GM's plug-in revolution won't happen fast
Leaving the Prius behind anytime soon?By late 2010, if plans stay on course, GM will begin rolling out the Chevy Volt. Unfortunately, however, 2010 might see less than 1000 plug-in Volts hit the road. In 2011, GM hopes to produce 10,000 Volts, followed by 60,000 the following year. Thus, the world won't see 100,000 Volts per year until at least sometime after 2012.
While I'm a fan of the Volt, less than a year ago, I asked Bob Lutz about a dual mode hybrid Prius fighter. He essentially asked why, when something like the Volt would be superior to the Toyota Prius, according to Lutz. For perception, I replied back then, to prove that GM had changed and that it could and would take on the Prius.
However, if I saw him today, I would ask, with $4.00+ gas, can GM really wait several more years before GM isn't only challenging the Prius with possibly better technology, but in numbers that matter?
posted by Dahcredyns at
2:49 PM
2 Comments:
Those production numbers really are anemic. All it means to me is that it will be very hard for me to get a Volt since I live in the middle of Ohio!
The good news would be if there are Federal rebate dollars to offset the high price of this vehicle.
I really believe that GM needs to step up and COMMIT to much larger numbers for early production. Something in the neighborhood of 60,000 vehicles in 2011 and maybe 100K thereafter.
I'm almost positive that plug-in hybrids will qualify for significant tax credits. Even McCain, whom is probably more conservative on this issue, is talking $5000 for such vehicles.
Aside from the Volt, GM will also launch the Vue plug-in hybrid. This plug-in isn't quite as sophisticated as the Volt, so perhaps GM has better production numbers planned.
Unfortunately, I'll bet one of two things are happening. 1.) GM wants to be cautious rolling out this technology, 2.) Lack of supplies and supply chains, which are going to take several years to develop.
If this vehicle is one of the most significant pieces of GM's future, can they really afford to wait until after 2012 to start rolling out more than 100,000 vehicles? At today's pace GM stock might only be worth a couple of bucks by then.
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