While ongoing CAFE hearings discuss mandating eco-friendly and efficient vehicles, a study by Deloitte says perhaps an even more powerful force in their favor is also in play.
This would be “Generation Y” consumers – those aged 19-31, alternately known as “Millennials” – of which we read last week that GM is already fully catering to, and who say they want electrified vehicles.
Buyers from this demographic – the largest since the baby boomers – have a particular preference for hybrids and in-vehicle connectivity.
Perhaps that is also why GM showed a Volt at the recent Consumer Electronic Show in Las Vegas with next-generation connectivity.
The main news however is that Deloitte’s survey found 59 percent of respondents want an electrified vehicle.
If this is accurate, it means a profound push toward more gas-electric vehicles by a purchasing constituency numbered at 80-million strong.
What’s more, these are younger aged buyers who are forming these preferences. This means their sensibilities stand to influence – and challenge – the automotive market for decades to come.
Not a hybrid but GM is already jumping through hoops to appeal to Millennials.
“When millenials are ready to buy a vehicle, they consider nearly twice as many vehicles as baby boomers,” said Mark Fields, head of Ford Motor Co.’s Americas unit to Automotive News. “This is a generation of consumers that has to be reckoned with.”
Of Gen Y respondents, 57 percent said they were interested in hybrids, only 2 percent were interested in battery electric vehicles, and 37 percent wanted traditional combustion-powertrain vehicles.
How the Volt would stand with this crowd is in question. The number one reason in favor of electrified vehicles was improved fuel economy.
According to Craig Giffi, automotive practice leader for Deloitte which conducted the survey, respondents were concerned for the environment, but did not want to be inconvenienced with contending with plugging in, he said.
Smart phones on wheels
Joe Vitale, global automotive sector leader for Deloitte’s parent company, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Ltd., said Gen Y consumers would spend more than $3,000 for in-vehicle connectivity.
What features would be worth spending that extra money for? Fifty-nine percent said the most important was in-dash technology, with nearly 75 percent asking for touch screens.
Observers note that automakers have been shown they have an opportunity to capitalize on these preferences, as 77 percent of respondents said they would like to buy more accessories and upgrades on an ongoing basis.
Nearly paradoxical
The U.S. Department of Transportation has for the past few years held “summits” to discuss the “epidemic” of distracted driving.
In short, multitasking behind the wheel has been shown to be a threat or lethal.
The Gen Y respondents to the Deloitte survey are mindful of this reality. They still want a load of in-dash bells and whistles, but also want tech to improve their chances of not having the experience end badly – and are willing to pay up to $2,000 per car extra for it.
A desirable bundle of safety features for these connected hybrids includes collision-avoidance systems, blind-spot detection, and sleep-alert systems.
“It’s almost as if they’re saying ‘I’m going to be distracted, so I want the car to give me protection from myself,’” Giffi said. “The safety technology they want is the next generation of accident-avoidance technology.”
The survey included 250 Gen Y consumers from China, 300 from Western Europe, and 1,500 from the U.S. and is considered a statistically significant data sampling of where today’s Millennials place their priorities.
Automotive News, press release
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This entry was posted on Tuesday, January 24th, 2012 at 5:55 am and is filed under General. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.
+7
Jan 24th, 2012 (7:23 am)Wow, are there REALLY 80 million people (>25% of the US population) in this 12-year range from 19-31 —IMO, China & Europe won’t actually skew this much for the Volt because its affordability is so limited, especially in China. I just hope studies like this don’t seduce & divert GM away from the hard work of devising innovative marketing campaigns such as the use of Volt owner testimonials, which should be effective for ALL age groups, as we suggested here a few days ago.* The number of Boomers in the US & Europe (aside from China) is HUGE!
/*See http://gm-volt.com/2012/01/17/ghosn-touts-renault-nissans-preparedness-for-the-future/, post #19
+1
Jan 24th, 2012 (7:25 am)This is scary, according to this report generation Y are a bunch of idiots. I certainly do not believe this as I am very proud of my children. level-headed, practical, and smart. But:
“did not want to be inconvenienced with contending with plugging in, ” Gimme a break, this has been bludgeoned to death. What takes longer plugging in or going to the gas station?
” Fifty-nine percent said the most important was in-dash technology, with nearly 75 percent asking for touch screens.” Do these kids think they will be driving or living in the car? Do they realize that most of these functions will be disabled when the car is in motion? Certainly encouraging a driver to use a touch screen would be illegal.
Apparently “generation Y” doesn’t relate to a car from a drivers’s viewpoint. I wonder how many in the survey even had a driver’s licence.
Jan 24th, 2012 (7:29 am)If this survey is accurate, then why are hybrids only 3% of the current market? Is it that millenials can’t afford hybrids, and are opting for bicycles, scooters, motorcycles, buses, trains and Birkenstocks?
Jan 24th, 2012 (7:35 am)Yes!
+11
Jan 24th, 2012 (7:42 am)Due to the broader economic effects of the recession and crash, many people in this age group have not yet enjoyed their income earning potential. Consequently, these people are driving those older cars which were not kept by their original owners (i.e. mundane cars). There is really no reason to doubt that this age group has a slightly higher percentage of interest in electric vehicles.
+1
Jan 24th, 2012 (8:03 am)When I was in that age group I wanted the fastest smallest car possible, and then I wanted it to be AWD.
Now I want fast, AWD, AWS, ABS, Traction control, Electric with a range extender. In a few years, if it is ever practical, I would like it to fly as well.
But unless they can make them more reliable, I NEVER want power windows again.
+3
Jan 24th, 2012 (8:09 am)Neil Cavuto (age 54) is showing his age.
+5
Jan 24th, 2012 (8:11 am)“Don’t want to be inconvienenced by plugging it in”…well, when you likely live in an apartment (age 19-31, remember) with no place to plug it in, that becomes a major inconvienence. Give them time to buy homes and start families…they will change their mind if their priority if fuel economy.
I want in-dash technology, too. I spend between 2-3 hours a day in my car (which is a Volt)…I love the in-dash techology. That I can use my iphone through the car (mostly) WITHOUT taking my eyes off the road.
Gen Y…only slightly younger than me…can’t afford cars like the Volt yet. The Volt is expensive and we are coming out of a recession. However, Gen Y tends to be highly educated…they will get there. GM needs a family Volt…SUV or Minivan style. Because about the time they can afford it, they will have kids to haul to soccer practice.
+1
Jan 24th, 2012 (8:14 am)According to Craig Giffi, automotive practice leader for Deloitte which conducted the survey, respondents were concerned for the environment, but did not want to be inconvenienced with contending with plugging in, he said.
————-
Maybe by the time a lot of them are ready to buy new cars, wireless charging will be commonplace.
Jan 24th, 2012 (8:23 am)So you can probably relate to this VW Jetta Ad.
“Is it fast?”
http://youtu.be/fLdb_CpZooQ
+1
Jan 24th, 2012 (8:24 am)Roy_H,
Your post reminds me of this car ad.
http://youtu.be/yMl33cENeB4
+9
Jan 24th, 2012 (8:31 am)“Being inconvenienced by plugging in”, is really not a valid statement. Plugging in takes fifteen seconds, usually in a garage. Staying outside for three minutes in the cold or heat or rain at a public gas station is more inconvenient actually, as well as more expensive. Generation Y will quickly learn that comparison if given the opportunity to have a ride in a Volt.
There is also an over representation of the desire for “connectivity”, which, reading between the lines, is short for “profitability”. They ought to do a study to find out how much of a persons income is disposable (or disposed) to unneeded “Apps” and unneeded technologies, which are the bankrupting consideration here if electrification is over burdened with all that “stuff”. They/We still must be able to make the payments after all.
The study is completely worthless.
Jan 24th, 2012 (9:23 am)kdawg,
Thanks for the ad link. VW has been consistently good at creating product advertising that represents the brand well.
Jan 24th, 2012 (9:28 am)As a millenial/Gen Y I’m still waiting for GM to get their MyLink in-car entertainment integration released. I have a Sync system in my current Ford and don’t want to regress in terms of in car smartphone connectivity. I could care less about a touchscreen interface, I want everything to be voice commanded (play dofferent playlist) or knob controlled (heat/ac).
Of course I’d also like a Volt crossover too, I’ll probably be waiting longer for that.
Jan 24th, 2012 (9:51 am)Im not a Gen Y’er, but I was also waiting patiently for the My Link option, until I heard it wouldn’t be till late 2012. Now I’m just wating for the sport rims this spring to place my order. Maybe they will push up the Mylink integration in the Volt (fingers crossed).
+3
Jan 24th, 2012 (9:51 am)Volt #555 goes in for it’s first oil change this morning. Showing 57% oil life remaining. But, it’s been OVER a year.
I just feel better getting clean oil in there. 13,600 miles between oil changes. Only 31.5 gallons of gasoline used. HUZZAH!
=D~Volt
+1
Jan 24th, 2012 (9:57 am)Touch screens have their place. I use them on devices, but think the eye-hand coordination is more distracting than I like in cars. If you want hi-tech, why would you rather have voice commands? Touch screens are clumsy.
+2
Jan 24th, 2012 (10:17 am)It won’t be too long before more and more apartment complexes are equipped to handle plugins. The apartment complex I live in (and charge at) has plans to equip the rest of their carports with at least one plug reserved for EVs. When residents start asking for it, management will provide a solution instead of losing known, paying tenants…
Meh. I think most can afford it if they want it (like me). At least those that got a useful degree and are employed can afford it. That’s not to say price isn’t a sticking point. I’m sure many of them dismissed the current Volt as too expensive. Not because they can’t afford it, but because they’d have to pay more than they’re used to and haven’t been convinced that it’s worth the extra.
+5
Jan 24th, 2012 (10:32 am)My kids are in the Gen-Y age and they can’t even find a minimum wage job to pay for the gas in the cars I let them drive (which is why they take my Volt anytime they can!). How the heck can a Gen-Y’er afford three large extra just for connectivity? Now…. I can afford three grand for connectivity, but damn if I’ll spend it (I work for a living!). I had a hard time paying for the Navigation system in my Volt when I have a Garmin, which I paid about $100 for, that I’m completely happy with.
-9
Jan 24th, 2012 (10:34 am)Oh, yeah, landlords will absolutely jump at the chance to make a big capital improvement for the convenience of a tenant.
Clearly, you have forgotten what renting is like. Our next-to-last landlord installed central heat and jacked the rental by 50% to cover his expenses.
Housing stock is very permanent and only changes very slowly. Chargers will only become pervasive at rental units over a very long period of time. And if you have on-street parking (our last rental), forget it.
As for whether or not they can afford it… the lucky ones probably can. But the smart lucky ones will figure out that they are better served by buying reliable cars with battle damage and running them into the ground so that they can buy homes and load up their 401Ks with the money they saved.
+5
Jan 24th, 2012 (10:41 am)Kent,
You are perfectly correct, Kent.
While it is true that there must be this initial exploration of what will pay for the transition, and what will or will not make or break a sale, ultimately, I think that the economic realities of near and distant future consumer need is kept clearly in sight at GM. I really think they are doing the very best they can in these regards.
+9
Jan 24th, 2012 (10:48 am)Uh, it’s kinda hard to forget what renting is like when I am currently renting. Not sure if you missed the part where I’m talking from my personal experience. It probably helps if your lease is up for renewal soon and you inform them that you will HAVE to leave if they don’t provide a better solution than “run 100 foot of extension cord out to your parking space”.
And their was no “big capital improvement” needed. An outlet costs like $2. I didn’t say anything about them installing big, expensive charges (although my apartment’s management actually considered it and went so far as to get an estimate from an electrician).
Have you met any of us 20-somethings? It’s all about instant gratification. Why save money when I can have my Volt now!
And yes, I am aware that I’m not saving money. I also wasn’t saving money when I was driving the Prius. Some things are just worth more money.
-10
Jan 24th, 2012 (11:07 am)(click to show comment)
+8
Jan 24th, 2012 (11:09 am)Charlie H,
I’ve already got one house I can’t sell. Why would I need another?? :-/
+1
Jan 24th, 2012 (11:18 am)At the Detroit Auto Show a couple weeks ago, I sat in the Volt for a longer time than normal and just played w/all the controls. What I discovered is i’m more used to activating/selecting things by using a touchscreen. So when given the option to either push a physical button or push the graphic on the screen, I was much more inclined to touch the screen vs. trying to figure out where the button was. To me it seems less distracting than looking for buttons.
+2
Jan 24th, 2012 (12:34 pm)I see the thinking here when car companies look at the size of the Gen Y group, but sadly that’s not where the money is. When anyone talks hybrids or Ev’s, they need to chase the people with money, plain and simple. That means the 40 to 60 year old crowd IMO. I’ll be 40 myself in a few more months and I can’t even touch a Volt for what they are asking. Now, how’s a young college grad saddled with college loans and no job going to swing that one?
Hate to bring up the old “Chevy Volt should’ve been a Cadillac Volt” discussion, but it is probably worth mentioning again. The crowd that buys Volt and Prii and so forth are rarely the Gen Y crowd. Hopefully GM knows this and markets accordingly.
+2
Jan 24th, 2012 (1:15 pm)So, Charlie signs a lease for a rental without checking out the function or age of a furnace.
That sure would explain just about everything bad he has to say, from whatever a poor deal he has to live in, to the unfortunate lack of anything that makes sense thereafter. Poor guy seemed a bit smarter than that.
+1
Jan 24th, 2012 (1:39 pm)Every time I read these predictions and survey results, the first thing that comes to mind is that when gas prices climb high enough, the whole perspective changes. The importance of gadgets, performance, glitz etc. all fade when it gets too expensive to drive to work.
Take the survey again after the next gas price spike and you’ll see better electric percentages.
My son (age 23) definitely wants an electric of some sort but affordability will likely push this off for years.
+1
Jan 24th, 2012 (2:05 pm)For the purpose of keeping your eyes on the road; I think that using voice commands and voice output from your vehicle would be the safest interaction. Connectivity already has proven to be a helpful safety tool and has a lot of potential. Maintaining control of your vehicle obviously needs to be paramount so local laws may prohibit some actions. For me age 52, for now; I want an EV and don’t want or need a lot of extra accessories or monthly service fees. Giving me and others this option, will get us into our EVs a little sooner.
+2
Jan 24th, 2012 (2:21 pm)Dave K.,
Just back from Paradise Chevrolet in Ventura. Oil change and hand car wash. Was treated very well by several staffers. Two cups of hot coffee and several “yes sirs”. I asked about getting #555 detailed in June for the annual July 4th weekend Rods and Roses Car Show. Really enjoyed showing the car last year.
You’re doing well GM.
=D~Volt
-12
Jan 24th, 2012 (2:46 pm)(click to show comment)
-3
Jan 24th, 2012 (2:48 pm)I see… that’s unfortunate. I presume you’ve had to relocate away from it and must rent?
-9
Jan 24th, 2012 (3:13 pm)For me this translates :
After this :
Toyota Beats 2011 Volt Sales In 10 Weeks With Prius V Hybrid
It may have only gone on sale at the end of October 2011, but Toyota has just announced it managed to sell 8,399 Toyota Prius V Wagons before the start of 2012.
You may hear :
Prius C outsold some other cars
because its affordable green car for Gen Y.
The key is to understand Hybrids are going to be huge for next couple of years and people are more green conscious. GM is still struggling to get a Prius answer even after 14 years ( Prius launched in 1997 ). Good part is Ford is also smart now
.
+1
Jan 24th, 2012 (3:27 pm)So, are the “Boomers” being abandoned outright?
I don’t want a car because it’s “connected” or pitched at the ‘Social Media’ generation (sounds better than “Gen Y,” and more descriptive, IMO). I want the electric car I dreamed of as a teenager. A Volt I can afford would do nicely.
+2
Jan 24th, 2012 (3:39 pm)Any survey such as this uses such a broad brush to determine the tastes and buying habits of an entire generation, that it has to be taken with a large grain of salt. It misses socio-economic groups, and a quick survey of the definition of Generation Y from Wikipedia shows there is much debate over even what year of birth constitutes a “Millennial” or Gen Yer.
That said, it’s true and surprising how interested younger people are in technology. I thought my Prius would be uncool to my 19 year old nephew, and instead he drooled over it’s touchscreen, Bluetooth and voice controls. There’s a place for connectedness, OLED screens, heads-up displays, Bluetooth and wireless in all cars. It’s amazing to me just how many 20-30 year olds blatantly text while driving even when they know the risks. To me the purpose of tech is to make a car safer, not more distracting. If HVAC and telephonic tasks can be done hands-free, so much the better. If you can speak to your car and it tells you vital stats like levels of charge, miles to the best/cheapest gas, etc. without distracting you – so much the better. If we can have a text read to us, and tell “Siri”, or a voice-assistant to send or read a text message, and it keeps our eyes firmly on the road ahead, great! We can’t generalize.
I recently was in a situation where I had my kids in the back of the Prius and approached a section of highway where two lanes blended into one. I had the inside continuous lane, and another Prius driver ( 35-40ish female ) had the outside merging lane. Since I drive a Prius and the first two weeks were spent with my wife telling me, “you make me nervous glancing at that info screen-watch the road!”, I know you can catch yourself fiddling with touchscreen functions and have your eyes diverted. One has to teach oneself how NOT to do this – which is easy since that car has nearly every function operable by voice or steering wheel button input. Still, I just knew this women in the other Prius wasn’t paying attention, and sure enough, she whipped into me at 40 mph, forcing me over the center line! If I hadn’t assessed her situation for her and reacted, it would have been a major accident.
This is an era where merging personal electronics with automobiles is inevitable. Driver training should also reflect these current trends as we jump from an analog buttons and switches mentality to more of a futuristic ( and mostly better ) one.
RECHARGE! ,
James
Jan 24th, 2012 (3:47 pm)Some interesting OT stuff:
Daimer Buys into My Taxi & Car2Go
http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1072108_daimler-buys-15-percent-of-mytaxi-partner-for-car2go
There’s a fleet of 300 Car2Go electic smart cars in San Diego if any of you west coast ppl are interested
http://sandiego.car2go.com/
Jan 24th, 2012 (3:59 pm)Also OT, some interesting Design News articles
Hydralic Hybrids
http://www.designnews.com/document.asp?doc_id=236226
This one is about “micro-hybrids” meaning cars that use start/stop technology, and technology such as Eassist.
http://lb2.ec2.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/ubm/designnews_201201/index.php?startid=38
+3
Jan 24th, 2012 (4:34 pm)You’re gonna get negged in here not because this is a Volt fanboy site, but because your comparisons are unfair and unjust.
Of course Toyota has the lead in hybrids – is this news to you? Nearly 60% of all Toyota cars sold here last year were hybrids. Ford, GM and all others are playing catch up. Toyota spent hundreds of millions of dollars promoting Prius over the decade. It’s taken that long to build up recognition and appreciation of HSD and it’s benefits. Today they are capitalizing on this foundation and they will succeed in marketing Prius offshoots to a wider spectrum of consumers. The Prius V went on sale in all 50 states, and built upon the name brand recognition and it’s base of Priusophiles.
I disagree with GM’s rollout of Volt but it’s still unfair to compare apples-to-apples at this point. A better comparison will be PIP to Volt, since they both are PHEVs and both suffer from a slow graduated rollout schedule and prices reflective of their expensive battery packs. Prius models are aimed at a mid/mid-upper class demographic. I don’t really think GM had any demographic in mind when they decided to go through with the Volt. It seems the Malibu 2-mode is more their big volume hybrid plan. Sadly they aren’t watching the Prius model more closely. Prius etched out it’s own category by being an original proprietary design. Other manufacturers ( and Toyota ) have had less success marketing hybrid versions of existing model lines.
Lexus is another story. Lexus hybrids are not big sellers. The RXh line has done well, while the Prius-based “small-luxo” ploy hasn’t worked out as the 250h has been a flop. So far, the newest small Lexus hybrid using mainly Prius hardware is also slow out of the gate, and this is also due to their pricepoints + lackluster mpg. Lexus is just plain out of their minds to sell the LS hybrid at $112,600 for the (22 mpg combined) base model – they sell 8-10 per month. So one could say Toyota is trying lots of things, some are sticking, some are not. I will fault GM for not trying much at all. GM is aiming toward 2015 to introduce new hybrid and electric product en-masse to assess what will become of the current C.A.F.E. standards, and it’s the wrong strategy. I’ll agree Ford’s plan is making much more sense.
Come back in a year and compare 2013 PIP with 2013 Volt. That would make a whole lot more sense.
VOLT – MORE DRIVE, LESS FILLING! ,
James
+5
Jan 24th, 2012 (4:36 pm)I don’t think this is a competition. The EV market is in its infancy and it will take some time to get massive volumes of cars in the market. What is really strange is that Toyota has nothing better to offer in the EV space than a reworked Prius. Don’t get me wrong, it is not a bad car but the Volt is by far a superior product.
+2
Jan 24th, 2012 (4:53 pm)“What is really strange is that Toyota has nothing better to offer in the EV space than a reworked Prius”
Toyota has spoken to this on several occassions. Toyota does not want to introduce a volume EV product to the market that is heavily dependent of government tax credits (>15% of the purchase price) to sell to the general public. Toyota research believes there is not a large sustainable market for a pure EV at this time (with a decent range and is affordable). The Prius PHV was produced to provide a lithium ion plug-in at a price and range that could be sustained in the market place.
Only time will tell if their assessment is correct.
-5
Jan 24th, 2012 (4:54 pm)Not paying attention, eh? There’s both the RAV4 & iQ for EV only. The NS4 concept as another plug-in option. And the Highlander & Camry are more powerful hybrids.
-2
Jan 24th, 2012 (4:56 pm)I wouldn’t think the Boomers are being abandoned… after all, we’re the ones with the money.
Of course, now that we’re getting old, the right approach by GM to sell RE-EVs to Boomers would be to electriy a Buick. And every one comes with a free farm-equipment-logo baseball hat.
-2
Jan 24th, 2012 (4:59 pm)Price has always been a top priority, which has paid off in the past.
-5
Jan 24th, 2012 (5:13 pm)In 2011, that slow-selling car (the CT200h) outsold the Volt by about 2 to 1. It wasn’t even on sale a full year.
Jan 24th, 2012 (5:13 pm)john1701a,
Toyota is not going to ‘give’ market share away to any manufacturer. While no longer a Toyota purchaser, I have tremendous respect for their international and domestic product planning team.
The conservative Toyota is making room for the ‘expressive’ Toyota. Just returned from the NAIAS and you can easily see that Toyota is not standing still. Toyota has been very successful in the luxury and middle-market segment.
Jan 24th, 2012 (5:20 pm)Problem is – Toyota had something with the Prius-with-a-Plug ( “Prius P”? ) when they were spreading the $28-30,000 price rumor. With the announcement of $39-42,000 they have a much less appealing message. For the majority of people with 30-60 mile commutes mixed with occasional longer drives on weekends, the Volt just outperforms the Prius P in every single category mentionable except number of passengers.
We’ll see what Prius P’s sales numbers are one year from today with it’s large price and limited rollout. Prius P goes 13-15 miles on electricity IF you baby it and don’t stomp on the accelerator. Prius P handles, well, like a Prius – which is bad ( soft, wallowy, and don’t dare drive in snow or ice, or even deep rain puddles or the traction control stops you dead ) which is great for a mileage car, but not compared with the far superior handling Volt, which feels like a normal car. You may be able to add the “Prius Plus” or Prius Performance Package onto the PIP ( not sure if it will be offered ) but at $3699 additional just to add springs, sway bar, aero kit and bigger wheels/tires…? I think you get my point. Volt is the better visceral driver’s machine and the only thing that rubs the ground is the rubber air dam ( NOT the entire car bottoming out – Prius Plus ).
Strangely Toyota may be outsmarting GM in marketing placement, and GM outsmarting Toyota in engineering. Kind of an automobile version of “Trading Places”.
RECHARGE! ,
James
-6
Jan 24th, 2012 (5:28 pm)The Prius PHV starts at $32K, fairly well equipped (includes Nav at that price and I forget what else).
Jan 24th, 2012 (5:32 pm)James,
For many people driving in pure EV mode is the raison d’etre for wanting a Volt over something else. Toyota is betting the larger share of market is more interested in higher blended (ie: hybrid) MPG than pure EV range while the cost of batteries remains relatively high. The Prius, Prius PHV, and Prius C have very high overall MPG at a price many can afford. I have driven the PHV and it does provide a limted EV experience but at a lower price point and higher combined MPG.
The Volt would sell like hotcakes if we have a 70′s style oil embargo and gasoline was scarce or rationed.
We are starting to see what the marketplace will bear.
-4
Jan 24th, 2012 (5:36 pm)$32,000 is the standard model price, with a decent set of options included. What about that?
All we’ve ever heard from Toyota itself was a target of $3,000 to $5,000 premium. No MSRP expectation was because it was never known what package the plug-in model would be based upon. For the production model, that ended up between 3 & 4. So, it did meet the target.
Of course, the “Y” generation is more willing to opt for the advanced model instead, with goodies well outside of the norm for the mainstream. But can you blame them? Not having HUD is just plain wrong.
+1
Jan 24th, 2012 (5:40 pm)#31
As you may have noticed, I have actually agreed with several of your comments lately. but not this one.
Lame! -1
+1
Jan 24th, 2012 (5:42 pm)#30
What’s that yellow thing in the background?
+1
Jan 24th, 2012 (5:55 pm)BeechBoy ,James
I am not comparing Volts to Prius, The idea was to say people ( GEN X or Gen y ) likes hybrids , if they are affordable and reliable.
The second part
Toyota is positioned well to take this opportunity and GM is not anywhere near it.
GM is looking mostly only current line and non visible future (fuel cell , EV ) . They are missing something called near future. The near future has a lot economic hybrids and hybrid sonic or hybrid impala or hybrid malibu make a lot there. The worst part is GM is putting very non competitive eassist stuff which again drags them back.
Please don’t count it as offense.
+1
Jan 24th, 2012 (5:58 pm)Yes, the Prius P does deliver a very limited EV experience at a price that is a cat’s whisker from the price of a Volt which delivers a very hearty, robust EV experience.
Prius P ( PIP ) testers have noted that the car still engages it’s gasoline powerplant if the driver is anything but light on the pedal. In most scenarios it behaves just like a standard Prius, which means the gas engine kicks in during any load conditions other than – very light.
Toyota has been very wary and slow in introducing the Prius P because of the factors you mention. The price of the battery pack will make it a small niche vehicle and not cover the vast majority’s percieved needs for a competitive price. Thing is, CNN just announced it projects 2012 gas prices for January the highest ever. CNN went on to say $5.00 per gallon for this summer’s gas is a likelihood. What with the tomultuous happenings in the Middle East and Iran’s reactive threats of a blockade of oil deliveries in response to ever-tightening sanctions, I’d say a Volt purchase isn’t too big of a gamble.
RECHARGE! ,
James
+1
Jan 24th, 2012 (6:24 pm)I keep trying to post a remark to the fellow who touted the CT Lexus. What a joke that vehicle is!
Look at it’s numbers. One would be much better off to just buy a Prius and pocket the savings.
Auto industry editors test the CT and wonder….Why? Lexus? Why?…. It just plain is one of those
vehicles that doesn’t make sense. Why dish out $29-$36,000 for a Prius with less mileage, less capacity,
a Lexus badge and a very small increase in handling ( that looks like an ugly subcompact wagon )?
True luxury is an EV glide through a parking lot, or a nearly silent cruise on the freeway where you can listen to your Bose sound system in all it’s glory! True smart luxury is not being narcissistic and using up bunches of foreign crude, not caring about nobody no how!
I wondered why my posts weren’t showing up – and then I noticed the Lexus CT ad banner at the bottom of the page!
LOL!
RECHARGE! ,
James
Jan 24th, 2012 (6:25 pm)http://earth911.com/news/2011/09/19/price-for-toyota-plug-in-prius/
The base manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for the plug-in hybrid will be $32,000 for the standard model and $39,525 for the advanced model that features a premium navigation system and hybrid applications linked to the driver’s smart phone. Both models are expected to qualify for a federal tax credit of about $2,500, Toyota said.
+3
Jan 24th, 2012 (6:28 pm)I think this is where the Cadillac ELR is targeted.
Jan 24th, 2012 (6:34 pm)James,
I think GM should convince their dealer network to embrace the Volt. Left Lane News reported yesterday that dealers are rejecting their Volt allocations. GM is offering dealers Volts and some dealers are rejecting them.
How does that make sense?
+4
Jan 24th, 2012 (6:54 pm)I can direct you to U.S. Congressperson Kelley R N.J. ( Chevy dealership owner ) for that answer. Just email him like nasaman did and tell them you’re interested in a Volt.
For some, it’s political. For some, it’s profit margin. For some it’s the hassle of having to train and employ special persons to service the car. But mostly, it’s shortsightedness, in my opinion.
Gas prices are going up and so is interest in Volt. When the Chevy dealer is asked why the 2013 Ford Fusion ICE gets 1 mpg better mileage than his 2013 2-mode hybrid Eco Malibu – he won’t have the Volt to fall back on. Chevy dealers would be wise to order all they can get.
GM would be wise to offer Voltec versions in all price ranges in crossovers and subcompacts. Then fullsized trucks.
Period.
RECHARGE! ,
James
Jan 24th, 2012 (7:05 pm)Maybe GM should create a new division out of Volt. Ex Saab and Saturn dealerships might be interested. Especially if there were new lower priced models in addition to the current Volt.
Jan 24th, 2012 (7:08 pm)Prius P “Advanced Package” at over $39,500. Add $3966 for the “Prius Plus” performance package to get the car to handle like a Volt – and it still will not glide automatically in EV mode through parking lots at 15 mph and below even when it’s lithium pack is depleted. It still will not go 40+ miles not using a drop of gas – even when the pedal is aggressively applied, and up to 100 mph.
Volt does these things without a performance package, and it’s loaded with HDD and premium audio, nav and OnStar. Add MyLink after May 2012 and you have a very “advanced package”.
Made in USA
RECHARGE! ,
James
Jan 24th, 2012 (7:14 pm)Yeah, dat’s it! Genius!
Maybe that’s like Boeing Aircraft Corporation placing managers in charge of it’s Dreamliner 787 from the failed McDonnel Douglas aircraft company. I mean, …it only set back the introduction of the 787….three years!
Take a failed company and use it to push a new technology….Uhhhh…Maybe not!
RECHARGE! ,
James
Jan 24th, 2012 (7:21 pm)To add to James list, what I read was some were waiting for the NHTSA thing to get settled, others were waiting for the HOV lane approved Volts.
Jan 24th, 2012 (8:07 pm)James,
Seems like anything would be better than what the current dealers are doing. I really don’t see the majority of Gen Y’ers buying a $45,000 car. If I ever decided to pay $45,000 for a Volt, I’d much rather go to Volt of Charlotte to buy it. Or better yet Voltofcharlotte.com.
+2
Jan 24th, 2012 (8:13 pm)The Volt is the future. “Rome was not built in a day” “Lead, follow, or get out of the way” Check back with me in 20 years and history will show it to be true. If not, I will publicly eat my words in front of all of you here at gm-volt.com. Write it down.
+1
Jan 24th, 2012 (8:57 pm)Well, if they don’t want to “plug in”, how will they power their electronic devices? Will they use gas-powered computers and cellphones (like in the Leaf ad)?
EVERYTHING has to get energy externally. Plugging in at a home outlet is still better than plugging in at a gas station.
If Nikola Tesla were still alive, maybe everything could be powered wireless, as he dreamed of. But capitalism got into his way.
Raymond
+2
Jan 24th, 2012 (9:17 pm)In 20 years, we will have 3D available, so we can SEE you live if you had to eat your words. I know you will not have to!
Raymond
-2
Jan 24th, 2012 (9:20 pm)For $32,000, it includes Nav:
http://www.toyota.com/prius-plug-in/features.html
The top model includes at least one thing you can not get on any GM car.
-3
Jan 24th, 2012 (9:22 pm)Are you referring to the Lexus CT200h? The “joke” that outsold the Volt by 2 to 1?
It’s an entry level luxury car that gets very good fuel economy. Something wrong with that? Do you think Lexus should try one from the GM playbook and cram a blown V8 into it?
-2
Jan 24th, 2012 (9:26 pm)Why stop there? Throw a few bars of gold into the trunk and the PiP is even more expensive.
The fact is, you can get into one for $32K and it’s nicely equipped (with Nav). Should Toyota have also built an unsaleable car so they could help provide a tax credit for toys to the upper income brackets?
-2
Jan 24th, 2012 (9:40 pm)When the pack is available, the EV power is most definitely not like the standard Prius. I drove one for a few days and feel sorry for anyone who actually believes those greenwashing attempts. I’ll refer back to these posts in 2 months too, pointing out how easy it was for false information to be spread. Who were those supposed testers?
Remember, generation “Y” are web savy. They’ll find old references in blogs & forums.
And do you honestly believe they won’t game the system? Keeping under 62 mph is surprisingly easy when you live in the suburbs.
Jan 25th, 2012 (12:53 am)This photo was taken a few months ago in front of the local gym. Couldn’t pass on the opportunity to get both cars in the same shot. I have recently begun seeing another red Volt in town. They are catching on.
No Plug, No Sale!
Jan 25th, 2012 (5:36 am)I think the light foot is what will scare Gen Y’ers or most anybody to death. Trucks in the rearview mirror are bad news for a Synergy drive vehicle, if you want to stay gas free that is.
+1
Jan 25th, 2012 (5:39 am)Absolutely nothing wrong with an entry level luxury car that is capable of 100′s miles per gallon of gas burned yet no gas on most days and a quieter, smoother ride. Glad to see you have fiiiiiiiiiinaly come around.
-2
Jan 25th, 2012 (7:35 am)Scare tactics through the spread of a misconception. That’s not a good sign. You know output has been increased from 27 to 38 kW.
-2
Jan 25th, 2012 (9:12 am)I never said such a vehicle was a bad idea. It has always been my position that it was a bad idea to build such a vehicle if it was unaffordable, unsaleable and unprofitable. You might take note of the CT200h base price: $29K. And it’s sales: 14K. I can’t say whether or not it’s profitable but since it uses the Prius drivetrain, it didn’t cost much to develop, which makes profitability far more likely.
-2
Jan 25th, 2012 (9:19 am)Why would a “light foot” scare them? If there’s a truck in the rear-view mirror, normal people put their foot down and make the car speed up. Only EV-purists fret over whether or not the ICE runs and Toyota’s not aiming this car at EV-purists, they’re aiming it at normal people.
Remeber the normal people? They’re easy to recognize, they’re the ones that passed up the Volt in droves.
Jan 25th, 2012 (11:27 am)#66
Thanks pal. Best regards. +1