Obama's Car Puzzle

Opinion Journal (WSJ) by Holman W. Jenkins, Jr. | Nov. 12, 2008 (Opinion)

You have in GM's Volt a perfect car of the Age of Obama -- or at least the Honeymoon of Obama, before the reality principle kicks in.

Even as GM teeters toward bankruptcy and wheedles for billions in public aid, its forthcoming plug-in hybrid continues to absorb a big chunk of the company's product development budget. This is a car that, by GM's own admission, won't make money. It's a car that can't possibly provide a buyer with value commensurate ... Full Story »

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 by David Fox - Nov. 12, 2008

The author wants to make a point, but without checking his facts. Among other things, he implies that the GM Volt is unique among new cars in that it will lose money at the start. This is true for most new cars lose money when they're first produced. He also seems incredulous that the Volt might get 50 MPG while in gas-generator mode. I don't know if that's accurate, but it's believable - that's what I get on my Prius. For more comments see the related link to the CalCars article.

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