GM still doesn't get it

As GM waits in line for handouts for its struggling company, it's made it very clear that they still just don't get it. The company has been late to the hybrid party, Toyota and Honda have had top selling hybrids for years. So what does GM do? Develops the Chevrolet Volt.

The Volt only runs on electricity. The battery pack is recharged via either a wall-outlet, like a "regular" electric or plug-in hybrid, or an on-board generator. When running full electric, Volt can deliver about 40 miles of driving.

However, with its 1.0 liter turbo four cylinder driving the generator to recharge the batteries, range increases to 640 miles. This certainly is more with what is happening than the Hummer, but let's look at the price tag: $40,000 or so.

I don't know about you but I would never pay that much for a car. I like to buy cars for $10,000 or less that get more than 50 miles to the gallon. My next car will be the Honda hybrid that gets over 70 miles to the gallon and retails new for less than $20,000. GM still doesn't get it. People are looking for quality transportation at a low cost.

At this rate, it will be back at the trough for more bailouts.

Barbara Bartlein is the People Pro. For her FREE e-mail newsletter, please visit: The People Pro.