Stories from the Sales Frontlines

sterlingdog

Responses to topics discussed during the last two weeks:

1. Snake: You had quite a time with your new TV purchase. Hope the correct brackets arrived and that you now have it mounted. I read your experience with a sense of great frustration because I have had similar things to happen in my life.
2. Dash boards and media centers: It seems that technology in cars has passed some people's ability to adjust and join the new learning curve. I'm afraid that I'm in that group. Change is difficult for many and often resisted in the hopes that it will just go away. People such as myself must try harder to adapt. As I often tell my workshop participants, the only person who likes change is a wet baby! As long as new cars have heat/air, a radio system, power windows and door locks, and a gear shift, I think that I can still manage to enjoy driving. I do very much appreciate the new sensors and cameras. They are safety features which save lives and property. As for the NAV, I still need help. I had an appointment with my CPA yesterday. He had moved to a new location in another town. I had to stop and ask for directions. I should have put the address in my NAV system and proceeded. Perhaps that day will come if I make a concerted effort.
3. NYCCARGUY: I feel your distress over the cell tower problem. Having used attorneys, both alone and as a group member, I can tell you that it gets very expensive. Your neighbors may start out with great enthusiasm but, once realizing the cost involved, may fade away quickly. Taking on corporate America or city hall is a daunting task. I do wish you the best in this endeavor. Perhaps there is one bright spot. There seem to be no definitive studies at this point which prove cancers caused by cell towers or brain damage from the use of cell phones.
4. OCD and germs: Most people have a little OCD in their lives which can prove to be a good thing. We wash our hands, take baths, clean our houses, cook foods carefully, etc. because we don't want to become ill and we don't like to spread germs. Naturally, OCD can be carried to the extreme. In and of itself, OCD is more of a symptom of a greater underlying problem. When it disrupts the normal flow of life, it's best to seek some professional help. Does Jmonroe have OCD? He does love to wash and wax those cars!
5. Tyguy: You did a magnificent job of describing your test drives in the BMW328d and the Volvo V60. Both posts were so well written and very entertaining. Your grammar, punctuation, and spelling have earned you an A+. I'm very proud of you. I hope that Edmunds gave you a nice badge for your efforts.
6. Wind turbines and birds: I can only say that I hate to see our natural environment disturbed in any way. Hopefully, new designs for the wind turbines will improve to the point that less birds will be sacrificed. Personally, when it comes to cost and efficiency, I think that the jury is still out on the success of wind turbines. Still, I realize that we need to be open minded and forward thinking as we plan the future for energy use.
7. GG: I read your towing experience with great interest. I would be inclined to take some form of action. I'm not happy with the restaurant in this scenario. With their influence, I believe that they could put a stop to this scam. At the very least, they need to make their patrons more aware of what is happening in the area. They also need to enlist the help of their local chamber of commerce to bring this scam to light. A little media attention might also go a long way in solving this problem. If you proceed to take any action, do keep us posted. I'm glad that your pretty car received no visible damage.
8. Driver: I'm afraid that I can't enjoy Howard Stern because I remember his early beginnings. His shows were very crass and brutal, and the language was way beyond appropriate. He must have greatly improved because I know that you would not listen to him if he hadn't.

This is the half way point on catching up with the topics. TO BE CONTINUED

imidazol97

@bwia said:
What model is it, the LT or LTZ?

It's an LT2. I was avoiding the required sunroof on LTZ along with the 19 wheels and 30 cross section tires (maybe I exaggerate that). I also avoided required navigation. Have an upscale radio and 9 speakers with Pioneer amp.

You need to look at some interiors to compare the Malibu to the Cruze. I felt they did copy that interior. We drove a Cruze. Love the high gas mileage on the 1.4 Turbo.

driver100

@sterlingdog said: we enjoyed visiting and recalling happier days of our many travels together

Good to hear from you again. It was very nice of you to help your BIL at this very difficult time.

Enjoyed your summary of the last few weeks events.....maybe you should take time off once a month, and then capsulize the all the topics we discussed.

RE: Howard Stern.......He has matured a lot, after all he is 60 now. I can only listen for 30 minutes, 3 times a week, and hopefully it is at a time when the show is interesting. I am like a media maven, so I like to get views from all sources, and his views and little stories can be highly interesting and/or entertaining.

[Deleted User]

Richard! How wonderful to hear from you again and learn you're doing well. The charity event and Florida trip both sound exhausting, but well worth the effort given how your actions have and will bless others. To learn you're involved in such activities is of no surprise

sterlingdog

Completion of responses to posts from the last two weeks:

9. Tesla: I'm all for competition in the free market. If someone can make a better tool, then others should try to perfect theirs to a greater level. I don't know why but Tesla reminds me of Hitler's early Germany----in a good way. He wanted a little car for the common people to afford and drive. Thus, the VW bug was born. VW has sustained the test of time, though the U.S. laughed and scoffed at the little bug in the beginning. Today, they have several nice models and the car continues to be efficient and more respected. Perhaps Tesla will prove to be the "bug" of the 21st Century down the road. Just like TV's and computers, the price should eventually come down to more affordable levels. I have an old friend who purchased a basic VW bug in 1962. He drove it until 1972 and enjoyed all of the gas savings. He never changed the oil----just added some now and then. Since 1972, this now millionaire has always purchased VW products. He, his wife, and grown children all drive VW's. To them, there is no other vehicle.
10. Charging batteries for electric cars: As time passes, the charge will improve as new forms of technology evolve. I envision the day when a single charge will last for a year or more with normal driving.
11. Driver: You did spell "Monroe" correctly. There are 4 current spellings: Munro, Munroe, Monro, and Monroe. Neither social class nor intelligence have anything to do with the various spellings. As the clan migrated from Scotland and Ireland, various sects chose their own spelling preferences. As is often the case, some groups added the Anglicized "e" to the ending. The name Cox is another example, as in "Coxe". By the way, Marilyn Monroe changed her name from Norma Jeane Baker Mortensen as a means of advancing her stage and screen career. Marilyn was not the dumb blonde that so many perceived her to be. She was an avid reader and a quick study. She was often late to the movie set because her head was buried in a book.
12. Stove wires: Someone said that they always tried the wires first in repairing the stove. As the voice of experience, I would caution you about that. Some here will remember my episode with the computer wires. I'll just leave it at that.
13. Energy sources: I wish that there was a way to better refine coal as a heat source. Growing up, I remember it as such warm heat. Then again, I'm old school and enjoy real logs in a burning fireplace. I will soon have to replace our two heat pumps. My trusted HVAC guy is promoting a large gas furnace for the replacements. With our local electrical rates being so high, he feels that a gas furnace would be more efficient and less costly. He also toots the advantage of having nice warm heat vs. the cool air coming from heat pumps. As I ponder the possibility, it seems to make more and more sense. Of course, the accompanying A/C units wouldn't be cheap in the summer. One thing is for sure. We need to do something to relieve people of these high heating costs. Based on the current winter, I can't imagine how some families are managing to pay their heat bills.
14. Imidazol: Congratulations on your new purchase. The Malibu is a nice looking vehicle. I didn't realize that the gas mileage was so good. That's a terrific benefit in addition to the comfort and the drive. Hope you and yours have many miles of driving pleasure in your new car.
15. Mike: I'm sorry to hear that you're not feeling well again. I do hope that the pain will dissipate soon. You're in our prayers.

I think that this catches me up now.

Richard

cdnpinhead

@sterlingdog said:
I think that this catches me up now.

Welcome back -- good to read your comments.

Mr_Shiftright

Yes but Hitler's VW program was a scam to steal money from people, so maybe not the best comparison!

also, the VW bug was really a pretty awful car, whereas the Tesla is a luxury tour de force and very $$$.

But if someone could make a $14,995 Tesla EV that went 300 miles on a charge--bingo--instant billionaire.

dino001

@MrShift@Edmunds said:
But if someone could make a $14,995 Tesla EV that went 300 miles on a charge--bingo--instant billionaire.

I think even $24999 with 300 mile range would make you a billionaire.

Mr_Shiftright

Hmmm....not so sure...there are some mighty tasty very high MPG cars in the $25K segment. The Nissan Leaf is 28,9K and that bombed totally. Besides, I'm just dreaming putting this out there---there's no way with today's battery technology to sell a 300-mile EV at that price, either yours or mine. That has to be 5-10 years away IMO. Those Tesla batteries are very expensive.

driver100

@sterlingdog said: Since 1972, this now millionaire has always purchased VW products. He, his wife, and grown children all drive VW's

Couldn't this millionaire at least spring for an Audi? (same company).

Thanks for the background on the name Monroe......very interesting.

Michaell

@MrShift@Edmunds said:
Hmmm....not so sure...there are some mighty tasty very high MPG cars in the $25K

segment. The Nissan Leaf is 28,9K and that bombed totally. Besides, I'm just dreaming putting this out there---there's no way with today's battery technology to sell a 300-mile EV at that price, either yours or mine. That has to be 5-10 years away IMO. Those Tesla batteries are very expensive.

It's my understanding that Tesla will be introducing an "entry level" model with a sticker price in the mid 30's in a few years' time.

abacomike

GM IN TROUBLE AGAIN?

This ignition recall could be a big problem for the new GM and the new CEO. The ignition problem seems to be limited to the OLD GM company that went into bankruptcy. But there are claims that GM sat on this info for a number of years - years during which the new CEO was a Vice President in several different departments of the OLD GM.

It is possible the NEW GM is not liable, however there are two congessional committees investigating the "delayed" recall. This should be interesting since the FED GOVERNMENT bailed out the company so it could emerge from bankruptcy. The claim is that 7-9 deaths are directly associated with this ignition defect.

Going to be very interesting!

graphicguy

Richard...good to see you're back.

roadburner

@boomchek said:

If a dealer doesn't want to give out a price over the phone or by e-mail I totally understand their reasoning- but if that is the case why would they participate in an online system called "Get a Quote," ignore the contact preferences of the potential buyer, and refuse to provide a quote?

If you don't want to play the game by the rules don't sign up...

boomchek

@roadburner said:

Yes I agree with you but I think the Get a Quote idea was to give a consumer a price on a specific model with specific options that may be difficult to configure online, etc....

As for shopping dealers for a "rock bottom best price" before even seeing if the car fits the consumer, or when being months away from buying is in my opinion a waste of everyone's time.

bwia

@sterlingdog said:
Completion of responses to posts from the last two weeks:
I think that this catches me up now.

Excellent summary -- and welcome back Richard. By the way, I am surprised at so little interest in the biggest story of the day, the disappearance of Malaysian Flight 307.

bwia

@imidazol97 said:
"Sorry to hear you were in the hospital. Would you bring us up to date on what is going on with you?"

@abacomike said:
Nothing seems to ease the attacks or pain - even morphine.

Mike, I hope the pain has subsided; hang in there buddy you'll get through this in due time. On an unrelated note were the Florida mega lottery winner?

driver100

@bwia said:By the way, I am surprised at so little interest in the biggest story of the day, the disappearance of Malaysian Flight 307.

>

Seems to be the story of the day especially on CNN.....it is on 24/7. Not much one can say at this point...it's a mystery. What's your guess?

driver100

@boomchek said:As for shopping dealers for a "rock bottom best price" before even seeing if the car fits the consumer, or when being months away from buying is in my opinion a waste of everyone's time

But, what if you do know the exact car you are looking for and already know it is the one you want?

dino001

@MrShift@Edmunds said:
Hmmm....not so sure...there are some mighty tasty very high MPG cars in the $25K segment. The Nissan Leaf is 28,9K and that bombed totally.

Well, Leaf has range of 80+ miles, not quite 300. And it is small. If Leaf was size of Tesla S AND had range of 300 miles, it would probably sell much better, even with cloth seats and not very good stereo. I think. And of course - there is no way one could build one at that price today. That's why you'd be a billionaire if you could.

graphicguy

@driver100 said:

Driver...I am in the business of flight simulator trainers. As such, I'm aware of the tracking systems in the Boeing 777 (which is what allegedly disappeared).

Yes, you can turn off tracking on the jet. It's not very easy as it's not just flipping a switch, but it can be done. But, "black box" recorders in every jet have trackers you can't turn off.

The real question is why was it not tracked on the ground? That's something that took a concerted effort to ignore, if it indeed wasn't "visible" by ground control (which I find suspect).

There were more than just a pilot, co-pilot, or any passenger involvement that caused it's disappearance. There was also some sort of cooperation on the ground.

What we've heard, Malaysia claims that it didn't land anywhere (at least nowhere they will divulge). If it didn't, then it crashed. So, following that, there's been no evidence of a crash. Believe me, if a 777 crashes, it would be noticed.

IF it did end up in the Indian Ocean (or any body of water), the environmental impact alone would be noticeable.

Too many holes in this news story for it to be anything but intentional.

brian125

abacomike Said
March 18
GM IN TROUBLE AGAIN?

This ignition recall could be a big problem for the new GM and the new CEO. The ignition problem seems to be limited to the OLD GM company that went into bankruptcy. But there are claims that GM sat on this info for a number of years - years during which the new CEO was a Vice President in several different departments of the OLD GM.

It is possible the NEW GM is not liable, however there are two congessional committees investigating the "delayed" recall. This should be interesting since the FED GOVERNMENT bailed out the company so it could emerge from bankruptcy. The claim is that 7-9 deaths are directly associated with this ignition defect.

Going to be very interesting!

Abacomike,

Gm will have to pay out just like Toyota has to. I hope it hurts them in the wallet this time and not ours..

At this point, it remains unclear how many deaths are attributable to the GM ignition switch flaw. It's possible that the number of total deaths may be far fewer than the 303 claimed by the Friedman Research/CAS study that was reported earlier (although it may climb back past that number once deaths across all models are included), though it's likely still higher than the 12 to 13 cases thus far acknowledged by GM. With this latest turn, though, the issue becomes cloudier and cloudier.

On Feb. 13, GM announced the recall of more than 780,000 Cobalts and Pontiac G5s (model years 2005-2007). Two weeks later it added 842,000 Ion compacts (2003-2007), and Chevrolet HHR SUVs and Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky sports cars (2006-2007). All of the recalled cars have the same ignition switches.

Collection being taken for Gm............ stay tuned

Sorry.............. dont know how to highlight someone else's posting. can someone advise thanks..

Michaell

@brian125 said:
abacomike Said
March 18
GM IN TROUBLE AGAIN?

This ignition recall could be a big problem for the new GM and the new CEO. The ignition problem seems to be limited to the OLD GM company that went into bankruptcy. But there are claims that GM sat on this info for a number of years - years during which the new CEO was a Vice President in several different departments of the OLD GM.

It is possible the NEW GM is not liable, however there are two congessional committees investigating the "delayed" recall. This should be interesting since the FED GOVERNMENT bailed out the company so it could emerge from bankruptcy. The claim is that 7-9 deaths are directly associated with this ignition defect.

Going to be very interesting!

Gm will have to pay out just like Toyota has to. I hope it hurts them in the wallet this time and not ours..

At this point, it remains unclear how many deaths are attributable to the GM ignition switch flaw. It's possible that the number of total deaths may be far fewer than the 303 claimed by the Friedman Research/CAS study that was reported earlier (although it may climb back past that number once deaths across all models are included), though it's likely still higher than the 12 to 13 cases thus far acknowledged by GM. With this latest turn, though, the issue becomes cloudier and cloudier.

On Feb. 13, GM announced the recall of more than 780,000 Cobalts and Pontiac G5s (model years 2005-2007). Two weeks later it added 842,000 Ion compacts (2003-2007), and Chevrolet HHR SUVs and Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky sports cars (2006-2007). All of the recalled cars have the same ignition switches.

Collection being taken for Gm............ stay tuned

As the owner of a 2006 Saturn ION who experienced the ignition cut out problem - and paid over $200 to have the switch replaced, I'm following this story very closely.

I've already gotten my notice from GM - when parts become available, I'll be able to file a claim to have my repair cost reimbursed.

I don't see GM being able to wiggle out of paying any damages for the deaths involved. Politically, that's too unthinkable. And, the GM CEO seems to be doing and saying the right things about the whole situation.

brian125

Mike.................how do you highlight post like above.

Michaell

@brian125 said:
Mike.................how do you highlight post like above.

If you use the "quote" link below the post, the text from that post shows up in the text box with a ">" preceding it. That is the code that displays as highlighted.

You can also manually cut/paste the text and insert the > character as well.

robr2

@Michaell@Edmunds said:
It's my understanding that Tesla will be introducing an "entry level" model with a sticker price
in the mid 30's in a few years' time.

The model E is expected to start around $40K and target A4, 3 Series and C Class buyers looking for an electric alternative as well as current Prius owners. Interestingly enough, 15% of model S buyers upgraded from a Prius vs 10% from MB and BMW.

brian125

@Michaell@Edmunds said:

got it

Mr_Shiftright

Not until Tesla pulls a magic battery out of the hat. And besides, 300 mile range isn't good enough to be a mainstream everyday car for people. Remember you cannot just pull into a gas station if you "forgot" to fuel up. But as a second car, it'd be fine. Think of a Model S as an Audi A4 with an 8 gallon gas tank.

@robr2 said:

imidazol97

@driver100 said:
Seems to be the story of the day especially on CNN.....it is on 24/

CNN is covering it 26 hours a day. They finally found something to help their ratings
with their 50,000 viewers. :end sarcasm

driver100

@graphicguy said:.I am in the business of flight simulator trainers.

Interesting GG. I am wondering why a 333 can crash and not be missed...if it crashes in the Indian Ocean who is there to see it? That ocean is very deep.

On the other hand...they are wondering if there was valuable cargo aboard that someone wanted. Or something that could have exploded stc. Or, did these guys divert the plane just to scare everyone?

Of course, part of the mystery is first they rerouted the plane, then turned off the black box, and said good night. It could be as simple as a pilot suicide, but it could be way more complex, like a terrorist plot.

It's wierd.....I don't want to fly again until we know...next flight is in late May and a long haul to England in June.

driver100

@MrShift@Edmunds said:
Think of a Model S as an Audi A4 with an 8 gallon gas tank.

But, at least you can pull into a gas station if you run out of gas in the A4. You can even walk to the station and pick up a can of gas, or maybe call the Auto Club. Not so easy with the Model S.

driver100

@imidazol97 said:CNN is covering it 26 hours a day. They finally found something to help their ratings with their 50,000 viewers. :end sarcasm

It has worked before for CNN....their ratings go over the top when there is a major story....like OJ. Unfortunately for CNN, there just aren't enough real stories to fill out their 24/7 news format.

robr2

@imidazol97 said:
CNN is covering it 26 hours a day. They finally found something to help their ratings with
their 50,000 viewers. :end sarcasm

Fox News is as well except they are dragging out as many people that are somehow linking the disappearance of the plane to the ACA and how a Republican never would have lost the plane.

imidazol97

@driver100 said:

to scare everyone

The best theory I've seen is that the purpose was to hijack the passengers and later ask ransom for the plane and passengers. That's assuming everything went okay to get to a planned hideout where the plane could be hidden.

The best theory for the path they took was that they were shadowing another airplane for cover as they chose the waypoints that the plane has been detected as having passed.

Personally I think some governments knew and know a lot more about what had happened than they were telling at the beginning. I suspect that is still true.

Sarcasm ON,

I'm waiting for Nancy Grace to give us all the "facts" tonight on her program: she's usually the one who knows all the answers, at least in her own mind! :grin :sarcasm OFF.

boomchek

@driver100 said:
But, what if you do know the exact car you are looking for and already know it is the one you want?

Well that's my point. If you know what you want and are ready to buy, then knock yourself out. Just no point grinding over something that you're not sure you want to buy in the first place.

[Deleted User]

@driver100 said:
But, at least you can pull into a gas station if you run out of gas in the A4. You can even walk to the station and pick up a can of gas, or maybe call the Auto Club. Not so easy with the Model S.

Running out of juice is going require a change in process and technology. I'm currently thinking of two options, but both require a support vehicle versus you walking to the nearest station for a gallon of gas. The first would be a truck with a charged capacitor that could quickly recharge another vehicle on the road, or at least enough to reach the next rapid charging station. The second thought would be a support vehicle capable of a battery changeout in the field assuming future batteries are easily accessible.

imidazol97

@sterlingdog said:

My trusted HVAC guy is promoting a large gas furnace for the replacements. With our local electrical rates being so high, he feels that a gas furnace would be more efficient and less costly. He also toots the advantage of having nice warm heat vs. the cool air coming from heat pumps. As I ponder the possibility, it seems to make more and more sense. Of course, the accompanying A/C units wouldn't be cheap in the summer.

Have you talked to owners and to companies who do the water-based heat pumps? Those are very efficient for both heating and for air conditioning since the water to which they transfer heat or draw heat from is at a constant temperature around 55 deg F. That's what I would like to install myself for my 21-22 year heat pump. Keeping one system like that would serve both your AC and heating needs. Is the gentleman suggesting one unit for your whole house? I've seen stories where the various heating ducts are turned on and off individually to send heat/cooling to various zones within a home. In one the ducts have electrically controlled vanes to close them off letting the air flow go to the zone needing the change in temperature.

Another choice would be a heat pump combined with a gas unit (may be available for the hydronic units as well). The highest efficiency for the electrical heat pump is above 15, for instance. And beyond that the gas unit can turn on to provide heat. That would isolate your home against a spike in cost of natural gas as well as for the electricity. I am assuming the control can be adjusted to determine when it switches from heat pump to gas for heating.

We just were solicited for the second time by the local gas utility for homes interested in having a gas line run down our block. Our home was built during a high cost period for gas, so there were no gas expansion connections made. I would consider both of the options I offer.

To drag this out, a talk show host in Cincy had the hydronic system installed by a sponsor. He talks about the variable speed blower being so unnoticeable when needing only to run on low speed to provide heat/cooling. And then for higher demand it speeds up.

[Deleted User]

@MrShift@Edmunds said:
Not until Tesla pulls a magic battery out of the hat. And besides, 300 mile range isn't good enough to be a mainstream everyday car for people. Remember you cannot just pull into a gas station if you "forgot" to fuel up. But as a second car, it'd be fine. Think of a Model S as an Audi A4 with an 8 gallon gas tank.

What do you think the right number is for range between charges to capture the mainstream drivers?

I guess my thinking is a bit different in that for the majority of my miles I only need a shorter range. I'll plug in daily, either at home, at work, or at a public charger. The concept of filling up like I currently do with a gasoline car, at least in my case, essentially disappears and is replaced with convenient "top offs" wherever I happen to be parked for longer than a few minutes. I can see charging being more difficult for city dwellers, particularly those parking on the street.

Getting back to my situation, long trips would be the exception, where the 300 miles becomes necessary to get me between rapid chargers or battery swaps. Longer trips would represent a minority of mileage, though, and could possibly be handled with a rental vehicle if rapid chargers were not available.

mako1a

There are 1000 watt generators about the size of a bread box. If I had a Tesla, one of those would be in my trunk ready to go along with the charging cables required to get me out of a jam.amazon.com/Yamaha-EF1000iS-4-Stroke-Generator-Compliant/dp/B002RWK9LY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1395258745&sr=8-1&keywords=generator+1000+watt

robr2

But that 110V power inverter 6 hours of charging time gives you about 5 miles of range.

stickguy

ideal is probably a small ute with more room for batteries, and a trailer with a generator you can tow with you, so you can charge as you go. Actually, that sounds like a Volt, except the engine isn't always on board!

Mr_Shiftright

Let's see...how to determine the "market correct" driving range for the perfect EV? If we take the average miles driven by an American, at something like 13,250 (your results of course will vary up or down depending on your age, geography, sex), that means 254 miles a week,

Now then if we take the average fuel economy of all 2013 cars (i.e., the competition in rough terms), then that 254 miles takes about 10 gallons of case.

Now most cars have bigger gas tanks than that, so let's say 13 gallons @ 25 mph, or 325 miles.

So I would say an EV should be able to go 325 miles, in any weather, with all accessories working, and without the voltmeter screeching warnings at you for the last 50 miles.

Probably a Tesla, right now, under adverse conditions, would have a range of maybe 200--225?

In other words, at least a 30% improvement in battery performance, maybe even 50%.

driver100

I just went to my bookmark and I got this:
Howdy, Stranger!

It looks like you're new here. If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons!
"Sign In" or "Register"

Holly crap, don't they know I have won awards for all my posts and LOLs. Besides, it sounded like someone was trying to pick me up (Howdy Stranger)

When I finally did remember my password and sign in again I had to get back to sales frontlines, practially needed a PHD in guidance systems to do that!

driver100

@robr2 said:
Fox News is as well except they are dragging out as many people that are somehow linking the disappearance of the plane to the ACA and how a Republican never would have lost the plane.

There are 81 choices for ACA 81 meanings for ACA
Which one are you referring to - not American Chiropractic Association or American Canine Assoc I assume? LOL on how Fox News has reported a Republican government would never have lost the plane, that funny...but probably true. .

driver100

@imidazol97 said: I think some governments knew and know a lot more about what had happened than they were telling at the beginning.

Ransom sounds very possible too. I am sure we haven't been told everything.......but there are so many possibilities, it is just guessing to try to figure this one out.

[Deleted User]

@MrShift@Edmunds said:
Let's see...how to determine the "market correct" driving range for the perfect EV? If we take the average miles driven by an American, at something like 13,250 (your results of course will vary up or down depending on your age, geography, sex), that means 254 miles a week,

Now then if we take the average fuel economy of all 2013 cars (i.e., the competition in rough terms), then that 254 miles takes about 10 gallons of case.

Now most cars have bigger gas tanks than that, so let's say 13 gallons @ 25 mph, or 325 miles.

So I would say an EV should be able to go 325 miles, in any weather, with all accessories working, and without the voltmeter screeching warnings at you for the last 50 miles.

Probably a Tesla, right now, under adverse conditions, would have a range of maybe 200--225?

In other words, at least a 30% improvement in battery performance, maybe even 50%.

What makes a week's worth of normal driving the key to success? It seems most owners will simply plug in each day, like they do a smart phone.

stickguy

the problem I have is that it limits your options, basically relegating it to local duty. For the majority of my use, it would be fine (I don't go far from home on many miles in a day). heck, I could probably recharge an EV with decent range once every week or 2.

the problem is, occasionally I do need to take a trip, and that could be a deal breaker. Plus when you get where you are going, no guarantee of a charging option. and if you don't have a garage at home, or a safe parking spot where you can have an outlet, it will never work.

now if you are a "niche" person that fits the right profile, perfect. As a second, local car!

robr2

@driver100 said:
There are 81 choices for ACA 81 meanings for ACA Which one are you referring to - not
American Chiropractic Association or American Canine Assoc I assume?

The Affordable Care Act of course - it's the one issue that Fox bases about 20 hours of daily programming on.

snakeweasel

@MrShift@Edmunds said:
Nope. Bicycles were far from recreational in the 1890s--in fact, the reason America starting building good roads was directly because of the bicycle lobby, not the automobile lobby. The auto enthusiasts just jumped on that bandwagon.

Sorry Bicycles, especially around the 1890's were little more than toys, few people seriously used them. They were regulated to recreational use and it was just a fad that lasted about 10 years or so/

In fact, a man went around the world (well most of it) on a bicycle in the 1880s--he pedaled or carried the thing 13,500 miles.

And?

Some car manufacturers started out as bicycle makers. Bicycling was the rage in America before the car, with thousand and thousands of enthusiasts pedaling all over the country, staging races, etc. These were strong, tough riders, as tough as any mountain biker of today.

Many car manufacturers at one time built horse drawn carriages, and many were started as auto manufacturers so?

And while there were "thousands" of bicycling enthusiasts pedaling all around the country it still was a fad and was mainly recreational.

imidazol97

@robr2 said:
The Affordable Care Act of course - it's the one issue that Fox bases about 20 hours of daily programming on.

That would be the one with all the lies? Change name to UCA: Unaffordable Care Act. :grin. People are getting large increases in costs. LOL

@robr2 said: Fox bases about 20 hours of daily

I won't even mention the Administration News Network MSNBC. You obviously don't watch the NEWS reporting on Fox. If you watch only the personality/opinion shows are 7 pm you're not seeing the balanced news reporting.