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G. David Felt

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Everything posted by G. David Felt

  1. Yes, it is a model year change over, but based on what has been posted, sales are not happening. Let's review, month over month performance :: June : down 10% July : down 23% Aug : down 20% Sep : down 10% Oct : down 5%
  2. Manufacturing Revamp? GM spoke out a week ago about a national electric vehicle mandate that they were in favor of. Tesla has reported a bigger than expected profitable quarter and if you Bing or Google National electric vehicle mandate, the stories covering this is huge with more auto companies in favor than against. GM, Honda and the State of California have all as of 10-26-2018 officially pushed back on Trump and his administration in regards to the U.S. fuel economy standards. The short story of what you can read at the bottom in the links is that they are saying the federal government should embrace a zero emission vehicle sales mandate nationwide with a program start date of 2021. Honda took it a step forward and said a nominal steady increase should continue on all auto's and not a freeze. To quote Mark Reuss, GM's executive vice president of global product development, "We know that we can do better than the Trump proposal. We know that the industry can do better than that." GM states that a nationwide program would put 7 million long-range electric cars on the road and slash 375 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 compared with existing zero-emission mandates in this country. For details read the automotive news story as if really digs into the details of what is being called Faulty Modeling by the current administration and EPA. The story does quote the free-market Institute for Energy Research who says the existing standards are too aggressive penalizing suburban and rural consumers who are concerned about driving range and reliability. Industry uncertainty is very clear with some taking a big wait and see like FCA on one end and then GM, Honda and California on the other end saying the current administrations plan for revoking California's rule-making authority is flawed and should be scrapped. To quote Reuss in regards to a national electric car program: "It will facilitate more makers to be able to really focus on development of electric vehicles more efficiently, and take the guesswork out of what we think may or may not happen. We're making bets on a lot of uncertainty, which is highly destructive to capital." So what does this have to do with the title of "Fast Lane to EVs for GM? Some Think So!" Green car report got a no comment from GM when asked about a number of changes going on including upcoming announcements in regards to the Hamtramck plant which currently builds the Volt and is under utilized. The potential spin-off of Cruise Automation and or Maven, their profitable third quarter report and more according to multiple sources they say. To achieve the executive plan of Mary Barra of 20 new EVs by 2023 announced last fall GM is planning to make a series of manufacturing-location and development changes in motion to electrify it's fleet according to sources the story says. UAW and GM were in a give and take negotiations last year where the Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac CT6 and Chevrolet Impala were all on the possible kill off list as large sedans have struggled to sell in the current market lately. Some of these we know will continue on. GM has been cagey about the role of Plug-in hybrids with the slow selling of the Volt especially compared to the Toyota Prius Prime with a lower plug-in range, yet demand for the BOLT on the other hand has been very strong as GM has announced plans to expand production at the plant this year. GM's plan to unveil new long range electric CUVs also show that major changes in manufacturing will have to happen. GM is pushing ahead with a all new electric vehicle platform that will cover compact to full size electric long range auto's including family-sized crossovers. They have announced their all-new battery pack that will go into generation 2 EVs that will break the $100 / kWh barrier for lithium-ion packs allowing for a range of scale for both the China and US market along with the rest of the global market. This all comes on GM showing off their eCOPO Camaro that has an 800 volt battery pack very similar it would seem to the 800 volt pack that Porsche is using. This supports 700HP / 600 lb-ft of torque motors. Fast Charging that is 80% range in 15 min. it would appear that GM is embracing the future of automotive driving. Remember the Buick Enspire EV that has a 370 mile range battery pack, AWD with 550 HP with a 0 to 60 in 4 seconds. Then keep in mind while these are for China only, it would not be totally out of line for GM to change their mind and bring the Buick Velite 6 plug-in hybrid and long-range electric auto to the US after manufacturing starts in China. The Velite name used in China for all Hybrid and electric Buicks is currently on the Volt 2.0 platform, but the Velite 6 will be based on GMs new Modular compact to full size platform according to the Fool story. Buick Velite plug-in Hybrid will have a 435 mile range with battery pack / generator combo as it will use the new high-performance ternary lithium-ion battery pack built in the new GM battery plant in Shanghai. GM currently will not say much more about the new generation battery packs only they will release more info at a later date, possibly at an American auto show. Long story short, Motley Fool has a rare Double Down buy on GM stock with 20 new EV models for the global and US market, GM is showing true forward thinking that should place them well above other auto OEMs. GM has a $10,000 award for naming of their new $1,000 electric bike they are putting into production for sale across the U.S. According to GM the person responsible for naming this new foldable eBike will win $10,000 and all one needs to do is go to https://ebikebrandchallenge.com/call-for-entries to enter. You have till November 26th to enter. Nine finalist will win $1,000 each also. With the largest bike market being China, this totally makes sense for GM to get into and the U.S. as well as other markets will benefit from a bike that is assisted with electric drive to go nice and fast. So with so much electrification going on, why would one not expect GM to do a massive change in their manufacturing of auto's as they move to embrace a 36 month revolutionary role out or electric vehicles, bikes and who knows what else. Green Car Report Story Chicago Tribune Story on Mandate CNN National ZEV Mandate Story Automotive News story on Mandate Bing Search on Mandate Motley Fool story on Battery packs from GM U.S. Department of Energy PDF on GM's Li-Ion battery pack manufacturing eCOPO Camaro Media Release from GM GM eBike for Sale
  3. Not surprised, I wondered about all the back end costs associated with supporting a program like this. I honestly do not see this making a return in the future as I do not think companies will ever make the drastic computerized changes needed to better track this and manage it and due to the over all costs of things in the US, you cannot find cheap enough labor to deal with all the other manual things that go on as has been listed above. Concept is great for those that like to change auto's frequently but reality is another thing. RIP
  4. Seems Hot Wheel just released their newest "Starman" car! https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1119662_tesla-starman-stunt-commemorated-by-hot-wheels
  5. Seattle Dealership has a total of 193 - 2019 models, 97 - 2018 models and 2 - 2017 New auto's in Stock. Total 299 new auto's in stock Tacoma Dealership has a total of 169 - 2019 models, 58 - 2018 models and 2 - 2017 New auto's in stock. Total 229 new auto's in stock I say there is plenty of stock of new 2019 auto's, sales are missing.
  6. Here is the lowest inventory level MB Dealership in Washington and it is by me Lynnwood. I would say 103 2019's in stock and 16 2018's is a heavy inventory. This does not say they are starving for product. I say they are hurting for sales.
  7. We need a Poo Emojii for peoples quotes. Perfect for your post my friend. ??? Lol would be great to have the Poo emojii rather than a down vote.
  8. FYI, the center is for the T shaped battery, there is no exhaust like in a normal car. Very different routing of the exhaust on the Volt.
  9. If Demand was high or up we would not see a decline month over month in sales, dealer lots would not be as full and as you pointed out via the link a 45 day supply would be dropping fast. The story has conflicting info also as they talk about levels at this time being the highest in 5yrs, but 2nd lowest behind MB 45 day supply. Without the supply on hand for each of the last 4 months, one cannot really tell if actual supply has dropped or MB due to trade wars and needing to find cheaper new sources has delayed rolling out the new models, or just what. There are many things that can affect days on hands. Big noticeable facts is 4 months of continued sales drop and at least in the PNW, full lots of auto's just sitting around. That says something is not right to me and others.
  10. Have to disagree with you at the dealers around here are flush with auto's, they truly are having a sales slowdown. Maybe peoples preferences have changed and MB is being seen as more of a Toyota style dealer not the Luxury only dealer. When you have large inventory of C Class and below on the lots with Commercial vans out front, this does not say Luxury.
  11. Agree with that on the dedicated winter tire. I do think the auto, sensors on that auto and driving characteristics play a part in how an auto handles in various types of driving. Just looked at my tires again and they are the Michelin Defender LTX M/S rated. That would explain the difference. Not the Premier. They are the quietest tire I have had on the Escalade for dry and rain driving. Stable and just solid. Snow gets eatin up as well when I go up the pass for Skiing.
  12. Yes, Yes I can. Current Auto List 1994 GMC Suburban SLE - Currently on stands, project conversion from CNG V8 to EV 1999 Dodge Durango SLT 4x4, bought for the daughter with the 5.9L V8, 300K miles, currently used to go back n forth from house to the Park n Ride 1.3 miles away. Less than 6000 miles a year. 2006 Escalade ESV - Garage kept, used for road trips only, less than 6000 miles a year. 2008 Trailblazer SS AWD - Main transportation that the wife drives, about 15,000 miles a year. I take the express bus from the area I live into the city for work daily as does my daughter. Jobs changed to the point where auto driving is very low compared to 10 years ago. This year both the Dodge and Cadillac will have less than 3000 miles put on them. So why as I work for a very green life, should I trade them in for less than comfortable eco cars as I await the EV CUVs that are coming? I still have an active life style in my area that I live in and I minimize my carbon footprint where ever I can. CHOICES people, you can spend your hard earned money how ever you want, it is yours. I CHOOSE to include my wife in our life decisions and save for the future while maximizing my current home, auto's, life around me. That choice includes supporting the move AWAY from ICE auto's to a cleaner healthier way of transportation. As one who loves to drive, I see nothing wrong with maximizing my investments in the auto's I choose and focusing on how I can make a difference long term for the planet, future generations and cleaner air for all to breath. Totally agree, the only way this would change is if the GMC was in the picture too as I really like the current look of GMC, otherwise the RAM wins hands down for the 3 listed.
  13. Cannot get into that front end. Blah, pass, 18 is better looking.
  14. What eye sore? They all look beautiful.
  15. LOL, you must be single and never married? ?‍♂️ Your spouse does play a part in all large dollar purchases no matter what anyone says. I have to say this is a sweet looking GMC.
  16. Simple, Choice. Right now There is Tesla, Chevrolet Bolt, Nissan Leaf and Hyundai Ioniq. None pass the spouse test, If I was single, I would have the Bolt for my daily driver to the park n ride 1.8 miles from my house. Yet when your married, life take another persons input into consideration and as anyone who is married or has been married can appreciate, Happy wife (Spouse, Partner, etc.) Happy Life. I get to do much in my life, why would I want to add the stress of a made wife to my life when holding out for more choice options is around the corner. As I have stated in other threads, I very well could end up having my first non american EV once the Jag iPace or MB EQC hit the lots so I can test drive it, check it for my test on room inside. Never know when things can change, but I do expect things to break loose as more auto makers deliver on bringing EVs to the marketplace.
  17. ? Guess we have different definitions of hypocritical to criticize. I have not criticized anyone's choice of buying an ICE auto. I have vocally supported the benefits of EV's and will continue to do so. I have never that I can recall attacked anyone here about buying, owning an ICE auto. I find all auto's awesome, but do strongly feel the need for the planet, future generations and the health of my fellow world citizens to get to cleaner air while still supporting the passion of driving enjoyment. Future is coming faster than I think some realize. I truly believe the flip to EV's will happen faster than those on this site believe.
  18. OUCH, So Commercial Vans save the day then only 4 of the brands multiple options are positive. G-class GLC S-class CLA Be interesting to see what MB does over the next 12 months and how the EQC plays into this.
  19. Nope, not at all. My house is Energy Star 3.0, Windows are triple pane argon gas. Insulation is R30 through out and all my lights are on sensors running daylight equal 6500K LED bulbs. From Hydro / Solar power supply to the house and Natural gas for heating, my house is very efficient. All downspouts catch the rain water to be used in the garden or watering the yard. Composting of all material so that I put out usually less than a 13 gallon kitchen bag of garbage. Like the rest of the state, we have mandatory recycle / composting for all citizens. As such, I have 2 - 128 gallon compost / yard waste bins, 1 - 128 gallon recycle bin and a 16 gallon the smallest they have garbage can. Washington state along with Oregon and California requires their citizens to wash out all recyclable materials before putting them in the can. You get find for dirty recyclables. Composting allows us to have an awesome supply of Black Gold soil for the farms and for personal use in gardens, flower beds, etc. Even during below freezing my combined electrical / natural gas bill is barely $100 every two months. I have included the latest Energy Star 3.2 spec for your review if interested. or wa program requirements 3.2 v3 2018-05-16_clean.pdf My 1994 Suburban is parked as I am working to convert it to AWD Electric. Battery pack will be between the wheels for best center of gravity. The engine bay will become a Frunk, bigger than anything Tesla has built. Since buying my house in 1999, I have done everything I can to minimize my carbon footprint. Auto's is the last area to be done and yes at 6'6" tall 300lbs I am not a small person, my wife is Korean at 5'8" tall and both my daughter and son are the same height. We camp and enjoy the great outdoors as well as help family and friends with projects so SUV's and trucks are the most common use auto here. If Cadillac still made their Hybrid SUV I would own one. Probably own two if they also had the Hybrid in the ESV format. Due to personal lifestyle, I usually drive 6 to 9 people up the mountain every weekend during the winter for Ski / Snowboarding. Up during the summer for Mountain biking and the rest of the year group hiking and exploring. You can see my life style by following me here: https://www.instagram.com/_g_d_f_/ I agree with everyone that my auto's I drive are NOT the most fuel efficient. As an engineer, I know we can make them fuel efficient and way better. The auto companies just need to build them and the customers will come. If you have test drove the BOLT, Tesla, you will know just how much fun the EVs are and can be and drag racing EV's like the White Zombie or the Zombie 222 have proven they can smack down ICE. Like all technology, time, engineering effort and drive to a better way of doing things is what it is all about. The moment my wife says yes to an EV that fits the family, I will buy one. Till then, I know the beneficial gain to society, the planet and individual people that EV's will bring and I will support them and talk about them. Check out the 1964 Lincoln with Suicide doors EV they are building. Sexy as all get out at Bloodshed Motors. White Zombie -http://www.plasmaboyracing.com/whitezombie.php Zombie 222 - http://www.bloodshedmotors.com
  20. Amazing the sales numbers here. Fiat is heading towards eventually leaving the US me think. Alfa, must mostly be East coast sales as I have seen only a hand full on the roads here, does not seem to be a brand of interest here.
  21. Lincoln is ugly, without the Navigator sales, the group would be just about dead.
  22. Yes, she drives the SS the most, but will take the Escalade, Suburban or Durango which ever is easiest to get out. They all drive very easily like a car.
  23. Agree, there are other options out there with equal or better MPG for less money.
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