Production Volt

[Sir Osis of Liver]

Please spare us your wild speculation, please. 

This is the person in this thread you choose to take issue with for "wild speculation"?

Yes....we speak off the board often.  He knows I'm joking.....


Ok Sir.  I'm just saying...your wild speculation doesn't jive with the official GM press release.  Seems to be it would have been easier for them to use your excuse (demand) rather than the other excuse (quality).

Turn your MSN on already..I'm waiting!!    

Those guys never listen to me! I told them I could handle their PR better.

[toolatecrew]

The Cruze was going to be pulled ahead, then set back to it's original date, because the huge demand for small cars evaporated

   Since when    Every forecaster in the industry knows and has known that cars are go-in smaller.  That the motors are go-in smaller.  GM has desperately needed a Corolla/Civic fighter, but the most they could come up with was the Cobalt.     Consequently, they have been destroyed in that segment.  Now they have bungled the Cruze.  The reality is GM is simply a second tier auto manufacturer whose answer to small car challenges are cars like the Aveo and that car is pure junk which btw they actually plan to build in Michigan next year.

In the short term, which is the amount of time we're talking about, small cars sales are still lagging, and will continue to do so until gas prices start spiking again.

That is neither here nor there. GM did not say in their press release "The Cruze has been delayed due to lagging small car sales". They said it was due to seeking a flawless launch in an IMPRORTANT segment.

Are you saying GM lied in their press relase about the reason for the delay?

If so why is this release a lie but the Volt relases the truth?

[toolatecrew]

Too much vague speculation.

I'll be clear.

Gm says Volt will be launched by Nov 2011.

To me this means that the following conditions need to be met in order to succeed.

A person in multiple major North American markets need to be able to walk into a Chev Dealership and either write a check and walk out with a Volt that they can register and drive on the street (or pick up their pre ordered Volt and do the same).

My prediction is that based on past paterns, instability of GM, technology and or suppliers that this will not happen by Nov 31 1011. I can no more PROVE something will not occure in the future than someone can prove it will. Someone who says the volt will go on sale by Nov 31 is speculating based on whetever evidence they have. I am doing the same thing.

Just want to be clear . The reason that someone cnoot woalk into a dealership and purchase a Volt on Nov 31 2011 is not relevant. It could be a supplier issue that someone will try to say "its not GMs fault". Multiple parties being involved and supplier/technology uncertainty is merley one of the factors that adds to the probability of missing the delivery date.

My specualtion is not wild. Its no more and no less valid than speculation based on GM press releases.

[toolatecrew]

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/volt-birth-watch-173-generator-mode-revealed/

The Chevrolet Volt can very nearly be boiled down to a single a function: range extension. The Volt’s gasoline range-extender is the car’s major technological advantage over other electric vehicles like Nissan’s Leaf, promising consumers freedom from the terror of range anxiety. But how does it actually work? TTAC’s Volt Birth Watch has long asked the question, and GM has assiduously prevented journalists from describing the Volt’s transition from initial EV range to “generator mode.” Until now. The NY Times‘ Lindsay Brooke recently took a pre-production Volt for a spin at the Milford Proving Grounds, and files this report on the generator mode experience:

It takes a few laps of Milford’s twisty, undulating 3.7-mile road course to deplete the remaining eight miles of battery charge. With the dashboard icon signaling my final mile of range, I point the Volt toward a hill and wait for the sound and feel of the generator engine’s four pistons to chime in.

But I completely miss it; the engine’s initial engagement is inaudible and seamless. I’m impressed. G.M. had not previously made test drives of the Volt in its extended-range mode available to reporters, but I can see that in this development car, at least, the engineers got it right.

Or did they?


I push the accelerator and the engine sound does not change; the “gas pedal” controls only the flow of battery power to the electric drive motor. The pedal has no connection to the generator, which is programmed to run at constant, preset speeds. This characteristic will take some getting used to by a public accustomed to vroom-vroom feedback.

A few hundred yards later, as we snake through the track’s infield section, the engine r.p.m. rises sharply. The accompanying mechanical roar reminds me of a missed shift in a manual-transmission car. For a moment the sound is disconcerting; without a tachometer, I guess that it peaked around 3,000 r.p.m.

I asked what was going on.

“The system sensed that it’s dipped below its state of charge and is trying to recover quickly,” [Volt vehicle line director Tony Posawatz] said. “The charge-sustaining mode is clearly not where we want it to be yet.”

Immediately the engine sound disappeared, although it was still spinning the generator. A few times later in our test, the generator behaved in similar fashion — too loud and too unruly for production — but there is time for the programmers to find solutions. Volt engineers are revising the car’s control software, which will have the effect of “feathering” the transition from the nearly silent all-electric mode to the charge-sustaining mode, when the generator will be operating.

Oops! Brooke was a guest of GM, driving a much-fettled prototype on its home track. Surely GM was aware that “disconcerting” sounds accompanying the switch to generator mode would be noted with disapproval. GM’s answer?

“We’re designing a software set of rules, which will just require more seat time for the engineers to finish,” Mr. Posawatz said. “We have nine months to work this out.”

Brooke concludes by calling the Volt “an extremely refined vehicle,” giving GM’s engineers the benefit of the doubt on their attempts to smooth over the generator mode switch. When production vehicles roll out, Posawatz and company better hope the software codes are up to snuff. After all, the Volt’s range-extender is one of those technologies that doesn’t offer much marginal advantage to consumers in the typical EV early-adopter profile. It’s an attempt to make the Volt a potential replacement for a “real” ICE-powered car, making it an option for (well-heeled) mainstream consumers who might envision using it as a primary vehicle rather than a dedicated commuter. That mainstream appeal is a tough enough sale without weird engine-room thrashing. GM has got to sweat this detail.

[articsteve]

BTW US Aveo Sales in September, 1906, Yaris Sales 1907. Imagine that.

Are you referring to the DAEWOO DOLLA(R ) DAYS SPECTACULAR last September .... to be followed soon by the DAEWOO DOLLA(R)  TRADE IN DAYS ?   

Period ending Sept./-09

YARIS:  50785

AVEO:   31486

and to think that is all a CHEVY can do against a Japanese econobox in AMERICA! 

31,486 ppl have this to look forward to ...  http://www.canadiandriver.com/forum/index.php/topic,64836.msg613977.html#new

[Honda Owner]

because the huge demand for small cars evaporated.

Evaporated? Seems to me the old nemeses Corolla and Civic, not to mention the Forte and Elantra, still sell pretty well. GM has yet again totally missed the bus.

[Leviathan]

This oughtta get the brandwhores and haters squealin' like stuck pigs

Chevrolet Volt Heads to School Show-and-Tell Event

DETROIT — In a blatant bid to win the hearts and minds of kids too young to drive or own a car, General Motors announced on Monday that the Chevrolet Volt will be the centerpiece of the "world's largest school show-and-tell" on November 30. The November 30 assembly is open via Webcast to middle schools across the country.

In what may be a first, the automaker said it will provide a lesson plan to teachers about the Volt with the help of Weekly Reader, an educational materials developer better known for math curriculum and vocabulary tests.

"Today's middle school students are tomorrow's leaders, so Chevrolet is teaming up with Weekly Reader to provide a fun yet educational experience themed around electricity," said Maria Rohrer of Chevrolet in a statement. "Electricity is the new fuel of the 21st century and will help shape the future of the automobile."

The unusual marketing move by Chevrolet smacks of a national address to students by President Obama that kicked off the 2009-'10 school year. Critics decried that address as an "indoctrination plan" for students. Obama's speech also included a lesson plan for teachers that suggested the students write letters to themselves on how to help the president.

Chevy said its show-and-tell Volt event will cover the "basics of electricity, why it's important and how it can be used to transform the way we drive." The actual event will take place at the Harvard-Westlake School in Los Angeles. The assembly is open to middle schools across the country, as well as the public. Schools can register to watch the Web cast by 10 p.m. PST November 29.

Lesson plans can be downloaded at ChevroletVoltage.com.

Inside Line says: Does this now mean that every automaker with a new product to shill can have equal time in the classroom? It's a scary day for American education. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent

[articsteve]

Chevy said its show-and-tell Volt event will cover the "basics of electricity, why it's important and how it can be used to transform the way we drive."

Why they're at it they should treat the kids to a movie.  Kids love movies at school.  I know I did.  Anything to relieve the boredom. 

Here's a good one:

WHO KILLED THE ELECTRIC CAR ?

 

And the kids shouldn't miss this part:   

When GM introduced the EV1, it was years ahead of American and Japanese competition in electric car technology.  In the coming years it could have capitalized on its lead by developing these cars and advanced hybrids.  Instead GM and other US carmakers would focus on battling with the State of California to kill electric vehicles.  The consequences of these decisions reverberate today.

http://www.whokilledtheelectriccar.com/

http://www.pbs.org/now/shows/223/

[toolatecrew]

This oughtta get the brandwhores and haters squealin' like stuck pigs

Chevrolet Volt Heads to School Show-and-Tell Event

DETROIT — In a blatant bid to win the hearts and minds of kids too young to drive or own a car, General Motors announced on Monday that the Chevrolet Volt will be the centerpiece of the "world's largest school show-and-tell" on November 30. The November 30 assembly is open via Webcast to middle schools across the country.

In what may be a first, the automaker said it will provide a lesson plan to teachers about the Volt with the help of Weekly Reader, an educational materials developer better known for math curriculum and vocabulary tests.

"Today's middle school students are tomorrow's leaders, so Chevrolet is teaming up with Weekly Reader to provide a fun yet educational experience themed around electricity," said Maria Rohrer of Chevrolet in a statement. "Electricity is the new fuel of the 21st century and will help shape the future of the automobile."

The unusual marketing move by Chevrolet smacks of a national address to students by President Obama that kicked off the 2009-'10 school year. Critics decried that address as an "indoctrination plan" for students. Obama's speech also included a lesson plan for teachers that suggested the students write letters to themselves on how to help the president.

Chevy said its show-and-tell Volt event will cover the "basics of electricity, why it's important and how it can be used to transform the way we drive." The actual event will take place at the Harvard-Westlake School in Los Angeles. The assembly is open to middle schools across the country, as well as the public. Schools can register to watch the Web cast by 10 p.m. PST November 29.

Lesson plans can be downloaded at ChevroletVoltage.com.

Inside Line says: Does this now mean that every automaker with a new product to shill can have equal time in the classroom? It's a scary day for American education. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent

Kids love Kool Aid.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

BTW US Aveo Sales in September, 1906, Yaris Sales 1907. Imagine that.

Are you referring to the DAEWOO DOLLA(R ) DAYS SPECTACULAR last September .... to be followed soon by the DAEWOO DOLLA(R)  TRADE IN DAYS ?   

Period ending Sept./-09

YARIS:  50785

AVEO:   31486

and to think that is all a CHEVY can do against a Japanese econobox in AMERICA! 

31,486 ppl have this to look forward to ...  http://www.canadiandriver.com/forum/index.php/topic,64836.msg613977.html#new

So as the year progresses, the Yaris sales have declined to the point it's now running neck and neck with the Aveo. Must be a great car.

Dad had an Aveo. Problem free for 3 years. Not my cuppa, but he liked it. Consumer Reports had it as being just behind the Yaris for ownership costs over 4 years.

[Honda Owner]

Dad had an Aveo. Problem free for 3 years.

Have a look at the reliability ratings on the Aveo. Engine failures are also common, saw many when I was at GM. The timing belt breaks prematurely.

My sister had one, too. In two years it went through an engine, transmission and two computers. She now has a Corolla and has had two years of trouble free driving.

I had one as a rental (there was nothing else available) and I can honestly say that it was the worst car I have driven in the last 15 years.

It sells because it is cheap, at taxpayer's expense. There is no way it could compete with anything if it didn't undercut by several thousand dollars.

[drederick]

Too much vague speculation.

I'll be clear.

Gm says Volt will be launched by Nov 2011.

To me this means that the following conditions need to be met in order to succeed.

A person in multiple major North American markets need to be able to walk into a Chev Dealership and either write a check and walk out with a Volt that they can register and drive on the street (or pick up their pre ordered Volt and do the same).

My prediction is that based on past paterns, instability of GM, technology and or suppliers that this will not happen by Nov 31 1011. I can no more PROVE something will not occure in the future than someone can prove it will. Someone who says the volt will go on sale by Nov 31 is speculating based on whetever evidence they have. I am doing the same thing.

Just want to be clear . The reason that someone cnoot woalk into a dealership and purchase a Volt on Nov 31 2011 is not relevant. It could be a supplier issue that someone will try to say "its not GMs fault". Multiple parties being involved and supplier/technology uncertainty is merley one of the factors that adds to the probability of missing the delivery date.

My specualtion is not wild. Its no more and no less valid than speculation based on GM press releases.

'Too much vague speculation'? your serious? where is the 'overwhelimg body of evidence to indicate the Volt won't be realesed on time next November,'

you can't even offer a bit of evidence let alone an ''overwhelimg body' LOL

Or did you just now find some? nope? didn't think so.

GM says it will build the Volt. Until GM says it won't build the Volt it will be built, regardless of your 'predictions' lol

I love how 'actual' evidence of the Volt being approved for production by GM, plenty of updates about its status, people actually driving it (yes  non GM people included) etc etc etc is less valid than your 'predictions'

lol

Why continue artic toolate?

[Leviathan]

The Spikes of Engine Sound of the Chevy Volt Prototype’s Charge Sustaining Mode Will be Ironed Out in Time for Production

The two recent media test drives of the Chevy Volt’s in charge sustaining mode were seen as positive by 85% of GM-Volt.com readers.

Both reporters mentioned however that they could occasionally notice the generator revving after charge sustaining mode was well under way, though neither coud detect it when it first came on.

I was able to communicate with one of the reporters, Lindsay Brooke of the New York times, about his experience.

“Yes, when the ICE first kicked in (on an uphill climb) I could neither hear nor feel its engagement,” he said. “It was completely seamless. I only noticed it because I was keeping a close eye on the cluster—the icon noting battery charge changed over to the icon showing a gas pump which denotes the switchover and how much range remains using the generator.”

“The reason the ICE generator engages at random times is due to its current control regimen for charge-sustaining mode,” he said. “As the quote from Tony noted, the controls engaged the generator, then shortly thereafter called for another of the pre-set charging speeds (rather like, “Oops, I needed more juice than I previously anticipated.”).”

“It was not in situations where I was flooring the pedal, which as you know has no connection to the ICE’s throttle control. Nor was it necessarily in heavy-load situations. A couple times the ICE engaged when the car was going downhill, under what would be light load in a conventional vehicle,” he said.

Brooke added, “I think we’ll be pleasantly surprised when we drive the production-spec car.”

Andrew Farah, the Volt’s chief engineer explained to GM-Volt,” there are still points at which operation of the engine generator is more aggressive than we want it to be, and we want to make it operate less aggressively.”

He says the engine never generates more power than the car needs but may generate it more quickly than necessary. Engineers are able to vary power production by both varying the engine’s RPM and its load, and that along the RPM-load plane there is the third dimension of efficiency which has to be taken into account.

These variables are distinct from the NVH (noise-vibration-harshness) component which is what the customer actually perceives. The team must work within the constraint boundaries of the “NVH ceiling” at the high end and the permissible limit of dip into the battery reserve at the low end to achieve the lowest NVH possible at all times.

It is still at this point a work in progress.

Farah also notes that they don’t let the engine to run at all at low speeds because there is less ability to mask its noise.

Overall, 99% of driving in the integration prototypes is without audible engine noise, there are rare ocassional spikes of sound that the reporters noticed, which will be ironed out in time for production.

[articsteve]

DAEWOOs are JUNK.  They have ZERO resale.  And to think that these cars are going to be the foundation for GM's B segment vehicle.  Bye bye GM.

[drederick]

DAEWOOs are JUNK.  They have ZERO resale.  And to think that these cars are going to be the foundation for GM's B segment vehicle.  Bye bye GM.

color corrected for content:
DAEWOOs are JUNK.  They have ZERO resale.  And to think that these cars are going to be the foundation for GM's B segment vehicle.  Bye bye GM.

[toolatecrew]

Too much vague speculation.

I'll be clear.

Gm says Volt will be launched by Nov 2011.

To me this means that the following conditions need to be met in order to succeed.

A person in multiple major North American markets need to be able to walk into a Chev Dealership and either write a check and walk out with a Volt that they can register and drive on the street (or pick up their pre ordered Volt and do the same).

My prediction is that based on past paterns, instability of GM, technology and or suppliers that this will not happen by Nov 31 1011. I can no more PROVE something will not occure in the future than someone can prove it will. Someone who says the volt will go on sale by Nov 31 is speculating based on whetever evidence they have. I am doing the same thing.

Just want to be clear . The reason that someone cnoot woalk into a dealership and purchase a Volt on Nov 31 2011 is not relevant. It could be a supplier issue that someone will try to say "its not GMs fault". Multiple parties being involved and supplier/technology uncertainty is merley one of the factors that adds to the probability of missing the delivery date.

My specualtion is not wild. Its no more and no less valid than speculation based on GM press releases.

'Too much vague speculation'? your serious? where is the 'overwhelimg body of evidence to indicate the Volt won't be realesed on time next November,'

you can't even offer a bit of evidence let alone an ''overwhelimg body' LOL

Or did you just now find some? nope? didn't think so.

GM says it will build the Volt. Until GM says it won't build the Volt it will be built, regardless of your 'predictions' lol

I love how 'actual' evidence of the Volt being approved for production by GM, plenty of updates about its status, people actually driving it (yes  non GM people included) etc etc etc is less valid than your 'predictions'

lol

Why continue artic toolate?

Show me the evidence it WILL be released on time. Show me the recent evidence that Gm is capable of delivering? The majority of the evidence points the other way. You can coose to igonore it but its there.

If we go by GM's recent press release history we should expect the exact OPPOSITE of what they say.

[Leviathan]

 

[drederick]

Show me the evidence it WILL be released on time. Show me the recent evidence that Gm is capable of delivering? The majority of the evidence points the other way. You can coose to igonore it but its there.

If we go by GM's recent press release history we should expect the exact OPPOSITE of what they say.

Again, artic toolate, where is this 'majority of the evidence' (wasn't it just a day ago where it was an 'overwhelimg body of evidence to indicate the Volt won't be realesed on time next November')? LOL you haven't even presented a single piece of said evidence.

I can choose to ignore it because you can't even find any of it, either! I can't even believe your writing this stuff.... its actually making me feel bad to have to write this response.

[Honda Owner]

You know, this is funny.

A year ago, the G8 was GM's salvation. The slappies went wild with glee. Gone.

The Cruz was going to be GM's saviour "Import Beater" vol 300. Now it is "delayed" and probably forever.

The new saviour is the Volt, a car that few GM slappies could ever afford. Go work at a Chevy store and see what goes out the door to their cigarette smokin' hair curler customers. It ain't $50,000 sedans.

[Juke1]

cigarette smokin' hair curler customers

No shortage of curtness and ignorance here...then again are we surprised.  So listen Mr. Snob, what are you doing driving just an Accord?  Is this the best you can do?