Now it is being reported that the Gen 2 99' EV1 with NiMH will be launched in the middle of June. Just in time for the other auto makers to be launching their new, Year 2000, millennium vehicles. What a continuing debacle.
I'm getting a sinking feeling that we will get an altogether different kind of announcement. Edison EV has announced their departure. Will they be the first or the last? I REALLY want to be wrong on this disturbing hunch.
The heads of GM and Toyota are reportedly discussing a joint enterprise on A Hybrid (Electrice-ICE) SUV. Can't you see them holding hands, laughing and dancing around the maypole. Two complete operating systems, using gasoline on a giant SUV. They will now have their absolute best of all possible, worlds.
Maybe EV1 drivers will now get "First Dibs" on THAT vehicle.
Repeat of an EV list post sent March 2nd.post:
Don Devlin
third quarter of 97'
1st Quarter of 98'
September of 98'
October of 98'
December of 98'
January of 99'
March 13 of 99'
All of these dates were announced as dates when drivers would begin receiving their Gen 2 NiMH EV1s. None of these dates have been met.
The march 13th date has been postponed now in favor of end of April or sometime in May. The Ostensible reason is that marketing wants to put on a bigger show than the one presently planned.
I almost can't believe it. This company expects and receives from its drivers unbelievable patience and slavish loyalty. .
It claims to have put in between 500 million and a billion dollars into the car and hasn't even one person assigned to the problems of drivers when they reach the misplaced, broken, and iced parking slots. Not from GM , Not from EV EDISON, not from Saturn. There is no ombudsman to hear our complaints or suggestions. There are not even responses to posts on this club list. NOTHING.
Despite the many driver apologists and rationalizations. this is the most amateurish launch of a new technology in history. The worst advertising, the worst marketing, the worst communications between customers and management.
Not many people still believe that GM or any of the other companies want the Electric vehicles to succeed. Not when there ten or even twenty thousand
dollars to be made on each of the newest SUVs to hit the market.
I exclude from this heartfelt criticism our mechanics, specialists and engineers. They are no less screwed than the drivers.
Don Devlin
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