Quote:
Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy
A Volt priced at $30k makes sense. The technology involved, and the MPG return, are worth more money than a typical hybrid. If tax incentives get it there then it might have a chance.
Simply having the technology isn't enough, it has to make business sense. Honda only leased a few hydrogen cars because they were too expensive, it didn't make economic sense. You mention a Lexus, but a Chevy isn't a Lexus. If given the choice between the two at the same price, what do you think the average American would choose? Especially considering our current cheap gas.
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Thanks for the clarification. I'm willing to bet that the average transaction price net of credit is under $30K. Care to take that bet?
You keep bringing up 'current cheap gas'. Do you think any manufacturer with 3 and 4 year lead times can afford to plan for 'current' fuel prices? Why blast Toyota, Honda, GM, or Ford for developing products that make their business case assuming $4-5 gasoline? I don't think too many experts believe 'cheap gas' is here to stay. Measured today, all hybrids and diesels have stupid ROI for most buyers. They still sell for other reasons, including consumers' fears that fuel prices will rise again, if only to levels of 12-18 months ago.
A recent study suggests that those who reacted to those high fuel prices by buying little econoboxes are very dissatisfied by their purchases (duh). Next time, the study shows, they intend to purchase slightly larger sedans with more of the luxuries they're used to, but aren't willing to give up the fuel economy. Given these findings, cars like the Volt may be what Americans actually WANT, rather than being 'shoved down their throats'.
There is almost zero chance that I will buy a Volt. Same goes for a Prius, or Leaf. But I know for certain that those of us who are 'enthusiasts' are a very small (but vocal) minority and do not, in the least, reflect the views of the buying public at large. I don't like to shop at Wal Mart either, but I'm in the teenie minority there too.