The success of the Volt both from a press and consumer perspective is undeniable.
CEO Dan Akerson has been pushing for GM to increase production of the vehicle as fast as possible, in an effort to capitalize on the head start the high tech car has over all its competitors.
Previously it had been reported that GM now plans to more than double production from the original 10,000 planned for this year to 25,000.
A new report in Bloomberg News cites anonymous GM sources familiar with a plan by Akerson to double production for the following year, 2012, as well. Initial plans called for 60,000 Volts to be built in 2012. The new plan calls for 120,000 Volts to be built.
This plan is not definite as the sources say GM may not build that many if parts are unavailable or demand turns out not to be that strong. An announcement about this production increase may come at the upcoming Washington Auto Show.
In addition to ramping Volt production aggressively, Akerson believes in having many fuel efficient vehicles in the company’s portfolio to prepare for high fuel prices. ”We want to stay sharply focused on technology,” Akerson told reporters. “We don’t want to be caught flat-footed as we were in 2008.”
A GM spokesperson was unable to tell reporters how many orders for the Volt GM currently has. Though the number ix presumed to be very high, the company has been careful to keep that information confidential.
Akerson’s original plan was to either increase Volt production or begin selling additional lines of Voltec vehicles simultaneously, said the sources. However, at this point the company has settled on the higher Volt production volume and will instead continue to evaluate the possibility for additional vehicle types without yet committing to them.
GM’s primary goal is to get the cost of the Volt down at least $7500 by the time the federal tax credit expires once 200,000 units have been sold. At this rate that could be as soon as 2013.
Source (Bloomberg)
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This entry was posted on Monday, January 24th, 2011 at 12:01 am and is filed under Production. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.
+17
Jan 24th, 2011 (12:17 am)This is excellent news to help the thousands who want Volts and are frustrated paying above MSRP. It’s a great way to increase the profits at GM too. Capitalizing on the Car of the Year awards makes sense.
Hopefully GM can get production of Voltec vehicles in Europe and China rolling off their assembly lines very soon. The world wide demand should continue to increase as fuel prices rise.
+13
Jan 24th, 2011 (12:27 am)I am happy GM has recognized the need to increase production.
The competition is rushing to bring products to market ASAP.
GM deserves the credit for creating such an innovative car that is setting a new standard.
The best way I see for them to get that recognition is by selling a LOT of VOLTS…. and have a decent market share for electric cars.
+17
Jan 24th, 2011 (12:28 am)Now if GM will just step up to the plate and announce when everyone else on the planet will be able to purchase a Volt from their local dealers…..
Is that really so much to ask????
+7
Jan 24th, 2011 (12:36 am)Good call GM
+16
Jan 24th, 2011 (12:44 am)Hey, 120k Volts… that should be enough to sell ‘em in every state… right?
Sincerely,
Wisconsin.
+6
Jan 24th, 2011 (1:09 am)The motto should be: MMV (Make More Volts)!
This is heartening actually. The only way to lower costs is higher volume. A number like this is a sure Rx for all those dealers pushing to sell over MSRP. Plus if GM has to figure out how to sell 120k Volts maybe marketing will get on the stick and come up with a real advertising campaign rather than this goofy “More Car Than Electric” stuff.
+6
Jan 24th, 2011 (1:45 am)A million electric powered cars by 2015 looks more like a realistic estimate today.
+10
Jan 24th, 2011 (5:53 am)120k will still not meet demand, not by a long shot. Look at the limited market that cannot be fed in the US, then think of sales throughout the entire of the US, then think global sales. By 2012 GM will be selling in many additional markets which will want a fair slice of the pie. In Australia, the volt is rumoured to be priced at over $60k per unit fully loaded (despite parity between the US and Australian dollar) and there is still strong interest. Double production again to 240k units and you will really be hitting economies of scale, bringing the price down, and open up to even more potential buyers. Then you will find 240k will still not be enough!
GM does not have to drop quality for quantity, but they do need to up production in order to gain a cut in price, allow for a bigger market, and dominate while everyone else is playing catch-up. I personally will have to shell out over 60k to get a Volt (being in Australia), and do not want to be on a further 1 year after 2012 just because I’m on a wait list…
+3
Jan 24th, 2011 (6:01 am)Ford has to be wringing their hands over this Volt thing. We don’t need no stinking hybrids.
+11
Jan 24th, 2011 (6:33 am)GM built a car that can out-Prius any Prius. People are going to want this car in droves when gas goes up past four dollars per gallon, and that’s a no-brainer.
There’s so many positives about this great news. Let’s get that Voltec ball rolling and see some offshoots hit the market. Toyota was relatively quick to get the hybrid versions of Camry and Highlander out to market. I feel they would have sold many more if those models were’nt versions of already existing models. GM needs to focus on a plug in truck, people mover ( larger C-max type minivan with sliding doors ) and a crossover. These cars will assure GM’s dominance in those areas without a doubt.
Will I be able to purchase one in Seattle before the tax credit goes out the window? I sure hope so!
PUMP OUT THE VOLTS! ( in all 50 states ),
James
+3
Jan 24th, 2011 (7:27 am)There are two VOLTs in Wisconsin already that I know about. One is in Madison where they guy has been on TV showing off his and another is in the Milwaukee area. They bought their VOLTs out of state and drove them back. So VOLTs are available, you just have to want it really bad!
I am curious how their Batteries are performing with the temperatures in 10F below Zero (-10F) which have had this last week.
+7
Jan 24th, 2011 (8:02 am)-14F here on my drive to work in the Volt today, brrrrr, cold.
I like that they’re increasing production, but I think it would be wise to have at least two other Voltec vehicles… an SUV/CUV and perhaps a minivan or larger car. Those offerings will help make the technology available to people who have a different need than the Volt satisfies.
I still think the Volt was the best vehicle to start off Voltec with though, don’t get me wrong!
join thE REVolution
+9
Jan 24th, 2011 (8:31 am)This is the best news absolutely great my only problem is I still can’t afford one so lets hope the price moves the direction necessary for 120,000 to sell.
Tom
-16
Jan 24th, 2011 (8:38 am)(click to show comment)
+6
Jan 24th, 2011 (8:55 am)About a year ago I made a handshake bet with a longtime friend that the Volt would be popular and GM would sell all that they made. Up to now “selling all they made” really was not all that meaningful since they were making so few (although 60K in 2012 is not too bad).
Now however, assuming they can actually sell close to 100,000+, I will be without a doubt have won the bet!!
Doesn’t 100,000 also tie the biggest year for the Prius?? (not sure about that though) Some skeptics might doubt that Volt could outsell the Prius.
+6
Jan 24th, 2011 (9:03 am)Awesome news, the current CEO of GM “gets it”. Excellent choice to ramp Volt production up first before launching other lines.
120,000 sounds like a fantastic number (it took Toyota many years to reach that for Prius production, not 2). The only question is that the factory for battery production was supposedly sized for 60,000 and its not like you can just turn up the volume on those (you typically have to build another factory or radically expand the existing one to up production volumes).
Just as an FYI, I believe Prius target production numbers for 2010 was 450,000 (guessing Toyota scaled that back as demand fell with $2.50 gallon gasoline).
Has GM just been sandbagging everyone along the way here? Or is the new CEO understanding the opportunity he has in front of him? Seems like the latter. Go Akerson.
+3
Jan 24th, 2011 (9:09 am)Wasn’t the nationwide rollout in 2012? Something about 12-18months after something..something? I dont have time to find the article, but its been posted several times, so it should be easy to find.
Jan 24th, 2011 (9:33 am)In the “ask Alexandra” series, Tony DiSalle said, “It’s 2012, that’s right, the very end of 2012.” This was stated a month or two ago (about the end of November), so it could have changed.
+3
Jan 24th, 2011 (9:41 am)Great news in my opinion. GM would be foolish if they ignored the many people waving money in hand and wanting a Volt. It appears that they just needed the tangible confirmation of dealer orders for the car to proceed with increasing production. A lot of people here were all bent out of shape last Summer about their low production numbers annoncement, but now GM is following through with making more cars.
I’ve read quite a bit of vitreol towards Dan Ackerson already (Peter DeLorenzo as an example seems to hate the guy). But, at least in terms of the Volt and Voltec platform as a whole, he seems to be really, really behind the idea. I’m thankful for his enthusiasm for the Volt, because without it, the birth of the EV revolution could be stopped in its tracks. Time will tell what kind of a leader he is to become, but for the moment, he has done many great things for the Volt program already. I remain hopeful for more great things to come.
+2
Jan 24th, 2011 (9:41 am)Just curious, is your car in a garage, did you pre-condition, and how long did it take, and was it warm in your car and no ice on the windows?
Thanks
+4
Jan 24th, 2011 (9:58 am)If they can achieve their goal of getting the price down to 33500 when the Tax credit is gone that will put the volt price in line with most hybrids on the road today. The fully loaded Prius is right at 33K, and the Volt seems to be a much nicer, and more capable vehicle.
+5
Jan 24th, 2011 (10:04 am)120K cars means a lot of leased cars are going to be available in 3 years. You might be able to catch a deal by then. As long as demand is strong, the price of a new Volt will not decrease much. It’s all good.
+1
Jan 24th, 2011 (10:10 am)IMHO I would like to see Gen. II Voltech available to buy by the time the tax credits expire. I would also like to see a MPB launched with Gen. II tech as part of their next step.
Jan 24th, 2011 (10:15 am)Oops, make that MPV, multi purpose vehicle.
+39
Jan 24th, 2011 (10:35 am)John, is English a second language for you?
Just asking, it seems you’re getting a lot of traction on your post – except you completely took my point incorrectly. You see, the word, “can” means the Volt has the potential, as in sales…Yet the Volt can ( as is, has the capability now ) outperform any Prius in daily use. If you talk driving a Prius for long distances without stopping, the Prius still can out Volt a Volt…except that the Prius cannot be plugged into the grid or solar and wind. No Prius can do what a Volt can. My Prius disappoints me daily. Those short trips to the post office, picking up my kids or going to the store. I own a Prius and it was great in it’s day, there is no doubt and no reason to bash Toyota’s hybrids. Prius is no electric car – it’s a gasoline car that is electrically enhanced. Most days those short trips in my Prius get as low as 28 mpg, esp in near freezing weather. I cannot get out of my garage without my Prius’ ICE starting up. I cannot get from my parking space at the supermarket to the road without it’s ICE firing up. On short daily drives the Prius does not account for the higher-than-Corolla price I paid for it. Volt solves this whole situation. Five days per week, a Volt happily outperforms a Prius while even reaching 60 mph over a second quicker.
John, you seem to sit here at gm-volt.com to defend your beloved Prius, which now is tried-and-true technology that has been passed by with newer, superior AMERICAN technology.
I think it’s high time you realize that most people commute to work and back and for the most of us, Volt just passed by Prius, or as Bob Lutz stated, “leapfrogged” it.
Toyota built the Prius for economy and to clean up greenhouse gas emission. Volt is here, and it out Pruises any Prius, even the upcoming plug in model. What part of this do you not understand? As a Prius aficionado you seem to want Volt to fail. IMO the only way it can fail is for GM not to produce 100,000 per year plus, and if they do, it will surpass the first gen Prius by far and quite possibly overtake Prius gen 2 in number of sales.
PUMP OUT THE VOLTS! ,
James
From the +1s John is getting, I’m assuming he popped over to Priuschat.com and got his buddies over here to laud his “wisdom”….
+2
Jan 24th, 2011 (10:38 am)Roll-out in the rest of Texas is supposed to be this spring. When my dealer gets a demo, I’ll go take a look. I’m not an ‘early adopter’ any more. Heck, I just bought an iPhone 4 and 5′s are out in less than 6 months.
I’m thinking there’s a lot of pent-up demand out there and GM is still way under-estimating how many will be needed.
+6
Jan 24th, 2011 (10:59 am)I’m assuming that there are a few people here (at least 4) that think Prius is one heck-of-a competitor and it’s a little early to say Volt out-Prius them.
At ~1000 cars sold so far, Volt is still in the birthing stage. Give it some time.
+2
Jan 24th, 2011 (11:11 am)According to Wiki, the largest year for the Prius in the US was 181K in 2007.
I think if GM made 200K in 2012 they would all sell in the US.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Prius
-1
Jan 24th, 2011 (11:20 am)I swear that I posted two comments in reluctant support of John1701a, but neither has shown up.
+1
Jan 24th, 2011 (11:21 am)Off topic: Interesting article on electric car batteries.
http://www.mercurynews.com/top-stories/ci_17150192?nclick_check=1
Jan 24th, 2011 (11:22 am)I would greatly like to see GM roll out the Volt to all states before the end of October this year for the 2012 model year vehicle. Otherwise it will be too late for me to purchase one. I will purchase an electric vehicle in 2011 or early 2012 one way or another. It just might not be a Volt, which I will regret very much.
GM needs to get the Volt out to all the states before selling it abroad. Especially since those sold abroad will be made in the U.S. for a few years. Canada should be next in line.
+1
Jan 24th, 2011 (11:27 am)Oh, denial is primitive but effective. I would point out, however, that the HSD is American technology. The basic patent was filed by TRW in the 1960s and the addition of the microprocessor, which has been Toyota’s and Ford’s claim to fame, has now been found to violate another American company’s patent. (Personally adding a microprocessor should have been found to be obvious after the invention of the microprocessor but Toyota couldn’t really argue this since it would have invalidated its own patent — but it came pretty close).
Having said that, inventions are plentiful but successful and ground-breaking implementations of inventions are rare. So as you’re suggesting Toyota deserves kudos.
+2
Jan 24th, 2011 (11:28 am)“Roll-out in the rest of Texas” has already started. I’m working with a dealer in Amarillo. Order placed 12/2/10, allocation received by dealer 1/13/11, order accepted by GM 1/17/11, code 3000 on 1/19/11.
+2
Jan 24th, 2011 (11:30 am)That seems to happen to me quite often lately. Sometime I get the feeling that I need to “copy” my comment so that I can “paste” it into a new comment when the copied one does not appear. All software has glitches and this post web-site is not any different.
+4
Jan 24th, 2011 (11:53 am)DonC,
I showed my friend the tim allen socket commercial which was on during Kitchen Nightmares on Fox. He LOVED it. So not everyone thinks it’s goofy. I knew people would start complaining about the marketing as soon as it came out. Some people are never happy.
-5
Jan 24th, 2011 (12:22 pm)The report tends to make one think they have sold a lot of Volts however, GM has some STUPID reason in not letting this information out which makes me believe, they have not met their publisied goal or, what they want people to believe.
Come on GM, your smarter than this. Get the Volts out and sell, Sell and Sell some more. We need the vehicle and of course, the price needs to come down, NOW!
-8
Jan 24th, 2011 (12:26 pm)I drove to the supermarket and back exclusively using electricity with the PHV. It clearly solves the situation too.
.
-15
Jan 24th, 2011 (12:30 pm)(click to show comment)
-12
Jan 24th, 2011 (12:36 pm)(click to show comment)
-11
Jan 24th, 2011 (12:39 pm)(click to show comment)
+20
Jan 24th, 2011 (12:41 pm)Been driving my Volt all week and really enjoying the smoothness and high tech features. I had a meeting in town this morning. Got in my truck and fired it up. It felt crude turning the key to burn gasoline. As I drove off I felt like I was sitting in a smoke pump. The more I pressed the gas pedal the more smoke I pumped out. Very odd feeling, but this is exactly how it felt.
Odometer numbers from this morning:
total miles 478
EV miles 442
gas used .53 gallons
MPG 250+
The 1.4L gasoline engine has run about 25 minutes in the last 9 days
=D-Volt
+9
Jan 24th, 2011 (12:46 pm)I think that I’ll hold off getting tooooo excited until I see actual production being ramped up. Obviously, I hope that it does, but I’ll just “Stay tuned” at this point.
Be well,
Tagamet
+6
Jan 24th, 2011 (12:59 pm)Why would we assemble these cars overseas! Instead lets put more factory and supplies back on line and put Americans back to work!
-15
Jan 24th, 2011 (1:07 pm)(click to show comment)
+5
Jan 24th, 2011 (1:21 pm)Sigmund Romberg said it all in his 1920′s Broadway musical New Moon (later helped by Nelson Eddie in the movie version). The story tells of a small bunch of enthusiastic people who found if they only could get together and really try they could accomplish great things. They sang something like: Start me with ten who are stout hearted men and I’ll soon give you ten thousand more. And they did, and accomplished what they were so enthusiastic about.
Hey, that’s the Volt story. It all started with some piddling small group (largely grouped on this web site), but now look at what started with just those few. Look at those awards, the reports from the first users, and now it looks like massive numbers are just ahead. Don’t think ten thousand is the right number; those ten stout hearted men may turn into more like ten million (just a decimal point problem).
Yep, start me with ten who are stout hearted men and I’ll soon give you ten (you name the figure) more, and Caldoodlevolt will be one of them.
BIG BTRY
+4
Jan 24th, 2011 (1:27 pm)Won’t GM have to release the Volt sales in its quarterly report?
+1
Jan 24th, 2011 (2:09 pm)I wonder why GM hasn’t advertised the roll out then?
+1
Jan 24th, 2011 (2:10 pm)caldoodlevolt,
Excellent point! And can you imagine what 10,000 anythings are adjusted for almost 90 years?!? Who knows, maybe it comes out precisely to 120,000 (g).
Be well,
Tagamet
Make More Volts!
+1
Jan 24th, 2011 (2:12 pm)GM to generate higher VOLTage in 2012!
Jan 24th, 2011 (2:14 pm)Is Amarillo anywhere near Austin? Maybe the Austin release covers it, just as “D.C.” covered a large area.
Be well,
Tagamet
Make More Volts!
+5
Jan 24th, 2011 (2:29 pm)I’d have to say that “out-Priusing” is probably not the best way to describe the Volt. If it were, then it wouldn’t be as impressive as it is. It doesn’t have to be simpler, lower priced, or have higher interior volume to do that. That’s because it actually is more efficient but it also has higher performance while at the same time not compromising on range. No other car can do all three.
+3
Jan 24th, 2011 (2:31 pm)It was announced some time ago that after the initial release, the next phase would be the rest of Texas, the rest of New York, the rest of New Jersey, the rest of Connecticut, and all of Michigan. (Did miss anyone?)
Nope, this is part of “the rest of Texas.” Amarillo is in the panhandle, i.e., way north, and Austin is pretty much south. One finds out about dealers’ allocations by talking to dealers directly. (At least one other posted that another non-Austin area dealer got his allocation mid-January.) Many guys have orders in progress in Michigan as well. Check out the forum for Michigan info.
I am in New Mexico.
+3
Jan 24th, 2011 (2:54 pm)My car was in an attached, unheated garage. It was 30F in there this morning according to the Volt. I preconditioned (without engine start-up since it was over 26F) and started out to work. Shortly after I started the engine came on as the temperature the Volt was reading plummeted.
I haven’t seen any ice on my windows yet. Sometimes the rear windows fog up a bit when I have two passengers in the car, but it hasn’t been a big deal. I also suspect that using ECO makes this occur more than it otherwise would.
join thE REVolution
+7
Jan 24th, 2011 (3:05 pm)Sweet, where can I buy one again? Oh, wait… 2012 right? So the Volt will go up to 40 miles today, up to 100mph all electric, and the Prius will go up to 13 miles if I feather the pedal and transport myself to the future. Hmm…
Sorry, I don’t mean to sound like a Prius basher, I think it’s a great technology too. But the biased statements here are ridiculous sometimes.
join thE REVolution
+4
Jan 24th, 2011 (3:12 pm)Seriously? Come on, those are percentages of different ranges. The Volt goes 4 times as far as a PHV Prius… Unless the percentage of the Prius is 4 times as much as the Volt, the range of the Prius didn’t improve as much as the Volt did. Last I checked, 19.2% improvement of the Prius is less than 4 times the 5.7% improvement of the Volt.
Your assertion of the mileage reductions are bad math.
join thE REVolution
-4
Jan 24th, 2011 (3:15 pm)When I got behind the wheel of the PHV, it was fantastic confirming the hope that the EV was able to take full advantage of that 60kW electric motor. I shot up a steep hill from a dead stop at the base, getting to the 40 MPH limit without even coming close to the threshold (displayed on the Eco-Meter). Accelerating an uphill ramp onto the highway, the engine didn’t even fire up until hitting 50 MPH.
.
+4
Jan 24th, 2011 (3:22 pm)That’s good to hear, but it still does limit to 50mph, whereas the Volt will go 100mph with no electric motor. I had read reviews where the plug-in Prius still turned on often when more performance was requested, but I don’t mind being wrong.
join thE REVolution
-2
Jan 24th, 2011 (3:25 pm)How long does hard acceleration last?
Using absolutely no gas whatsoever isn’t a priority for Volt either.
.
+5
Jan 24th, 2011 (3:39 pm)I can commute to work without using gas in the Volt at least 9 months out of the year, which includes a stretch of 65mph interstate. I can’t with the Plug-in Prius. That’s all I’m saying.
The more vehicles with alternative technology, the more options for people to make the best choice that suits them.
join thE REVolution
Jan 24th, 2011 (3:57 pm)Why the Volt is a more mainstream solution than the Leaf or other all electrics.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/23/automobiles/autoreviews/23WHEEL.html
Jan 24th, 2011 (4:10 pm)Only in the alphabet. It’s like an 8 or 9-hour drive.
+4
Jan 24th, 2011 (4:20 pm)I commuted to work without using a car or even leaving home the other day. Zero emissions; Zero gasoline (or any other energy source) used.
Telecommuting is totally ignored by the government and most companies as a way to reduce consumption. One day out of five is a 20% reduction in commuting time and energy.
+2
Jan 24th, 2011 (4:22 pm)GM sales’ in China, 2.35 million outsold GM sales in U.S. 2.22. However, GM kept its top global sales spot with a statistical tie with Toyota. Its expected GM will easily regain its unchallenged #1 global sales lead in 2011-2012. Thus, having sold in 2010 over 8.3 million vehicles increasing VOLT by 100,000 or so over 18 months is obviously more a matter of component availability than production capability.
The immediate result impacting 6000 laid-off GM workers – starting with 600 being recalled in Flint. A good number if not all over the next few months expected to be offered job opportunities. Today’s business wire-line (Yahoo) states each recalled job carries an implied 6 support jobs. That ratio is consistent with the California NUMMI experience where 7-8,000 were laid-off resulting in a 30,000 to 50,000 job loss in Northern California. The reason for the difference being NUMMI represented the last auto industry employment on the West Coast.
(Whereas the higher number manifested in lay-offs at companies outside the direct multi-tier suppliers and area businesses.) (The NUMMI disaster wasn’t economic – most NUMMI jobs being relocated to the MidWest.) (The new Tesla-Toyota alliance rehired 200-300 laid off NUMMI workers in its plans to build its Model S and possibly Toyota EV’s)
As we near the end of the CAB trials would we be able to tally up CAB members total miles vs. gas mileage. Then send that to EPA.
+2
Jan 24th, 2011 (4:37 pm)Plus 10 !!! Truer words have never been spoken.
Jan 24th, 2011 (4:46 pm)Well the actual roll-out certainly isn’t in the news anywhere. This is what a lot of folks are complaining about here. Ohio etc. want to know when. I’m in DFW and haven’t gotten any feedback from my dealer or in the news.
Jan 24th, 2011 (4:51 pm)Thanks. How long did you precondition it for… 5 minutes?
-4
Jan 24th, 2011 (5:06 pm)PHV Prius accelerates quite well for local drivings. It does fine even at highway merges on EV at reasonable acceleration.
If you need more power, the power of hybrid engine is at your “foot-tip” of course. It is capable of taking you to 112 mph (faster than the Volt).
-5
Jan 24th, 2011 (5:14 pm)Just look at the data straight from the yesterday’s report – no math involved, just converted km to mile.
PHEV15 (PHV Prius) range for Heat (preconditioned) is rated 17 miles.
PHEV40 (Volt) range for Heat (preconditioned) is 25 miles.
The range is a lot closer in reality than some hyped up numbers.
-2
Jan 24th, 2011 (5:25 pm)Well, no surprise there. The report said Volt would gain 1.4 EV miles with the heat preconditioning feature.
Is it worth bothering with it? Perhaps, for comfort reasons. Perhaps not, for electricity consumption reasons.
Jan 24th, 2011 (5:27 pm)Here’s a little reality check on just how huge Texas is:
Amarillo to Austin = approximately 527 miles
DC to Cincinnati = approximately 525 miles
In other words, the entire state of Ohio is a ‘suburb’ of DC!
Texarkana to El Paso = 825 miles (east to west)
Brownsville to Texline = 930 miles (south to north)
DC to Texarkana is a mere 1152 miles.
(These are measured using Yahoo maps on road routes.)
This is why we measure distance in travel time, not miles. It’s a whole ‘nother country!
Jan 24th, 2011 (5:39 pm)If I were you, I’d call your dealer again, and talk to the highest level manager you can find this time. They really should know something about allocation by now. Do you actually have a deposit on one in DFW? Good luck.
And yes, Texas is a VERY big state.
Jan 24th, 2011 (5:42 pm)Tom,
Even if the price drops, the tax credit will expire soon enough lifting the cost back up to 33k again. I suspect that you can expect at least a 30-33k entry fee to this game for good long while even after the credits expire. That being said, used Volts will start trickling onto the market in a year, and deluge will show up in 3 years.
+1
Jan 24th, 2011 (5:45 pm)This is terrific news for GM and the Volt community. We expect to see demand rise along with the wholesale price of oil. And we can also expect the sales to exceed the curve established by the Prius – which sold in low volume for the first five years – mostly in Japan.
Time will tell. But further congratulations are due the fantastic Chevy GM Volt Team!
Jan 24th, 2011 (5:49 pm)I didn’t notice in that report that they were talking about actual cars. Just theoretical phev15 and phev40 using their computer models.
+1
Jan 24th, 2011 (6:00 pm)No. I don’t have a deposit down. I’m no longer a bleeding edge buyer. I no longer buy anything I can’t see, touch, taste (well maybe not taste). I’m not in a big hurry to be first on my block.
Yes. I have spoken to the GM and they know nothing yet.
However, my conversation was in general terms. I’m talking about a 2012 car in late 2011 or early 2012, so, it’s a little premature on both our parts. Sales guys aren’t all that interested in customers that have one-year lead times.
+4
Jan 24th, 2011 (6:26 pm)So naturally since the PHEV Prius is a magical car, it is able to have even higher range than its specification (17 vs 13 miles) even in bad weather, whereas the Volt has significantly lower range (25 vs 40 miles). Not only that but the Prius is able to do this with a battery less than three times smaller than that of the Volt. I wonder what kind of voodoo or black magic those guys at Toyota are using over there. Is it patented?
What reality? The comparison of real-world data of a car currently in production with the data of a car still more than an year away from production – you call that reality? Talk about hyped-up numbers! You’d be lucky to see more than 8 miles under such conditions.
+1
Jan 24th, 2011 (6:30 pm)I always said that if the demand is there GM or FORD will supply the vehicles…
The main thing is to keep the quality the same. I just hope this sweeper salesman doesn’t hurt the quality GM has spent so much effort to achieve.
Quality is job one…not quantity or price.
Jan 24th, 2011 (7:35 pm)I thought you were talking about the Ford Prius. (Escape)
Jan 24th, 2011 (7:53 pm)Very believable DonC,
when I worked at garrett aux power systems we had an accessory gearbox planetary system that was hydraulically programed to vary the rates. It’s not like the pg set was invented by Toyota for sure.
…but you must admit they made excellent use of a basic concept. and turned it into a winner. PG sets are amazing things without a doubt!!
Jan 24th, 2011 (7:59 pm)When the quantity goes up, the quality generally improves as well.
Jan 24th, 2011 (8:55 pm)Now if GM could tap into dark energy, we’d never need gasoline or power plants but that will be for the 25th century engineers to work out.
+2
Jan 24th, 2011 (9:17 pm)Sucks if you by VIN # 200,001!
+1
Jan 24th, 2011 (9:25 pm)My company allows that for some departments, but not mine. I agree that, for companies that allow it, telecommuting is a great way to reduce consumption. If I could telecommmute, I would also enjoy the extra half hour of sleep I could get on those days during the time that I am normally driving.
join thE REVolution
+1
Jan 24th, 2011 (9:44 pm)Yep, I know. However – I’d like to see thousands of them here. Unfortunately, I do not believe there are that many people willing to go buy one out of state and drive it home. That’s pretty extraordinary commitment.
Speaking only for myself, I’m electing to wait (at least) until they can be bought at a nearby dealer, who has fully trained their technicians.
In the meantime…. I’m keeping my eyes peeled for that Milwaukee-area Volt. I’ll probably freak out, geek out, and hit the freeway median when I spot it
+3
Jan 24th, 2011 (9:49 pm)You completely misunderstand my statement, or the architecture of the Volt. The engine came on to warm the batteries since it was so cold out. The batteries did not run out of range.
join thE REVolution
+1
Jan 24th, 2011 (10:01 pm)Great. While GM fires up the mainstream volume of reliable, affordable luxury family vehicles in the Volt us snot-nosed electric dirt bikers will be expanding the extreme envelope, head on once again with the gassers:
http://news.motorbiker.org/blogs.nsf/dx/electric-motorcycle-to-compete-in-the-le-touquet-enduropale.htm
Since these electric bikes have already completed more than 500 off road racing miles in less than 24 hours, this is more about learning skills to tame massive electric torque in very loose traction environments and trying to just complete yet another brutal event with decades of gas-centric rules the first time out of the gate.
It’s interesting how different the skill sets and strengths are for electric and gas racing. I suggest folks check out podium rider narrated race cams from TTXGP (Barber), TT Zero (Miller) and WERA (Yates) if they want to start to understand some of those differences.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5P2aFJTDmzE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=op_W8aVaeJM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkx1hMNiIRM
Now realize that today’s Volt drivers have some of that hotness under their hoods. Woot!
Baja 100 or Dakar Rally next up for electrics? Expect in this decade. What you thought was the future is now the present and recent past. Catch the wave when it reaches your local dealer.
Props to Jim I for asking the right question first.
Jan 24th, 2011 (10:47 pm)Nothing magic happens at 200,000. Manufacturer reports data to government by quarter. Once the 200,000 has been passed, phaseout begins by quarters. I experienced this with Toyota. Manufacturer will pretty much know that they will be passing threshold and use it as an incentive to sell LOTS of vehicles in that quarter.
-5
Jan 24th, 2011 (10:47 pm)13 vs 17 miles seems to be due to Toyota’s official conservative number. Remember, PHV Prius is 35% electrically more efficient than the Volt. In the Inside Line comparison test, PHV Prius got 14.6 EV miles while Volt got 33.9 miles under the same conditions. Table 1 clearly shows these three vehicles are PHV Prius, Volt and Leaf. This description is from the report.
PHEV15—a blended PHEV with an approximately 15-mile (23.4-km) all-electric range (AER) under certain usage conditions.
PHEV40—a series PHEV designed to provide up to 40 miles (64 km) of AER, then operate in charge-sustaining (CS) mode using a rangeextending gasoline engine.
EV—an EV designed to provide up to 100 miles of AER.
There is no need for voodoo or black magic. Synergy is the key – use each powertrain when best to do so and use both when teamwork is needed. Oh yes, HSD is patented.
Volt’s hybrid powertrain was not designed with teamwork in mind. It was designed to politically sound good. The result of one powertrain piggyback riding another is dragging each other’s efficiency down, instead of raising.
The results are clear. One is based on science and the other is based on politic.
+1
Jan 24th, 2011 (11:13 pm)Having driven through the wasteland west of Amarillo, I had to chuckle at the question you responded to. Texas is indeed huge.
Along those lines, relatives who journey by car forget how LONG Florida is. It is nearly 900 miles from entry into FL from Alabama until you roll into Key West. While I don’t start out in the keys, nearly one quarter of the journey between my NY and FL homes is spent just in the state of FL alone.
Tag lives in PA (where I was born). While Texans may laugh at the MILES Pennsylvania residents drive, I guarantee that a trip into Pittsburgh during an ice storm (narrow winding streets on steep hills) would make them appreciate that there are MANY factors which turn a trip into a journey.
+1
Jan 24th, 2011 (11:26 pm)More context for electric bike sounds:
The first and third clips from my prior post were miked at the bike – you can hear the at bike electric motor sound. The second clip was miked on the upper half of the rider – you can hear how pure wind sounds at over 100 mph.
Here’s how (last generation) electric race bikes sound when they pass roadside fans:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DWWtYGbDrg
And here’s how an electric race bike sounds mixed in with race gassers and passing them:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIMQ0c7JKIU
The typical electric motorcycle motor plus tires on road and wind at around town speeds runs at around 72 decibles – the level of normal conversation saying to a pederstrain “Be aware – I am approaching you and will avoid you.” Knobby tires on hard surfaces, high speed wind or race level/tuned motors add to that volume. No foot man with a red lantern in front needed.
Just like as with the off the line instant, strong torque liquid smooth launches from electric drive, once your electric valkyrie sings to you, you’ll never go back to your olde fashioned full gasser except for quaint nostalgia for slow, faltering starts, weak at the bottom of each gear and flat on top of each gear pregnant pauses, and incessant farting noises.
+1
Jan 25th, 2011 (6:02 am)What a pile of hogwash
During the next year or so we’ll see how Volt compares to Prius on the nightly news programs. I hope you will listen to them. Just last night the Mayor of Charlotte was on the local news talking about the Volt. Triple digit MPG will attract a lot of attention from everyone. 50 mpg is so uninspiring.
Jan 25th, 2011 (6:07 am)Maybe we don’t have to wait that long. According to Gene Roddenberry, the Transporter will be operational by the end of the 22nd century.
Raymond
+3
Jan 25th, 2011 (9:13 am)People oh & ah at autoshows, they go out and by typical family sedan anyway.
Replacing traditional vehicles is the goal, not winning trophies.
Attention doesn’t translate to sales.
.
Jan 25th, 2011 (11:33 am)Triple digit kWh consumption will raise eyebrows too.
Jan 25th, 2011 (12:31 pm)Nice to have the trolls back in town. Not.
Butt where’s the puppet master EricLeGay?
Jan 25th, 2011 (6:00 pm)Depends upon whether you have a full charge and how far away your supermarket is… The plug in Prius’ is HSD with a plug and smaller battery than Volt. This packaging will truly work for those who just don’t want to pay the money for Volt’s larger battery, and who only seek 10 – 13 miles of electric-only driving. To me, it’s worth the extra dollars ( esp. with the tax credit ) to go 40-50 miles sans gas and pollution in a car that drives like a car.
Pick up the November 2010 Motor Trend, the one prior to the CAR OF THE YEAR edition. If you could have an open mind, they do a side-by-side, Volt vs. Prius Plug In comparison. Motor Trend does a pretty good job most times – they haven’t bashed every EV and hybrid to come down the pike like Car & Driver and Road & Track always do. They seem to have some staff members who are open to change and appreciate new technology. MT had been given a trial plug in Prius for THREE MONTHS to live with as part of Toyota’s pre-production trial program. I’m sorry, I would take their summations over yours any day, they drove both cars for a week and said the Volt clearly came out the winner in nearly every category! One hit the plug in Prius gets from everyone who drives it is how you have to feather the gas and drive like an old lady to keep it in EV mode. At 60 ( 99.999% drive over 60 on the freeway ) it automatically goes to gas. The Volt, as you know has none of these shortcomings. On top of being quicker than the Prius plug in, it handles like an ordinary car – very planted, secure and stable even with the high mileage tires. As a Prius owner I am not telling you anything when I share that you make alot of “real car” sacrifices with a Prius, they just drive like a specialized, tippy, squirmy little car made for one thing – high mileage. One reason the Volt is getting everyone’s awards is that while Volt can travel 40-50 miles on AC, it drives like a “normal car”….get it?
John, your arguments fall short and sound more and more shallow. If you want to buy the Prius plug in, I’m sure you will not be alone. It’s a fine next step for the HSD line. If by having a smaller pack, they can sell it for a lower price point, it will be a nice 10-16 mile electric ride. Like I said, nobody’s bashing the Prius, it’s just that Volt is so much better and if you have the budget, you’ll get what you pay for.
PUMP OUT THE VOLTS! ,
James
Jan 25th, 2011 (7:09 pm)john1701a,
どうもありがとう
Jan 26th, 2011 (8:39 pm)どういたしまして
.
+1
Jan 27th, 2011 (6:51 pm)I can easily understand why GM wants to sell as many Volts as fast as possible. I just read
the report of BYD’s EREV sedan and that apparently it will launch this year. GM has plenty to fear from this remarkable competitor, which has already logged tens of thousands of miles as taxicabs.
BYD is probably the most successful battery company out there and their car will benefit – the **DM (dual mode) will reportedly have a 10 year warranty on its batteries, which indicates that
battery costs for the car will be far less than the Volt’s, and battery costs are a huge portion of both car’s operating costs, a fact generally ignored and avoided by enthusiasts of these types of vehicles. In addition, their batteries can be quickly recharged to 50% in just 10 minutes and offer close to 60 miles of driving range. And the killer statistic : the BYD will retail for $28,800, or about $14,000 less than the Volt. BYD is also way ahead of GM in the all-electric version of this car. Apparently they will obtain further economic advantages over GM in that space by using the same basic vehicle for both cars. The Achille’s heel of the Volt is the fact that virtually all of its appeal lies in its EREV technology, which promises driving ranges unmatched by all-electrics. Now that another, far more cost-efficient EREV vehicle is available, GM will no longer have a monopoly on that technology and, perhaps even more ominously, will see with the introduction of the Tesla Model S that there will be an all-electric with practically the same range (300+ miles) and a 1 hour recharge capability, making EREV technology obsolete for that
price range, which is the same distance away from the Volt’s price upside as the BYD is downside. While the BYD at $14K less seems, objectively, to actually be superior to
the Volt, disregarding price, the Model S, at $14K+ over, is light years ahead of the Volt in every conceivable way – styling, speed, handling, space, operating costs, and on and on. As they say, GM better make hay while the sun shines, because overcast skies are definitely moving in.
How quickly the landscape changes.