My Perfect Automobile » General Motors

Chevy Volt for $10K Less?

Larry Bell — Thu, 16 May 2013 12:36:53 +0000

Chevy Volt

General Motors CEO Dan Akerson has hinted that the next generation Chevy Volt might be priced as much as $10,000 less than the current base sticker of $39,995. During a recent industry event, Akerson also noted that the future version of Volt would likely be lighter and more profitable. A $10K price cut would put the Chevy Volt smack in the middle of competitors’ EV price profile. Ford, Toyota and Nissan already offer electric vehicles that straddle the $30,000 price point.

Chevy Volt: Video

For someone who was not originally a fan of the Chevy Volt, the narrator of the above video clip certainly changed his mind. Now, during an extended review ride, he discusses some of the car’s interesting nuances of performance in cold and warm weather. Driving around the streets of Wisconsin, the driver switches between gas and electric drive several times, demonstrates the basics about home charging, and explains the wonders of what he calls “stealth,” or silent, driving. The bottom line from his demo drive is that the Volt is comfortable, fun to drive, handles very well, and gets incredible mileage.

Chevy Volt Price

Industry sources early this year reported that GM is thinking about reducing Volt’s engine size from four to three cylinders, and reducing the current 1.4-liter displacement to either 1.0- or 1.2- liters in an effort to improve fuel efficiency and trim the car’s weight. Apparently, the company is considering the smaller engine for the Cadillac ELR and the Chevy Volt, both of which use the Voltec drivetrain. As is typical in such situations, GM has neither confirmed nor denied specifics about the engine in its next generation Volt, but CEO Akerson’s more recent allusion to a lower price tag for the future Volt would make sense if the company were to cut engine size for the ELR and Volt.

For more about the Chevy Volt, and all the other vehicles made by Chevrolet, see the U.S. carmaker’s official corporate website:
http://www.chevy.com

Larry Bell

Larry Bell + is My Perfect Automobile’s Genius Author, but we call him ‘The Expert‘. Here is his full Blog: My Perfect Automobile. Larry lives in San Jose, CA and is also the Expert Author. Larry is a lover of the Automobile as well and shares a passion for Concept, Hybrid and Electric Cars…

Car Sales Champ Emerges for Early 2013

Larry Bell — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 23:09:39 +0000

Car sales champ (pictured: 2014 Toyota Prius hybrid)

Japan’s Toyota Motor Co. topped archrivals VW and GM in auto sales for the first quarter of 2013. Toyota, maker of the hybrid Prius, reported 2.43 million auto sales for the first three months of the year, slightly besting GM, who reported 2.36 million in sales, and Volkswagen AG, who came in with 2.27 million sales for the period. Ironically, Toyota was able to retain its marketing supremacy in spite of a slight drop in the number of cars sold, compared to the first quarter of 2012. The Japanese car giant posted a 2.2 percent decline in sales over the same period last year, while Volkswagen showed a 5 percent increase and GM a 3.5 percent increase.

Toyota Prius: Video

Toyota has won numerous advertising awards for its creative and humorous commercials. One example of the upbeat, interesting spots is shown in the video clip above. It features a happy song, unique animation scenes, and keeps the focus on the car in question, in this case the hybrid best-seller Prius.

For those with sharp vision, note the animated chess player at the 41-second point in the video. Such humorous asides are typical of the atmosphere Toyota likes to inject in their commercials. The spots are not only informative, but entertaining as well. Considering how many vehicles the company has sold in the past decade alone, the advertisements seem to be doing their job.

Toyota Car Sales

In 2008, Toyota became the global car sales champ, taking the title from U.S. automaker GM, who had held first place for 70 years. Since 2008, with the exception of 2011, Toyota has maintained its place as worldwide auto sales leader. One reason Toyota saw a slight sales decline last year was because subsidies for hybrids were no longer offered by the Japanese government.

For more about Japanese automaker Toyota Motor Co., see the official corporate website:
http://www.toyota.com

Larry Bell

Wireless Plug-In for Buick Riviera Concept

Larry Bell — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 00:04:58 +0000

Buick Riviera wireless plug-in concept

GM unveiled its Buick wireless plug-in concept at a special showing in Detroit, just hours before the vehicle’s official debut at the Shanghai Auto Show. Not destined for production, the concept’s shocking color, gull-wing doors, and wireless charging system are considered hints of Buick’s future design language. GM Shanghai president Ye Yongming said of the concept, “By seamlessly integrating advanced technologies, flexible functions and contemporary aesthetics, the new Riviera heralds the start of a new chapter for the 110-year-old Buick brand.”

Buick Riviera Concept: Video

Buick used the Shanghai Auto Show to officially debut the car that marks what its makers call, “the start of a new chapter” for Buick. That, according to Shanghai GM President Ye Yongming, is what the newest plug-in version of Riviera is all about. The stunning vehicle, shown in the video clip above, features a package of high-tech components including wireless plug-in capability, intelligent four-wheel steering, and electro-magnetic suspension. The automaker refers to these functions collectively as BIP, or Buick Intelligent Performance. The Buick Riviera Concept electric car is the fourth concept vehicle from the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC) and GM Shanghai. The car’s charging unit is positioned inside the Buick porthole design.

Buick Riviera

According to GM, the new Riviera’s design was inspired by the well-known Chinese adage, “The greatest good is like water.” One of the vehicle’s features is a green “eco mode,” that allows for sports car-like performance even while functioning in hybrid drive. GM and its joint venture partners look to show more than 50 new vehicles at the Shanghai show, several of which are the product of joint venture efforts. Buick sold just over 700,000 cars in China last year and was part of the overall GM strategy to increase sales in what is becoming the most important auto market in the world.

For more information, see the official Buick corporate website:
http://www.buick.com

Larry Bell

Brad Pitt Pitches for Cadillac

Larry Bell — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 13:03:09 +0000

Cadillac ELR, winner of Eyes on Design award

In an effort to win new luxury customers in China, Cadillac is mounting an aggressive ad campaign that features actor Brad Pitt. The company hopes to lure a piece of the luxury segment away from entrenched German automakers BMW and Audi with the introduction of its XTS, CTS, and ATS models between now and 2014. Cadillac has chosen Pitt, one of the world’s most recognized celebrities, to help them gain ground in the competitive Chinese marketplace.

The ‘Bradillac’?: Video

Two video clips highlight the latest news from Cadillac. Above, see the commercial where Brad Pitt makes his debut as the face of Cadillac in China. The ad was shot in San Francisco, with Mr. Bradillac himself behind the wheel, apparently tooling around town doing errands and enjoying the scenery.

Below, design winner ELR, the Cadillac version of the Chevy Volt, takes some cold punishment in northern Michigan in order to test braking systems and handling ability. The car endures falling snow, slick terrain and ice, all for the sake of science.

Cadillac ELR: Design Award Winner

Cadillac’s ELR extended-range electric car took home the prestigious Eyes on Design award at the most recent Detroit Auto Show. The EOD trophy is considered one of the top prizes in the industry and is handed out by a discerning panel of automotive designers each year at the North American International Auto Show. Judges give another award for the best-designed concept car, which went to Cadillac Converj, ELR’s predecessor, in 2009. In any case, the 2013 win for ELR in the production category was a major upset over its closest competitor, the 2014 Corvette Stingray.

For more about the Cadillac ELR see the company’s specific web page for the car:
http://www.cadillac.com/elr-electric-car.html

For all else about the family of Cadillac vehicles, visit the official corporate website:
http://www.cadillac.com

For those who can’t get enough about Mr. Pitt, Cadillac’s newest pitchman, see the following information site:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brad_Pitt

Larry Bell

GM Electric Car: ‘200-Mile Range is Possible’

Larry Bell — Sat, 09 Mar 2013 11:55:39 +0000

GM electric car: Chevy Spark EV

General Motors’ CEO Dan Akerson announced this week that the Detroit automaker is working on a car which could achieve a 200-mile electric range on a single charge. GM hopes to have more than a half-million electrified vehicles in operation by 2017. Diesel and compressed natural gas transportation are also part of the company’s long-range plans. The Chevy Volt hybrid-electric car has won practically every industry award there is, and continues to be the premier alternative-fuel vehicle offered by a major auto manufacturer. GM is currently in a pitched battle for market share with archrivals Toyota and Ford, both of whom sell popular alternative-fuel cars to an international market.

GM Electric Car: Video

The short video clip below gives a glimpse of the overall electric car strategy for GM. Always thinking ahead, and constantly expanding potential markets, the automaker chose China as the place to debut its tiny 2-seater EV concept car. Taking advantage of the market’s desire for electrification and connectivity, GM came up with the small but efficient people mover that someday could become a staple of global roadways.

GM Electric Car: Competition

One of GM’s closest competitors in the electric and hybrid marketplace is Ford, a company that has recently been revving up its EV and hybrid dealership force. The maker of the Fusion and Focus EV is training personnel at more than 900 U.S. dealerships to service hybrids and EVs. There is also word from Ford that the automaker will eventually sell an all-electric version of its two plug-in models, C-Max and Fusion. Within the next ten years, Ford execs have let it be known that they expect hybrid and EV sales to comprise almost one-third of their total car sales. By 2025, federal standards mandate that the average mpg for a any automaker be 45 mpg.

For more about one of the world’s largest carmakers, see the official General Motors corporate website:
http://www.gm.com

Larry Bell

Cars to Become Wi-Fi Hotspots, ‘Rolling Smartphones’

Larry Bell — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 22:40:31 +0000

GM’s Chevy Spark EV

Beginning in 2015, AT&T will replace Verizon Wireless as GM’s OnStar connection service. From OnStar’s debut, Verizon Wireless has helped the U.S. auto giant maintain connectivity within its OnStar system. After AT&T settles in with the GM contract, the communications firm will utilize its 4G LTE capability to turn OnStar-equipped vehicles into virtual computers-on-wheels. Any car could be made into a Wi-Fi hotspot. Glenn Lurie, AT&T’s division chief for the project, calls such cars, “smartphones on wheels.”

AT&T, GM to Build Network: Video

For a look at what AT&T’s predecessor had in mind for GM cars, before the change of plans, view the video link below. Much of the OnStar 4G LTE systems will remain in the AT&T network. As the narrator explains, OnStar has incorporated nearly every connectivity feature the human mind can conceive, from remote camera access, to residential temperature control and a vast array of online features. (The current legislative debate over whether drivers should have access to cell phones now seems comically moot). Video conferencing, Smartphone car controls, visual engine and interior inspection, and countless other high-tech capabilities await drivers who sign on to the OnStar-AT&T-GM mega-system.

AT&T, GM

GM’s Lurie offered the startling statistic that AT&T’s future LTE network would cover slightly more than 95 percent of the U.S. population. Coincidentally, Barcelona’s Mobile World Congress begins this week. The event is the globe’s biggest trade show in the wireless communications industry. By some estimates, more than 100 million vehicles will feature wireless network connectivity within two years. For owners of electric vehicles, remote access to a car’s functions can be vital, especially as it pertains to the battery’s charge level. In the event of widespread EV charging networks, grid connections and online billing will allow owners to charge up virtually anywhere.

For more about GM vehicles, see the auto giant’s official corporate website:
http://www.gm.com

Larry Bell

Cadillac ELR: Detroit Debut in January

Larry Bell — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 09:00:28 +0000

Cadillac ELR

General Motors has confirmed that the hybrid-electric Cadillac ELR will make its official debut as a production car at next month’s Detroit Auto Show (NAIAS). About the same size as a Chevy Volt, and sporting a drivetrain that was based on Volt’s, the ELR is reported to show a sticker price lower than one of its prime competitors, the Tesla Model S. That likely means GM will offer the ELR in the low $50,000 range.

Cadillac ELR: Video

The Cadillac ELR will certainly be a game-changer for the extended-range hybrid market. The short video clip below is a Cadillac production which shows a few exterior and interior shots of the prototype when it made its world debut last year. First shown as a concept car at the 2009 NAIAS in Detroit, the vehicle at that time was called the Cadillac Converj. The very few shots of the car, besides some unauthorized spy photos, feature an elegant, sleek, futuristic vehicle that somehow maintains the historic Cadillac essence. General Motors followed a rather unorthodox path for bringing ELR to production. Auto industry lore is replete with stories of the car’s cancellation, “uncancellation,” and re-approval. Whatever happened behind the scenes, the stage is now set for the ELR to make a showroom debut sometime in 2014, with production scheduled to begin in 2013.

Cadillac ELR

The ELR will be built alongside the Chevy Volt at the company’s Hamtramck assembly plant in Detroit. At first, production volume will likely be low as GM tests the market and gears up specific dealerships to offer the car. ELR is a four-seat, two-door. Sporting a lithium-ion battery pack and a four-cylinder gasoline engine, the ELR’s exact price has not been revealed, nor has its all-electric range.

For more information about the upcoming Cadillac ELR, see the company’s dedicated web page for the car, which features some stunning photos of the world’s newest hybrid-electric luxury car.
www.cadillac.com/elr-electric-car.html

Larry Bell

New GM Goals for EVs, Plug-Ins

Larry Bell — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 12:24:04 +0000

New GM Goals: Chevy Spark EV is just part of the picture

GM announced this week that it intends to produce a half-million cars per year which feature some sort of electrical propulsion, whether as all-electric EVs or plug-in hybrids. The auto giant hopes to achieve the 500,000 mark sometime in 2017. The Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid and the soon to be released Chevy Spark EV are two of the more prominent entries in the current lineup. If that strategy holds, GM’s EV and hybrid cars would account for roughly 5 percent of the company’s global sales.

New GM Goals: Video

If you are a Chevy Volt or Focus EV fan, the following video link will likely answer some of your questions. Mr. Energy Czar is one of the better alt-fuel gurus on the Internet these days, and in this episode of his popular series, he answers viewers’ questions about the Volt, Leaf, and Focus EV. The questions are succinct and to the point, as are the answers. His discussion about the Volt battery warranty and duplication of the drivetrain is excellent. Many car owners do not realize that Chevy Volt’s battery warranty is at least 8 years and 100,000 miles, but runs up to 10 years and 150,000 miles for California residents. You may or may not agree with Energy Czar’s opinion about liquid-cooled batteries, but he lays out his explanation quite well. Worth the three minutes for sure.

New GM Goals

In 2012 alone, General Motors sold more than 50,000 cars that used one of several electrical propulsion systems, whether hybrid, EV, or eAssist. The spokesperson pointed out that GM’s main electrification strategy is centered on plug-in vehicles. The company’s eAssist systems will be on several hundred thousand cars by 2017, according to GM.

For the big stash of information about one of the world’s largest automakers, see the official General Motors corporate website:
http://www.gm.com

Larry Bell

GM Testing Lightweight Magnesium for Greener Cars

Larry Bell — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 17:51:44 +0000

GM is testing magnesium panels like this one

General Motors has announced that it is testing corrosion-resistant processes and specialized forming techniques in order to use lightweight magnesium metal in vehicles. The weight difference is so great that magnesium parts could significantly increase fuel economy in cars that use them. The company refers to the development as a breakthrough, and intends to use magnesium sheet metal at all of its assembly centers around the world.

Magnesium Testing: Video

If you want to learn about the background of magnesium and how it is used in auto and aircraft construction, see the following video clip. In five minutes, the narrator takes us through the many uses of the metal and why alloys must be mixed in with pure magnesium to prevent corrosion. This is serious science, and by the end of the clip it is clear why a company like GM would spend so much money and time to put magnesium components into its vehicles. Less weight means better fuel economy, and greater range for electric, hybrid, and even combustion cars.

GM Testing Lightweight Magnesium

Magnesium is a wonder metal that the auto industry has long sought to employ more extensively. In fact, it weighs 33 less than aluminum and 75 percent less than steel, a characteristic which could mean huge increases in mpg for cars that switch out heavier metals for lightweight magnesium.

Until now, no automaker has used thermal-formed magnesium sheet metal in automotive components. Die-cast magnesium has been used, but never like this, and GM says their new method is indeed proprietary. Though the announcement did not garner much publicity in the mainstream press, GM’s new process could go a long way toward creating extremely fuel-efficient vehicles of the future.

For extensive information about all things General Motors, see the giant automaker’s official corporate website, which includes hundreds of photos and videos of its many vehicles.
http://www.gm.com

Larry Bell

Chevy Volt Controversy: GM Responds to Reuters

Larry Bell — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 19:33:12 +0000

Chevy Volt cluster

General Motors, maker of the Chevy Volt hybrid-electric car, has responded to a Reuters news report which stated GM was losing a significant amount of money on the vehicles’ production. GM seldom responds directly to negative media stories, but made an exception in this case. Pointing out that the Reuters “study” used specious accounting methods and unverified expense data as the basis for their criticism, GM soundly refuted the charges.

GM’s Full Response:

DETROIT – Reuters’ estimate of the current loss per unit for each Volt sold is grossly wrong, in part because the reporters allocated product development costs across the number of Volts sold instead of allocating across the lifetime volume of the program, which is how business operates. The Reuters’ numbers become more wrong with each Volt sold.

In addition, our core research into battery cells, battery packs, controls, electric motors, regenerative braking and other technologies has applications across multiple current and future products, which will help spread costs over a much higher volume, thereby reducing manufacturing and purchasing costs. This will eventually lead to profitability for the Volt and future electrified vehicles.

Every investment in technology that GM makes is designed to have a payoff for our customers, to meet future regulatory requirements and add to the bottom line. The Volt is no different, even if it takes longer to become profitable.

GM is at the forefront of the electrification of the automobile because we are developing innovative technologies and building an enthusiastic – and growing – customer base for vehicles like the Volt.

Chevy Volt: Video

Controversies aside, people who own Chevy Volt cars have wonderful things to say about the vehicles. The following video clip is but one of hundreds, made by typical owners of Chevy Volts who take advantage of the electric drive capability, especially for local commutes. In the case of the narrator in the clip below, he has a rather average round-trip commute between home and office of approximately 40 miles. Five times per week, he makes the trip and uses no gasoline. If you have never been inside a Chevy Volt, it is interesting to watch all the digital technology that tracks nearly every aspect of the car’s performance in real time.

Chevy Volt Controversy

One of GM’s primary arguments against the Reuters analysis was the fact that General Motors will be using much of the initial Chevy Volt research results on future cars, thus spreading the cost of production over more models than just the Volt. If the same type of analysis had been done on the early Toyota Prius, Reuters would have claimed that the Japanese hybrid was a bad bet, when in fact it has become one of the most profitable automobiles in recent memory.

For all the latest about what’s going on with the Chevy Volt hybrid-electric car, see the company’s official Volt page:
http://www.chevrolet.com/Volt

Larry Bell

Buick Regal: eAssist for 2013

Larry Bell — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 05:41:07 +0000

Buick Regal 2013 with eAssist

Buick has announced that the 2013 model of the Regal will feature an eAssist power train as standard equipment. The system will be on new Regal cars, while the company simultaneously discontinues the 2.4-liter base model. If you want a Buick Regal without eAssist, both the turbo and GS versions will still be offered. In fact, the 2012 Regal already lists the eAssist power train as an option.

Buick Regal: Video

For the two-minute version of how eAssist technology works, the following video from GM is not only interesting, but very informative. Commercials for eAssist cars do not go into much detail, and many consumers are confused about the difference between those systems and full hybrid engines. GM developed the eAssist science and patented it under that name, but several other automakers use similar electric-assist technology. Some sources refer to these cars as ‘light hybrid’ vehicles.

Buick Regal: Price

The Buick Regal with eAssist as standard will have a sticker price of around $29,000. The current cost of the option is $2,000. The Regal is a much-decorated car, having received a pair of awards from U.S. News during the 2012 model year, in the Best Cars for Families, and Best Cars for the Money categories. Long considered an economical family car, the Regal will no doubt continue to sell well in its targeted demographic. More than likely, Buick did its homework before adding eAssist as standard.

Drivers looking to save almost $500 per year on gasoline will welcome the eAssist version of the Regal for 2013. Though official EPA numbers for next year’s car have not been released, the 2012 Buick Regal with eAssist as an add-on tallies 25 mpg in the city and 36 on the highway.

For more about the 2013 Buick Regal with eAssist, see the company’s dedicated page for the car:
http://www.buick.com/Regal

Larry Bell

Things You Don’t Know About Chevy Spark EV

Larry Bell — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 04:49:57 +0000

Chevy Spark

There is plenty that people don’t know about the Chevy Spark EV, the first all-electric vehicle from General Motors since the EV1. For starters, GM has been extremely secretive about specs, price, range, and other details. Only recently did we learn that the newest EV would be produced in Korea.

Many automotive industry-watchers had guessed that much since the car’s combustion version is made in Changwon, South Korea, and this will be GM’s nod toward sensible efficiency.

Chevy Spark EV: Price

As to the car’s price, literally hundreds of experts and pundits have weighed in, and the consensus appears to be in the $25,000 area, and probably on the lower side of that number. For one thing, the Spark EV will almost definitely be competitive with Mitsubishi’s i-MiEV, which is priced in the high $20K range.

For a sneak peak at the electric Spark, have a look at the video clip below, which shows some of the official test cars as they head out into real world driving situations.

Based on the Spark’s size, battery specs we know of, and a few other parameters, a price of $22,000 would not be shocking news. GM is looking to make a splash with the car, and has done its homework by all accounts, so expect a good value in the Spark EV when it does arrive.

Chevy Spark EV: Range

Again, it’s a guessing game to determine the range of the Chevy Spark EV, because GM is not saying. Early word was that the number was 106 miles, but that turned out to be an ill-founded factoid based upon a humorous aside made by one of the car’s testers. In fact, based upon what is known about the size of the car’s electric motor and a few other specs, most are pegging the Spark EV range at somewhere between 60 and 80 miles.

For more:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_Spark_EV

Larry Bell