Chevrolet has just released a video of a new 30 second 2011 Chevy Volt television commercial.
The ad is minimalistic and centers around a plain 120-v household socket sitting in a garage.
Narrator Tim Allen talks in a soothing manner to the simple socket advising it to “breathe, just breathe.” The premise is the little socket now has a very important if not intimidating job to do recharging the Chevrolet Volt with its athletic looks, instant torque and 100 mile per hour top speed.
Allen tells the socket any one of them can do the job of recharging the Volt for about $1.50 per day.
“It’s a big step up from the leafblower,” he adds.
It is a short, simple, sweet and cute commercial that really tells the whole important story of the Volt in a nutshell.
More ads, more demand, less gas.
See the ad below:
This is now the second national ad spot GM has created for the Volt. The first one, called Anthem, that appeared during the World Series is below:
This entry was posted on Saturday, December 4th, 2010 at 6:10 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.
+18
Dec 4th, 2010 (6:44 am)I can’t believe I’m first! GM: Please triple production of the Volt. I don’t want to wait forever for mine.
And please, Please, PLEASE make the MPV version!!
+11
Dec 4th, 2010 (6:49 am)Instead of spending $$$ on ads, GM has a hot product in Volt …spend the $$$ on increasing production ….sigh
+9
Dec 4th, 2010 (6:57 am)Ads drum up business to sell the product, however, isn’t there already a line of people waiting for it already? Build them, and they will sell!
(Impatiently waiting)
+11
Dec 4th, 2010 (6:58 am)Much better commercial then the “Runs Deep” line. Tells what the Volt does simply and directly, good choice GM.
+9
Dec 4th, 2010 (7:12 am)I like it. Simple and straight to the point.
Tim Allen does a nice job too.
+1
Dec 4th, 2010 (7:16 am)I guess I’m not like some DIY people out there. I make sure any visible fasteners are aligned. There is no excuse for a screw slot to be off kilter or a cover plate to be out of plumb.
At least the wall is painted, eh Lyle?
Seriously though. These ads are getting better and better.
+6
Dec 4th, 2010 (7:26 am)Since the 2011 year is sold out… maybe it’s time to start advertising and making the MPV5?
+5
Dec 4th, 2010 (7:31 am)its better for GM to make less no. of volts in the first half year and then dramatically increase production. this will give them enough adequate info about consumers response and reduce the impact of recalls and other problems if there were any accidents and quality issues to occur.
+6
Dec 4th, 2010 (7:58 am)As long as an electric outlet is going to be the star, I still like better the portfolio commercial that Sekretagent and WilliamMorris Agency did in 2008 using the blue mockup Volt from the Transformers movie. And a monkey. And stiletto heels
.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmPa40TbwrY
Now *that’s* a commercial!
+1
Dec 4th, 2010 (8:32 am)Both adds were removed by the Chinese Government .
They always do this to all ads on English links .
+6
Dec 4th, 2010 (8:48 am)I guess I am with some of the others here.
Why advertise a product you can’t buy????
The best advertising would be Volts on the road, owned by early adopters that love to talk about the state of the art products they own!!!!!
Hint to GM: Hello – The middle of the country thinks the Volt is cool too, and we have money to spend as well…………..
NPNS
Have outlet – ready for EREV in Ohio!
+4
Dec 4th, 2010 (8:49 am)Cute reference to a Leaf.
+1
Dec 4th, 2010 (8:52 am)“Big step up from the leaf blower”? “LEAF” “BLOW”er?
+6
Dec 4th, 2010 (8:54 am)My Volt production week is 12/13/2010.
I feel like I’m in a 1979 ketchup commercial. “Anticipation”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoLoyg3JKRQ
NPNS!
+2
Dec 4th, 2010 (8:55 am)I don’t understand why they are spending money on advertising the Volt if it will be a year before they go into full production.
+7
Dec 4th, 2010 (8:58 am)GM seems to be getting its act together now. Low cost ads in high priced spots. Create Buzz, create demand, limit supply, keep pricing high, make profit. Looks like a good plan. We first adopters can provide the feedback needed for Gen2.
Trying to explain the Voltec Drive in a commercial would be tough and confusing to the general public. GM needs to keep showing the plug and giving the image as the only car a household needs. Implicitly sell against the Leaf with images of carefree driving range based on electric fuel. A Leaf would work for me to get to work, but I would need a second car for weekends. The Volt is all in one!
Anxiously awaiting my Silver Ice VIN #63!
+3
Dec 4th, 2010 (8:59 am)…I would have had Tim say, “It’s a big step up from the Leaf Blower, and it’s got LOTS MORE POWEEERRRRR! …HARGH, HARGH, HARGH!”*
*/A Tim Allen “trademark remark” that adds some real humor, right?
Dec 4th, 2010 (9:00 am)The ad is very simplistic and to the point! Well done. Now if they could only get that screw aligned!
+8
Dec 4th, 2010 (9:02 am)I love the fact that Tim Allen is the voice of Chevrolet! For everyone with small children or Disney/Pixar Fans we now have the voice of Buzz Lightyear doing the VOLT ad!!
+5
Dec 4th, 2010 (9:11 am)As much as I would Love to own a Volt, the price tag is too dear for my pockets at this time. Maybe it’s good to have production down for now until GM can get production costs down a tad (high 20′s to breaking 30k). Volt may beat the pants off Prius in design and features, but we can pick up a Prius for ~25k and get pretty good mileage, or buy a Cruze for under 20k, still support GM, AND get great mileage. Right now the Volt is for people with reserve cash or sheer determination to own one.
+1
Dec 4th, 2010 (9:12 am)____________________________________________________________________
Like
____________________________________________________________________
+1
Dec 4th, 2010 (9:15 am)It can take time for new products to become main stream. By advertising now, more time is given to think about a product. The technique has worked well for Apple, where Steve Jobs demonstrated the iPhone six months before it could be purchased and they had that video running on the web site daily before the first sale.
How will GM know what the demand is, unless people see the product, even if it isn’t available. Isn’t that what concept cars are about? Ever since the Volt concept was shown, we have enjoyed posting comments daily for years, clearly indicating our interest and excitement for the Volt.
+6
Dec 4th, 2010 (9:35 am)If they have not done it already, GM should make an ad that shows a Volt driving past a Tesla or other “ordinary” electric car, stranded along the highway with a dead battery. Mr Allen could then say: “When other “ORDINARY” electric cars run out of juice…..the Chevy Volt just keeps on going”. Do not hold back GM……CRUSH the competition.
+2
Dec 4th, 2010 (9:35 am)The timing is right for this ad, since the nation is covered with autumn leaves and leaf blowers are out in force. However, when I think of a leaf blower, the noise of gas operated models comes to mind. So the quiet operation of the electric Volt is a big step up from noisy ICE vehicles as well.
+36
Dec 4th, 2010 (9:40 am)I would like to see an ad with all the awards lined up on a table.
And as the camera pans slowly down the table Tim Allen announces each one.
“Chevrolet Volt: Motor Trend Magazine 2011 Car of the Year.
Chevrolet Volt: Automobile Magazine: 2011 Automobile of the Year.
Chevrolet Volt: Car and Driver Magazine: 10 Best Cars of 2011.
Chevrolet Volt: Green Car Journal: 2011 Green Car of the Year.”
At the end of the table the camera moves to a glistening new Volt.
And he says, “Chevrolet Volt. Find out what all the excitement is about”.
+3
Dec 4th, 2010 (9:46 am)Sorry….ran out of “edit time” while “multitasking”…..
If they have not done it already, GM should make an ad that shows a Volt driving past a Tesla…. or some other other “ordinary” electric car, stranded along the highway with a dead battery. Mr Allen could then say: “When other…. “ORDINARY” electric cars run out of juice…..the Chevy Volt just keeps on going”. Do not hold back GM……CRUSH the competition. They would do the same thing to you given the chance!
+1
Dec 4th, 2010 (9:56 am)Don’t mess with Tesla. With the 300 mile range Model S, they might get Energizer to supply the batteries, just to associate the car with this popular bunny.
+1
Dec 4th, 2010 (10:01 am)Loboc,
Loboc @ 6:
Ha Ha! I thought the same thing. Turn that screw and make it straight! I’m the same way as you Loboc.
Are we better than other people, or do we need to just get a life?
Hmmmm… I think you and I know the answer.
+15
Dec 4th, 2010 (10:03 am)The electronic freeway sign at our auto center is the old fashioned white bulbs on a black background. Each dealer gets 7 ‘frames’ per brand and then they rotate.
Anyway, Nissan uses 1 frame that says in small type: 100% Electric 0% Emissions – The 2011 Nissan Leaf.
I’m using 2 frames. The first frame has in BIG type: “The Electric Car with Extended Range”
Second frame: 2011 Chevy VOLT (using the VOLT logo really big)
There’s no point to the story. I just think ours is more impressive. Like the car.
+2
Dec 4th, 2010 (10:04 am)Totally agree that GM needs to tout the hardware it has won in recent days, methinks as a tag to any and all spots.
That being said, I love this ad for reasons stated above.
I will only add that while early adopters like those who comment here are sold on the car, remember comments in previous posts about friends and family members who have no clue what the Volt is all about. My guess, that equals 90% of the motoring public.
GM has to set these people up once the early adapters are exhausted, and it can’t wait until that point.
In the end, this is a high stakes gamble by a company that almost ceased to exist a year ago. It can’t take chances on making money off of a relatively small universe(EV, EREV aficianados) and then calling it a day.
+2
Dec 4th, 2010 (10:05 am)They would be better served by showing a Volt gliding past a Prius filling up at a gas station with comments like “remember when we used to have to do that once a week”. That is the meat of the market segment for this car that GM should concentrate on, IMO, not try to convince an unknown or minute market that they are too scared to trust a battery.
+4
Dec 4th, 2010 (10:06 am)mikeinatl.,
+10 !!!! That would be AWESOME.
Dec 4th, 2010 (10:08 am)CG,
Great idea but I wonder if the term ‘extended range’ is still a bit ‘inside baseball’ for people who know little about electric cars.
I still think the best, most direct message is: “The electric car that goes farther”
+1
Dec 4th, 2010 (10:13 am)I think GM is assuming that the Volt will be popular in the same areas as the Prius, and the middle of the country hasn’t been a good market for the Prius. But I’m guessing that the Volt will have wider appeal and that the middle of the country may be more ready to embrace the Volt.
One quick way to tell would be to know how many Prius owners have signed up for the Volt. For the Leaf it’s 80% or something crazy like that. That tells you the market for the Leaf will be the market for the Prius. If it’s 20% for the Volt that would be a telling statistic and a good indication that the Volt would be popular nationwide.
-15
Dec 4th, 2010 (10:21 am)(click to show comment)
Dec 4th, 2010 (10:36 am)OT/
4 is becoming a popular number…
http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2010/12/02/flying-car-company-terrafugia-is-developing-military-vehicles/?KEYWORDS=Terrafugia
+15
Dec 4th, 2010 (10:47 am)I’ve sold 12 so far. The money that they put down was real enough. So, you must be here to join the troll brigade.
+2
Dec 4th, 2010 (10:58 am)I hear your pain. No doubt everyone here (well maybe most everyone except for our friends the Prius advocates) would love to have more Volts coming off the production lines and be able to just head down to the Chevy dealer and pick one up for Christmas! That would be, as Tag says, true VOLTMAS!
Waiting is a drag.
+2
Dec 4th, 2010 (10:58 am)Spending money to go worldwide with advertising? GM is not manufacturing the MPV5 or the Converj. And has a 7 month wait on 2012 Volts.
This will create a demand for EV which GM doesn’t have in inventory to sell. Buyers will tend to search for what is available. Good news for Nissan, Tesla, Ford, and BYD.
should be: create stock ~ advertise ~ sell ~ create stock ~ advertise ~ sell
not: create stock ~ sell ~ advertise ~ create stock
=D-Volt
+2
Dec 4th, 2010 (11:01 am)Nice little spot – although one could argue that they hardly need to advertise at all, given the fact that they’ve sold every Volt before it has hit the showroom.
+5
Dec 4th, 2010 (11:06 am)
Dec 4th, 2010 (11:20 am)Seems like a questionable use of ad dollars to promote demand that you can’t fulfill. Better to develop ads that try to create “rub-off” for other Chevy products, while taking advantage of the tremendous engineering leap GM has made with the Volt.
+1
Dec 4th, 2010 (11:22 am)I like koz suggestion. A view of the Volt driving pass a Prius filling up with gas. Do not try to put down the Leaf (room for both in the market), the Prius is the real competition.
Dec 4th, 2010 (11:44 am)I would like an add with all the electric vehicles driving down the highway together. Then the Leaf drops off on the side of the road. The Volt driver stops and asks can he call on On Star to get help? There is no cell service.
This repeats for the Tesla.
And the Volt goes on and on. HOOAhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
+3
Dec 4th, 2010 (11:46 am)Bingo!!
The Volt represents a huge change. As such, no one really knows what the demand will be–just look at the wildly divergent estimates of electric vehicle future sales. So, time for someone to find out.
And the halo effect is hopefully worth it all by itself–a badly damaged company saying, hey, we’re a new car co. now, with new products and new approaches. It’s ALL good.
+2
Dec 4th, 2010 (11:51 am)Thank God we have freedom of speech in America!
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.
+2
Dec 4th, 2010 (11:53 am)It struck me the same way, JohnK. Now we can wait to see what Nissan will do about this stinger of an ad.
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.
Dec 4th, 2010 (11:55 am)Hint!
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again>
+4
Dec 4th, 2010 (11:57 am)I love it. Keep hit’in us with your realism, CVGuy.
Dec 4th, 2010 (11:57 am)Maybe the first wave of advertising should simply hi-lite the differences between the Volt and everything else? Start with efficiency of a motor scooter, quiet of a high end luxury sedan, garage refueling, good power and solid handling, hi tech NAV and voice infotainment.
Available in July of 2011?
NPNS
+1
Dec 4th, 2010 (12:02 pm)I am wondering if all of these ads are going to come back to bite GM in the butt when people begin to realize they can’t get them because there’s 200,000 people signed up ahead of them for Volts that GM isn’t planning to produce until 2016. Get ready for people to start screaming conspiracy with the oil companies again, or accusing them of green washing, I’ve already heard people gripe about GM flaunting a car they are building in token amounts.
Dec 4th, 2010 (12:13 pm)I’m in the same boat as you are, TimD. But the only way GM will bring down the price is with high production: that is why GM is continuing with the new Ads. With much higher production volume, the fixed costs of plant operation will be spread over the greater number produced: economy of scale will be what lowers the price.
In my recent discussions with people at meetings, there are still approximately 75% who know little or nothing about the Volt. Recently more of them have mentioned the LeafBlower before listening to what I have to tell them about the Volt. GM is wise in continuing with ads such as this one, which is informative and reaches out to those individuals who know more about the Leaf than they do about the Volt.
Go GM! Go Volt!
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.
Dec 4th, 2010 (12:14 pm)Could I possibly interest you in some wonderful OCD medication? (lol). Funny, the first think *I* noticed was the wall plate face’s dimple.
Be well and believe,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!
Dec 4th, 2010 (12:17 pm)I think that the Bunny would take a sledge hammer to the Volt, if he saw such an ad.
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.
+8
Dec 4th, 2010 (12:18 pm)Terrific idea for an ad.
Here’s an idea for another ad — I think GM ought to be bold and directly confront the lingering ‘Who Killed the Electric Car’ image. Done well, they could effectively bury the past and totally update their image into something positive…… come up with a ‘heritage’ ad showing the EV1 and Volt driving together side by side to start, with the EV1 breaking off and fading to a stop as the Volt continues motoring on…. there would be several messages coming out of such an ad –
~ GM has past experience with electric cars
~ The Volt goes beyond what GM has done before (and, implied, what Nissan is trying to offer now)
~ As the Volt drives on and the past (symbolized by the EV1) fades into the background, the Volt’s stand alone uniqueness; its historical significance are visually conveyed as it drives us on towards our future.
+4
Dec 4th, 2010 (12:19 pm)Excellent point! And just like Buzz, the mileage can be “To Infinity, and beyond!!”
Be well and believe,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!
+1
Dec 4th, 2010 (12:22 pm)I gave up my yard gas burner a long time ago. There are many lawn tools operated by battery now. I wish they would begin to use better batteries. My neighbors really appreciate how quiet they are and I smile each time thinking about not using gasoline to do my lawn chores.
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.
Dec 4th, 2010 (12:28 pm)They sort of already have, with all the ‘no tailpipe, zero emissions’ hype. Maybe a bit more above the belt, but still a jab.
+1
Dec 4th, 2010 (12:29 pm)Although I agree with the sentiment, “CRUSH” is *not* a word that should appear in any GM EV ads. Too many wounds still ooze from the EV1, which has reached Urban Legend status over the years. I know that it’s not rational, but it is what it is. JMO.
Be well and believe,
Tagamet
/Lyle, any chance that we could open an OCD wing here at gm-volt.com? (lol) I’m sure that they’d get that garage wall painted AND straighten the shelf that’s a bit off.
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!
Dec 4th, 2010 (12:36 pm)oops, “think” = “thing”. Sorry, it wasn’t intentional.
Be well and believe,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get The VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!
Dec 4th, 2010 (12:38 pm)The current Prius is not in the same class as the Volt or the Leaf! The only competitor that Volt has is the Nissan Leaf; therefore this ad.
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.
P.S. Albeit your suggestion would be a good ad to compete against the upcoming Prius.
+2
Dec 4th, 2010 (12:44 pm)It is a “lowly” socket facing the daunting task of charging the Volt. The crooked screw, and dimples make the socket more believable for it’s role.
Most of my outlet screws are straight though, does that mean when I go out to the garage I can stop giving them a pep talk about my future EV?
Dec 4th, 2010 (12:45 pm)Actually, it’s more :
sell ~ advertise ~ sell ~ advertise
since they won’t manufacture enough to create stock anytime soon.
+1
Dec 4th, 2010 (12:54 pm)I love it. “Guess who resurrected the electric car … and came up with a brilliant idea so your car will always bring you anywhere you need to go – no matter the distance”.
Talk about a leader that others copy (Fisker) or will copy soon…
Dec 4th, 2010 (12:59 pm)Trying to compare the Leaf to the Volt is like tring to compare apples to oranges. They are the same type of vehicle. The Leaf is about limintations. with the leaf you have to plan your outings and drive distance. Like this country, the Volt is about freeedom, freedom to do what you want to do, and go when you want to go.
+1
Dec 4th, 2010 (1:01 pm)Step up from the LEAF blower…
Pretty good line…
Dec 4th, 2010 (1:12 pm)OCD much?
+8
Dec 4th, 2010 (1:12 pm)GM’s first EV was out of this World…
+1
Dec 4th, 2010 (1:15 pm)LRGVProVolt,
I think Chevy has the right idea with the notion of “more car than electric.” To position the Volt against the Leaf and Tesla is to say “this car you don’t know about is better than these other cars you don’t know about.” To have broad adoption in the overall auto market, the Volt is going to ultimately have to compete well in terms of perception against the broad array of cars its size and price — not just the plug-ins or BEVs.
Dec 4th, 2010 (1:16 pm)Just remember that Tesla you refer to with the 300 mile batt and common options will be priced over $80k
Dec 4th, 2010 (1:25 pm)Why not? The reason for not producing more Volts for sale here in the USA and Canada must be that the T batteries are heading East to Europe for use in the Ampera. What other reason can there be with The 2011 Car of The Year title?
=D-Volt
Dec 4th, 2010 (1:49 pm)In advertising a product that they can’t even supply, GM will most likely aggravate potential buyers that would like to buy one. I’m not certain how it works in the US, but in Canada, ads like that would be frowned upon, and could possibly land GM in trouble in some provinces. Advertizind something that you can’t provide can be considered misleading.
The earlier comparison to Apple isn’t really valid. Apple had a specific release date planned when they did the announcement of the iPhone, and they had LOTS to sell on that date, so anyone who pre-ordered one would have on at launch or shortly thereafter.
As for the competition to the Volt being mainly the Prius, I’m not entirely certain. The Prius is a bore to drive, and many drivers (including myself) will not put up with that. If I can’t get a Volt before my current car dies, I’ll be buying a VW Golf TDI.
Luc
Dec 4th, 2010 (1:59 pm)Dave4664,
Dave,
Volt and Tesla are not currently competing. And since electrification is a good thing – no EV/PHEV need be “crushed.” There are 150M cars in this country alone that need be converted to electric vehicles. Plenty of market to go around.
Dec 4th, 2010 (2:08 pm)It’s amazing how many perceive the car market existing in a vacuum. Just 2 years ago the 3 wheel Aptera was the darling of the EV culture. Today it’s the Volt. A year from now the public will see 8 or 9 new EV models from manufacturers big and small. The Volt and Ampera will continue do well. But, inter manufacture competition never rests.
=D-Volt
+2
Dec 4th, 2010 (2:23 pm)Thanks Vette Guy,
I wonder how long it has been since GM, or any car company for that matter, has won so many prestigious awards for a newly introduced car.
I’m very proud of the whole GM team, including the dealers who have supported Volt from the first.
I wish all GM dealers tremendous success with Volt and all those Voltect vehichles to come.
Those of us here on Lyle’s site know how important it is in so many ways.
(There are rumors of a Volt-in-the-wild here in Atlanta. Hope I get to see it sometime soon.)
Mike
Dec 4th, 2010 (2:23 pm)Er … if not just a bit obscene (or is it just me??).
Dec 4th, 2010 (2:28 pm)Lyle,
Are you able to fully charge the Volt while you are at work from the 120V outlet you had installed there? If you are not leaving work fully charged, I wonder if nearly all of your days would be totally “gasoline free” if you had access to a 240V charger at work? Have you looked into the cost?
O.jeff
+2
Dec 4th, 2010 (2:29 pm)Thank God! Things should really get interesting in the next few years.
Be well and believe,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get Enough VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!
+2
Dec 4th, 2010 (2:32 pm)Thanks Stuart,
I like your ad idea a lot.
Who knows how many GM marketing folks are looking at our suggestions.
It would be a great thrill to see one of our suggested ads on the Super Bowl in a few weeks.
(They can just forward the “creative” fees to Lyle and he will get them to us, I’m sure. LOL)
GO VOLT!
Mike
-5
Dec 4th, 2010 (2:35 pm)I like it, the commercial does a great job highlighting the Volt is a true E-REV, not Prius re-do as most Americans believe. Simple, short and to the point.
mikeinatl.,
I’m not sure I’d go tauting those awards quite yet, maybe wait till we’re a little further into 2011.
-8
Dec 4th, 2010 (2:57 pm)OK we now have all the criticisms on the table:
1. No one wants to buy this abomination which GM only made because it was ordered to by its government overlords.
2. It’s priced too high so no one can afford to buy one
3. GM can’t make to satisfy demand so it shouldn’t advertise it
Ba ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!
Dec 4th, 2010 (3:21 pm)#3
Right! +1
+1
Dec 4th, 2010 (4:01 pm)Tough room today. They can’t tell sarcasm when they see it.
+1
Dec 4th, 2010 (4:07 pm)$1.50?
It will only cost me $1.03 to recharge (assuming 12.9kwh).
Everyday? Not likely. Only if i drive 40 miles that day.
+8
Dec 4th, 2010 (4:17 pm)Have you guys seen the Ampera version?
+1
Dec 4th, 2010 (4:20 pm)I strongly disagree. The Prius sales are about 140K annually. Nissan has yet to sell a Leaf, will only make about 20k in 2011, and it is limited in range. All 3 are 5-door hatchbacks and will be competing for the same market segment (small, low/no gas consumption, practical). I see GM converting a LOT more would be Prius (or other hybrid, small luxury) buyers than Leaf buyers. For one there are a LOT more of them but I also think the Volt’s attributes “sell” better against the higher gas utilization vehicles. I don’t see many serious Leaf buyers not understanding that the car has range limitations.
+3
Dec 4th, 2010 (4:30 pm)It’s called branding.
Chevy is showing off what it’s capable of. Whether you want a Volt or not, it will make an impression on you about GM & Chevy.
+1
Dec 4th, 2010 (4:35 pm)I agree the Volt can attract all low gas consumption conscious consumers, including those that would not otherwise buy a Prius. Actually, the Volt may be an even better fit for those buyers that are not enamored with the Prius’ style and performance. I do believe, however, that if GM polled the 200k hand wavers for the Volt about which cars they are/were considering alongside the Volt for their next purchase, the Prius would be by far the most commonly named.
+1
Dec 4th, 2010 (4:41 pm)Motorweek Group Discusses EV…
- Plugs Chevy Volt into 110 socket and takes out the house power
- Group feels Nissan Leaf handles better than Chevy Volt
- Group consensus: The Volt is a hybrid
- “GM keeps changing it’s tune on how the drivetrain work”
- Group likes the Volt
http://www.mpt.org/motorweek/podcasts/mw_podcast_44.mp3
+2
Dec 4th, 2010 (4:46 pm)Also think of all the oil companies (BP, Exxon, etc) that have ads for all of the green technology they are developing (ethanol, solar, wind, etc). They don’t provide this product now (and may never), but it tries to make people feel better about buying their dinosaur juice.
I think the difference w/the Volt is that GM is actually making & selling the product, just not in enough quantities (so we think, 2011 is sold out, but 2012?). My opinion is that the demand is there and GM is being cautious (and trying to increase profits). Hopefully this results in more press releases of GM increasing production.
+2
Dec 4th, 2010 (4:48 pm)My goodness!
I was not suggesting that anybody go out and LITERALLY crush anything….that was just a “figure of speech”. I agree with you that the electrification of the automobile is a good thing. I just think the Volt is the “best” electric car….and that GM should not be afraid to advertise it as such. Tagamet, your point that GM should not use the word “crush” an any of their ads is well taken….again, I meant it only as a figure of speech meaning to “out sell” the competition.
+1
Dec 4th, 2010 (4:55 pm)Perception is what GM is addressing with each and every ad. This one, like I said gives the viewer a little more information about the Volt and also points out how is a better than the Leaf. Taken in entirety, the ads will sum up to a thorough picture of the Volt compared to all possible competitors. This ad catches the viewers attention by means of a cute animation of the electric socket. It mentions “instant torque”, “top speed of 100MPH”, “only uses about $1.50 worth a charge a day” and “for longer trips it can use gas.” For a 30 second ad, it is perfect.
Ultimately will be very soon, IMHO. Even though the price doesn’t make it competitive with similar sized and priced cars on the market today, it still has some real advantages over other vehicles; it being very quiet is one claim no other competitor except other EV manufacturer can make. Considering all of the amenities the Volt gives its owner, I would go so far as to say that “ultimately” may not be the proper term even at this very moment. True the price is hefty but that will soon change.
Happy trails to you ’til we meet again.
Dec 4th, 2010 (4:58 pm)Sold or leased? I’m curious to find out which way most people go.
+1
Dec 4th, 2010 (5:08 pm)It was the Tesla that took out the power, not the Volt.
+1
Dec 4th, 2010 (5:26 pm)I’m really glad GM is advertising that the Volt uses a regular 110 volt outlet. It makes it a lot more approachable for the mainstream.
I’m starting to gain some respect for GM marketing.
+1
Dec 4th, 2010 (5:29 pm)I agree.
It’s the first ad for the Volt that’s gotten me charged up
+1
Dec 4th, 2010 (5:36 pm)If you want a gas/electric plug-in from a major car maker, what are your choices? Volt, PIP, what else?
We desperately need more competition in this market.
+2
Dec 4th, 2010 (6:14 pm)I have both an electric lawn mower and an electric trimmer. I believe the gas mowers and trimmers make too much noise and pollute the air around my land. My mower is so quiet, I plan to add headlights so I can mow at night.
Raymond
Dec 4th, 2010 (6:33 pm)Forget the fees, just get me a Volt!
Dec 4th, 2010 (6:43 pm)Here’s another way to quieten down the mower…
http://green.yahoo.com/blog/ecogeek/745/epa-cracking-down-on-lawnmower-emissions.html
Dec 4th, 2010 (7:03 pm)A copy of this is at the Kennedy Space center… great to see… very sad to hear the tour guide tell everyone that the NASA space program has been cut this year..so bad that half the people working there will be laid off…. 10 billion was cut about half their budget… but we had to give 200 billion+ to bail out teachers ridiculous pension plans.. God forbid they might have to pay something for medical.
Dec 4th, 2010 (7:12 pm)4 paying cash for sure. The rest waiting for car to arrive before deciding to finance or lease.
+1
Dec 4th, 2010 (7:29 pm)Sheesh, your attacking teachers. RUF kidding? Of all the government positions and waste, your friggin attacking one of the poorest paying, college educated professions there is? They have to teach too many of too poorly behaved spoiled kids and with little means of discipline. Sure, many are poorly qualified for today’s teaching environment but a good teacher is vastly underpaid at the upper $20k that most start at.
Dec 4th, 2010 (7:36 pm)No doubt
+2
Dec 4th, 2010 (8:06 pm)Probably a little late for you guys to see but there is definitely an advertising reason to point the screw notch to 10 o’clock. Dare I say psychologists see it as a subliminal suggestion of an erection hence reminding you of excitement and grabbing your attention. Notice that all watch and clock advertisements have the time set at 10:10.
http://www.rolex.com/en#/rolex-watches/explorerii/introduction
http://www.oakley.com/store/watches/?promotion_id=6&cm_mmc=google-semsearch-_-generic-category-men-watches-_-category-watch-_-%5bwatches%20for%20men%5d
waiting for #135, and surf is flat here in SD
-Book
+3
Dec 4th, 2010 (8:11 pm)The VOLT is BETTER than a BEV from Tesla, Leaf or a Prius HEV, or even a proposed Prius plug-in PHEV, in several ways.
VOLTS can TRAVEL an unlimited distance without an electric recharge, unlike BEVs. Gas stations are ubiquitous, and re-filling a 9 gallon tank doesn’t take long. You don’t have to search far and wide to find a refueling/recharging station. You could and people have driven, a VOLT coast to coast.
VOLTS CLEANSE the air. The ICE engine in VOLTS emits sub-T2B2 toxic emissions. Translated into English, it produces perfectly clean air, or ZERO Toxic emissions. When the engine is running, it is a “Clean Air Pump” sucking in dirty, ambient, air and pumping out pure clean air. You clean the air as you drive. BEVs can’t do that.
VOLTs can PREFERENTIALLY use its alternate fuel, electricity. Priuses, depend on gasoline of everything including charging their battery. Plug-in Priuses won’t do that, as they are driven by the ICE motor and battery working together, in a fixed ratio.
VOLTs SUBSTITUTE electricity on a more than 1 for 1 basis, independently and on a variable basis. While parallel hybrid, plug-ins like the Prius plug-in can only substitute on a fixed ratio of power from the engine and battery combination. VOLTs use, and use up, their electric miles, always first. So it is routine for them to substitute and use 9 or more times the cheaper electricity, than they use costly gasoline. Most drivers, or 78% of them by design, will never need to burn more than a tiny amount of gasoline, ever again.
VOLTs, in conjunction with bio-fuels, solves the search for energy independence.
VOLTS need less battery capacity than BEVs, Until better, cheaper batteries come along, VOLTs make better use of the limited supply of batteries and battery materials than any BEV.
Volt technology is unlimited in the size of vehicles it can address. High battery prices currently make it unattractive to run rail locomotives with Volt technology, but they could. Similarly tiny city cars may be too small for Volt technology now, because of the high threshold for battery size, but they could serve there as well.
+1
Dec 4th, 2010 (9:28 pm)Lyle, Check out my facebook page for new pictures from the Chevy Volt ride and Drive event at Maroone Chevrolet in Pembroke Pines (near Fort Lauderdale). I finally got to drive this most remarkable car. GM execs onhand confirmed ramp up of production to triple the previous numbers as well as looking at other applications for Voltech. Met Karl F. Stracke (VP of Global Vehicle Engineering). He is very personable as are all of the GM Execs present at the EVent. I had a great time.
Take Care, TED
Dec 4th, 2010 (9:48 pm)Very clever! I never looked at a socket like that – a scared face.
Excellent!
Dec 4th, 2010 (9:54 pm)Interested in buying some great ocean-front land in Utah? Have *I* got a deal for you!
I don’t doubt that some slick shrink could peddle this as a valid marketing approach, but here in the shrinkery trenches we have an equally high-fa-looting term that covers it:
Chicken crap. Actually Freudian/Jungian chicken crap, but I didn’t want to get too technical (lol).
Be well and believe,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get Enough VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!
+1
Dec 4th, 2010 (10:07 pm)I agree that teaching is a very tough vocation (I *was* one), and I know about the poster’s penchant for aiming squarely at teachers, but to be fair, in this instance any big union profession could have been substituted. Teachers, Teamsters, whatever. NASA scientists? Not so much. It sure feels like there has been some political pay-back going on. Shrug. JMO.
Be well and believe,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get Enough VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!
Dec 4th, 2010 (10:12 pm)Maybe so but that’s the way it’s done. Successful companies will attempt to gain any edge they can on a consumer … whether based in reality or fantasy. You may disagree, call me a conspiracy theorist if you like, but I think it is no accident that the screw notch points to 10:00.
Dec 4th, 2010 (10:37 pm)So by your reasoning, if you wanted to sell Viagra, you’d set the watch to 6:30? Sorry, but if there is data that supports this theory (read quantifiable, double-blind studies), I’m sure unaware of them. I’d be happy to visit any links to studies that you provide though.
BTW, which end of the screw slot is “up”?
Be well and be skeptical,
Tagamet
Let’s Just Get Enough VOLTS ‘ Wheels On The Road!!
Dec 4th, 2010 (11:02 pm)Hey Tag,
Glad to see you’re still posting.
I’m still having a problem with the breathing thing, but I think this is the best add so far.
=D~~~
Dec 4th, 2010 (11:05 pm)I like this commercial very simple from the two this one is better
Dec 5th, 2010 (6:58 am)Book may be on to something…
http://www.weikhang.com/2006/12/why-most-watch-ads-show-time-as-1008.html
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c25/bboaze/Watch_monroe.jpg
-2
Dec 5th, 2010 (7:41 am)Teachers in our school district make over $90,000 plus pay nothing for medical and other benefits the taxpayer whould never get. The average household income in our area is $53K. Our teachers are on strike right now… they are refusing to pay $300 PER YEAR for medical.
No one ever failed out of elementary education and went into engineering.
They are not allowed to teach more than 3 hours 45mins a day and only work 180 days a year.
Teachers in our area start at over $45K with benefits no other profession offers.
Don’t tell me they are UNDERPAID!
Sorry about the off topic.
Dec 5th, 2010 (7:58 am)Over 70 miles on a charge DEC 2 !!
That’s impressive.
148 mpg average… darn near 3 times the current MPG leader!!!
GM has to find a way to build more.
Dec 5th, 2010 (8:40 am)That is a local situation. $90k sounds like a fully loaded employer cost not average salary but you should know better than I about your area. Everybody should have to pay some portion of their health care, preferably with co-pays IMO.
This link has the per state breakdowns for compensation: http://www.teachersalaryinfo.com/teacher-salary-data.html
Dec 5th, 2010 (10:15 am)He has a plug available at work too.
+1
Dec 5th, 2010 (11:17 am)Socket it to me
Socket it to me
Socket it to me
Socket it to me
Socket it to me
Socket it to me
Recharge
Just a little bit
Just a little bit
R-e-c-h-a-r-j
Find out what it means to me
Dec 5th, 2010 (9:42 pm)The new ad is great! Simple – gets the viewer to understand that you plug the Volt in. And it states an average $1.50 per charge. Very powerful.
GM MUST advertise the VOLT. It is their competitive advantage today and tomorrow. Production always follows marketing. I’m watching Sunday night football and just saw a General Electric ad for their new “Watt Station” charging station. Guess what? This charging station is not available until Q3 2011 or later. GE is out creating demand. So must GM.
Dec 5th, 2010 (10:25 pm)I agree… I switched to a battery operated weed eater and it’s quiet and convenient, but now I have range anxiety when I cut my grass. Fortunately I have two batteries, because I can’t make it through the entire yard on one charge. Too bad they don’t have an E-REV weed eater!