How GM Beat Tesla to the First True Mass-Market Electric Car

[Scottathew]

With gas so cheap in the U.S. the timing couldn't be worse, but I would think the real market for this car right now would be Europe.

I don't really think timing things to the price of gas makes sense.

I remember years ago when the price went down for a little while my friend bought a big ass truck. I asked her, if you're struggling financially, why buy the expensive gas-guzzling truck? Her response was that, "gas is so cheap right now so it doesn't matter".

I was shocked at how dumb she was not to realize how wildly the price fluctuates. It seems like it may be low for the immediate future today, but when you're purchasing a vehicle you need to make the decision a little more long-term, especially if your finances are tight.

[401don]

I don't really think timing things to the price of gas makes sense.

I remember years ago when the price went down for a little while my friend bought a big ass truck. I asked her, if you're struggling financially, why buy the expensive gas-guzzling truck? Her response was that, "gas is so cheap right now so it doesn't matter".

I was shocked at how dumb she was not to realize how wildly the price fluctuates. It seems like it may be low for the immediate future today, but when you're purchasing a vehicle you need to make the decision a little more long-term, especially if your finances are tight.

By no means was I implying GM had any control over the timing of the launch coinciding with low gas prices. I simply said it was unfortunate, which it is. The initial buzz and sales when a new vehicle launches are very important. Trying to revive that later when gas prices increase is obviously much more difficult, not to mention the competition will have caught up.

[Wesley Mouch]

By no means was I implying GM had any control over the timing of the launch coinciding with low gas prices. I simply said it was unfortunate, which it is....

Unfortunate, yes. But consequential? I'm not so sure.

Today's young people want a solution to perceived Global Warming -- but even more they want to do what's right for the environment. They're obsessive-compulsive about water use -- even in Detroit where its the smallest of problems. The cost of the Bolt is getting down to where it might be reachable by mass audiences. If it can be affordable, it may do well regardless of whether is saves money. In spite of my free-market leanings, saving money isn't everything, is it?