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GM Cornered Into Defending the Volt
Al notes a story in Technology Review reporting on a CMU study (now over a month old) claiming that the Volt doesn't make economic sense, and GM's response. The study suggests that hybrids with large batteries offering up to 40 miles of range before an on-board generator kicks in simply cost too much for the gas savings to work out (PDF). Al writes: "Unsurprisingly, GM disputes the claims, saying 'Our battery team is already starting work on new concepts that will further decrease the cost of the Volt battery pack quite substantially in a second-generation Volt pack.' Interestingly, however, GM admits that the tax credits for plug-in hybrids will be crucial to making the volt successful. Without those credits, would an electric vehicle like the Volt be viable?"
We have been enjoying our TDI Wagon since 2004... but...
See my other post in the thread about maintenance issues, and GET the rather cheap extension on the warranty to 100K miles.
Our extended warranty company has paid out over $11K and climbing. Latest is a complete transmission replacement, but numerous major systems and minor ones alike, have failed...
+++OK ATH
Agreed with the maintenance issues, my friend. I love driving our 2004 VW Jetta TDI, but see other posts in this thread I've just sent for the "damages" to the wallet (if we didn't have the 100K extended warranty, and got it CHEAP!) for maintenance. COVERED items are already above $11K on ours, counting the new transmission that's currently being installed at the dealership... we've owned it since new, and the thing is a hangar queen. Thank goodness for extended warranties and "loss of vehicle" rental car insurance... we're so used to the routine of having it towed to the dealer, and my wife driving the latest "rental du jour" that even our across the street neighbors remarked on "how many new cars have been in your driveway the last few years?" two days ago from their Toyota Sequoia as we waved in the street leaving the neighborhood.
+++OK ATH