote,
Don’t quote!
Oct 27th, 2010 (2:44 pm)Upfront and operating costs are important criteria for selecting a vehicle. But, they are not the only valid ones. Both Prius owners and future Volt owners place great weight on conserving gasoline or limiting gasoline use without respect to its purchase price at the pump.
I purchase about 15 gallons per month because I chose to live closer to work and recreation. There is no computation I can make where either the Prius or Volt saves sufficiently in its operation to recover the upfront costs.
+1
Oct 27th, 2010 (2:45 pm)12,000 miles divided by 365 days = 32.88 miles per day = No gasoline used in a Volt other than EMM and FMM since this is less than the 40 miles AER per day.
15,000 miles divided by 365 days = 41.10 miles per day minus first 40 miles AER = 1.10 miles per day in CS mode X 365 = 401.50 miles divided by 36 MPG from generator = 11.16 Gallons of Gasoline used in one year… divided by 34 MPG from generator is still 11.81 Gallons of Gasoline in one year.
I may have exaggerated when I said 15 Gallons Per Year. I apologize to all.
-26
Oct 27th, 2010 (2:45 pm)(click to show comment)
+2
Oct 27th, 2010 (2:47 pm)You’re welcome. [-1].
D’ohh!
+15
Oct 27th, 2010 (2:49 pm)Remember this commercial ?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qL8F98-x6rs&feature=youtube_gdata_player
A few points:
It doesn’t say “a car that doesn’t connect it’s gas engine to the wheels mechanically, even partly.”
It doesn’t say “a car that will exceed 40 mpg after the electric drive battery is exhausted.”
It doesn’t say “a car that has so much battery capacity, it only needs to use half of it when it’s still new.”
It says ” a car that will go 40 miles before it uses any gas at all.”
Promise made… Promise exceeded.
And when the speaker says “one day,” well, that “one day” is almost here.
-26
Oct 27th, 2010 (2:50 pm)(click to show comment)
+2
Oct 27th, 2010 (2:51 pm)Do not feed the Trolls! I don’t mind the current system of -10 posts disappearing. Setting up an authorized poster system keeps people like me away (oh, so you would like that?!!)
-20
Oct 27th, 2010 (2:54 pm)(click to show comment)
+1
Oct 27th, 2010 (2:55 pm)???
I did not advocate such a system, though if one were instituted, why would it shut you out?
There are perhaps 5 repeat offenders, here (positioning themselves as a larger presence). If a registration system is instituted, it will be due to this “Priinut Gallery.” Direct your ire at them if you must (but not by name, please).
Just vote! Don’t quote!
+3
Oct 27th, 2010 (3:01 pm)We know that symbolism plays large in advertising. We know this 30 second spot cost millions to produce and ad agencies and teams competed for the job of representing Volt to the world.
So analyzing this ad is fun for me as I noticed, as I’m sure have you – many subleties GM wanted to convey subliminally, to the World Series viewer. Obviously the “extended range” message was the overlying one here – but notice those things most people won’t. Such things as the weather. Car companies are aware that alot of folks just think an electric car and water won’t mix – so it was no accident half the images here are in the rain, or showing damp conditions. Notice the 1+ million dollar custom house and the 40+ actors ( caucasion and above average income ) portrayed as Volt owners. This speaks volumes as to whom GM views as it’s potential customer. Also the home was modern-contemporary in architecture, suggesting it’s owners are progressive-future thinkers with tastes in having the very latest.
I agree with those who wondered why the ending was so dark – but to me, they went back to the rainy, wet safety subliminal angle with a “driving off into the sunset” ( “go far-safely ” ) imagery.
The slogans also suggest a kind of ultra-cautiousness from GM. To me, the slogan “More Car Than Electric” is pretty dangerous being the varied mindsets out there in mainstream America. The whole phrase depends largely upon what words the viewer decides, in their mind, to emphasize. If we emphasize the ” More Car – ” portion…we can assume GM is saying it’s a hybrid – a familiar object to the masses by now, and it’s also electric. But if we ( seemingly most here ) emphasize the ” – Than Electric” portion, we happily walk away with the idea that Volt is an electric car. What is puzzling is – I would think the common Joe or Joan viewing a sporting event would take this slogan the first way….That Volt is a car that can do an electric thingie as well…. Not exactly effective, IMO, if GM truly is trying to convey Volt as an EV that will not leave you stranded.
The “GM Runs Deep” is just your typical advertismania hype. It really means nothing more than what you want it to mean. To me, it means “ VOLT OWNERS RUN SILENT – RUN DEEP in that we’ll be silently running on AC Juice and also we Volt aficionados are a bit deeper than the average Joe. Maybe for the SuperBowl, GM should change it to – “GM GOES DEEP”!
All-in-all, I think GM could have done better, but this ad truly introduces Volt to the world, and Tim Allen’s voice is perfect – familiar to everyone, and gentle and understated. While it’s not a slam dunk, Volt will sell itself based upon spreading the word it will be available for sale – and my prediction is that dealers will be begging GM for more units to supply demand.
PUMP OUT THE VOLTS! ( in all 50 states ),
James
It’s subjective, of course, but to me GM can do better.
+1
Oct 27th, 2010 (3:11 pm)I’m find myself little concerned with patriotic hubris, bozo money calculations, taxpayer subsidies, and hidden costs since my current gasoline powered vehicle has all that and more as part of its limited charm.
-22
Oct 27th, 2010 (3:20 pm)(click to show comment)
-22
Oct 27th, 2010 (3:21 pm)(click to show comment)
-23
Oct 27th, 2010 (3:24 pm)(click to show comment)
+1
Oct 27th, 2010 (3:27 pm)To me climbing the winding rode up the hill was symbolic of the journey GM has taken to produce this car and in the bigger picture to remain relevant in the world car marketplace. The journey is not complete yet. You never see the car crest the hill. But watching the car calmly motor up the hill gives me a sense of confidence.
+2
Oct 27th, 2010 (3:27 pm)You know, we probably ought to thank the Priinut Gallery for increasing the number of posts to the site! We should get that automated “You must be doing something right” post just any time, now. So thanks, guys; and stand by to get negged.
Just vote! Don’t quote!
+4
Oct 27th, 2010 (3:35 pm)Be like Cool Hand Luke. Come back with nothing. (no response, vote neg). Responding is what they want as it proves (in their mind) they are participating.
+3
Oct 27th, 2010 (3:36 pm)The calculation reflects day-to-day commuter usage, but by front-loading electricty from the grid is the important factor. We cannot always predict when a vehicle’s full combined onboard range will be required or even exceeded. With the Volt it is actually a realistic consideration beyond the first 100 miles. With the Leaf you really can’t consider such an application at all given our current charging infrastructure.
A leaf will always need to be supplemented with an additional fossil-fueled vehicle beyond its maximum. The Volt’s design is predicated on both most frequent trip distance, and unlimited distance supported by the existing gasoline infrastructure beyond 300 miles. With the Volt that second vehicle is built-in allowing a single vehicle to handle both normal and long trips as well as those unplanned errands.
Your resistance to this flexibility is a bit silly. The PiP trades AER for relative affordability which to me makes it an even better choice over the Nissan Leaf for people whose most frequent trip lengths fall within its AER. I find the PiP a bit on the unattractive side and I don’t like how it moves to gasoline so quickly. It would meet my basic needs but if I’m going to shell out for a new car I’m more likely to go with a Karma, a Tesla Model S, or a Volt.
-21
Oct 27th, 2010 (3:37 pm)(click to show comment)
+1
Oct 27th, 2010 (3:37 pm)Sorry, not meant for you Jackson.– The idea was floated about changing how posters are allowed.
Jackson ???
I did not advocate such a system, though if one were instituted, why would it shut you out?
,
+1
Oct 27th, 2010 (3:38 pm)That would include me. I’ve had a Buick (inherited), and two Saturns (new).
I’ve also had a Plymouth, bought a Toyota for my wife (and will never buy another, because of the Toyo-thugs who regularly infest this site), and a Honda. I’d like to have a Volt, but as a victim of the economy, I’m likely to be awhile getting one.
Just vote! Don’t quote!
+1
Oct 27th, 2010 (3:42 pm)-16
Oct 27th, 2010 (3:42 pm)(click to show comment)
-17
Oct 27th, 2010 (3:42 pm)(click to show comment)
+3
Oct 27th, 2010 (3:43 pm)I suspect the tag line is supposed to speak to people who are a)interested in reducing gas consumption, but b)are worried about the limitations of electric cars.
+1
Oct 27th, 2010 (3:47 pm)I’m assuming that you’re just another troll (maybe one of Echin McCrotch’s many alter egos), but just in case you aren’t: How about waiting until the Volt is available in Arizona? Doesn’t make much sense to try and get a charger before you can possibly get the car, now does it? Besides, you only need a charger for a pure BEV; you could charge the Volt quite handily at a 110v outlet overnight with the included cord set.
Just vote! Don’t quote!
-17
Oct 27th, 2010 (3:50 pm)(click to show comment)
-17
Oct 27th, 2010 (3:53 pm)(click to show comment)
+1
Oct 27th, 2010 (3:54 pm)Good point! Higher traffic to a site generates more advertising revenue. No other site I go to has 200+ comments per post. Every day.
“This post has been viewed 2316 times.” Is the running stat for this thread only!
So basically, just hanging out here and reading the posts makes you a supporter of the site and by association: Volt.
HaHaHaHa!! How ironic.
+1
Oct 27th, 2010 (3:55 pm)Um, so why would a registration system shut you out?
+2
Oct 27th, 2010 (4:00 pm)… but my aim is improving!
/OK, gonna log off for awhile …
+2
Oct 27th, 2010 (4:01 pm)All subsidies? While I don’t like gasoline subsidies (or corn subsidies) for obvious reasons, government subsidies for developing new technologies (and infrastructure) are critical to economic development, IMHO.
+3
Oct 27th, 2010 (4:04 pm)Well, they’re certainly doing their best to ruin my slow day at work. But I don’t blame Toyota. Or Toyota dealers. Personally, I suspect they’re just immature fanboys who like arguing. Which is why I’m doing my best not to respond. But it’s difficult.
-21
Oct 27th, 2010 (4:07 pm)(click to show comment)
-19
Oct 27th, 2010 (4:10 pm)(click to show comment)
-8
Oct 27th, 2010 (4:23 pm)Posting nothing but a best-case scenario without any type of YMMV disclaimer will come back to haunt. History offers great examples of unintended consequences.
Passing along that “15 gallon” claim then waiting for the backlash is a pretty simple way to bring the misleading to an abrupt end and give sincere competition a boost.
Real-World data will speak for itself. No spin necessary.
-15
Oct 27th, 2010 (4:24 pm)(click to show comment)
-17
Oct 27th, 2010 (4:27 pm)(click to show comment)
+2
Oct 27th, 2010 (4:37 pm)WRONG. You can order direct and self install.
http://www.homecharging.spx.com/volt
Click on the “How To Order” link. Read the entire page for the comment about self install.
Check out all the other models they plan to offer as well. Just think of all the topics discussing the benefits and problems between the 4 models listed. There should be enough to fight about for months.
Oct 27th, 2010 (4:39 pm)I guess I was wrong, but the other way. They do affect buyers vehicle choice:
Oct 27th, 2010 (4:44 pm)“Immature comes to mind there.”
But it’s only a troll mind, so, no reflection on you LauraM.
“spew the truth” is classic troll
.
Ya gotta laugh at all these posts INCREASING traffic to this site and by association endorsing the Volt.
Hey troll: It doesn’t matter what your words say, the web traffic validates your endorsement. To the advertiser you’re just another number in the stats. The actual post doesn’t count whatsoever.
All buzz is good.
-14
Oct 27th, 2010 (4:50 pm)(click to show comment)
+2
Oct 27th, 2010 (4:56 pm)I found the EV-1 Ad!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wodTinlvlB8&feature=related
Raymond
+1
Oct 27th, 2010 (5:09 pm)… and now, they’re voting. It’ll be interesting to see if any of the regulars get more than [-3]
( [-5] if USB and C. H. show up).
The frightening thing is that they’ll all probably be voting on Nov 2nd …
So long folks, maybe things will be better tomorrow … right.
+3
Oct 27th, 2010 (5:23 pm)Exactly. I don’t think many people understand how much “making cars” is part of the entire economy & job base in the US. A car is the most expensive item people buy after a home. It’s a 100′s-of-billions dollar-industry. To just let that industry collapse and give a foreign power an opportunity take all of that away would be one of the worst things we could have done.
It’s not just UAW guys and CEO’s at the Ren Cen that work in the auto industry. If you think of that game 6 degrees of Kevin Bacon, its very similar to the auto industry. You can tie pretty much every job/company back to the auto industry (yes there will be exceptions). Michigan had the worst unemployment rate when the economy tanked and car sales plummeted (we are still at 13%, Nevada is greater now). Do people think all the workers that lost their jobs in Detroit (and Michigan) only worked for GM, Ford, or Chrysler?
Having all those people unemployed means no one is paying income taxes, and instead collecting unemployment. I’m probably not the best person to lay out the ramifications of letting the auto industry collapse, and i’m not an economist, but being in the industry, I have a good vantage on the subject, its just amazing to me how much everything is linked. Even small hiccups are felt nationwide.
GM has Tier level 1, 2, and 3 suppliers. Each of those has suppliers. All of these companies employ mechanical/electrical/software/(long-list) engineers & workers to design & manufacture the products, and all of the other jobs required to run a company (sales, HR, accounting, security, heck custodians). When you remove the final customer, and i’m talking about GM here, you basically wipe out everyone below them (or at least severely damage them). Some would survive, many would not. I didn’t even mention dealers or all the companies that rely on people employed in the auto industry (hospitals, restaruants, ect)
Anyway… that was my 2 cents. Call it a bailout, call it protecting your domestic industry, either way, I think it had to be done.
+2
Oct 27th, 2010 (5:27 pm)Oh, and I liked the TV ad. Simple and to the point. The rest of the benefits will be explained as time goes on, but this was a better broad-stroke approach to start. It will make people take interest & start asking questions.
+4
Oct 27th, 2010 (5:30 pm)I find all the fighting between BEV and E-REV such a waste of time. 13 years ago the EV-1 owners were complaining and it is summed up nicely in this one page:
http://www.eanet.com/kodama/ev-chronicles/ev1/guest.htm
Notice this text: “In the city, with lots of stop-start driving, I’m getting about 58 miles per charge and about 80 on the highway.”
Another person posted this near the bottom of the page: “The only complaint I have is the RANGE.”
Several years ago a huge suggestion list from the drivers of the EV-1 was maintained, and many suggested a generator solution. E-REV is the result of GM listening to their customers!
http://www.eanet.com/kodama/ev-chronicles/
-1
Oct 27th, 2010 (5:34 pm)I would have liked the Volt to be priced at $28,000 dollars but then some of those buyers of $18,000 cars might repeat what has been said here that it is just “Niche” Car.
Di Rhea,
Oct 27th, 2010 (5:38 pm)heh there is a reason for the “Chevy Runs Deep” at the end there is another commercial that really shows Chevy’s history.
+1
Oct 27th, 2010 (5:39 pm)Or if you want to say something in response just erase their comment after clicking on Quote but always vote -1 on their comment.
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.
+1
Oct 27th, 2010 (5:45 pm)Excellent idea!
Raymond
-15
Oct 27th, 2010 (5:48 pm)(click to show comment)
Oct 27th, 2010 (5:48 pm)Here’s a good question: Will Lyle be posting more dashboard photos of mileage readings… say, every Monday? Wednesday? Friday? On Saturday the slow news day? Apparently only photographic proof of mileage readings would be believed here…!
-10
Oct 27th, 2010 (5:53 pm)(click to show comment)
+1
Oct 27th, 2010 (5:54 pm)A typical driving pattern isn’t so even. Here’s a possible example:
• 30 days at 8 miles per day
• 50 days at 16 miles per day
• 240 days at 30 miles per day
• 30 days at 60 miles per day
• 3 days at 450 miles per day
11,390 total miles per year
+3
Oct 27th, 2010 (5:54 pm)This is why it is important for us to vote +1 for others who many meanful comments on the topic.
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.
-15
Oct 27th, 2010 (5:54 pm)(click to show comment)
-16
Oct 27th, 2010 (5:56 pm)(click to show comment)
-11
Oct 27th, 2010 (6:01 pm)(click to show comment)
-3
Oct 27th, 2010 (6:02 pm)Here’s actual real-world data:
12 = miles 0-9
14 = miles 10-19
16 = miles 20-29
65 = miles 30-39
76 = miles 40-49
87 = miles 50-59
34 = miles 60-69
21 = miles 70-79
40 = miles 80-999
Note how the variations are spread much greater than most estimates.
+4
Oct 27th, 2010 (6:03 pm)Which is exactly why said troll needs to be terminated with extreme prejudice (in marked contrast to those who would converse with it).
There. I feel a bit better. (g).
Be well,
Tagamet
/new computer and OS, so still finding my sea legs.
+4
Oct 27th, 2010 (6:07 pm)Amen +1.
Be well,
Tagamet
+1
Oct 27th, 2010 (6:08 pm)This may be off-topic, but for Camaro fans, here is the National Geographic Channel info on the “Ultimate Factories” episode:
Ultimate Factories
NGC-E – Fri, 10/29, 3:00 PM AST – 1 hr
“Camaro”
Repeat, 10/15/2009, Eng, Technology, Business, Management
After a hiatus of nearly 10 years, General Motors gears up to produce the next-generation Chevrolet Camaro, a much-loved muscle car; a 10-million-square-foot factory in Oshawa, Ontario with nearly 6,000 employees produces the new model.
Read their web site about this episode: http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/series/ultimate-factories/4904/Overview
Add the correct hours that correspond to your own time zone (I am at Atlantic Standard).
They had the episode on the pre-production Volt some time ago, but I wish they prepare their cameras for the production startup on November 11, and produce that episode before the end of the year. They also have the episode for Corvette fans.
Raymond
-18
Oct 27th, 2010 (6:10 pm)(click to show comment)
Oct 27th, 2010 (6:13 pm)Good commercial… but the VOLT has to be the easiest car ever to make a commercial of!
There are so many unique features of the VOLT that many commercials should be made… don’t really see the need to repeat a single commercial.
+3
Oct 27th, 2010 (6:27 pm)Ditto.
Be well,
Tagamet
+2
Oct 27th, 2010 (6:30 pm)The World’s Series just started now. I hope to see the Volt ad live.
Raymond
-5
Oct 27th, 2010 (6:32 pm)Is this what the trolls are thinking?
I am going to troll the living hell out of every vitrual piece of HTML code I see, and arm myself with a shotgun opposing every single living, breathing thing that moves, violently going on a mission of a non-exsistant end. And I ain’t going down till’ some freaking load of hell has been raised, and every single working, electric-abled piece of equipment has been violently bashed to the living hell it came from.
Read more: http://www.cracked.com/article_16765_5-ways-stop-trolls-from-killing-internet.html#ixzz13bZl9GhW
-9
Oct 27th, 2010 (6:37 pm)Like the Volt?
Go for it!
+1
Oct 27th, 2010 (6:42 pm)Yes, but terrible policy.
Noone should be “free” to pollute.
+6
Oct 27th, 2010 (6:58 pm)No debate. There is an infinite number of possibilities. Which merely proves that the Volt can be a person’s only car. One with “Extended Range” for the few times that they need it.
And, that is where speaking with the customer to determine their exact needs will be even more important to my team. If a customer has a higher percentage of driving days over 60 to 100 miles, then the Volt may not be for them. The Volt was not designed to cover every possible scenario. From the beginning it has been said that its advantage would be for about 76% of drivers. If you drive 100 miles per day on a regular basis, (I used to years ago and I drove a Saturn in those days), then maybe the ECOTEC High-Efficiency Cruze is a better choice.
Just because the Volt is not the perfect car for everyone (mileage-wise) that does not negate the other benefits for the millions who will enjoy driving a much nicer car than a Toyota, or Ford, or Honda. And many will buy the Volt just because it is the latest and greatest technology. Not all car purchases are based strictly on price. Some people buy cars from an American auto maker just because it is an American auto maker.
After the commercials run on tonight’s game, tomorrow should be a great day for Volt. I have a stack of Deposit/Order forms ready to go.
-3
Oct 27th, 2010 (7:07 pm)GM Offering $6,000 Off MSRP
Went to the Chevrolet site to configure/build my Volt
1) Black/Neutral
2) Premium Package
Price:
Your 2011 Volt
Hatchback in zipcode: 60610
Your Price1-$6,000 below MSRP
Matching Vehicles in your area
View Local Inventory
Better take this down to my dealer ASAP and lock in this price!!!!!
+6
Oct 27th, 2010 (7:07 pm)Because of today’s “troll-a-mania” I hesitate to post almost anything. However, my search doesn’t find anyone had already posted the following, so here goes….
Motor Trend has just published its first full-blown test drive of the Leaf, 6 pages, dated 10-27-10. It’s a very favorable report I recommend reading and they give the Leaf’s 0-60 time as “10.0 sec MT est” and “its MT observed range” as 76 miles (est) on the last page, at:
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/alternative/1010_2011_nissan_leaf_full_drive/specs.html
+5
Oct 27th, 2010 (7:11 pm)ChicagoVolt001,
You must be new here. The long time readers of this site have known the MSRP, and the invoice amount for months. So we know you’re joking. Nice try though.
+3
Oct 27th, 2010 (7:16 pm)Ain’t that quaint!
We’ve got sock puppets talking to each other.
-15
Oct 27th, 2010 (7:21 pm)(click to show comment)
-2
Oct 27th, 2010 (7:24 pm)When I went to the Chevy Volt site and configured my car, that is what I got. Maybe you can tell your leaders at GM to fix the Volt configurator. Aiight?
http://www.chevrolet.com/tools/byo/byoCustomizeVehicle.do?region&zipCode=28213®ion=30&pvc=500&brand=volt&year=2011&zipCode=28213&isMultiCounty=false®ion=30#
Smartass!!!
+2
Oct 27th, 2010 (7:26 pm)Or use “Reply” instead of “Quote.”
Oct 27th, 2010 (7:29 pm)One persons mileage may be very different from anothers. The EPA estimates are more representative. We’ll know those soon enough.
-19
Oct 27th, 2010 (7:40 pm)(click to show comment)
+5
Oct 27th, 2010 (7:41 pm)All you need is a regular 110 volt outlet. Most garages have that already.
220 volt charging is an expensive, largely unnessary option.
+2
Oct 27th, 2010 (7:48 pm)I just posed the question to GM that came up earlier today about “long periods” in extreme temperatures. I’ll let you know if/when I get an answer. (Alexandra Paul of Baywatch fame and Who Killed the Electric Car notoriety is supposed to get the answers.
)
+7
Oct 27th, 2010 (7:57 pm)-20
Oct 27th, 2010 (8:04 pm)(click to show comment)
+1
Oct 27th, 2010 (8:07 pm)I’m on the Chevy website now. I even entered your Zip Code. No $6,000 discount. The form does show “$0 below MSRP”, so it appears that the form is being developed to show Federal plus possibly State and County Rebates in there also. But until the form is working right, it is hard to know what it is showing. And yes, they need to fix it but I don’t work for GM. Look closely at the bottom: The Disclaimer also says “Take new retail delivery by 11/01/2010.” So I hope you can find a car in the next 4 days. [Obviously this form is broken.]
If you can get a $6,000 Discount BEFORE Federal Rebates, good for you! I want one too at that price. But if you scroll up on this blog and look at the extreme number of BS postings (just today) by you-know-who, I’m sure you will understand my reaction to such a claim. By the way, the Dealer Invoice on a Volt is $1,800 less than the MSRP. When the first one shows up, I’ll email you a copy.
+3
Oct 27th, 2010 (8:46 pm)I think the commercial was on point. Most everyone I talk to about the Volt already know it’s an electric car. They don’t have to beat you over the head with that message. The plug reinforces that message.
But what I often run into is confusion over the extended range. That is the new part, and that is what people need to be educated about. How it works doesn’t matter to the general public. All they need to know is that you can drive THIS electric car just like you drive any other car on the road.
I had to educate my own flesh and blood when my son said the Volt wouldn’t go unless you plug it in first. I had to point to the gasoline engine and tell him that it will go just fine even if you don’t plug it in. The key point is you have a CHOICE for the first time in EV history.
Oct 27th, 2010 (8:55 pm)I’m also one of those people. Toyota, Honda, Ford, Subaru. The Volt could do it. (My wife’s dad was a die hard Chevy guy and he use to say that was the only flaw I had … … his daughter could tell him many.)
I looked but did not find the forum thread else I would have updated it (too).
Oct 27th, 2010 (8:55 pm)Trolls love the attention. Just like psychopaths.
Oct 27th, 2010 (9:09 pm)I read the review, and although they liked the Leaf, the lead-footed range of 76 miles gives me pause. While I would not be lead footing the Leaf, it tells you that with brand new batteries you can expect that on some days you will get a lot less than 100 miles.
People on here would have you believe the 100 miles was inscribed on stone tablets. As I’ve said many times, on a bad day the leaf would leave me stranded 25 miles from home on my 100 mile round trip to the other side of town.
Oct 27th, 2010 (9:16 pm)I just went through this tonight at dinner with a bunch of friends. And these guys & gals are engineers. One guy even said his boss thought the Volt was electric only and would run out of juice. Then it was dead in the water. Its going to take some time to educate. Hopefully the ads will slowly allow the info to sink in.
Oct 27th, 2010 (9:36 pm)That’s more inline with what was originally reported. I’m not sure where the 7.0 sec came from. I still would like the official times for the Leaf and the Volt. These times seem to be all over the place. Who really knows at this point.
+2
Oct 27th, 2010 (9:38 pm)Saw a Volt commercial on the world series. It was the one above. Looks a whole lot better on a big screen TV in HD.
Also saw a Cruze commercial. More traditional sales pitch there.
Bottom 7th. 8-4 Giants.
+2
Oct 27th, 2010 (9:43 pm)Well, I can see from the volume of posts today that enthusiasm for the Volt is really tapering off.
Just POTV (Pump out the Volts).
Oct 27th, 2010 (10:20 pm)28213 is in North Carolina. This is not a launch area. It displayed a discount of $6000 for me as well (before the form finished, btw.) and then the form stopped responding. This was using zip 76118 (also not a launch area). I tried it about 8 hours ago.
Looks like it has a few issues.
+7
Oct 27th, 2010 (10:42 pm)Listen here son. You better watch it with the comments about our soldiers. I was in the military and have lost friends in this war and they fought to keep your dumb ass safe. You can act like an idiot on this forum if you want, but DO NOT disrespect our armed forces.
All, I know we should not respond to this scum, but I cannot allow comments like this to go unchecked. I hope Lyle or the site admins will help fix this.
Oct 27th, 2010 (11:32 pm)Nice catch nasaman. Yes it’s a very positive review. When a friend and I tested the 0-60 time we got 9.8s but that included some estimates so we just assumed we had too many variables. Seems maybe like we were right on. The Volt did seem faster to me so I was surprised when the Leaf was reported as being so much faster to 60 MPH. FWIW seems like the 10s number is what Nissan is telling reporters to expect.
The estimated range of 76 miles is consistent with what you’d expect from a slightly aggressive drive. Nissan has said that the Leaf uses 237 wh/mile on the EPA Cycles (which of course is different than the 100 mile range on the LA4 Cycle), so if you assume that the Leaf is using 80% of its 24 kWh pack you get a range of 81 miles.
Oct 27th, 2010 (11:38 pm)The 7s number came from a couple of different reviews — more green tech web sites than traditional car magazines. Nissan is telling people to expect 10s so my guess is that the 10s number is accurate. The Volt number from Motor Trend and some other car magazines seems to be 8.8s which is consistent with the “under 9 seconds” number which GM has been releasing.
So I think we have a good idea at this point. Slower than what I’m driving! But no big deal.
Oct 27th, 2010 (11:53 pm)Better. Way better. It tells the listener about benefits — no pumping gas on a cold winter night, cheap commuting, and low pollution. Not all the way there but a whole lot better than saying “mine is longer than his”.
Oct 28th, 2010 (12:09 am)I share your view.
Unfortunately it does no good. He’s looking for a reaction and you gave it to him. The more angry you are, the more it makes him happy.
YES! Today was a little ridiculous.
Oct 28th, 2010 (3:33 am)Your response makes it 24, 2, and 2. I filed the thread under the Volt Ownership Forum. Would include the link too but it’s getting moderated.
Oct 28th, 2010 (4:18 am)I find most people would like to understand the details but their eyes would gloss over 2 minutes into it. Your correct that many people understand the Volt is some sort of electric or hybrid. That’s the easy part of the message. GM’s will be getting the non-zealots to understand how it is different from the Prius and why it is worth more. I don’t convincing them that it has a plug and that it isn’t tethered by a fixed battery range will be that hard. I believe the hardest part of the message will be imparting the understanding of what 40 miles AER means for each person. It is different for everyone. They need the consumer to reflect on his/her personal situation to understand how little gas they could consume annually using the Volt.
I agree completely that this is the market segment GM should focus on (which has been mainly the Prius market, BTW) but do not believe that the tag line will speak effectively to this group. As discussed above, I believe GM needs to explain the Volt so that this group can understand the value add for their personal situation. Saying it’s more like the cars you know and less different is counterproductive to this end, IMO. They should be emphasizing the AER and how that can be sooo different. “MORE ELECTRIC AND MORE CAR” or something like this seems more apropo.
I’ld like to see a commercial with two couples setting out to go to a mountain weekend retreat in their Volt in the fall. It starts with the owners picking up the other couple, loading the hatch. They cut to some inspiring shots of the car and scenery while hear a conversation of why the owners traded down from their BMW to buy the Volt. The passengers apply the Volt’s prospects to their own situation in this conversation. They conclude they will trade in their Lexus and look for a Volt when they return from the trip. They determine their regular 30 mile commute will garner around 12,000/yr of gas free driving. Reinforcing the gas friendly to gas free theme.
Oct 28th, 2010 (11:17 am)Amen Sister, tell it like it is! +1
Oct 30th, 2010 (4:32 pm)Can’t be misled? GM has fallen short of all the hype they created when the concept was unveiled, and still, every post, no matter what the news is “Way to go GM, underpromise and overdeliver”. This is more of a cult than an informational website about the Volt. The production Volt is a parallel hybrid with a plug that costs far more than promised and doesn’t resemble the concept, how is it that GM didn’t mislead you? Quick, hit the – button, bahhh, bahh, bahhhhh. If GM told you the sun sucked because it burns the beasts eyes so he can’t come out, you’d all be sitting in a drum circle in the middle of the night chanting ‘the night time is the right time’.