GM Plug-in Hybrid Concept Unveiling January 7th?

[GMFreak8]

On Sunday, Jan. 7, we’ve got something up our sleeve that we can’t talk about — yet. Suffice it to say that it’s a game-changing approach to automotive transportation that will eventually make trips to the gas station a lot less frequent and substantially less painful. This concept will make its world debut this Sunday, and we think you’ll find it as exciting and promising as we do.

From the GM FastLane Blog

[rhvfd10]

See this for more:
Chevrolet Volt plug-in Hybrid

[tgagneguam]

I'd love the idea of avoiding the local Shell station, and I like the idea of supporting GM if it's legitimately attempting to develop alternative means to power its vehicles, but I wonder how economical this development would be for me; I live in the continental US state with the highest electricity costs. I think it may be worth a look, though. I'm intrigued.

[paul3230]

God...if GM could beat Toyota to the plug in hybrid market, that could put Toyota on it's heels enough to make GM a worthy competitor in the green field.

[01cavalier]

If this is true, it would be awesome and show that GM really can do better. Definitely looking forward to this...

[john1701a]

Originally Posted by paul3230

God...if GM could beat Toyota to the plug in hybrid market, that could put Toyota on it's heels enough to make GM a worthy competitor in the green field.

Don't forget how far of a head start Toyota already has in the plug-in "after" market. There are several providers hoping to jump on the opportunity to upgrade the Toyota hybrids now on the road.

So even if GM could achieve a jump ahead in the new purchase arena, GM doesn't even remotely stand a chance when it comes to the Toyota potential already built up.

In other words, the effort from GM would have to be incredibly aggressive to be able to share the spotlight. There's little difference between factory & aftermarket when it comes to consumer appeal. The 2004 model-year is when the Toyota hybrid design began to support plug-in upgrade, something just waiting to be taken advantage of.

JOHN

[tom3]

Could be why oil is down to the mid $50 per bbl range this week? Let's hope the ball keeps rolling for plugins.

[asim]

Awesome! Is it going to be that Volt thing? It looked like a real Chevy in that small picture. Let's see what GM has to bring to the hybrid game against the hybrid "leader" Toyota.

[uboys]

Originally Posted by paul3230

God...if GM could beat Toyota to the plug in hybrid market, that could put Toyota on it's heels enough to make GM a worthy competitor in the green field.

No.
It's not about the environment. It's about beating-up on big American business.

[johnny smallblock]

Originally Posted by uboys

No.
It's not about the environment. It's about beating-up on big American business.

Hard as it may seem to you, it actually is about the environment. Some people actually care about it.

[AndrewGS]

Originally Posted by john1701a

Don't forget how far of a head start Toyota already has in the plug-in "after" market. There are several providers hoping to jump on the opportunity to upgrade the Toyota hybrids now on the road.

So even if GM could achieve a jump ahead in the new purchase arena, GM doesn't even remotely stand a chance when it comes to the Toyota potential already built up.

In other words, the effort from GM would have to be incredibly aggressive to be able to share the spotlight. There's little difference between factory & aftermarket when it comes to consumer appeal. The 2004 model-year is when the Toyota hybrid design began to support plug-in upgrade, something just waiting to be taken advantage of.

JOHN

Being that the plug-in "upgrade" voids all factory warranty and adds a substantial cost over the Prius itself makes it unrealistic for most buyers.

[john1701a]

Originally Posted by AndrewGS

Being that the plug-in "upgrade" voids all factory warranty and adds a substantial cost over the Prius itself makes it unrealistic for most buyers.

True, however the burden still exists. GM will directly have to offer warranty coverage of some sort. And the consumer will have to pay for the plug-in feature itself.

JOHN

[uboys]

Originally Posted by johnny smallblock

Hard as it may seem to you, it actually is about the environment. Some people actually care about it.

I have been around quite enough of them--with their large second homes and all. I know exactly what's going on alright.
I know about that which I speak.
The noisiest ones do not care about the environment.