Phone GM EV 1 Brand Manager in the US expressing support for newly
launched NIMH powered GM EV 1. Receive email from GM EV 1 sales rep. Ask the
usual questions:
Q: When will the GM EV1 be launched in UK?
A: Only for lease in 2 states in US - GM has spent much money on promoting in
US etc etc.
Think to myself the obvious - so they can afford to spend billions on any
ICE car they develop but as usual hold back on EV.
Q: Why don't you put ad in UK national newspaper - would create huge interest -
150 miles per charge looks great, makes you smile when you drive it and
besides, UK drivers more concerned about fuel-efficiency and eco-
friendliness of car than US counterparts?.
A:No response.
Jeremy Leggett, writer of 'The Carbon Wars', renewable energy campaigner and
CEO of leading solar power company Solar Century stated on Radio 5 he had
driven 300 mile per charge car in Detroit - wow which car was it? - emailed him
immediately - it was the Solectria
Q:How come such a fantastic car Solectria Sunrise doesn't have bigger profile?
A: They don't have the money - 15 million dollars required. ( Is that all it would cost for a car which could change the world?)
Q: Well why doesn't GM or another major company join forces with them? GM
has spent $1 billion on advertising and other bit and pieces to launch it's
car. Surely $15 million is not beyond them-they wouldn't think twice if that
amount was needed to develop another ICE car.
A:No answer
Q: Please, I'd love to promote your car here can I learn to drive in one?
she says, putting the legendary no problem US attitude to the test!
A: It would cost $300,000 to import - gives me names of companies in UK that
have other Solectria EV's but doubts would be able to borrow one to
learn to drive.
I contact companies - no response.
Q: Have you thought about placing an ad in National newspaper here?
A:No response.
