The old General Motors in bankruptcy....the new General Motors will build cars like this! They will exit within the next several weeks a smaller but stronger corporation. The seeds are planted for the GM's return to building good cars....along with profitability. This is the type of product that GM is capable of producing. This is one of the cars that Bob Lutz originated the gorgeous 2+2 concept the Cadillac Converj.
Wow!!! This a an absolutely gorgeous car! It is designed with the thought that a car's beauty should dictate its appeal - not the powertrain. Although, the high-tech electric powertrain named the Voltec has a lot appeal in today's green auto market. The powertrain is an upgraded version of the Chevrolet Volt concept.
The electric motor for the Converj is the sole powertrain and can travel up to 40 miles on electricity alone before requiring the gas engine to power the electric motor. Here is the best part - the batteries can be recharged on a regular 110-volt household outlet which takes 8 hours or a 220-volt outlet which takes 3 hours.
The interior is just a gorgeous as the exterior with white suede, black leather seating and as aluminum and wood trim. The LED instrument panel has blue console illumination while the interior is bathed in white ambient lighting.
The forty mile range also covers most people's commutes.....after that it the gasoline engine turns on to power the electric motors.
GM has not announced production plans but the Chevy Volt is scheduled to happen by the end of 2010. Also, the pricing has not been announced but I would estimate in the $55 - $60k range.
SUMMARY:
I love the styling and cannot wait until I can drive this car! If GM had started making cars like this ten years ago, they would be flush with cash and would not be in bankruptcy or begging the government for funds.
One of the facts, that I would appreciate about this car is that you don't fill up you tank very often. Gas prices are starting to increase again! The latest price for regular gas in Southern California is $3.00 a gallon. Gas prices are anticipated to increase substantially in the near future.
I am of the opinion that electric cars are the next major wave in the automobile arena! This is a green technology that is being backed by the Obama administration.....so these type of vehicles will increase in popularity.
Peter, thank you for this post. What a great looking car. Why is no one talking about the repayment of all the money that these car makers are getting. Is that because they will never be able to do so. The price tag is so high that they can not do that? We hope the best for them but with the government as a partner, it will be a lot harder for them to do. We will never see that money again. Our tax dollars at work.
ReplyDeleteDan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"
Hi Pete
ReplyDeleteOMG, that is a beauty! And it is Green friendly. That is fantastic. I hope this car does well in the market place.
Thanks for sharing
Giovanna Garcia
Imperfect Action is better than No Action
Hi Dan & Deanna,
ReplyDeleteYes, the government is out of control...spending money like a drunken sailor! In some ways they have to do it....otherwise the picture gets ugly. I am in favor the government saving GM, and I was not a fan of the prior GM management.
It sounds like your sketptical...the government will own the controlling interest in GM.
This is a temporary move to bolster the company....over 5-10 years the government will sell the shares on the open market.
When GM gets back to profitability, the value of the shares will rise. That being said...I don't know if the government will make money or loose money!
But, I think it is a vital step to retain our manufacturing base....especially autos since the auto industry was a major factor in winning WWII.
Thanks for your insightful comment!
Pete Baca
The Car Enthusiast
Hi Giovanna,
ReplyDeleteI am of the opinion that GM's cars like the Converj and Volt will do well in the market. The first reason is that the green revolution has started....therefore green autos will become more accepted and popular.
The second reason is that gas is going to increase in price substantially....when that occurs sales of hybrids and other fuel efficient vehicles increase exponentially.
I appreciate you commenting on my blog greatly!
Pete Baca
The Car Enthusiast Online
Peter, thank you for the answer. Have a good day.
ReplyDeleteDan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"
Hi Pete .. looks good and really gorgeous .. however I suspect that in this one car .. that kids, coca cola cans and crisp packets won't be allowed?!
ReplyDeleteChocaholics forbidden too ..
oh dear - just for driving!
Great blog post - thanks
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters
Hi Dan & Deanna,
ReplyDeleteYes, I am not a believer in government bailouts....and much of what has happened. Those are my thoughts on the auto industry.
I am optomistic that the U.S. auto industry will prosper. In fact, foreign manufacturers will increase production here in future years.
Thanks for your comment!
Pete Baca
The Car Enthusiast Online
Hi Hilary,
ReplyDeleteYour absolutely correct...not in my brand new Converj!
This is a car that I would absolutely be interested in buying! The styling is hot...and it is a green machine.
My next new car will be a Tesla Model S or the Converj! I will have to drive both to decide!
Thanks for your appropriate comment!
Pete Baca
The Car Enthusiast Online