Noticed that things have been a little slower around here this week? Yes, well, it’s summer and I’m much harder to motivate in the summer. Also, I’ve been working on this op-ed on the Chevy Volt for the New York Times. My conclusion on the Volt?
In the end, making the bailout work — whatever the cost — is the only good reason for buying a Volt. The car is not just an environmental hair shirt (a charge leveled at the Prius early in its existence), it is an act of political self-denial as well.
If G.M. were honest, it would market the car as a personal donation for, and vote of confidence in, the auto bailout. Unfortunately, that’s not the kind of cross-branding that will make the Volt a runaway success.
Recent Comments
kericf - One head, but on the second head gasket. I’m not sure why the first gasket failed, but his son warped the head on it after driving it while it...
hreardon - Roadtrip! Bertel, this is some great stuff you’ve been posting. I’m really looking forward to the upcoming kit articles.
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PonchoIndian - Jimbob says Uhh.. Duh, de GM Northstar wuz already dere. It was designed, debugged, and tooled up. WAKE UP! What part of stupid do you not...
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DenverMike - @Sunridge – Silao Mexico is a great place to build GM trucks. It’s in the beautiful state of Gaunajuato....
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Land Ark - Precisely. That was the first thing I thought. And as I recall, that car was derided as being too boring. I’m not sure how this is an improvement.
LoneWolffe - :P