Chevrolet Volt Named Automobile Magazine 2011 Automobile of the Year

Nov 16

Chevrolet Volt Named Automobile Magazine 2011 Automobile of the Year

Posted by Lyle in: Public Opinion with 82 Comments

[ad#post_ad]Today is a bonanza day of vindication and recognition for the little car that could, and all of GM’s relentless development and our unyielding effort and devotion here on GM-Volt.com. In fact it’s a landslide.

Only a few short hours after Motor Trend magazine announced the Chevrolet Volt was awarded their 2011 Car of the Year award, another leading automotive authority has done the same.

Automobile magazine has named the Chevrolet Volt its winner for 2011 Automobile of the Year.

GM marketing chief Joel Ewanick has accepted the award at the LA Auto Show.

Automobile magazine editors made the following statement:

“This is the most sophisticated, most important vehicle on the road today. It won’t just change what we drive, but also how we drive. Owners will plug in at night, heat or cool their cabin before they leave the garage, and adopt new driving styles to maximize their electric range. Then, when the battery is depleted, they’ll mindlessly motor on; free of the limitations that accompanies pure electric vehicles.”

I can tell you firsthand this is true. After driving the car nearly a week, there is no doubt the car is a brilliant refined technological tour-de force.

“On its way to becoming AUTOMOBILE Magazine’s 2011 Automobile of the Year, the Chevrolet Volt endured more scrutiny and skepticism than any of the nine other semifinalists,” said Associate Editor Eric Tingwall of the announcement. “It is genuinely an all-new car, in the most simplistic sense as well as in the greater notion that the Volt is unlike any vehicle we have ever driven.”

“We are very grateful for this prestigious recognition from AUTOMOBILE Magazine,” said Ewanick, who drove a Volt 2,394 miles from Detroit to Los Angeles for the show. “Automobile of the Year is a testament to the pioneering technology of the Volt, as well as the talent, intelligence and hard work of everyone at GM who made it a reality.”

You can enjoy the magazine’s detailed analysis of the Volt at the link below:

Source (Automobile Magazine)

This entry was posted on Tuesday, November 16th, 2010 at 1:59 pm and is filed under Public Opinion. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

COMMENTS: 82

1

+40

scottf200 Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (2:00 pm)

For those who believe, no proof is necessary — for those who don’t, no proof is possible.

2

+12

Lunoir Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (2:11 pm)

Way to go Volt !!! This underscores even more the turning point that the volt IS for both GM and the industry. It makes the transition from gaz to electric a breeze (even if the volt does this the other way around:).
NPNS!

3

+31

stuart22 Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (2:16 pm)

It’s more than a Car of the Year, it’s the Car for the Century.

4

JohnK Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (2:25 pm)

scottf200: For those who believe, no proof is necessary — for those who don’t, no proof is possible. (Quote) (Reply)

Yes, but I would like to have validation and just getting a chance to drive the thing is now going to be hard – just got my email that I can drive it in Chicago on Friday morning, a six hour drive from here. Let alone try to get my own delivered before the first of March. My nephew has an appointment for Saturday and we were going to share the driving, but I’ll bet that with this much attention it will be a madhouse there. What to do, what to do?

5

-104

Constantin Ungureanu Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (2:33 pm)

(click to show comment)

The main problem with the VOLT-hoax, of course, is the bald-faced lies spewed by GM during its long gestation process. A lying company, such as GM, is not reliable and not worthy of business. GM consistently stated that it was “not a hybrid” and that the engine would not find a path to the drive train — that was just a lie. The VOLT-…hoax is in fact just a plug-in hybrid.

Now that’s not nothing! If GM had honestly admitted it wanted to duplicate the Prius and add a plug-in pack, well, that would have been HONEST. Unlike GM. But let’s face it, the VOLT-hoax is too heavy (at 3900 lbs.) and has too high a center of gravity to drive like an EV. The VOLT-hoax drives like an oil-fired car, wallowing around corners and sluggish on acceleration.

But aside from the poor quality, bad design and crappy GM company, there’s another major problem with the VOLT-hoax.

It doesn’t make economic sense.

You’d have to be a “Halo-Hawker”, someone who gets a charge out of driving “the latest green thing”, someone with no economic sense at all, to buy or lease the VOLT-hoax.

Let’s look at purchase: $50K for 100,000 miles is 50 cents per mile. That’s more than 2 cents per mile by any shot, not counting fuel, oil changes, repairs and so on. With the tiny battery, you won’t get enough savings from plugging it in to pay for a solar system on your rooftop; in fact, you probably will forget to plug it in at all.

So most people will LEASE the VOLT-hoax, only $350 (plus tax) for a 3-year lease. Ah, but the details!

1000 miles per month limit, 50 cents per mile for extra travel. So, really, you could have bought a used hummer to go the 30,000 miles that GM allows you, and spent a lot less money.

Moreover, after the 3 years, you only spent $10,000 on the (too-low) lease cost, leaving a residual value of at least $40,000.

Now, kids, I hate to say it, but GM has in the past been vindictive about leases! They charge for over-mileage, scratches, and so on.

So if the VOLT-hoax isn’t worth $40,000 at the end of the lease, you may be forced to buy it at that price, or cough up the difference.

If you bought a Corolla, say, for $20,000, and drove it for 30,000 miles (1000 gallons of gas, or less than $5000) you would have the same experience for ONLY $25,000, HALF-PRICE!!

Moreover, after only 30,000 miles, your Corolla would be worth about $15,000+ trade in.

So the total cost of ownership of the VOLT-hoax would be MUCH MORE THAN TWICE the cost of a car that can’t plug-in.

So if you can pay for those apples, I guess Chevron thinks there ain’t that many of you who would.

I think there will be some who will take the VOLT-hoax, despite the high cost, poor performance and the fact that it’s an oil-burner; but they will almost all REGRET IT.

GM trades on suckers who want to “buy American” and then disappoints ‘em.
via Doug Korthof
http://money.cnn.com/2010/11/15/autos/motor_trend_car_of_the_year/

6

+4

Frank B Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (2:33 pm)

Fantastic!! As well it should be. The Volt is destined to change the American automobile and automotive history. The Volt is America’s first step to becoming no longer dependent on oil. Perhaps the best part is that an American company did it. Way to go GM!

7

-71

Constantin Ungureanu Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (2:37 pm)

(click to show comment)

Unlike the 2011 Chevrolet Volt range-extended electric car, it has no onboard gasoline engine to provide power beyond its electric range.
http://www.greencarreports.com/blog/1051305_2011-nissan-leaf-roundtable-high-gear-media-editors-weigh-in

8

+4

JeremyK Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (2:39 pm)

Can’t wait to see what GM is going to pull out of the IPO hat tomorrow. Seems like all the good news came today.

9

-20

Shawn Marshall Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (2:42 pm)

(click to show comment)

George F. Will also panned the Volt in his column last Sunday.

Although many of us on this site are EV fans, many also have problems with the price of the vehicle and the government involvement in GM.

I think GM did a smashing job designing this first generation vehicle. Its success in the marketplace is highly questionable. Cost, weight, seating and Mileage on gas all are factors.

Pure EVs for short commute daily bangers in two car families may be the better market.

I hope GM does better with future generations. EVs will have to stand on their own economic utility.

10

+18

Mike D. Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (2:45 pm)

Constantin Ungureanu: Unlike the 2011 Chevrolet Volt range-extended electric car, it has no onboard gasoline engine to provide power beyond its electric range.
http://www.greencarreports.com/blog/1051305_2011-nissan-leaf-roundtable-high-gear-media-editors-weigh-in

So why the made up name? Just found you on Facebook…lol. You’re just a hater it seems.

11

+19

Tall Pete Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (2:45 pm)

Constantin Ungureanu: If you bought a Corolla, say, for $20,000, and drove it for 30,000 miles (1000 gallons of gas, or less than $5000) you would have the same experience

No, you wouldn’t. But feel free to buy what is right for you. You’ll join the parade much later, that’s all.

12

+10

Raymondjram Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (2:52 pm)

It feels good to see that another authority has awarded the Volt its recognition as the best new auto for 2011, as “Car of the Year”. I give congratulations again to GM, the Volt team, to Lyle Dennis, and to all supported of the Volt, especially to the felow members of this forum.

Raymond

13

scottf200 Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (2:55 pm)

JohnK:
Yes, but I would like to have validation and just getting a chance to drive the thing is now going to be hard – just got my email that I can drive it in Chicago on Friday morning, a six hour drive from here.Let alone try to get my own delivered before the first of March.My nephew has an appointment for Saturday and we were going to share the driving, but I’ll bet that with this much attention it will be a madhouse there.What to do, what to do?

I received my email for Sat morning as well. A madhouse I supposed. I’m obviously disappointed that IL/Chicagoland is not area for first delivers. I have to appreciate they had a business decisions to make and slow and steady ramp up. I saw a timeline of the Prius a while ago and wish I could find it…it was amazing on how slow the first 1st years were. I can’t believe how many I see on the road every day now.

14

+3

Mitch Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (2:57 pm)

Constantin Ungureanu: The main problem with the VOLT-hoax, of course, is the bald-faced lies spewed by GM during its long gestation process. A lying company, such as GM, is not reliable and not worthy of business. GM consistently stated that it was “not a hybrid” and that the engine would not find a path to the drive train — that was just a lie. The VOLT-…hoax is in fact just a plug-in hybrid.Now that’s not nothing! If GM had honestly admitted it wanted to duplicate the Prius and add a plug-in pack, well, that would have been HONEST. Unlike GM. But let’s face it, the VOLT-hoax is too heavy (at 3900 lbs.) and has too high a center of gravity to drive like an EV. The VOLT-hoax drives like an oil-fired car, wallowing around corners and sluggish on acceleration.But aside from the poor quality, bad design and crappy GM company, there’s another major problem with the VOLT-hoax.It doesn’t make economic sense.You’d have to be a “Halo-Hawker”, someone who gets a charge out of driving “the latest green thing”, someone with no economic sense at all, to buy or lease the VOLT-hoax.Let’s look at purchase: $50K for 100,000 miles is 50 cents per mile. That’s more than 2 cents per mile by any shot, not counting fuel, oil changes, repairs and so on. With the tiny battery, you won’t get enough savings from plugging it in to pay for a solar system on your rooftop; in fact, you probably will forget to plug it in at all.So most people will LEASE the VOLT-hoax, only $350 (plus tax) for a 3-year lease. Ah, but the details!1000 miles per month limit, 50 cents per mile for extra travel. So, really, you could have bought a used hummer to go the 30,000 miles that GM allows you, and spent a lot less money.Moreover, after the 3 years, you only spent $10,000 on the (too-low) lease cost, leaving a residual value of at least $40,000.Now, kids, I hate to say it, but GM has in the past been vindictive about leases! They charge for over-mileage, scratches, and so on.So if the VOLT-hoax isn’t worth $40,000 at the end of the lease, you may be forced to buy it at that price, or cough up the difference.If you bought a Corolla, say, for $20,000, and drove it for 30,000 miles (1000 gallons of gas, or less than $5000) you would have the same experience for ONLY $25,000, HALF-PRICE!!Moreover, after only 30,000 miles, your Corolla would be worth about $15,000+ trade in.So the total cost of ownership of the VOLT-hoax would be MUCH MORE THAN TWICE the cost of a car that can’t plug-in.So if you can pay for those apples, I guess Chevron thinks there ain’t that many of you who would.I think there will be some who will take the VOLT-hoax, despite the high cost, poor performance and the fact that it’s an oil-burner; but they will almost all REGRET IT.GM trades on suckers who want to “buy American” and then disappoints ‘em.via Doug Korthofhttp://money.cnn.com/2010/11/15/autos/motor_trend_car_of_the_year/ (Quote) (Reply)

Big difference from the Prius btw..I take the ICE out of the volt I can go 25-50 miles at any speed…no can do with the mighty P…

15

+10

Jason M. Hendler Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (2:58 pm)

Congratulations to all who’ve helped this vehicle reach production, whether they worked directly for GM or not. The awards are confirmation of what most involved already know – the Volt is RE-EVolutionary to the auto industry in particular, and the economy in general.

16

+11

stuart22 Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (3:19 pm)

Any automotive media source who doesn’t choose the Volt as their Car of the Year will forever regret their decision for being so short-sighted.

17

+21

LauraM Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (3:19 pm)

The Volt is in a class by itself. None of the other cars coming out even begin to compare. It’s the only one that has the power to transform the entire industry. It’s great that the automotive media recognizes that, but if they hadn’t, I would have thought there was something seriously wrong with them.

18

+5

R. Reed Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (3:37 pm)

The anti-Volt forces are trying to destroy the unions, and continued success of American car companies with UAW workers is not in their plans. I once looked up a list of union-built American cars, and the comments on the site were filled with anti-union venom. So I hope the Volt will be a huge success and I will see them everywhere, and American workers will continue to make a living and support their families.

19

+45

James Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (3:39 pm)

As a Prius driver, I would like nothing better than to see Volts tearing up the road, setting new unknown sales records and passing by my Prius like a dirty shirt.

Living with Prius for three years – watching it’s huge success, and living with it’s shortcomings… Watching Toyota’s uber tentative approach at adding a plug has been very tedious. Watching the GM boys hunker down and develop Volt in such record time for such a huge next step vehicle has been very gratifying ( thanks again Lyle! ). The hope just kept rising and now I must say my hope level is at a new high with news coming out today that GM contacted LG Chem in September, predicting large Volt success and requesting more batteries!

The Volt story makes me feel patriotic. I am so proud of GM and all their engineers and mechanics, toolers, testers and even the bean counters and hawkers. Just think – mere months ago GM was on the precipice of oblivion – today they have the CAR OF THE DECADE and all the upside in the world! Best of all, invented here – IT’S MADE IN AMERICA!

CONGRATULATIONS ALL!

When and if I get my Volt, or at least they are sold in all 50 at 65,000 per year + I promise everyone here I will take another pie in the face ( Like I did here )! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5SQRfF8CIQ Perhaps at a West Coast Volt Meetup?

PUMP OUT THE VOLTS! ,

James

20

-7

John Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (3:44 pm)

I too have watched the Volt since its introduction in 2007 Detroit Auto Show. I still miss the sharp lines of what looked like a beautiful 4-door Saturn Sky. I loved that look! But, I have come to like the look of the Production model but still miss that other look.

I am more than a little suspicious of these two releases the day before the IPO. Smells a little of manipulation by GM and “Others” to inflate the upcoming stock prices.

21

+12

James Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (3:52 pm)

John: I too have watched the Volt since its introduction in 2007 Detroit Auto Show. I still miss the sharp lines of what looked like a beautiful 4-door Saturn Sky. I loved that look! But, I have come to like the look of the Production model but still miss that other look.I am more than a little suspicious of these two releases the day before the IPO. Smells a little of manipulation by GM and “Others” to inflate the upcoming stock prices. (Quote) (Reply)

Depends on how you see it. Is it “manipulation” or just “darn good business sense”?

No matter – GET THE VOLTS ON THE ROAD IN ALL 50 – is all that is really important.

Then we all win. : )

PUMP OUT THE VOLTS! ,

James

22

+7

Dan Petit Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (4:09 pm)

LauraM,

One thing that had occurred to me down through the years of saying exactly what you just have said, LauraM, is that perhaps GM has accelerated so efficiently and exceptionally toward Voltec, that, based on the laws of physics, perhaps GM has sewn-up all the viable approaches for extended electric driving, over at the Patent and Trade Office.

Perhaps there might even be a possibility that competitors may not catch up for a decade.

This idea might be reflective in the way that the new IPO sells out and up.

23

+23

Frank B Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (4:09 pm)

It sounds like Constantin Ungureanu bought a Prius and is now regretting his purchase of inferior technology so he’s trying to justify his own poor judgment by finding fault with GM. If he’s that unhappy with GM why does he even read this site? Seems like much deeper problems than just poor judgment to me.

24

+4

Loboc Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (4:18 pm)

James:

John: ..I am more than a little suspicious of these two releases the day before the IPO. Smells a little of manipulation by GM and “Others” to inflate the upcoming stock prices. (Quote) (Reply)

James: Depends on how you see it. Is it “manipulation” or just “darn good business sense”?

I’m with James.

When you do an IPO, the press before and after must be ‘manipulated’ by releasing pertinent information (such as the Camaro drop-top announced today. saaweeeeettt!).

I would expect some other announcements to sync with both the LA show and IPO. It’s gonna be a good week.

If ya don’t bang your own drum, who’s gonna do it for ya?

25

+3

henry Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (4:27 pm)

All hail the Volt. Two major awards in a day. I drive around 12 miles on a good day, my Volt would only use around 100 gallons a year at the most when it starts up to run the engine or on a long trip. GM has pulled a miracle out of the hat. All hail the Volt.

PS- Due to the work done on the Volt, GM had the guts to make the light hybrid standard on the 2012 Lacrosse, All hail the Volt.

26

+3

John Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (4:34 pm)

Just Released by MSNBC:

“DETROIT — A confident General Motors has added 20 million shares of preferred stock to its initial public offering, and it raised the estimated price range for common shares by about 14 percent to $32 to $33.

The Detroit automaker, just 16 months out of bankruptcy protection, will now sell 80 million shares of preferred stock for $50 each when its offering takes place on Thursday. Common shares will be sold by the U.S. government and two other owners, who inherited the stock for helping GM get through a painful restructuring last year.”

27

+15

flmark Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (4:39 pm)

Dan Petit: Perhaps there might even be a possibility that competitors may not catch up for a decade. (Quote) (Reply)

Adding to your comments and LauraM’s

There was a time when I thought the Limbaugh’s and the Will’s of the world were worth listening to. To that, I am reminded of the biblical phrase, ‘but when I became a man, I put away childish things’. For those who consider themselves dedicated followers, I suggest you use your feedback channels to tell these talking heads that the only ones who are losing credibility is them.

More and more CREDIBLE reviews confirm the same thing- the Volt will change things. To this I say to the talking heads, what would have happened if the government had NOT bailed out GM? As with Preston Tucker, good ideas can easily die quick deaths and be claimed to be brilliant thinking 2 decades after they were originally thought of (seat belts, disc brakes, etc). Does anyone think Toyota would be doing ANYTHING in the EV realm without something like the Volt staring them in the face? I am with James in that my Prius had become a reminder of Toyota’s complacency. I told the Toyota dealer that I would not buy another car until I could plug it in and I watched as Toyota made lackluster progress with an experimental fleet in CA. Nope, the question to ask is, ‘If GM hadn’t done this, where would we be?’

Ah yes, but during our own revolution, 2/3 of people were NOT for independence. Common thinking is always right, isn’t it? I thank God capital was infused to keep the Volt dream from dying…and I believe our children will be thankful, as well.

28

+4

Nick D Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (4:39 pm)

James: As a Prius driver, I would like nothing better than to see Volts tearing up the road, setting new unknown sales records and passing by my Prius like a dirty shirt.Living with Prius for three years – watching it’s huge success, and living with it’s shortcomings…

Could not have said better myself – The Prius is a great car but there are so many times when I am baffled as to why a specific part of the car operates in a specific way. It could have been better. The volt will take care of all of the annoyances that I have with the prius, and will give me the opportunity to Enjoy a domestically produced and domestically fueled vehicle.

To the Troll – thanks for all the Laughs your post is way too late to this game…

29

+2

ClarksonCote Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (4:43 pm)

WOOT! Let’s post some good commets at the Automobile Magazine source article page

join thE REVolution

30

+4

Tagamet Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (4:49 pm)

JohnK:
Yes, but I would like to have validation and just getting a chance to drive the thing is now going to be hard – just got my email that I can drive it in Chicago on Friday morning, a six hour drive from here.Let alone try to get my own delivered before the first of March.My nephew has an appointment for Saturday and we were going to share the driving, but I’ll bet that with this much attention it will be a madhouse there.What to do, what to do?

JMO, but GO DRIVE THE THING! Who knows when another opportunity will show up again. Volts are going to be scarcer than a virgin in Sin City.
I seriously doubt that you will come away disappointed with the experience.

Be well,
Tagamet

31

+5

gmtx2652 Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (5:03 pm)

Nice job GM, Bob Lutz and Lyle.

From taking names and kicking gas, to taking names, top awards and kicking gas…

And if the U.S. Government actually makes money from saving GM, oh the indignity of it…

32

+6

CorvetteGuy Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (5:15 pm)

Now, if Lyle would start up his own magazine… say: “EV and Hybrid Magazine”, then he could make it a TRIPLE by announcing his own “Electric Car of the Year”…!!!

33

+1

nasaman Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (5:27 pm)

CorvetteGuy:

Now, if Lyle would start up his own magazine… say: “EV and Hybrid Magazine”, then he could make it a TRIPLE by announcing his own “Electric Car of the Year”…!!!

You’re probably right, CG. But, much as I admire Lyle’s “day job”, I wouldn’t wish the consequences
of still more responsibilities —perhaps leading to migraines and a raft of related disorders (not to mention carpal tunnel or RSI) and possibly requiring on-going, expensive treatments (perhaps for years) that his health insurance may not cover by a neurologist, or even a team of neurologists!

/Sorry Lyle, I have the highest regard for your profession; just wanted to lighten things up some on this hectic but happy day!

34

+2

Mark Z Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (5:31 pm)

A great day for those who believe in E-REV and GM Engineering. Thanks to everyone who made it possible.

Those who don’t believe can live in the past and enjoy some great Beatles music on iTunes.

35

+2

CorvetteGuy Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (5:36 pm)

nasaman: You’re probably right, CG. But, much as I admire Lyle’s “day job”, I wouldn’t wish the consequences
of still more responsibilities

True… but in the past 3.5 years he has posted more info on the subject of EV’s and Hybrids to have published several magazine issues with plenty of content.

36

+23

DonC Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (5:47 pm)

Shawn Marshall: George F. Will also panned the Volt in his column last Sunday.
Although many of us on this site are EV fans, many also have problems with the price of the vehicle and the government involvement in GM.

I don’t take issue with someone who has a problem with the price of the Volt, though I think it’s fairly priced given what it is. And I don’t take issue with people who have a problem with government involvement with GM, though I thought the involvement necessary given the unique circumstances.

I do take issue with people, like George Will, who are willing make up facts (the Volt is the brainchild of the Obama Administration) and denigrate the technological achievements of the car (just another hybrid) in order to make some political points that have little to do with the car itself.

The country would be better off with more Volts and less George Will.

37

+1

BLIND GUY Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (6:05 pm)

Too me the big question is, how will GM respond to these awards? Will GM ramp up production faster now or remain on their current schedule?

38

+3

Mike-o-Matic Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (6:11 pm)

Mitch: Big difference from the Prius btw..I take the ICE out of the volt I can go 25-50 miles at any speed…no can do with the mighty P

You might even go considerably further than 50 miles, considering you’d reduce the vehicle’s weight by several hundred pounds!

Superb day for the Volt, with all this good press coming out!!

39

+2

User Name Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (6:12 pm)

Automobile of The Year?
Beautiful

40

nasaman Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (6:20 pm)

DonC: I do take issue with people, like George Will, who are willing make up facts (the Volt is the brainchild of the Obama Administration) and denigrate the technological achievements of the car (just another hybrid) in order to make some political points that have little to do with the car itself.

The country would be better off with more Volts and less George Will.

I agree Don! George Will strikes me as a classic case of a person who’s been SO successful in his career that he doesn’t need to make any “course corrections” in his trajectory. He’s omniscient, he’s infallible (in his own eyes), but he’s actually just jaded. We see it happen to politicians and to hollywood stars with regularity —it’s really unfortunate when it happens to someone we count on for the truth.

/Guess we can’t just lean back any more and “let George do it”!

41

-23

Darpa Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (6:21 pm)

(click to show comment)

If/When we learn that these announcements were “encouraged” the eve before the IPO to provide a positive PR boost all GM credibility will be lost. Were the Volts given to Mototrend and Automobile to evaluate production vehicles for sale to the public or not? Is there someone on here old enough to provide examples of another car that was chosen for a car of the year award before it made it to production?

I asked my stock advisor should I buy GM stock and he advised wait until the speculators take their short-terms gains before you risk your capital. In addition, he advised that I carefully read the prospectus to determine the sources of projected revenue to cover the GM and Opel franchises. Opel is a cost center at the moment and not generating positive income in a very competitive European market.

I wonder how many on this site will put their savings into GM shares. If they see the Volt as a long-term success I would expect millions coming from these site participants.

John: I too have watched the Volt since its introduction in 2007 Detroit Auto Show.I still miss the sharp lines of what looked like a beautiful 4-door Saturn Sky.I loved that look!But, I have come to like the look of the Production model but still miss that other look.I am more than a little suspicious of these two releases the day before the IPO.Smells a little of manipulation by GM and “Others” to inflate the upcoming stock prices.

42

-19

Darpa Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (6:33 pm)

(click to show comment)

Motortrend eligibility rules for car of the year.

To be eligible for the award, a car must be an “all-new” or “substantially upgraded” vehicle that has been on sale within 12 months from the previous November, vehicles that have been on sale for over five years are ineligible for the award)

43

+4

Dave4664 Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (6:54 pm)

Yet another fantastic day on our road away from oil dependency! The GM / Volt haters are writhing in agony! They know that the people they represent have been outsmarted by someone they had written off as “unimportant”….or “undistinguished”.
The more these trolls wine and name call….the more I know the Volt is on it’s way to certain success!
Good job GM! Keep it up! Lets see more thinking like whats inside the incredible Volt!

44

+4

Dave K. Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (7:03 pm)

AUTOMOBILE Magazine’s 2011 Automobile of the Year!

Having a very good time on Kauai. Spent the day BBQing chicken and fresh tuna to the back drop of waves crashing on the nearby rocks. Took the family on a plantation train ride as well. Now enjoying a mixed fruit sangria with pineapple chunks. Wife wants to head South to Salt Pond Beach to catch the sunset.

Awesome news on the awards for Chevrolet with the electric Volt!

=D-Volt

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+2

Noel Park Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (7:21 pm)

Same answers as to Motor Trend. Most excellent! Best regards to all.

LJGMVWOTR!!

46

+1

Roy H Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (7:23 pm)

What to you bet that EVERY Car Of The Year in the next few years will be Voltec technology, not necessarily from GM and when Voltec is beat out, it will be by a BEV.

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-38

kent beuchert Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (7:23 pm)

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First time I ever heard anyone praise the technology on the basis of a test drive. One always has the feeling that gearhead mags love it when the vehicles get complicated – really complicated.
Please, no one tell these non-engineers that the mark of excellent engineering is simplicity
and reliability, which the Volt is not. A more complicated and likely unreliable design , quite frankly, is neer impossible. If Rube Goldberg had built a car, Automobile would likely have called it a technological tour de force. Automobile magazine editors sure ain’t engineers. It’s funny they claimed a “new way to drive” as in, “Buddy, got a spare 120 outlet I could borrow for the next 12 hours?” I really don’t think they meant to be inadvertently funny.

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-27

EricLeGay Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (8:01 pm)

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lil le gay and no cumment and kunt booch and the other volt haters–time to come home to momma. i told you to stay home and keep the pius company. no wonder you have no friends and chapped palms. youve been recalled again–get home now lil boys

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+1

redeye Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (8:09 pm)

VERY GOOD !

Three cheers for Volt !

50

+15

Texas Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (8:29 pm)

Congratulations GM! All you engineers, planners, project managers, supporting executives, line workers, etc. did a fantastic job.

To all you inside GM that went against this project, criticized the vision, even tried to stop it, can you see it now? Can you see how this is so transformational to GM? The pride in the eyes of the employees? The pride in many Americans? That panic feelings from other countries?

Anyone still feel too much was spend on the Volt? That it is just a weak halo project for a few green credits?

It’s OK to admit how wrong you were. It is time to dream even bigger and move forward with new ways of doing things. Sustainable ways. As traditional transportation energy resources become more scarce and expensive, it will again be clear to you.

GM partnering with GE to be the new kings of future transportation. This is great for America and the rest of the world as the products go out to every market on earth. We need this, or we will face a slow economic death (if we are lucky that it goes smoothly).

Open your eyes and see the big picture. Open your eyes like you should have when Mr. Lutz first showed up with that napkin drawing of Volt. Oh how stupid you thought we was. Fortunately, he had the balls to make it happen. History in the making.

Thank you Mr. Lutz! Thank you Lyle!

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+8

Vincent Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (8:31 pm)

USA. USA. USA!!!

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+7

Texas Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (9:01 pm)

Constantin Ungureanu: …baseless rant… GM consistently stated that it was “not a hybrid” and that the engine would not find a path to the drive train — that was just a lie.

… the VOLT-hoax is too heavy (at 3900 lbs.) and has too high a center of gravity to drive like an EV. The VOLT-hoax drives like an oil-fired car, wallowing around corners and sluggish on acceleration.

But aside from the poor quality, bad design and crappy GM company, there’s another major problem with the VOLT-hoax.It doesn’t make economic sense.

$50K for 100,000 miles is 50 cents per mile. That’s more than 2 cents per mile by any shot, not counting fuel, oil changes, repairs and so on. With the tiny battery, you won’t get enough savings from plugging it in to pay for a solar system on your rooftop; in fact, you probably will forget to plug it in at all.

If you bought a Corolla, say, for $20,000, and drove it for 30,000 miles (1000 gallons of gas, or less than $5000) you would have the same experience for ONLY $25,000, HALF-PRICE!!Moreover, after only 30,000 miles, your Corolla would be worth about $15,000+ trade in.So the total cost of ownership of the VOLT-hoax would be MUCH MORE THAN TWICE the cost of a car that can’t plug-in.

http://money.cnn.com/2010/11/15/autos/motor_trend_car_of_the_year/

Now there’s an angry person! lol. I could go on with a rebuttal for each point. Make a point that he lied many times (like saying the Volt does not handle well when it won two “car of the year” awards that say it does), etc. but I don’t have to. All I have to do is point to real driving data.

Lyle is getting an average of around 186 mpg right now. Enough said.

P.S. to the author of that rant, please give us a graph of what you think the price of gas will be for the next ten years. Put it up on your wall and mark reality as you go. Then come back and let us know how economic the Volt is. BTW, do you like getting your miles from OPEC?

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+6

Hodginator Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (9:04 pm)

I find it hilarious that as the Volt becomes more and more popular that the trolls become more desperate. I’m almost expecting virtual fist pounding and tantrums tomorrow. To them I say quality and performance will always prevail!

This is another great day for the Volt and America. Congrats to GM and all of the people who made this game changing car a reality. With this news and the great reviews that have been released, I’m glad I ordered mine when I did.

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+1

Jake Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (9:07 pm)

Interesting choice of words from Automobile Magazine:

“Then, when the battery is depleted, they’ll mindlessly motor on; free of the limitations that accompanies pure electric vehicles.”

The word “mindlessly” is a REALLY poor choice. An EV/EREV should make a person think about what their driving on a certain level. Mindless driving is not a good thing on any level, environmental or otherwise. I don’t think this is the message that Automobile meant to send…bad word choice is all.

The dig at pure EVs is a little short-sighted too, though they DO of course have limitations.

These comments aside, well done Volt.

55

+1

Red HHR Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (9:18 pm)

Good news for “Global Motors” and I mean that in a good way.

Cheers

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+2

Tagamet Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (9:21 pm)

Jake: Interesting choice of words from Automobile Magazine:“Then, when the battery is depleted, they’ll mindlessly motor on; free of the limitations that accompanies pure electric vehicles.”The word “mindlessly” is a REALLY poor choice.An EV/EREV should make a person think about what their driving on a certain level.Mindless driving is not a good thing on any level, environmental or otherwise.I don’t think this is the message that Automobile meant to send…bad word choice is all.The dig at pure EVs is a little short-sighted too, though they DO of course have limitations.These comments aside, well done Volt.

Yeah, I noticed that word flubb. Maybe he just meant that you wouldn’t “mind” when the electrons ran out? (g). Or maybe he meant “seamlessly”?
A good day.

Be well,
Tagamet

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+5

pjkPA Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (9:23 pm)

Awards are nice… but the personal reports from everyday drivers are the most interesting and the best proof of success.

Three years ago these same magazines didn’t have much good to say and not much encouragement for the Volt.

Now that they are jumping on the band wagon…That is a good thing..but I will still just come to this site for updates on the Volt and experiences from every day drivers like Lyle.

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+1

Dan Durston Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (9:36 pm)

Sweet….hopefully GM will 10x the production.

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+1

LRGVProVolt Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (9:39 pm)

Jake: “Then, when the battery is depleted, they’ll mindlessly motor on; free of the limitations that accompanies pure electric vehicles.”

is a metaphor that puts the freedom from range anxiety in perspective; the difference being that with a BEV one will always wonder if and when the remaining range given by the batteries SOC will be sufficient to reach ones destination, a thought that the EREV owner needn’t have at all.

The BEV owner will frequently be free of such fear for most drives out into the world but will never know when that moment comes that the BEV will not be able to reach that destination. Only when the occasion happens will they truly realize what is meant by it.

So the EREV owners can be mindless since they will never experience the feeling of range anxiety.

Not a bad thought at all!

Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.

60

BLIND GUY Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (10:12 pm)

#44 Dave K Having a very good time on Kauai. Spent the day BBQing chicken and fresh tuna to the back drop of waves crashing on the nearby rocks. Took the family on
a plantation train ride as well. Now enjoying a mixed fruit sangria with pineapple chunks. Wife wants to head South to Salt Pond Beach to catch the sunset.

We went to the “Garden Island” for the first time last June for a week. I highly recommend the catamaran sunset tour, 5 hours there starting on the south side, just be prepared to get alittle wet on the way. The Dolphin restaurant near Hanalei bay has the best fish I’ve ever tasted. Enjoy, and watch out for the chickens.

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+3

stuey81_in_australia Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (10:12 pm)

lutz`s napkin belongs in a museum, anyone ever seen it?

stuey

62

crew Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (10:25 pm)

Tagamet:
Yeah, I noticed that word flubb. Maybe he just meant that you wouldn’t “mind” when the electrons ran out? (g). Or maybe he meant “seamlessly”?
A good day.Be well,
Tagamet

Me too, but I’m reasoning that the intent was to give credit to the Volt as an EREV without insulting any BEV. Try substituting another idea like driving without “range anxiety”. I would guess that the author deliberately avoided using that phrase since it promotes the Volt at the expense of casting a negative shadow on Nissan’s Leaf. It’s a credit to the Volt that the car, as advanced as it is, just drives on like you’re with a good friend and feeling no pressure to mind anything at all.
I’ve read Automobile for quite a while, since DED, Jr. started it. I can see how the author is casually using the word mindlessly to mean “not a care in the world”, not to insult a Volt driver as not having a mind to own one.

Mindlessly refers to the act of driving outside of the magazines performance standards. The fact that the Volt is honored with their best award speaks volumes above that term.

The article itself notes that the Volt doesn’t really stand out as much of a typical performance car that enthusiasts would seek out. There’s no throaty exhaust note, no sharp shifting manual tranny, and no need to measure high lateral g forces. The beauty of the car is what we all here have been noting since GM-Volt day one; it’s a technical masterpiece. Automobile magazine has revealed what we already know.

These guys didn’t mindlessly give out this award.

63

nasaman Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (10:25 pm)

stuey81_in_australia: lutz`s napkin belongs in a museum, anyone ever seen it?

stuey

No, Stuey …I’m clueless! How about giving us either a pic or a link?

/”Napkin” couldn’t be another word for neck tie to you Aussies, could it?

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+3

Tagamet Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (10:45 pm)

crew: …The beauty of the car is what we all here have been noting since GM-Volt day one; it’s a technical masterpiece. Automobile magazine has revealed what we already know.

These guys didn’t mindlessly give out this award.

Amen and well-said. Although we (all of us here) still have a ton of proselytizing to do (read educating), I’m certain that once GM gets people’s butts in the seats for a test drive, everything else will fall into place.
I honestly believe that the only one that can hinder the Volt’s success is GM! If they don’t make this product *available* in (at least) adequate numbers, it WILL NOT see the success it deserves. GM can make this a self-fulfilling prophesy of failure, simply by limiting availability. If they claim that there simply wasn’t the demand there, – to excuse low production numbers, – they will be right!
Please GM, pull the trigger.

Be well,
Tagamet

65

Tagamet Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (10:49 pm)

nasaman: stuey81_in_australia: lutz`s napkin belongs in a museum, anyone ever seen it?

stuey

No, Stuey …I’m clueless! How about giving us either a pic or a link?

/”Napkin” couldn’t be another word for neck tie to you Aussies, could it?

Maximum Bob referred to the napkin in his speech back at VoltNation I, but I don’t know if he was being literal. *If* it exists, it really should be in the Smithsonian (or at least Ebay).

Be well,
Tagamet

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+1

crew Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (11:05 pm)

Tagamet:

I honestly believe that the only one that can hinder the Volt’s success is GM!

That’s a scary thought but too true!
I hope that these two awards point GM in the direction of making more Volt’s and getting into production some of those Voltec variants we’ve seen concepts of. I hope that the CEO support of the Volt puts the drivetrain into as many price ranges as is possible and gets them out there.
Come on, GM, do it!

67

Tagamet Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (11:09 pm)

crew:
That’s a scary thought but too true!
I hope that these two awards point GM in the direction of making more Volt’s and getting into production some of those Voltec variants we’ve seen concepts of. I hope that the CEO support of the Volt puts the drivetrain into as many price ranges as is possible and gets them out there.
Come on, GM, do it!

At the very least, the awards should make ignoring the Volt a lot harder! (lol).

Be well,
Tagamet
/Night all.

68

MichaelH Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (11:16 pm)

Tagamet:
Maximum Bob referred to the napkin in his speech back at VoltNation I, but I don’t know if he was being literal. *If* it exists, it really should be in the Smithsonian (or at least Ebay).Be well,
Tagamet

I might be mistaken, but I thought it was Jon Lauckner’s napkin where he sketched out the EREV concept to Bob Lutz.

69

nasaman Says

Nov 16th, 2010 (11:38 pm)

MichaelH: Tagamet:
Maximum Bob referred to the napkin in his speech back at VoltNation I, but I don’t know if he was being literal. *If* it exists, it really should be in the Smithsonian (or at least Ebay).Be well,
Tagamet

I might be mistaken, but I thought it was Jon Lauckner’s napkin where he sketched out the EREV concept to Bob Lutz.

Good grief! After all those napkins I sketched ideas out on in the various lunchrooms during my career, how could I have missed the obvious?! You guys are right! Stuey had to be thinking about the “EREV idea” napkin! I must be tired, guys, so I’m gonna kick in the towel (not the napkin) for tonite!

/I certainly agree, after seeing a huge glass case in the British Museum full of original Beatles’ lyrics scribbled on envelopes & other scraps of paper, that if such a napkin exists it belongs at the Smithsonian!

//Here’s hoping I don’t dream that we’re in for a repeat of the EV-1 fiasco, where everyone LOVED the car but GM couldn’t make money on it, so the bean counters won; if that were to happen with the Volt, I doubt anyone on earth would want GM to remain in business!!!

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hayley Says

Nov 17th, 2010 (12:01 am)

Only the second of many. Bring it!

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+5

demetrius Says

Nov 17th, 2010 (12:09 am)

No Hollywood writer could come up with a better story that what has happened with GM and the Volt over the last 4 years. We had such a long ride up to this point – and we don’t even have the inside story. But the final chapter is being written – Car of the Year – Car of the decade – Car of the new millennium. The accolades will now begin the flood in and Hollywood will come for their share of new Volts.

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+7

greenWin Says

Nov 17th, 2010 (12:22 am)

Hodginator: I find it hilarious that as the Volt becomes more and more popular that the trolls become more desperate. I’m almost expecting virtual fist pounding and tantrums tomorrow. To them I say quality and performance will always prevail!

So true Hodginator! Trolls, naysayers, misanthropes, haters of USA, all find themselves squirming like worms on a hook about to be devoured by big fish. It all started with Telsa’s heart thumping Roadster which made Bob Lutz mad with competitive spirit. Now GM has proven the naysayers WRONG. Their star vehicle is a HUGE HIT, their IPO is in such high demand its price has gone up TWICE before being issued!!

And the focus of attention – the VOLT – is truly a game changing technology that will make the world a better place. Thanks to the Chevy Volt Team, Bob Lutz, Tesla Motors, and all the good people who have backed this venture from the very beginning. That’s you Lyle and the strong willed regulars who have enlisted here.

Onward!

73

-17

Stan Says

Nov 17th, 2010 (12:28 am)

(click to show comment)

A couple of things I don’t understand: It is not competitive in price, the car still needs to charge using either oil, coal or gas & I have to support everyone who purchases the car with the over $7,000 in incentives…who’s the winner here?

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+6

Matthew B Says

Nov 17th, 2010 (12:49 am)

Stan: A couple of things I don’t understand: …the car still needs to charge using either oil, coal or gas

I intend to charge the car with a mix of hydropower, nuclear and coal.

All domestic.

Stan: who’s the winner here

All of us as the use of foreign oil decreases.

75

+2

ed Says

Nov 17th, 2010 (2:56 am)

I hope being named car of the year doesn’t jinx the volt but it will definitely spur interest and sales. Good job GM

76

George McDermand Says

Nov 17th, 2010 (8:08 am)

As former owners of a Ford EV Ranger our family is quite aware of the advantages of a pure electric. Although we wish the Volt well, I will never forgive GM for the EV-1 fiasco and for selling the patent rights of the Nimh battery to Texaco which pulled it off the market. We tried to buy or lease an EV-1 for years, and were given the run around constantly. Sorry I just don’t trust GM.
Car of the Year, yes. A new GM? we’ll see.

77

+2

Texas Says

Nov 17th, 2010 (8:55 am)

George McDermand,

George McDermand: Asformer owners of a Ford EV Ranger our family is quite aware of the advantages of a pure electric. Although we wish the Volt well, I will never forgive GM for the EV-1 fiasco and for selling the patent rights of the Nimh battery to Texaco which pulled it off the market. We tried to buy or lease an EV-1 for years, and were given the run around constantly. Sorry I just don’t trust GM.
Car of the Year, yes. A new GM? we’ll see.

It’s OK not to forget but not to forgive only builds inner conflict. May the first man who has not sinned cast the first stone (or something like that).

78

-5

George McDermand Says

Nov 17th, 2010 (9:51 am)

Texas,

I hope I am wrong but with success comes hubris–then foolishness.

79

+2

jeffhre Says

Nov 17th, 2010 (6:08 pm)

Stan,

The winner. You, and each and every person not so caught up in idealogical dogma they don’t notice a clear victory.

Support for new technologies has a long history which has paid off in the trillions by expanding our economy by billions every year. Building the infrastructure to compete with alternatives developed during 100 years of refinement is expensive. Being competitive industrially and not sending supertankers stuffed with cash to the middle east is essentially priceless. Just one small victory perhaps. It may not excite you as much as cell phones and big screen TV’s but it gets us moving down the road.

80

+2

Matt Says

Nov 17th, 2010 (10:50 pm)

Constantin Ungureanu: Unlike the 2011 Chevrolet Volt range-extended electric car, it has no onboard gasoline engine to provide power beyond its electric range.http://www.greencarreports.com/blog/1051305_2011-nissan-leaf-roundtable-high-gear-media-editors-weigh-in (Quote) (Reply)

Ah, I had a feeling this guy was a Nissan Leaf fanboy. You could tell by the way he was talking in his previous post, although I also thought he might have been a Prius fan as well. He probably works for Nissan or Toyota, and is upset that the Volt won both the Motortrend and Automobile magazine awards.

81

alternotre Says

Nov 19th, 2010 (5:29 pm)

Hello from France.

How can I say ?
This is not too bad but GM can do better !!!

A French “monospace” C4 Citroen Picasso runs with a regular diesel engine.
For 140 hp approx you have a fuel consumption of 4.1 litre per 100 Km.

On board Volt Generator has a consumption of about 7,3 litre per 100 km !!!

If you want to run an generator Diesel is the best choice you can make.
And you can even use algae raw vegetable oil in it !!!

America is back… It’s a good thing…
But you can do better, for sure !!!

82

Allen Says

Nov 21st, 2010 (7:50 am)

As the freelance car designer of the Chevy Volt as well as many other cars, I must tell you that I left out some major and minor components to this car.

A diesel engine to run the generator would be A much better choice. The Mazda Sky diesel engine would be the must have engine to run the Volt.

The engine that they sell it with can be made about 20% more efficient for less than eight hundred dollars.

Still waiting to see if GM pays me for my designs. If they do pay! Then you will see a much improved Volt in the coming years.

We’ll just have to wait and see if they want to continue working with the designer of the F22 Raptor and the Bugatti Veyron etc..

Until then, enjoy your Voltus Maximus! Beep, Beep!

54,982 people support the Volt!

GM-VOLT : Chevy Volt Electric Car Site

Chevrolet Volt Named Automobile Magazine 2011 Automobile of the Year

COMMENTS: 82

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