GM has been heavily advertising its bailout bait (a.k.a. Chevrolet Volt) since the concept car was unveiled at the North American International Auto Show on January 7, 2007. Strangely, I haven’t seen a single TV or print ad featuring the new, less chop-topped bodywork. Where was I? Oh yes… From a PR perspective, GM’s electric – gas “extended range EV” has been a singular success (literally). So it’s no surprise that a Canadian power company looking to greenwash its image is jumping into bed with The General to get a Jolt from their Volt™. Ontario Power’s press release reveals that they’ve launched a two-month ad campaign that “features a 30-second TV commerical showcasing the environmental benefits of plug-in electric vehicles. The TV ads are supplemented by print, billboard and internet advertising that feature the upcoming Chevy Volt Extended Range Electric Vehicle.” In case you were wondering, that’s an EV with a “range extending power source– a small gasoline engine– that will engage seamlessly to recharge its batteries.” Only, uh, it doesn’t. Anyway, look for this “let THEM pay for it” ad deal to be replicated at a power company near you. [thanks to emro for the link]
7 Comments on “Volt Birth Watch 108: Ontario Power Company Subsidizes Volt Ads...”
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I have no problem with this….
As long as they state the range of the Volt in KMS, during winter driving (at let’s say minus 10C) with the heater running at full power.
The light at the end of the tunnel is an oncoming train…
fyi:
it’s OPG – Ontario Power Generation,
not, Ontario Power…
Why would a company that sells electricity want to promote a plug-in electric car?
Odd, I just finished emailing them about correcting that and find it mentioned here.
And OPG burns more coal then almost any other NA power grid.
Market education requires lead time, repetition and clear messaging. If the power companies can help a cash-constrained GM finance market education as preparation for launch into pre-existing demand, so be it. I don’t see a problem. You’re going to be paying someone for the energy, like it or not.
Phil