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And the newest startup car in the US - V-Vehicle ...

Engineer

Engineer

Elite Member
Was sitting in the monthly conference call with the CEO this morning and looking over new business. A new startup called V-Vehicle was listed as new business. The CEO stated that this is a new startup would be launching by 2011 (IIRC) and sell one car, no options, one color and for $8,000. He went on to state that it would be sold at WalMart? WTF? Stated that they project 150,000 cars the first year and up to 600,000 per year by 2016.

I would be very surprised to see this at Walmart....hell, I would be surprised to see it at all but since contracts for business are already being given out...who knows.

Oh, and the cars are supposed to be built in Michigan (Walmart will change that quickly though! 😛 ). I looked at the web though and they are building a factory in Louisiana so maybe I missed something on the Michigan connection.

Their website is lacking, lol!

San Diego startup V-Vehicle to hire 1,400 people with pay of $35,000.
 
I would not be suprised at it being built in Michigan. We have the labor and the available factories. Pontiac East just closed this week. 3.2 million square foot plant just sitting there.
 
Originally posted by: iamwiz82
I would not be suprised at it being built in Michigan. We have the labor and the available factories. Pontiac East just closed this week. 3.2 million square foot plant just sitting there.
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I have to wonder though, despite the basically free floor space, there is still the matter of union labor in the north costing more than non-union labor in the south. And that has to factor in somewhat for a car this cheap.
 
Originally posted by: KnightBreed
Originally posted by: iamwiz82
I would not be suprised at it being built in Michigan. We have the labor and the available factories. Pontiac East just closed this week. 3.2 million square foot plant just sitting there.
Click to expand...
I have to wonder though, despite the basically free floor space, there is still the matter of union labor in the north costing more than non-union labor in the south. And that has to factor in somewhat for a car this cheap.
Click to expand...

Labor is not automatically unionized up here. Lots of places aren't, my company included. The thing is, non-union shops are the one treading water now.
 
If they do manage to produce something that will retail for $10k, be reliable, comfortable, safe, fuel efficient, moderately roomy, and relatively attractive, they could have a winner. Otherwise it'll end up being yet another dusty article in an encyclopedia.

Something around the size of a Mini Cooper, VW Bug, Chevy Aveo, etc. with good crash ratings, 40ish MPG, half-way decent styling, basic creature comforts (power doors / windows, AC), and automatic (let's face it, what targets the bigger crowd?) all for under $10k could just work if it's marketed right. They'd have to appeal to the "save yourself money; do the environment a favor" crowds in the right way.
 
the idea is interesting. they'll be producing a transportation tool. the only problem is that most red-blooded American males see their car more like a fashion accessory rather than a transportation tool. women have jewelry and makeup, guys have cars.

but if they can price it right, make it comfortable and safe, they might have a hit as a commuter car to allow people to have a weekend toy in the garage instead of compromising on one commuter/toy.

the no options thing reminds me of henry ford .. "Any customer can have a car painted any color that he wants so long as it is black."
 
From the article:

V Vehicle must raise $350 million in capital by March to collect the entire $82 million. It has garnered about $100 million from investors and hopes to land a $250 million low-interest loan from the U.S. Energy Department's Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing program, which is designed to help manufacturers build high-mileage cars.
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So, out of $432 million ($350 million in capital plus the $82 million in grants), $332 million is coming out of taxpayer pockets in one form or another. Only 24% of the cost of this venture is being born by the investors. Hell of a deal if you can get away with it.

ZV
 
Originally posted by: iamwiz82
I would not be suprised at it being built in Michigan. We have the labor and the available factories. Pontiac East just closed this week. 3.2 million square foot plant just sitting there.
Click to expand...

It's in Louisiana...
 
I don't know why Walmart isn't just working directly with Kia or Suzuki to provide stripped version of an already proven car (with minor visual changes so that it is not distinguishable as a Kia or Suzuki) and just call it a day. Seems like a much less risky proposition...but I'm sure I'm missing some details.
 
Originally posted by: JDub02
the idea is interesting. they'll be producing a transportation tool. the only problem is that most red-blooded American males see their car more like a fashion accessory rather than a transportation tool. women have jewelry and makeup, guys have cars.

but if they can price it right, make it comfortable and safe, they might have a hit as a commuter car to allow people to have a weekend toy in the garage instead of compromising on one commuter/toy.

the no options thing reminds me of henry ford .. "Any customer can have a car painted any color that he wants so long as it is black."
Click to expand...

Thanks for making it sound super gay. I would have called it an extension of myself or something less queer.
 
Originally posted by: Ktulu
Originally posted by: JDub02
the idea is interesting. they'll be producing a transportation tool. the only problem is that most red-blooded American males see their car more like a fashion accessory rather than a transportation tool. women have jewelry and makeup, guys have cars.

but if they can price it right, make it comfortable and safe, they might have a hit as a commuter car to allow people to have a weekend toy in the garage instead of compromising on one commuter/toy.

the no options thing reminds me of henry ford .. "Any customer can have a car painted any color that he wants so long as it is black."
Click to expand...

Thanks for making it sound super gay. I would have called it an extension of myself or something less queer.
Click to expand...

The first step is understanding...
 
Originally posted by: angry hampster
Originally posted by: Engineer
Originally posted by: angry hampster
Gotta compete with Tata.
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At $8,000 and no options, it doesn't compete with the Kia Rio.
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Clearly you don't understand what hte Tata Nano is.
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I do. The Nano is $2,500. If the V-Vehicle cannot compete with the Rio (which can be had at times for $8,000+/-), it cannot come close to a NANO because of price alone.

But I will say this...the Rio is made in Korea whereas this would be built in the US. Still impressive that they can build, market and sell it for $8,000 (assuming that they do).
 
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