Posted on 03/05/2012 8:41:18 AM PST by jazusamo
“So, where did GM get the idea that anyone could afford this thing at that price when that competition is offering vehicles at substantially lower prices?”
Probably the same place that they got the idea that someone would want to buy the Pontiac Aztec.
I tend to agree with you. It’s a car that could fit some peoples needs but it’s out of sight price wise.
Then there’s the unknown of what’s 5 or 6 years down the road, the technology in the Volt may very well be obsolete and who’s going to want it when the expensive battery and other parts approach time for replacement.
For the enviro nuts that have more money than brains who want to make a statement it’s fine but I don’t believe there’s enough of that type to even come close to making it a success.
They must have run out of orders from the various departments of government that were ordered to buy them.
As I’ve said on previous posts regarding the Volt..if GM is so convinced this turkey is the future of automobiles, why is it introducing a diesel version of the Chevy Cruze in the U.S. market? For roughly half the price of the Volt, the Cruze diesel will get an estimated 50 mpg on the highway, and the diesel engine should pay for itself in 18 months. Compare that to the years it takes to “break even” on high-priced hybrids like the Volt.
Building the Volt was clearly part of the bail-out deal, and it will last as long as Obama’s in office. If he’s voted out in November (not long after the Cruze diesel arrives in showrooms), then GM will start looking for ways to get rid of the Volt. They ought to try honesty: no one wants hybrids masquerading as electric card, particularly when they come with a $41,000 price tag.
I’ll be in the market for a new car later this year, and I plan to look closely at the Cruze Diesel and the various diesel models from VW. Both are much more cost-effective options than a vanity car like the Volt. Incidentally, the diesel version of the Cruze sold 33,000 units world-wide the first year it was available. Those aren’t spectacular numbers, but the car wasn’t available in the most important market—North America. And even with sales of 33,000 cars, the Cruze Diesel out-sold the Volt by something like a 30:1 ratio.
Even GM can understand that calculus. Plenty of folks at Government Motors would love to kill the Volt, and they’re just waiting for the opportunity. That’s why Obama’s election defeat will be a “three-fer.” With one election, we can get rid of the anointed one, the Chevy Volt, and Bob Lutz.
A 36-month lease for $350 is $12,900. Not nearly enough to make any money for GM. The old car being sold with a dying battery won’t be able to cover the difference.
6,300 in inventory and only selling 600 a month (at the top end) means their factory can be shut down most of the next year.
The Chevy Cruze sounds like a great car if you aren’t boycotting GM. You could always go for that Ford truck with EcoBoost for a comparable vehicle.
I’m not up on the Cruze diesel but I believe GM’s been working to meet EPA standards to be able to sell it here.
I think the Cruze Eco gets over 40 mpg on the road which isn’t too shabby and would be quite economical. Don’t know about performance but they’re selling pretty well.
Yep, they're getting desperate and grasping at straws. I think their EV cars are going to all be made in China before long in their partnership with SAIC.
VW offers fairly loaded diesel Golfs and Jettas for less than $25K. They do well over 40 mpg highway.
Haiku, thanks for the graphic. Now up with article.
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