May 2012 alt-fuel sales led by Prius sales jump, Volt gains

Wow, I have not been keeping up on this but look at the Leaf vs. Volt year to date sales. The Volt is crushing the Leaf.

 

There was an article here in the paper the other day about how Volt is extremely popular in California right now (go figure).

 

Couple of surprises (to me at least)

1) The Honda CR-Z, why is it flopping so hard? It's a cheap $20k Hybrid that gets very good gas mileage.

2) Nissan Leaf is still selling anything, it's price to the Chevy Volt is too close, and the Volt is much more car than the Leaf

3) No one this month picked up a Honda FCX Clarity? I know it's expensive but not a single unit sold?! It's one of the first fuel celled cars making the market, and it looks like the demand isn't there yet.

 

I see lots of Volts out here. But in comparison to the Prius it's no contest.

I did see that Chevy upgraded the electronic range on the Volt to 38 miles per full charge.

 

i thought it was 40 before?

 

I'm sure there are areas wher Leafs sell more than others, but I travel numerous areas of Cali and I've seen just as many if not more Volts than Leafs.

 

I have yet to see a Leaf on the road whereas I have seen at least a dozen or more Volts. The Volt is certainly more practical for most people as a primary car with its gas engine.

 

I think that was the idea from GM before the car was launched. But the 2011-12's are rated at 35 mile range for all electric and now it's up to 38 miles for 2013.

 

Speaking of the Volt, I have seen a couple around here, and surprisingly one fairly regularly at the gun range. I know you guys think people in Texas are just truck driving gun crazed cowboys and nobody would care about a greenie mobile in an oil state.

As for the Insight, it may be the cheap interior construction that turns people off. I can't say I really follow it all that much, but I recall when it came out there were several people noting that it did not feel up to typical "Honda quality."

 

Was it because it now has access to the car pool lane, even with only 1 person in it?

Volt sales surge in California thanks to car-pool access - Jun. 7, 2012

 

The CR-Z is only a 2 seater. People probably aren't looking for that.

 

Been seeing lots of Volts here in Cali, not so much for the Nissan.

 

No, the Insight is a 4/5 door now, similar to the Prius.

The original insight was a two seater. That spot is now filled by the sportier, better looking, less fuel efficient CR-Z. And that would help explain why the CR-Z isn't a strong seller.

As for the Volt / Leaf question, I see FAR more Volts than Leafs here in Indiana. I think I've only ever seen one or two Leafs (Leaves? LOL) on the road.

 

Because there are "sporty" economy cars that are cheaper, faster, more utilitarian, and get the same if not better gas mileage than the CR-Z for less money.

Just in Honda's showroom alone:

Civic Hybrid - $24,200 and 44 cty/44 hwy mpg
Insight - $18,500 and 41 cty/44 hwy mpg
Fit - $15,325 and 27 cty/33 hwy mpg

CR-Z - $19,695 and 31 cty/37 hwy mpg

No wonder it's a flop, it's got heavy competition from its own brand

 

I've seen a number of Volts locally, but have not seen one Leaf on the road yet.

40 was GMs number. The EPA said 35 (now 38) though. There is actually range it is rated for 25-50 depending on driving conditions and speed.