Bob Lutz: "Media doesn't have much idea what Volt is all about."

[Driver Tom]

I had a chance to talk to Mr. Lutz a couple of weeks ago.

I thought this part of the discussion was especially interesting.

http://************/yfyc89a

consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/an-interview-with-bob-lutz1.htm

[mgescuro]

If the media doesn't know what the Volt is really, truly about, then GM has failed in marketing the damned thing.

Oh yeah... I brought up THAT issue MONTHS ago.
People here criticized me because GM's marketing to date had been overly technical and catering to "engineers." Well.. ta-daa.... the "dumb American" and the "dumb media" doesn't get it. Not really effective to market to "engineers," huh??


BTW... the link doesn't work.

[MonaroSS]

http://consumerguideauto.howstuffwor...-bob-lutz1.htm

[mgescuro]

To me, it still looks like GM is still marketing the technology instead of marketing the car.

The stupid American consumer DOES NOT need to know the technology behind it all.

They need to know that
1) Volt is an electric car
2) Volt doesn't make you anxious because it has a backup engine.

Wrap that in marketing fluff and cool names.... and be done with it.

We don't need Lutz doing the PR tour. We don't need to talk about range numbers. THe batteries. The gas. The plugs.

[civilzues]

Originally Posted by mgescuro

To me, it still looks like GM is still marketing the technology instead of marketing the car.

The stupid American consumer DOES NOT need to know the technology behind it all.

They need to know that
1) Volt is an electric car
2) Volt doesn't make you anxious because it has a backup engine.

Wrap that in marketing fluff and cool names.... and be done with it.

We don't need Lutz doing the PR tour. We don't need to talk about range numbers. THe batteries. The gas. The plugs.

you are just never happy, are you?
God bless Cali

[mgescuro]

Originally Posted by civilzues

you are just never happy, are you?
God bless Cali

Look. If GM is still having troubles trying to differentiate the Volt at this stage, then GM has a SEVERE problem!!!

If people don't understand or even comprehend the difference between Prius and Volt, then Volt will die on the market.
Why?
Hmm.. let's see... Prius has a plug. So does Volt. Prius can run on batteries. So does Volt. Prius starts at $24,000. Volt starts at $40,000. Dumb American buys Prius.

This should have been taken care of a year ago!!

However, I am not surprised that GM has botched up Volt marketing. They're still trying to focus on the engineering and the fine details that many consumers don't really care about. GM should have been marketing the hell out of it from the 35,000 foot level. Give consumers the high level. Make sure they really understand it, and then focus on the details LATER or in other venues.

[Dr. Show-Me]

The Volt initially is going to be bought by those with a desire to save the planet, who appreciate the technical features, who want to reduce or eliminate their purchase of gasoline. More information is good. I personally don't denigrate the "stupid American consumer" nor the stupid "luxury" consumer.

[civilzues]

Originally Posted by mgescuro

To me, it still looks like GM is still marketing the technology instead of marketing the car.

The stupid American consumer DOES NOT need to know the technology behind it all.

They need to know that
1) Volt is an electric car
2) Volt doesn't make you anxious because it has a backup engine.

Wrap that in marketing fluff and cool names.... and be done with it.

We don't need Lutz doing the PR tour. We don't need to talk about range numbers. THe batteries. The gas. The plugs.

LOOK, here are my thoughts. This car is not going to sell because of price or because of looks, it's going to sell because GM claims 230 mpg. SIMPLE AS THAT! what marketing fluff are you talking about? you want GM to go back to the way it was? Lutz does need to do a massive PR b/c the 'stupid america' disapproves of GM because of the bailouts/loans. you are entitled to your idea's but I think GM has this right...
Wait to advertise the car till its coming out? isn't it almost a year out? should they start to advertise the cruze? nope... hell did you complain when they advertised the camaro how many years before it was back?
cali.......

[ronald mcretard]

Originally Posted by civilzues

LOOK, here are my thoughts. This car is not going to sell because of price or because of looks, it's going to sell because GM claims 230 mpg. SIMPLE AS THAT! what marketing fluff are you talking about? you want GM to go back to the way it was? Lutz does need to do a massive PR b/c the 'stupid america' disapproves of GM because of the bailouts/loans. you are entitled to your idea's but I think GM has this right...
Wait to advertise the car till its coming out? isn't it almost a year out? should they start to advertise the cruze? nope... hell did you complain when they advertised the camaro how many years before it was back?
cali.......

What exactly is your problem with California? Do you know where this country would be without the contributions of Californians?

[civilzues]

Originally Posted by ronald mcretard

What exactly is your problem with California? Do you know where this country would be without the contributions of Californians?

I have no problem with Cali at all. trying to get under his skin b/c from my point of view, with his writting, GM can do no right and it's getting old.

[Driver Tom]

Originally Posted by Dr. Show-Me

The Volt initially is going to be bought by those with a desire to save the planet, who appreciate the technical features, who want to reduce or eliminate their purchase of gasoline. More information is good. I personally don't denigrate the "stupid American consumer" nor the stupid "luxury" consumer.

How well did the buying public, or the media, appreciate what Prius 1 was?

Once Volt is in the hands of green enthusiasts, it will be easier to explain what the car is all about.

There should be a good deal of Fisker buzz at the same time.

[Quickening]

Originally Posted by civilzues

I have no problem with Cali at all. trying to get under his skin b/c from my point of view, with his writting, GM can do no right and it's getting old.

Purposely trying to get under his skin. That is really mature.

Thank God MG is on this site so there is some friction and different point of views. I'm glad there is some disagreement and not everyone is on the GM bandwagon. People shouldn't be pushed out or hated on just cause they think GM can do a better job (because thats ultimately what we are saying).

[mgescuro]

Originally Posted by civilzues

LOOK, here are my thoughts. This car is not going to sell because of price or because of looks, it's going to sell because GM claims 230 mpg. SIMPLE AS THAT! what marketing fluff are you talking about? you want GM to go back to the way it was? Lutz does need to do a massive PR b/c the 'stupid america' disapproves of GM because of the bailouts/loans. you are entitled to your idea's but I think GM has this right...
Wait to advertise the car till its coming out? isn't it almost a year out? should they start to advertise the cruze? nope... hell did you complain when they advertised the camaro how many years before it was back?
cali.......

And when was the last time we heard the 230 mpg claim anyways? 3-4 months back?? Heck, I already forgot about it, and I watch the car industry.

You don't understand simple marketing tactics.
The fact that GM is still struggling to differentiate between "hybrid" and "plug in" and "EV" and "range extended vehciles," is NOT A GOOD THING.

Stupid Americans won't differentiate it.
They will see 2 cars with plugs. They will see a $15,000 price disparity. And they will buy the Prius, not knowing and not caring about the Volt and all its technical advancements.

Yes. I complained about Camaro because it took them forever to greenlight the damned car. And the car took forever to get on the market.
Camaro's peak was Transformers 1. But there was no car on the market until Transformers 2.

Only GM markets a car 3 years before the car is actually out on the market.

[civilzues]

Originally Posted by mgescuro

And when was the last time we heard the 230 mpg claim anyways? 3-4 months back?? Heck, I already forgot about it, and I watch the car industry.
You don't understand simple marketing tactics.
The fact that GM is still struggling to differentiate between "hybrid" and "plug in" and "EV" and "range extended vehciles," is NOT A GOOD THING.

How'd you forget that? that was HUGE! really? I agree with you on the fact of "what is the volt exactally", make up your mind.

Stupid Americans won't differentiate it.
They will see 2 cars with plugs. They will see a $15,000 price disparity. And they will buy the Prius, not knowing and not caring about the Volt and all its technical advancements.

they will see 230 mpg (so gm claims) vs. what? 45 or 50 mpg.... idk, maybe that's just me!

Yes. I complained about Camaro because it took them forever to greenlight the damned car. And the car took forever to get on the market.
Camaro's peak was Transformers 1. But there was no car on the market until Transformers 2.

Only GM markets a car 3 years before the car is actually out on the market.

so should be GM pushing this car when its still over a year out??

[CBECK]

Originally Posted by ronald mcretard

What exactly is your problem with California? Do you know where this country would be without the contributions of Californians?

What, we wouldn't have bridge loans to you guys after going bankrupt how many times. Cali is a business not a state.