Surprise! The Detroit News published not one, not two but THREE PR puff pieces to accompany the “launch” of GM’s plug-in electric – gas hybrid Volt– an unveiling that’s two years ahead of sales (where IS that Camaro?). Scott Burgess gets the top slot, with “Jolting expectations: Inviting electric car is rare example of reality outdoing the concept.” Burgess begins his ode to Voltage by discounting the discrepancy between the endlessly touted concept car and the now-endlessly touted (if non-functional) “production” version. Yada, yada, yada. “GM has pushed through every checkpoint and remains on schedule to deliver a car that is a true game-changer.” Next up: “Volt turnaround proves U.S. automakers’ mettle” by Auto Editor Manny Lopez. “Any questions about what the American auto industry can do were answered Tuesday at the Renaissance Center when a production model of the Chevrolet Volt rolled into the automotive universe.” You know, other than “can you guys avoid bankruptcy?” “Is the Volt the answer?” Manny pretends to ask. “Not alone. But when paired with other new products such as the Chevy Cruze, which GM says will get 45 miles per gallon, or the Ford Fiesta or the next generation pickups from all three automakers, the domestic industry’s offerings look pretty good.” KBISFB. And finally, Robert Snell’s more news-oriented take (hence it’s postition at the bottom of the deck). Snell simply repeats all the suits’ n’ analysts’ hype, finishing with a bit of unintentional foreshadowing. “”It is not a niche product,” Alex Cattelan, the Volt’s assistant chief engineer opines. “It is the tip of the iceberg.”
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The thing that gets me is that someone said that the placement of the battery pack would result in great handling for the car. Tell me more!
Wow. These articles are what passes for “journalism” nowadays? Maybe some of our taxpayer money that is going to be flowing to the Big 2.8 could be spent on subscriptions to legitimate newspapers from around the country so the idiots that run these companies can get a dose of reality.
TexN
Please share with us the names of “legitimate” American newspapers.
For at least fifteen years I’ve thought American newspapers were good for only two things – packing material and housetraining a puppy.
“The thing that gets me is that someone said that the placement of the battery pack would result in great handling for the car. Tell me more!”
It’s called moments of inertia. With much of the weight centered between the wheelbase, the car will handle better. The opposite of having large masses at either end, either in front (Audi) or in the back (Porsche). Imagine a large pendulum with weights at one end. Or imagine spinning round and round with the arms and hands close to your body, and see what happens when you throw them out at arms length.
Let’s be fair here – the first two are not “articles.” The newspaper specifically labels them as “commentary,” which means that they reflect the views of the writer, much the same as an opinion piece on an editorial page does.
nudave,
I’d point to the WSJ, but I’d have to agree with most of your argument. Don’t forget the funnies, too.
TexN
Have we seen the memo from GM demanding any press on the Volt must refer to it as a “Game-Changer”?
I don’t recall any Volt coverage that doesn’t use that phrase, buff books included.
Why cant we just ‘chill out’.
Wait and see what they come up with!
oldyak:
We’re looking at 2011 for “regular” Volt deliveries. That’s one long chill.
“It is the tip of the iceberg” – which is going to hit the Titanic called GM.