Posted on Tue, Jun 28, 2011 : 12:30 p.m.
Carl Levin loves his Volt; EMU construction projects to wrap up by fall
By Cindy Heflin
Here's a sampling of links to news about the Ann Arbor area in other media:
- Eastern Echo: Eastern Michigan University construction projects to be finished by fall
- Detroit Free Press: Sen. Carl Levin loves his new Chevrolet Volt -- and what it means
- Michigan Daily: University of Michigan to participate in joint effort with President Obama
- Ann Arbor Journal: Relay for Life surpasses its goal
- Saline Reporter: Fiddlers Restrung kicks off summer tour
- Ypsilanti Courier: Renovations taking place at Lincoln Consolidated School District
- Eastern Echo: Student Government unhappy with increase in hang tag prices
Here's what people are clicking on at AnnArbor.com:
- Cemetery information on the RootsWeb website in the entry: Bones unearthed by Eastern Michigan University construction workers
- The Squares restaurant website in the entry: Squares Restaurant in downtown Ann Arbor closes 'for summer vacation'
- The website for Aubrees in the entry: Aubree's franchise plans to hire 78 workers as Dexter restaurant renovations continue
Comments
redwingshero
Wed, Jun 29, 2011 : 3:10 p.m.
@snoopdog-I would agree. The payback period for the up front extra cost (front load) for the powertrain is to long. And eventually the subsidy (tax credit) on all hybrid & electric vehicles will end, which should open up people's minds to the true cost of these vehicles. I did the math for you. If the new Focus or any thing in the same class gets a combined city/highway average of 30mpg and you drive it 20k miles each year (which equals 666.67 gallons annually), the extra $20,000 will get you gas for 7.5 years (at $4/gallon). I wouldn't mind not paying for gas for nearly 8 years... You should have seen the Buick I mentioned. It was freaking sweet!
snoopdog
Wed, Jun 29, 2011 : 1:19 p.m.
Agree with diagbum, the Volt is a toy for wealthy folks trying to make a greenieweenie statement. The Volt makes no sense from an economic point. You can buy a Focus/Cruze/Elantra/Caliber/Fiesta/Sonic/Civic/Corolla/Versa and have 20 thousand dollars left over to buy gasoline. How far can one go with 20 grand cash getting 30 mpg ? The Volt would be a cool car if it cost perhaps 30k out the door but dealers are charging over sticker to get one. Good Day
Macabre Sunset
Wed, Jun 29, 2011 : 4:57 a.m.
Isn't this about the 20th article celebrating Levin and his Volt in some way. Is GM paying for this advertisement, or the Levin re-election campaign?
Skyjockey43
Wed, Jun 29, 2011 : 12:39 a.m.
Leave it to a Senator to promote something so overpriced, impractical, and subsidized by the government (to the tune of $7,000 per vehicle). Not to mention the damage to the environment caused by the manufacture of the batteries, and that icky awful coal generated electricity used to run it. Speaking of which, as a democrat I thought he would be 100% behind Obama's pre-election vow to bankrupt the coal industry? Guess he'll have to resort to the Fred Flintstone method of propulsion once that's taken effect huh?
Skyjockey43
Wed, Jun 29, 2011 : 2:32 a.m.
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlTxGHn4sH4&feature=related" rel='nofollow'>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlTxGHn4sH4&feature=related</a>
redwingshero
Tue, Jun 28, 2011 : 8:07 p.m.
I went to the open house at GM's Bay City Powertrain last week and they had a Volt there for people to get in/look at and test drive. While I didn't take it for a spin, I did get inside the vehicle. As much as I hate myself for saying this, myself and the 5 people from my company that I was with, were not impressed. The instrument panel and console is a white plastic. And I am generally a pro-Detroit 3 person. It was awful to be honest. Now the brand new Buick Regal with carbon fiber body they had there, that was a sharp looking ride.
diagbum
Tue, Jun 28, 2011 : 8:34 p.m.
Don't forget to mention that the Volt is just a gimmick! The Ford Focus gets better MPG, is much more luxurious, for around $18k...
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Tue, Jun 28, 2011 : 5:19 p.m.
"Carl Levin is the only one in Michigan that can AFFORD a Volt!" He must own several, then, because see 'em around town all the time. Wonder what Governor Rick drives and where it was made? Good Night and Good Luck
diagbum
Tue, Jun 28, 2011 : 4:52 p.m.
Carl Levin is the only one in Michigan that can AFFORD a Volt!
diagbum
Tue, Jun 28, 2011 : 7:46 p.m.
I forgot to include the fine print: "Price after tax savings. Net price shown includes the full $7,500 tax credit. $40,280 MSRP (1) with federal tax savings from $0 up to $7,500. " $40k OUCH!
diagbum
Tue, Jun 28, 2011 : 7:41 p.m.
I'd happily take a new Chevy Traverse (starting at $29k) over the Volt ($32k) any day.
braggslaw
Tue, Jun 28, 2011 : 6:44 p.m.
If you can afford a BMW 3 series, Cadillac CTS, large crossover, etc. you can afford a Volt