Volt Gets Fuel Economy Ratings From EPA and an Unreadable Sticker

Chevrolet Volt EPA Sticker

GM is touting the fuel economy ratings of the extended-range electric hybrid gasoline engine plus battery powered Chevrolet Volt in a press release.

And I'm sure the company is thrilled with the number 93 - as in combined mileage of the electric-only driving system, which relies on power from the grid rather than gasoline.

As a public relations effort the Volt is already a success and I think they will have an easy time selling all they can make initially. But the complexity of the label, which GM references in the release and is illustrated in the mammoth explainer the EPA has attached to the label, may be a negative as these kinds of vehicles become more mainstream.

Still, as we have seen with the Prius, perception is as important as reality for car shoppers.

Among Our 10 Best Podcasts, Cheap to Insure With High Efficiency Listening

The EPA finally got its efficiency on and gave ratings to the all-electric Nissan Leaf. We discuss the numbers and the tradeoffs.

The Leaf didn't make Car & Driver's Ten Best list, but the Chevrolet Volt did. As did some other usual suspects, but Hyundai continued to garner awards by placing the Sonata sedan on the list.
That roll continues in Europe, where Hyundai-Kia topped Toyota in sales numbers for the first time.
Meanwhile the Genesis, both sedan and coupe, are selling strongly, according to a recent report.

In Europe, small cars are the thing and while they are catching on in the U.S., sometimes auto makers have to get creative to sell compacts. That's what Fiat is doing with the coming 500. But with almost half a million potential option combinations are there too many. Will dealers be smart about what they order?

They should, because a J.D. Power survey found that price is less important to car shoppers than how they are treated by the dealer.

One place where drivers can save money is through insurance, and buying a vehicle that is cheap to insure. The secret: stick with minivans and boring cars.

GM's blue logo must have been getting boring, since the revived auto maker is de-emphasizing it.

Finally, Top Gear USA premiered this week. David watched and reviewed, one of the 1.9 million mostly men who tuned in. Mathew didn't and now has some homework for next week.

GetThisShowOnTheRoad, November 24, 2010.mp3

A Podcast That Makes the Grade and Is Fit for the King

Sticker shocker? The EPA is proposing new fuel-economy stickers for cars that would provide grades based on how much -- or how -- little fuel they use. Hybrids or electric vehicles would almost always get an A. Teachers pets.

EPA's proposed sticker

Meanwhile, one researcher says that continued improvements in internal-combustion engines could help push average fuel-economy numbers to 74 miles per gallon by 2035 -- twice what they will need to be under new rules coming later this decade.

One idea to combat "range anxiety" over electric vehicles: mobile charging stations that would quickly solve the infrastructure issues that could limit the growth of electric vehicles.

Thinking about a new car? Should you buy an all-new 2011 model or a tried and true 2010 model that has been around a few years? Consumer Reports has the answer, and it won't surprise you.

If you are saving money with a 2010 model, you might need it if you get in an accident and need the police or firefighters to help you out. Some cities are charging for the costs of those services.

So drive safely and save for decades if you want to buy one of Elvis's former rides; a 1970 Mercedes-Benz 600, is being auctioned off in England, at a Bonhams year-end event known as the Important Motor Cars and Fine Automobilia sale.

Finally, those who like to hit the road but bring their home with them will be pleased to celebrate 100 years of RVs this year. The recreational vehicle, ranging from tiny trailers to mammoth buses, remains very popular, and we'll try to podcast from an RV this year to celebrate.

GetThisShowOnTheRoad Sep 8, 2010.mp3