Government Motors Volt Costs Taxpayers $250,000 per Vehicle

Originally posted by TheImmaculateD1

Tesla Motors recently got a $450 Million loan from the US Dept of Energy yet you are saying nothing about that!

Hypocrite!
An All-Electric Sedan, Awaiting Federal Aid
www.nytimes.com...

How is it hypocritical?
I never stated I liked the company, was for it or for Govt provided free loans.
You, just sank yourself.

Originally posted by TheImmaculateD1
Why are you only trashing GM?

Because they are basically Govt owned and controlled, produce junk, and manufacture said junk outside the US.

Originally posted by TheImmaculateD1
That's right, because the Volt and Spark are 100% American made!

I see where it is assembled in the US, but where are the parts made?
Oh wait, let me guess? China.

Originally posted by TheImmaculateD1
Because they are allowing America to have a success story and since Obama is a big supported of the growth of American industry is the SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REASON why you are against it!

GM is no longer an American Success story.
It used to be, until they went to Nanny Govt begging for free money.
Now, they are just another arm of the 0bama Govt machine.

Originally posted by TheImmaculateD1
You are Anti American as you'd rather see Japan or China make major strides on this then your own damn country and get the hell out of this nation and move there is you think it's SOOO BAD HERE! Good riddance, good bye and don't let the door hit you on the way out!

What are you talking?
More nonsensical knee jerk reaction.

Originally posted by TheImmaculateD1
Here's a link to get you started :
United States Dept Of State Renunciation of U.S. Citizenship
travel.state.gov...

GOOD BYE, YOUR TRUE COLOURS HAVE NOW COME OUT!

All to prevent the Black Man in The White House form having a success because when he has a success America has a success and you better start realizing this!

Again with the race card?
You really have nothing else do you?
0bama is no success, as you yourself have stated many times he is a puppet to the "SCUM".
You, are a joke.
May I suggest going back to your toy cars?
Or perhaps Soviet USSR?

Originally posted by TheImmaculateD1
reply to post by macman

 

The Triangle factory deal regulation ALLOWED MORE THEN 7,000 TO FLEE THE WTC ON 9/11, no regulations and that toll would've been at 10,000+!

Is this what you want?

It is like predicting your ATS future.
Scary accurate, huh?

Originally posted by TheImmaculateD1
reply to post by macman

 

Another more recent one :

Cancer-causing hexavalent chromium was disposed of in Jersey City by Honeywell International, Inc. and PPG Industries for decades.
www.jerseycitylawsuit.com...

Each red dot indicates the presence of abnormally high levels of chromium :
www.jerseycitylawsuit.com...

Were the people of Jersey City supposed to just accept this? Were we not to say anything and keep our traps shut because it might scare off future corporate prospects? 700,000 tons of dirt had to be removed at PPG and Honeywell's expense and cost both a whopping $400 Million in judgements because they refused to do a thing about it!

PPG Settles Federal Suit, Agrees to Strengthen Garfield Avenue Chromium Cleanup Plan
www.jerseycityindependent.com...

The City of Jersey City did not pay out one cent to clean it up!

edit on 28-12-2011 by TheImmaculateD1 because: (no reason given)

Sounds like Your Home town of Jersey is a swell place to live.
No wonder you hav...................
Ah, never mind, not even worth it.

reply to post by macman


Tesla was co funded out the gate by Govt loans and yet no one is trashing them.

43 started and approved TARP which allowed for a loan guarantee to GM!

Originally posted by TheImmaculateD1
reply to post by macman

 

Tesla was co funded out the gate by Govt loans and yet no one is trashing them.

43 started and approved TARP which allowed for a loan guarantee to GM!

What do you want me to say?
Ok Immacualted, let me hold your hand and spell it out for you.
I do not approve nor condone Tesla Company.
Is that better for you now?

Oh, and 43 did TARP, but who did TARP 2 and all the other bailouts, not to mention allow them to continue?
I know it is hard to reply to that, being an 0bama Yes Man and all.
But, try.
I know you can do it.

reply to post by macman


If that was happening in your home city you would have every right to complain but since according to you it's "Govt interfering with people's lives" you would be ordered to keep your trap shut as you've gotten yourself into a Catch 22 there with no way out and to weasel your way out of that now is too damn late.

Due to deregulation directly you, your family and your neighbourhood would have no rights to complain while you saw people left and right getting sick. But since it threatens the corporations and might scare off future corporate prospects you would have to remain silent.

How about I get your city council using eminent domain to capture the block across the street from you and make nuclear fission and if you dare threaten this plan you would be going against your stance of less Govt! This is what you are saying!

reply to post by macman


There was no TARP 2 as that was a continuation of the same policy the same policy that 43 singed into law October 2008! So sorry!

So when your city will stand to lose 5,000 jobs because it's cheaper to pay a Chinese worker do not dare complain, keep your trap shut as if you dare say anything you'll be labeled as Anti Business!

Get real and get lost! Hypocrite!

Like I said if you think it's soo damn bad here how about you follow those jobs overseas and get the hell out of this country and leave it to people like me who actually give a toss about America and the people here!

Originally posted by TheImmaculateD1
Everyone and their mother wants to continue the policies of the last 30 years that got us into this mess today but are forgetting about the 50 year gap before that whereas national prosperity was at it's peak, a period where the worker had strength, the nation had strength, unions had strength, even the corporation had strength.

*sigh* 2011 minus 30 equals 1980. 1980 sucked, as did most of the 1970's. 1980 minus 50 equals 1930 which puts us in the Great Depression which the United States did not recover from completely until World War II where we had massive deficit spending. The United States gross domestic product has averaged 3.1% since 1900. There were large stretches were it exceeded that after 1980. Your math is flawed.

We are being slowly indoctrinated to accept the cheapest made goods from China and fail to realize that we are paying for quantity and not quality whereas the quality of foreign made goods has suffered greatly.

So let us keep taxing and regulating industry out of the United States. You want things made here? Make it easier, not harder, for manufacturers to exist in the United States.

Your job exists due to safety regulations so continue to want less and no regulations and your company will be forced to close because it'd be against the law for it to exist! See how you are shooting yourself in the foot here?

No Mr. Potato Head, my job does not exist because of safety regulations, my job exists because I made it exist, they did not have a Sales Director until they brought me on and I created the position. And how, by applying common sense, would a company, by law, be forced out of business by less regulation? That is possibly one of the most retarded things I have heard yet.

New Jersey regulation needs to be stringent. I'm sure you've heard of by now the planned Spectra Energy Pipeline proposal right? Deregulation would allow them to run a pipeline adjacent to your house and there'd be nothing you can say or do about it...

I am aware of the pipeline as the Algonquin Pipeline ran past where my old business was located in Morris County (I also had one two blocks from my old house in Wayne, NJ). I have no issues with this. New Jersey, as the birthplace of oil refining, has had pipelines for over a century. How else do you propose to bring in natural gas? Do you have a magical method that does not require pipelines? Or perhaps we can all heat our homes by burning unpurchased Volts.....

...deregulation would allow them to put a chemical dumping ground next to the park that your kids play in! Do you really want to go there?

Yeah, I want to go there. How many more times are you going to use illogical appeals to emotion to try and prove a point? Once again, less regulation is not no regulation. Allowing business and industry to operate in the United States profitably does not mean children need to play in a toxic landfill.

Originally posted by TheImmaculateD1

If that was happening in your home city you would have every right to complain but since according to you it's "Govt interfering with people's lives" you would be ordered to keep your trap shut as you've gotten yourself into a Catch 22 there with no way out and to weasel your way out of that now is too damn late.

You really have no ability to take information and then turn it into applied logic, do you?
It does happen where I live because as a whole, the people push against it with our wallets. You know, free market and all.
Where I live is not a cesspool, ass compared to what you described.

Originally posted by TheImmaculateD1
Due to deregulation directly you, your family and your neighbourhood would have no rights to complain while you saw people left and right getting sick. But since it threatens the corporations and might scare off future corporate prospects you would have to remain silent.

No, deregulation as a whole does not do that. Again, your lack of taking what you have read and turning into applied logic has failed you once again.
Where I live is a thriving state and locality. A very clean environment and not nearly as strict of Jersey.
Where you live sounds wonderful .

Originally posted by TheImmaculateD1
How about I get your city council using eminent domain to capture the block across the street from you and make nuclear fission and if you dare threaten this plan you would be going against your stance of less Govt! This is what you are saying!

Eminent Domain is the shining example of Govt run a muck. You just sank yourself again.
It is done by Govt. Please, get a clue before you reply.

Originally posted by TheImmaculateD1


There was no TARP 2 as that was a continuation of the same policy the same policy that 43 singed into law October 2008! So sorry!

Sorry? As you should be. You are wrong again.
TARP 2 roll out.
www.zerohedge.com...
www.huffingtonpost.com...
blogs.reuters.com...

But, if we fall back onto your logic of "that was a continuation". Then 0bama is continuing.
You are sunk for the third time now.
I think I sunk your battleship.

Originally posted by TheImmaculateD1
So when your city will stand to lose 5,000 jobs because it's cheaper to pay a Chinese worker do not dare complain, keep your trap shut as if you dare say anything you'll be labeled as Anti Business!

Complain how?
Detroit is your base for argument?
Really?
So now you are for Govt Bailouts?
Which is it?

Originally posted by TheImmaculateD1
Get real and get lost! Hypocrite!

Oh, I am as real as it gets.
How can I get lost?
Hypocrite how?
As usual, I asked you, not even asked but dared to produce any hypocritical statement.
You have failed again.

Originally posted by TheImmaculateD1
Like I said if you think it's soo damn bad here how about you follow those jobs overseas and get the hell out of this country and leave it to people like me who actually give a toss about America and the people here!

edit on 28-12-2011 by TheImmaculateD1 because: (no reason given)

It is bad in the US because the Fed Govt has taken aware rights, exacted more control, takes more and more money from people, is more corrupt due to people like you.
Looks like you are the one that hates America, as everything you champion and parrot is nothing more then talking points that lead to Socialism and Communism.
I expect nothing less from an 0bama Yes Man though.

As for leaving?
No, I think I will stay. Maybe pull up a nice comfy chair and get a bowl of popcorn.
But, thanks for always showing just how elitist you truly are, you know, by stating that if one doesn't agree to you, they are to be expelled from the US.

reply to post by AugustusMasonicus


Notice trends here that have total relevance to the topic here :

1945 - New Deal Act becomes law American prosperity begins
1955 - Interstate system launches, Americans are employed long range increased productivity
1963 - SCUM kills JFK asserts its muscle over us
1965 - Vietnam War starts national slide begins and the outsourcing of American based jobs companies begins
1970's - The American Dream assault begins
1973 - Start of the oil embargo, Big Oil flexes its muscle
1973 - Ford Appointed nation remains flat through 1976
1976 - Carter appointed and nation sees a temporary
1978 - Carter puts solar panel on The White House nation takes notice and vows to follow suit
1980's - Massive market deregulation begins across the board
(wages and cost of living become flat or decline for the majority of Americans from here on out, this is the era whereas the massive exodus of jobs that we are now witnessing the end result now started)
1981 - Reagan appointed
1984 - Reganomics begins the beginning of what we now are going through American prosperity ends, Deregulation Round 1, Tax cuts for the rich Round 1
1987 - Market crash worst since 1929 Crash that paralyzed us for which we really haven't been able to fully recover from, American Dream declared on life support where its been ever since
1988 - Bush 41 appointed
1990's - More massive market deregulation Round 2
1991 - Tax cuts for the rich Round 2 begin, more jobs gone, Iraq 1
1992 - Clinton appointed
1996 - Market crash worse since 1987 nation threatened, bank and finance deregulation Round 3
1997 - GM puts the first all electric on the road via lease only, the EV1 oil lobby vows and successfully kills it
1998 - Massive behemoth trucks and SUV's start showing up, gas prices tank to get people on board
2000's - More massive deregulation, more job loss
2000 - Bush 43 appointed
2002 - Tax cuts for the rich round 3, massive bank and finance deregulation Round 4
2001 - 9/11, Afghanistan, "War On Terrorism", PATRIOT Act
2003 - Iraq 2, PayPal founder Elon Musk launches Tesla Motors and targets a production car by 2007
2004 - White House and The Federal Govt announce that it is getting behind the green movement nation gets behind it
2006 - Gas prices begin to soar, American industry pretty well evaporated GM launches the 2006 Chevrolet Volt Concept marking it's intent to re-establish a petrol free car
2007 - Tesla Roadster unveiled and released to the public, public loves the car and flocks to it
2008 - Major market crash, worst since 1929 led by deregulation of everything
2010 - Financial re-regulation begins, market begins to stablize, exodus of jobs halted, Volt goes on sale as public loves it
2011 - GM, Ford, Chrysler announce it will all have production electrics in production, industry takes notice and begins to follow suit, Occupy Wall Street gets spotlight shined on companies that kill American jobs, renewed sense of New Nationalism emerges!

That is fact!

Originally posted by TheImmaculateD1

Notice trends here that have total relevance to the topic here :

1945 - New Deal Act becomes law American prosperity begins

So the New Deal brought about American Prosperity?
WOW
More Clueless then usual.

But, how does that relate to the junk Volt that GM is making?

reply to post by macman


The first and second versions ran on the same template, same design and pretty well same exact policy the only difference is that with the financial aspect there were clamps engaged but look at the auto agreement and the clamps were disengaged that's pretty well the only difference between the 2!

This is not a bailout but a loan made with the US Federal Government, if GM would've defaulted or not been able to keep up with its end of the agreement that they fully understood from the getgo that the Govt would take the company over and sell off it's pieces to the highest bidder as that's how the taxpayer would've been paid back. Contingencies and fallbacks were put in place covering every possible outcome. The taxpayer was in no real danger or threat contrary to what some external sources would have us all believe. Also, it served as the model that will replace the Federal Reserve as that's concluding it's private control next year as we needed something fast that can be used to apply to that transfer. That served as a template and a model for an even larger item.

See why it was needed and done that way. The Federal Reserve was gonna let it fall and it wasn't until the Govt stepped in to back the people did it back down. This is the first time I'm saying most of this. Now do you get it?

How about standing with your country, the one that allows you to have all of these freedoms. You don't have to love your Govt but love your nation unconditionally!

To answer your q to the post above this is read the timeline, this mess we are all in did not just happen overnight and cannot be fixed overnight!

Originally posted by TheImmaculateD1
The first and second versions ran on the same template, same design and pretty well same exact policy the only difference is that with the financial aspect there were clamps engaged but look at the auto agreement and the clamps were disengaged that's pretty well the only difference between the 2!

So there was a 2 then.
Nice to admit to your mistakes.
Now who is the hypocrite?

Originally posted by TheImmaculateD1
This is not a bailout but a loan made with the US Federal Government,

So now we are mincing words?
Ok MR. Semantics.
What ever floats your boat.

One in the same. Get a clue already.

Originally posted by TheImmaculateD1
if GM would've defaulted or not been able to keep up with its end of the agreement that they fully understood from the getgo that the Govt would take the company over and sell off it's pieces to the highest bidder as that's how the taxpayer would've been paid back. Contingencies and fallbacks were put in place covering every possible outcome.

So, the Govt is in control then?
Back to the huge controlling Govt thing.

Originally posted by TheImmaculateD1
The taxpayer was in no real danger or threat contrary to what some external sources would have us all believe.

Yeah, sure. And no US City would go into default.
The US would never just print more money.
The EU would not be in danger of collapsing.
I have a bridge in Brooklyn for sale, owned by a nice old tooth fairy. Very cheap.
It is nice that you have completely bought into the 0bama pitch and fantasy.

Originally posted by TheImmaculateD1
Also, it served as the model that will replace the Federal Reserve as that's concluding it's private control next year as we needed something fast that can be used to apply to that transfer. That served as a template and a model for an even larger item.

Again, so there was a TARP 2 then?
Great, now we have a template for the Govt to use as it takes over MORE companies. Fan-freaking-tastic.
To Communism we go.

Originally posted by TheImmaculateD1
See why it was needed and done that way. The Federal Reserve was gonna let it fall and it wasn't until the Govt stepped in to back the people did it back down. This is the first time I'm saying most of this. Now do you get it?

It was not needed, as GM should have failed.
If it could not support itself, then it should not be able to function.

Originally posted by TheImmaculateD1
How about standing with your country, the one that allows you to have all of these freedoms. You don't have to love your Govt but love your nation unconditionally!

Are you seriously soapbox preaching to me?
Your the one that constantly bemoans the US and the infiltration of the SCUM.
I swear, it is like dealing with a manic schizophrenic.
The Country does not allow me to have my freedoms. The Documents do.
The Govt does not allow me those freedoms either. It merely tramples them on its march to protecting me from myself.


schizophrenic
To answer your q to the post above this is read the timeline, this mess we are all in did not just happen overnight and cannot be fixed overnight!


Well, golly lee, thanks for clearing that one up.
I have been so perplexed about that.

Originally posted by jdub297
A study conducted by a Michigan "think tank"

James Hohman, of the Mackinac Center for Public Policy

Right Wing "think tank" literally funded by Koch and a dozen other oil companies..Exxon Mobile etc.

And I use the word "Think tank" very loosely since most agree the research and reporting they do would get a seventh grader tossed from school if they tried to pass it off as legitimate.

Seriously??? SO Koch, Exxon Mobile et al want to mock up numbers to crush alternate fuels?

Riiight...More BS from the greediest men on earth.

www.sourcewatch.org...

Originally posted by TheImmaculateD1
Notice trends here that have total relevance to the topic here:

All I noticed is that you can not answer any question I ask but instead post irrelevant and grossly inaccurate figures. Please see below:

1945 - New Deal Act becomes law American prosperity begins

Wrong. The New Deal was created by Franklin Roosevelt in 1933 to 1936. In 1945, following World War II, the United States entered a recessionary period which was subsequently followed by four more recessions in the 1950's. This trend was not broken until the Kennedy era and lower taxes/regulation.

1955 - Interstate system launches, Americans are employed long range increased productivity

Which lead to the the creation of a new gasoline tax which is continually subverted for other uses and not entirely applied to its initial mandate, that of highway maintainence.

1963 - SCUM kills JFK asserts its muscle over us

Good thing he spoke about cutting taxes first.

1965 - Vietnam War starts national slide begins and the outsourcing of American based jobs companies begins

You need a history lesson, or ten. The Vietnam War started much sooner than that.

1973 - Start of the oil embargo, Big Oil flexes its muscle

No, that would have been the OPEC oil cartel.

1976 - Carter appointed and nation sees a temporary

Temporary being the operative word.

1978 - Carter puts solar panel on The White House nation takes notice and vows to follow suit

Solyndra (et. al.) being the end result.

1984 - Reganomics begins the beginning of what we now are going through American prosperity ends, Deregulation Round 1, Tax cuts for the rich Round 1
1987 - Market crash worst since 1929 Crash that paralyzed us for which we really haven't been able to fully recover from, American Dream declared on life support where its been ever since

Actually, it does not even make the top ten and we saw above average gross domestic product growth in the 90's.

1988 - Bush 41 appointed
1990's - More massive market deregulation Round 2
1991 - Tax cuts for the rich Round 2 begin, more jobs gone, Iraq 1
1992 - Clinton appointed
1996 - Market crash worse since 1987 nation threatened, bank and finance deregulation Round 3

Sorry, that one does not make the top ten either. Try linking sources instead of your warped opinion.

2003 - Iraq 2, PayPal founder Elon Musk launches Tesla Motors and targets a production car by 2007
2004 - White House and The Federal Govt announce that it is getting behind the green movement nation gets behind it

Musk also borrows money from the government for a wildly overpriced car that no one can feasibly own.

2008 - Major market crash, worst since 1929 led by deregulation of everything

Wrong again, Captain Propaganda, it does not even make the top ten.

2010 - Financial re-regulation begins, market begins to stablize, exodus of jobs halted, Volt goes on sale as public loves it

Halted? Really? How is unemployment? Still hovering around 9.0%? Housing market? Thought so...

'Public loves it'? They loved it so much it broke all kinds of sales records......negative ones that is.

2011 - GM, Ford, Chrysler announce it will all have production electrics in production, industry takes notice and begins to follow suit, Occupy Wall Street gets spotlight shined on companies that kill American jobs, renewed sense of New Nationalism emerges!

That is fact!

Earth to Darrin Dudding the First, Earth calling. Come in Darrin, can you read us? Over.

reply to post by macman


Think of TARP, the program as a parent company, now there were 2 wings that make up the program, Junior Company A is finance and Junior Company B is automotive so no, it was 1 item, 1 program!

It was a loan and not a bailout.

The Federal Govt relinquished it's constraints earlier this year as evidenced by GM's Public stock offering. GM also gave each and every hourly worker a bonus in September.

TARP has nothing to do with the finances of Detroit so don't even attempt to get me into a state of double speak.

So the bank bailouts (that was an actual bailout, more like a screwjob but the media won't call it that) were great and all mighty?

No, GM was not going to be allowed to fail as they were the manufactuer of The Presidential Motorcade and the rest of the current US Secret Service fleet. So, who do you propose get that contract? Toyota? BMW? Mercedes? Audi? Ford wanted no part of it, Chrysler has no long wheelbase sedan besides the Dodge Charger and couldn't provide one.

Identified that your case is worthless is the fact you've resorted to name calling, first and classico sign of the defeated!

Originally posted by TheImmaculateD1


Think of TARP, the program as a parent company, now there were 2 wings that make up the program, Junior Company A is finance and Junior Company B is automotive so no, it was 1 item, 1 program!

So, there were 2 separate TARPS.
You are either a blatant liar, or a mixer of truth for personal gain.
Please, let me know which it is.

Originally posted by TheImmaculateD1
It was a loan and not a bailout.

One in the same Mr. 0bama Yes Man.

Originally posted by TheImmaculateD1
The Federal Govt relinquished it's constraints earlier this year as evidenced by GM's Public stock offering. GM also gave each and every hourly worker a bonus in September.

What is your point?
Can't remember the last time I got an interest free loan from the Govt.
Yeah, the worker got a bonus. Woopie!!!!!! All on the back of the tax payer. How fantastic.

Originally posted by TheImmaculateD1
TARP has nothing to do with the finances of Detroit so don't even attempt to get me into a state of double speak.

Um, you were the one bringing up communities and such.
As for Double speak? You don't need anyone to help you with it, as you do the best job I have ever seen all on your own "Mr. No TARP 2, but wait there was a TARP 2".

Originally posted by TheImmaculateD1
So the bank bailouts (that was an actual bailout, more like a screwjob but the media won't call it that) were great and all mighty?

Nope, never said they were Mr. Assumption.
In fact, I have stated the banks should have failed as well.

Originally posted by TheImmaculateD1
No, GM was not going to be allowed to fail as they were the manufactuer of The Presidential Motorcade and the rest of the current US Secret Service fleet. So, who do you propose get that contract? Toyota? BMW? Mercedes? Audi? Ford wanted no part of it, Chrysler has no long wheelbase sedan besides the Dodge Charger and couldn't provide one.

So, one crony helps the other.
Anyone should get the contract, that is if they can operate their business in the Black and not require an interest free loan funded by the Tax Payer.
You just displayed just how corrupt the Govt is.
GM gets special treatment, because they manufacture the Presidential Motorcade.
Nice. Gotta love Corrupt Govt taking care of Crony Companies.

Originally posted by TheImmaculateD1
Identified that your case is worthless is the fact you've resorted to name calling, first and classico sign of the defeated!

edit on 28-12-2011 by TheImmaculateD1 because: (no reason given)

What names?
You have been blasted out of the water at every post.
You stated there was no TARP 2, yet go on to state that there was.
Which is it?

I just read this entire thread and it is no different from many threads on other forums I have read when the Volt is mentioned...full of hate, venom, vitriol and argumentative chest-beating. You guys don't have the lock on that by a long shot, nor any privileged insight. Nothing new here.

Let me state a few things up front...I don't like Obama...not even in the slightest. He has been the worst president by far that this country has ever seen and has done probably irreparable damage to our homeland. I won't belabor that opinion further.

I don't really care about the particulars of the GM loan (bailout, gift, grant, bribe or whatever you want to call it) at this point in time. What's done is done. GM is still in business and over 200k people still have jobs and an American company is still the second largest automaker in the world. Get over it...

Finally I will come to the point of my post. As far as I can tell, I am the first poster on this thread to actually OWN a Volt. Yes, I own one. Anyone on this thread who characterizes it a piece of junk is uninformed, blinded by their own prejudice and hatred, and frankly offensive to me. Most of you who are so critical of this car have no earthly idea what you are talking about...just spouting ignorance.

We have owned the Volt for over 3000 miles. Our lifetime fuel economy is 124 mpg, unalterably measured and displayed on the screen by the on-board computer, thank you. It is driven mostly in town, less than 40 miles per day and performs beautifully. It is an unqualified masterpiece of engineering and build quality, even at its price. I am a long-time BMW and Mercedes owner and still own one of the latter, so don't question my judgement of quality and performance. I once vowed never to own another American car after my 1980 Citation, but after looking one over, driving it for a whole day and analyzing the financials, I decided to give GM another chance. I have driven and ridden in a Prius...no, thank you, you get what you pay for.

The Volt does what it was DESIGNED to do and does it flawlessly. It provides 40 miles of gasoline-free driving with great performance and comfort and has an extended range for trips of up to about 380 additional gasoline-powered miles at about 45 mpg by my calculations with my REAL-WORLD experience. I typically drive about 35 miles per day, so I seldom use gasoline. My cost for a full charge off peak is about $1 worth of coal and nuclear-generated electricity off the grid. My local power company is offering 240v charging stations for free in return for me allowing them to collect usage info. My city, several local companies and employers are installing charge stations around town, both on-street and in lots, credit card powered. Does this sound like a failed technology to you? Get real.

My wife's family lives about 120 miles from our home. Somebody tell me how the Nissan Leaf would be of any use to me for a trip there. The Volt is a SINGLE CAR SOLUTION. Owning a Leaf with an absolute 100 mile electric-only range anywhere in the REAL world would require a second car for most people. Until the proper on-road support structure is constructed (years away) electric-only cars are a novelty. Period.

I guess what it boils down to is that I am sick and tired of reading all the negativity about what is a superbly engineered AMERICAN product for our current day and time. The politics have become intermingled with the product...and if I didn't know better, I'd say there might be a "conspiracy" amongst some of you to have it fail just to satisfy whatever agenda you seem to be promulgating.

By the way, yes, I am a (self-made) one per-center...and...I employ 210 people and have not laid off a single person through the crisis...and...I pay enough in income taxes to support five families of four on welfare at well above the poverty level...so don't give me any crap about the tax credit...

Flame suit on...

reply to post by Rad22


To me, it is junk because of several points.
1. There are reports that there are fire hazards. Chevy has offered to buy them back
2. It is subsidized by the Tax Payer. Need I say more?
3. It is manufactured by a company that should have either close up shop, or restructured. Not getting an Interest Free loan from the Govt.
4. It still connects to the Coal fire based Power Grid, so the whole Green crap is out the window.
5. After 10 years, the batteries will need to be replaced. The disposal costs are going to be huge, as they don't break down. Also, I can't wait to see the cost to replace the batteries. Me thinks it will eat into that cost savings that was pitched to you.

Now, if you like it, then good for you. That is nice.
I, being a tax payer, do love hearing that you are enjoying a vehicle that was funded by my tax dollars.

So, with that said. Have fun in your Chevy Volt. Please do check back in 10 years from now, as I am very interested in the costs that i went over will be.