I thought your name was Martin

And based on your manner of interacting with me and the other GM dislikers, I guess that you must be a GM official. I understand the reason you have decided to attack me.

Sorry Martin or James, or whatever your name is, I didn't realize you worked for GM. I thought you were just an enthusiast like the majority of this forum's members. Maybe if you were to change your title to GM Program Manager, this all would have been avoided.

One question though: Doesn't GM have a website? Why are you posting your marketing announcements here?

 

I spent a few minutes at the exhibit for one of the Chinese manufacturers at the North American International Auto Show. I was literally embarrased for the people who were obligated to be there to staff the show. If that's their best and brightest, they have at least a decade before they can be what Hyundai and Kia were 5 years ago.

If they follow the Hyundai / Kia path and improve at a similar rate, then maybe we have 7 years before they can provide product that is capable of meeting North American safety and durability standards, then a few more years before the product is truly viewed by the American consumer as desireable. We know the Chinese are very capable of manufacturing quality product. Where they are currently behind is in design and development. Without literally stealing intellectual property from western and Japanese automakers that are partnered with Chinese automakers, they will have a significant learning curve to climb before they can go it on their own. They will get there. It will just take some time.

Peace,

Martin

 

That is the classic arrogant GM position that has driven them to the brink of bankruptcy

 

Good point, and I agree here. Where's toyota or honda's timeline for EV or series hybrids?

I'm glad to hear to GM is relying on other battery companies and not just Cobasys. It doesnt seem it's in their (Cobasys) best interests to help the Volt succeed, even if it is a 100mpg hybrid and not an EV...unless it is in their interest to be n on this so they can STALL the Volt production plans.

That and the fact that AltairNano already has one that is way more than good enough for "hybrid" and in production. (the only thing is Phoenix motorcars has exclusive rights until 2010). But by then, even Cobasys cant stall any longer.

 

I think the Volt is less vaporous than the Honda FCX. C'mon! The FCX has a release date of 2018?! Ha ha ha! And don't fuel cell cars cost a million dollars each and only last 50,000 miles? Right.

I think we'll see a Voltish product from GM. Maybe it'll be 2011 or 2012 instead of 2010, but I really believe they'll build it.

I don't care if they ever build a FCV because that technology is just an expensive hustle.

 

The FCX is not just a concept, it is real. I have seen it at the Fuel Cel show last spring in Palm Springs. There are more than just one too.

 

I think Martin dervers more credit than that. At least he's bringing another perspective, and he's informative (and puts up with a lot of BS from this forum). Your choice if you don't want to believe him.

I think the explanation is plausable. In addition, does anyone think the Chinese are actually going to compete in the SUV and Truck market (right away, anyway)? I think if anyone is going to be challenged by Chinese cars it's going to be Hyundai and Kia. They're not going to enter the market with a $38,000 SUV or a $35,000 luxury sedan. Anyway, if the parts are that good and that cheap, it's more likely that GM will buy those components for their cars and eliminate a lot of possible head-to-head competition in the same market.

 

GREAT!

I'll stop by the Honda dealer on the way home tonight and take one for a test drive. After all, they are 'real', right?

Bob Wilson

 

I strongly second Tim's assertion that martinjlm has offered a lot of valuable information in a setting that can often be unfriendly. A few people here actually saw the Chevy Volt at the 2007 NAIAS - wish it was practical I could have made the trip. I hope GM's green trek will finally go the way Peyton Manning's career just did.

 

Program manager for Ford maybe?