In the automotive world, one thing is almost a given. Secrets don't stay secrets for long, and nothing remains unknown until the day it is revealed. As hard as companies try, leaks get out and eventually the press has news to write about. The same is true about GM's new 230 ad campaign pictured above that has been popping up all over recently.
There is speculation across the Internet as to what GM is actually referring to. The real meaning of the logo is expected to be revealed on August 11th as indicated by the 8-11 at the bottom of the logo.
The range of guesses to the logo's meaning runs the gamut as from the EPA's fuel economy figure for the Volt, to the mileage figure for the Volt on a single charge. There are still others who believe that 230 applies to the voltage that can be used to charge the Volt. Some think 230 applies to the number of days left before the Volt is available to the general public.
Regarding those that believe the EPA mileage guess, our Editor-in-Chief Lyle Dennis at GM-Volt.com presented his take on the math that may have been used to come up with 230 mpg. As Lyle said, "Here’s my guess: Mike Duoba from Argonne National Lab devised a method to determine the MPG of an EREV; first the car is driven from a full battery until it reaches charge-sustaining mode, then one more cycle is driven. If we use the highway schedule, the first 40 miles are electric. One more cycle is 11 more miles. If the Volt gets 50 MPG in charge sustaining mode, it will use .22 gallons of gas for that 11 miles. Thus 51 miles/.22 gallons = 231.8 MPG."
With all of the speculation, one thing has become apparent. GM has created a stir and buzz. You could definitely say that the marketing department did their job and creating a highly successful, highly anticipated campaign, and maybe Bob Lutz in his new position had something to do with it.
Our own editor in chief Lyle Dennis will be on hand for the press conference in Detroit on Tuesday and we will have additional information after the official release.
Stay with us for updates and tell us what you think 230 means.
Source: Ad Age , GM-Volt.com
