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Phil Toney (nasaman)
- DeBary FL
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The Saturn model wish li…
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Saturn Vue
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HEARTBREAKING NEWS!
I purchased my 2008 Saturn VUE with the intention of trading it in 2-3 yrs for the 2-mode PLUG-IN version (as my avatar might suggest). Roger, please offer the VUE plug-in -- I'll buy it in a heartbeat!
Roger - I own an '08 German-designed VUE, which I think of as essentially a clone of the BMW X5. As you know, the VUE was to become the basis for the OTHER plug-in from GM, using the powerful CTS V6, a two-mode electric transmission and a large Li-I…
In their press release Roger Penske says, “Saturn has a passionate customer base and outstanding dealer network. For nearly 20 years Saturn has focused on treating the customer right. We share that philosophy, and we want to build on those strengths…
Fascinating! ....I especially look forward to seeing how the E-REV designs compare to the PHEV designs in terms of overall economy, air pollution and performance. It will also be very interesting to see how GM's own plug-in Vue measures up to the ac…
Comment Wall (4 comments)
- At 6:24pm on July 27, 2008,
Phil Toney (nasaman) said…
- The Chevy Volt & the Plug-in VUE together represent an automotive milestone that I believe history will recognize as comparable to that of the Model T ....in this case, electrification of the automobile! My personal preference is the VUE because the compact Volt is limited to 4 passengers and much less interior space than the VUE, and the VUE (but not the Volt) will be able to tow my boat as well as haul "tons of stuff". However, the Plug-in VUE basic version is heralded as having an electric-only (no-gas-needed) range of only 10 miles, which I believe to be a potentially-severe marketing disadvantage compared to the 40-mile electric-only range of the Volt.
However, as a physicist & elec engr, I have closely studied the plug-in VUE design and find that it readily lends itself to an added-cost, long-range EV-only version (approx 35 miles on battery alone) by use of a 16kWh Li-Ion battery like that in the Volt. In fact, I prepared a short dissertation explaining this earlier this year and hand-carried copies to Bob Lutz in NYC this March, as well as sent copies to Saturn’s General Manager (Jill Lajdziak), and to several other GM people at decision-making levels.
My fear is that, thanks to the Chevy Volt having become a “media darling”, nearly anyone thinking of buying a plug-in car will know it should achieve an EV-only range of about 40 miles (not 10 miles!), and that this could severely impact plug-in VUE sales. However, if an added-cost version of the plug-in VUE with about a 35-mile EV-only range was offered as an option, this stigma should be largely removed, even for buyers who chose to own the lower-cost versions (who, like someone buying a non-hybrid VUE XE, might like to plan to upgrade to a VUE RedLine in a few years).
- At 3:03pm on June 16, 2008,
Mike said… - Thanks for posting a comment on my blog. I appreciate your enthusiam for the Vue 2 Mode. It is clearly the most significant news in our 2009 lineup.
We were able to share full information on the other 2009 models because they are either in production or will be in production in the coming weeks. The Vue 2 Mode is still a few months away. Some of the key information of the new hybrid are not final, such as fuel economy and horsepower/torque rating. Also, for competitive reasons, we hold much of the detailed information (including price) until we are ready to launch. In the fourth quarter of this year, there will be a major promotional and communications campaign for the 2 Mode. So, please stay tuned!
- At 12:21pm on April 21, 2008,
Phil Barry said… - Hi NasaMan, We are doing a lot of battery testing here in Suburban ChicagoLand and we've a couple years to advance the battery performance and cost. I think we should have a Going Green float in our St.Patty's day parade. Nice talking to ya'll.
- At 9:00am on April 18, 2008,
Phil Toney (nasaman) said…
- The Chevy Volt may be getting the publicity but the Plug-in Vue will get the SALES!!!
Profile Information
- Relationship with my car:
- I love my car.
- Current Ride
- 2008 Saturn Vue XE
- Favorite Saturn
- 2009/10 Plug-in Vue
- About Me:
- Astrophysicist/Elec Engr who's always worked in the US Space Pgrm and love my family, cars, photography, boating, classical music, travel & home theater
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