Former GM EV1 product manager discusses why Nissan Leaf won’t flop
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, GM, Nissan
While the current crop of electric vehicles are a far cry from the failed attempts to produce commercially viable electrics back in the mid-90s, many still doubt that EVs can be successful. Much of that doubt stems from the multi-billion dollar flop from GM known as the EV1. The EV1 was the automotive industry’s first real attempt at going electric, which, needless to say, did not work out. Many of the problems that plagued the EV1 are still a source of concern with today’s crop of EVs. Critics pointed out that the EV1 was too expensive, impractical and limited by a measly range… sound familiar?
So what will make today’s batch of EVs a success? Former GM EV1 product manager Sean McNamara discussed his view of the differences between current projects and the seminal EV from The General with Automotive News. Now, before we delve into what McNamara said, it should be noted that he is currently employed by Nissan as the regional product manager for Infiniti. With that aside, here’s his take on what sets the Leaf apart from the failed efforts in the past:
Things are different today. Completely different. The technology is so much better today. We were using lead-acid batteries on the EV1. We’ve been through a lot since then as a society. Today, people really are looking for an electric vehicle.
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Motor Trend Classic: A Sneak Peek
I’ve lost count of the number of magazine issues I’ve edited over the years, but I’ve never lost the thrill of getting a first-bound copy, hot off the press, in my hands. It’s always a mixture of the good and the bad — the stuff that worked, and the stuff that didn’t; the features that zing off the page, and the mistakes that thud to the pit of my stomach. While I am no longer just a magazine editor — as well as the print version of Motor Trend, I also oversee this Web site, now one of the most popular automotive sites in the world, Motor Trend’s fast-growing You Tube channel, Motor Trend Radio, and pretty much anything else you see with the Motor Trend brand on it — print will always have a special place in my heart.
Having edited Britain’s acclaimed Car magazine, and Australia’s influential Wheels magazine (I was the sixth Australian to be editor of Car in 40 years, and all my predecessors had worked on, or for, Wheels) I was determined to prove America could also produce a beautiful, glossy, upscale automotive magazine. That determination led to the creation of the first generation Motor Trend Classic in 2005. We tried eight issues, but the business model, which included the traditional volume-driven American magazine advertising and distribution strategies, wasn’t right. We’re trying something very different this time — more pages, hardly any ads, fewer copies on the newsstand, and a higher cover price — in the belief enthusiasts will see value in a magazine that shares their passion.
A first-bound copy of the Summer 2010 issue of Motor Trend Classic arrived in my office last week, and I have to say it comes closest to the ideals that made all of us here at Motor Trend want to create this magazine in the first place. It’s not perfect — the day I believe I’ve produced anything that’s perfect is the day I quit this business — but it’s certainly an issue of which I’m proud. Here’s a sneak peek (and a sneak peek is all you’ll get here, because none of these stories will ever appear on the Web)…
Toyota extends warranty (UK)
Starting from today, Toyota UK will be extending their standard warranty from 3 years to 5 years. The longer deal was introduced back in March as Toyota tried to redirect negative publicity over its vehicle recalls. Buyers could choose between 3 years free servicing or a 5 year warranty.
“Our new five-year warranty is tangible evidence of our commitment to quality and to our customers – both those who are loyal to the brand, and those who are considering switching to Toyota for their next car,” said Miguel Fonseca, Toyota GB managing director.
“By taking this major initiative we are giving our customers complete peace of mind. We want to reassure them that, in choosing a Toyota, they are getting the best in quality, reliability and durability.”
The 5 year warranty is designed to rival those offered by South Korean rivals Hyundai (5 years) and Kia (7 years). However, Toyota’s deal has a 100,000 mile limit, whereas the Korean brands’ have no stated mileages.
Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #180
Click above to subscribe to The Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
This worked so well last week that we’ve decided to again solicit questions from Autoblog readers on the site that we can answer during tonight’s taping of The Autoblog Podcast. Below are the list of discussion topics we plan to talk about this evening, and you can enter your questions in the module as well as vote on the best ones. We’ll get to as many as we can, so make sure you subscribe to the podcast in iTunes (or use the RSS feed in your favorite podcast wrangler).
Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #180
- Ford considering shutting down Mercury
- U.S. safety bill could triple cost of automotive black boxes
- Tesla’s Elon Musk says he’s broke
- Warranty costs dropping for Detroit 3
- Pagani says goodbye to the Zonda yet again with one-off Uno edition
- U.S. hires lead bank for General Motors IPO
- Nissan prices 2011 Juke in the UK
- Survey outlines which qualities motivate new car buyers
Subscribe to the Autoblog Podacast and hear your questions asked:
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
vhm_widget_settings = { showId: 96462, width: 630, height: 550, colorScheme: ‘redblack’ }; Read more…
Report: 2011 Volkswagen Jetta starting under $15k
Filed under: Sedan, Volkswagen
According to a well-placed source at VWVortex, Volkswagen is set to release official photos of the new 2011 Jetta in about two weeks’ time, and while the new compact sedan won’t go on sale until sometime this fall, we’ll be learning all about the new model over the course of the next month.
While the timing of the Jetta’s release isn’t a huge surprise (particularly considering the recent rash of spy shots), the real shocker could be the price. For the 2010 model year the cheapest Jetta will set you back $17,735, but word has it that the new model will start at just $14,950.
Volkswagen officials have long lamented how the dollar-to-euro exchange rate affects pricing of its wares, and recently, VW has been working to source more components and systems from dollar-zone suppliers. Hopefully, the drastically reduced price won’t come at the expense of de-contenting and cheapening the interior of the new model. High-quality interiors have long been one of the hallmarks of VW products, so it’s doubtful that V-Dub would go down market at the same time that Ford and GM are bringing serious competitive products to the segment. Expect more details to follow soon.
[Source: VW Vortex]
Report: 2011 Volkswagen Jetta starting under $15k originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Jun 2010 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Nissan Micra XL Features
Exterior:
- Roof Antenna
- Full Wheel cover
- Rear Wiper and Washer
Interior:
- Drive Computer
- Manual AC
- Interior Colour Scheme-Black
- Seat cover – Fabric (Black & Silver color combination)
- Steering Wheel Cover (Pure Leather – Black & Silver color combination)
- Tachometer
- Parcel Shelf
Comfort & Convenience:
- Electric Power Steering
- Steering Tilt Adjustment
- Integrated audio system with 4 speakers aux-in port
- Power windows: Front and Rear with Drive Anti-pinch function
- Central Door lock
- Remote keyless entry
Safety:
Read more…
Video: Grid girl faints on Porsche GT3 at starting line
Filed under: Motorsports, Europe, Videos, Porsche, Humor, Racing
The dangers of motorsport – Click above to watch video after the jump
Whether they’ve earned it or not, Porsche drivers often tend to have a reputation for being, well, less-than-charitable human beings. Maybe it’s their steadfast belief in the superiority of their vehicle or the fact that a single 911 Turbo can cost more than most Americans will spend on their first home. Either way, drivers with a Porsche crest on their hood tend to have a bad reputation, even among other high-dollar sports car owners. The video after the jump won’t do anything to improve that impression.
From what we can gather from our Google Translator, the kindly gent behind the wheel is none other than Ronald van de Laar. While sitting on the grid during the ADAC GT Masters, the grid girl standing in front of his 911 passes out, either from the sun or locking her knees, and goes down hard.
According to our tipster (who evidently speaks Dutch better than we do), van de Laar can be heard frantically telling anyone within earshot to check his car. As far as we can tell, both the Porsche and the weak-kneed lass were just fine. Thanks for the tip, Thomas!
[Source: YouTube]
Continue reading Video: Grid girl faints on Porsche GT3 at starting line
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