2013 Chevrolet Volt

Was the Chevy Volt a success?

According to the article published on KBB.com, and the positive responses from people who actually owns the vehicle, it seems as though the 2013 Chevrolet Volt electric plug-in hybrid was some what successful.  Unlike it's competitor, the Toyota Prius Hybrid, which relies on a gasoline engine to power the car and only utilize electric drive as a supplement, the Chevy volt runs solely on electric power, utilizing gasoline as a supplement.   It offers excellent mileage per charge, about 50 miles, and if the battery becomes depleted, it is supplemented by a gasoline engine.  

Even though there are a few pro's as stated in customers reviews, I think there are considerable flaws with this car.  Perhaps the biggest concern would be that of the overall safety of the vehicle.   According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), three weeks after they have crashed there is a "Formal Safety Defect Investigation of Post-Crash Fire Risk in Chevy Volts"(www.nhtsa.gov).  This was discovered while testing was done on a  Chevy Volt to access the vehicle's ability to absorb and protect its occupants from injuries if they were ever involved in a side collision.  However, a few weeks later, due to damages to the vehicle's battery, the car was engulfed in flames.  Other major defects includes overheating engines, and defective radiator.

In analyzing the factors that has contributed to the success on the Volt, I would have to say that it is a great concept, a step above the eco-friendly cars that already exists.  As far as place distribution, the vehicle is readily available to eco-conscious consumers who are ready to purchase.  I do recall a few commercials but was not eager or excited about the new technological features it offers as per the commercial.  What hurts the product's success is the issue of pricing.  The product is too pricey and even with tax incentives, it is still not the economical for average consumers and it's resale value is considerably low.   



Bibliography:

Tran, Lynda. (2011, November 25,  Friday).  Statement of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration On Formal Safety Defect Investigation of Post-Crash Fire Risk in Chevy Volts.  Retrieved February 1, 2014, From http://www.nhtsa.gov/About+NHTSA/Press+Releases/2011/Statement+of+the+National+Highway+Traffic+Safety+Administration+On+Formal+Safety+Defect+Investigation+of+Post-Crash+Fire+Risk+in+Chevy+Volts