Supply and not Demand Explains Sales differences between Nissan LEAF and Chevrolet Volt

Sales figures for the Nissan LEAF and the Chevrolet Volt are being closely watched. Since both cars represent a new breed of vehicle, the relative success of either one may possibly represent the dominant technology for years to come. Whereas the LEAF is an all electric vehicle, the VOLT is a plug-in hybrid (more on the differences here), and as both cars have been on the market for a little over six months, early adoption rates might suggest which technology appears to have the edge so far. Alternatively, of course, sluggish sales of both might bring into question whether there is robust demand for alternative vehicles at all.

If we look at the sales figures for the first 6 months of 2011, we see the relative advantage currently falls to the Nissan LEAF, which has sold 3,875 units compared 2,745 units of the Volt. However, to pick a winner of the popularity contest from sales numbers alone, would be to mislead.

Automobile Magazine reports that for both cars, supply is the main factor affecting sales so far. In the case of the Volt, supply has been temporarily reduced while the factory has been offline for 5 weeks,  in order to add greater production capacity.  In the meantime, a Chevrolet spokesperson asserts they are selling every Volt they can make. As for Nissan, the earthquake in Japan on March 11th slowed manufacture and supply of the LEAF, but now deliveries and customer reservations are increasing for the vehicle. Both manufacturers still project sales of at least 10,000 units for this year.

So, if current sales figures are not a true reflection of demand, then in the meantime, online marketing solutions company, Compete.com, might at least offer another perspective on demand. According to Compete’s website they gather data from “a statistically representative cross-section of 2 million consumers across the United States who have given permission to have their internet click-stream behaviors and opt-in survey responses analyzed anonymously.”  They have surveyed (presumably via this data gathering method) what they call “in-market shopper volume,” revealing that the Volt had a peak shopper volume of nearly 40,000 shoppers earlier this year, versus the LEAF’s peak of 14,700 shoppers, thereby indicating greater interest in the Volt. You can see Compete’s full analysis here, which while interesting, is of course limited in its significance. While shopper-volume tracks consumer interest on-line, or via surveys, it is not a qualified predictor of conversion to orders and sales.

For the moment therefore, more time is needed to see how these two vehicles fair, and to determine where the stronger demand ultimately lies. In the meantime, both manufacturers seem fairly bullish that their products are being enthusiastically received, and neither give the impression that sales are sluggish nor that customers are disinterested in their new generation of vehicles.

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Lowest-price new car sold in USA: 2012 Nissan Versa

Nissan took sole possession of the crown for least-expensive new car you can buy in America by announcing a $10,990 sticker price plus shipping for the base model of its nicely redesigned 2012 Versa sedan that was unveiled in April in New York. (Reader alert: That's a more dressed up 2012 above.)

Nissan and Hyundai formerly dueled for that distinction with a special model of the old Versa four-door sedan at $9,990 plus shipping vs. a bare-bones Accent at $9,985 (but which was a three-door hatchback coupe).

But Hyundai left the field to Nissan with its just-out redesigned Accent. Hyundai says it no longer wanted to compete in the lowest-end segment, pricing the cheapest new Accent at $12,445 - and not pushing that one (try to find it on Hyundai's consumer site).

While raising the price a bit, Nissan also equipped the new low-end Versa sedan with amenities that were extra on the old one, such as air conditioning. It comes with a five-speed manual, but if gas mileage is your goal, your should opt for the CVT automatic with its slightly higher estimated 33 mpg rating for combined city/highway driving.

The new sedan is due at dealers in August. The separate five-door hatchback version of the Versa gets only minor tweaks for 2012 and goes on sale next week, with pricing still TBA.

Here's the complete rundown from Nissan on that new Versa sedan and pricing for the higher-level trims as well:

At the entry-level price ($10,990), the Versa 1.6 S sedan with five-speed manual transmission includes standard air conditioning, six-way adjustable driver's seat, AM/FM/CD/Aux-in audio system and a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with dual-injector system and twin continuously variable timing control (CVTC).

Sticker prices (plus shipping for three models of the Versa sedan – 1.6 S, 1.6 SV and 1.6 SL (engine/model, transmission, price):

• Versa sedan, 1.6 S, 5MT, $10,990
• Versa sedan, 1.6 S, CVT, $12,760
• Versa sedan, 1.6 SV, CVT, $14,560
• Versa sedan, 1.6 SL, CVT, $15,560

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2012 Audi Q5

Walk around to the side of the Q5 and you will notice a sporty and sophisticated profile. From the dramatic wheels set off by the rising edges of the fenders, to the graceful slope of the roof accented by the striking aluminum roof rails, the Q5 stands apart from the crowd.

Singleframe® Grille

The Singleframe® grille gives the Q5 an aggressive, unmistakably Audi look while enhancing the overall aesthetic of the vehicle.

Audi adaptive Headlights

Utilizing input from the steering wheel and speed of the vehicle, available Audi adaptive headlights pivot up to 15 degrees to allow you to see ahead in the dark by lighting up corners more effectively.

Audi xenon Plus Headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights

The available signature LED daytime running lights and high-intensity headlights not only add a distinct look to the vehicle, they also help improve visibility while using half of the energy of conventional bulbs.

LED Taillights

LED lights are superior to conventional bulbs, thanks to faster activation speeds. In addition, they can last an entire vehicle lifetime and consume up to 50 percent less energy while adding a signature look to your Audi.


Benchmark Fit and Finish

The interior of the Q5 places you in the middle of thousands of exquisite details, all designed to create a one-of-a-kind driving experience. Premium materials like Dark Brown Walnut wood or Brushed Aluminum inlays are honed to a maximum tolerance of just 0.2 mm. The color of the leather, dash and inlays are precisely matched, compensating for variations in texture and reflectivity. Together, they create an interior unmatched in its class.

Driver-oriented Cockpit

Angled slightly toward you, the driver-oriented cockpit with a hand-stitched, leather-wrapped steering wheel is the focal point, where technology and craftsmanship intersect. The stitching, the precise positioning of the spokes for your thumbs and even the thickness of the steering wheel itself create a feeling of total control.

Spacious Cargo Are

With the rear seats folded flat, the cargo area is spacious, offering 57.3 cu. ft. of capacity for whatever the day may hold. Rear seat passengers enjoy reclining leather seats as well as forward and backward adjustments for further cargo carrying customization.

Three-zone Climate Control

The driver, front passenger and rear passenger can select and control their desired level of heating or cooling via the center console.

MMI® operating system

Building on a tradition of intuitive and easy-to-use operation, the latest generation navigation system utilizes a 40GB hard drive and NVIDIA chip to deliver 3D graphics in stunning detail. The system includes a 7'' full color screen in the center console, an easy-to-use joystick on the main control knob and a color driver information display located in the instrument panel.

Panorama Sunroof

The two-panel panorama sunroof produces a unique, light-filled driving experience. The rear panel is fixed, while the front can be tilted and opened. The mesh wind deflector provides excellent aero acoustics while the large two-piece panorama sunroof offers an unobstructed view overhead. When you want less light, a power sunshade is available to help dim the cabin.

Convenient Storage Solutions

Thoughtful conveniences abound in the Q5, such as storage solutions for your umbrella and groceries in the passenger footwell. Other features include a passenger side well hook and bottle holders integrated in the door of the Q5.

Available Thermo Cup Holder

The specially designed thermo heated/cooled cup holder helps maintain the desired temperature of your beverage.


quattro® All-wheel Drive

Permanent all-wheel drive systems are not created equal. And they certainly don’t perform that way, either. quattro is essentially a mechanical system devised around a torque-sensing, self-locking, center differential that shifts torque instantaneously to where it’s needed. This means quattro is adjusting power between front and rear axles more than 100 times a second, helping ensure torque is delivered to the wheels where traction exists. Under normal driving situations, quattro distributes the power between each axle by sending 40 percent to the front wheels and 60 percent to the rear wheels, enhancing the driving dynamics while helping maintain optimum control. Constantly assessing grip, quattro ensures the best possible combination of traction and handling, regardless of the road conditions.

Innovative Braking System

Audi has implemented a number of ingenious features to help maximize braking effectiveness. In wet conditions, the brake disc wiping system gently pulses the brakes to help dissipate water buildup. Keeping the discs as dry as possible helps promote the most effective braking. Additionally, the brake assist system is able to detect an attempt at full braking and apply full stopping power when required. The advantage is that braking distance is significantly reduced.

Five-link Front Suspension and Trapezoidal-link Rear Suspension

With the finely tuned front-suspension components secured to the subframe, the five-link front suspension increases ride quality by isolating road harshness and vibration from the cabin. The use of weightsaving aluminum for critical components helps reduce unsprung mass at each wheel, allowing the suspension to respond more rapidly. Together with the Independent trapezoidal-link rear suspension with rigid subframe and stabilizer bar, the Q5 delivers a driving experience that is extremely responsive, smooth and predictable. It is handling that has become an Audi hallmark.

Audi Valvelift System

Audi valvelift system helps elevate the performance characteristics of variable valve timing. The result is smooth power buildup, instantaneous throttle response and up to a 7 percent reduction in fuel consumption. Audi valvelift system intelligently varies the lift and duration of engine exhaust valves in response to engine load and power needs. Optimizing air management, Audi valvelift system helps create maximum torque across a broad range of RPM without sacrificing efficiency.

Audi drive select

With 27 available vehicle handling and performance combinations, Audi drive select is another example of Audi progressive technology. Whether you prefer the smooth, luxurious ride of Comfort mode or the more direct and firmer responses of Dynamic mode, Audi drive select allows you to tailor the vehicle to your liking.
Beginning with three preset vehicle configurations, Audi drive select manages the adaptive suspension, dynamic steering, transmission shift characteristics and throttle response according to the selected mode: Comfort, Automatic or Dynamic. Adding to the versatility of Audi drive select, the Individual mode manages 27 personalized variations, essentially allowing the driver to configure the vehicle driving dynamics according to his or her precise preferences.

Responsive Servotronic® Steering

Servotronic® is speed-dependent power steering in which the amount of power assist provided is dictated by road speed, providing even more comfort and convenience for the driver. The amount of power assist is greatest at low speeds, making it easier to maneuver the car. At higher speeds, an electronic-sensing system gradually reduces the level of power assist, creating a tighter, more dynamic steering feel.
To further enhance handling and ride comfort, significant attention to detail has been paid to suppressing vibrations at the attachment points along the steering column. The result is a nearly 100 percent reduction in steering wheel vibration, offering the driver smoothness at virtually any speed.

FSI® Direct Injection

Audi Fuel Stratified Injection, or FSI®, offers the benefits of increased performance and fuel efficiency. FSI direct injection delivers a precise amount of fuel directly into the engine cylinders as opposed to the engine intake runners. This advanced process helps ensure a more complete combustion, thereby diminishing waste and increasing power.
By combining FSI and forced induction, such as a turbocharger, the 2.0T engine employs a variation of FSI called TFSI®. The principle and benefits are identical. TFSI equipped engines take advantage of significantly higher compression ratios and cylinder pressure, thus fully atomizing fuel and optimizing boost response. The compressor condenses the air flowing into the engine, allowing more air into the cylinder and therefore creating more power from each ignition. A forced induction engine produces greater power than a similar engine without it, significantly improving the engine’s power-to-weight ratio.

Audi Hill descent control

Hill descent assist automatically maintains the speed set by the driver on steep descents by controlling engine speed and brakes. The result is a significant increase in comfort and stability when descending hills, no matter the road conditions. Hill descent control is conveniently activated and deactivated using a separate switch.

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Cadillac Station Wagon Out-Muscles Your Car.

Each one of Cadillac’s lineup of CTS-V flagships are the automotive equivalent of a 9-pound hammer, vehicles of such brutal power and felonious fuel economy they make gearheads cheer, environmentalists scream and small children cry.

Every one of them is big and mean, with an engine two sizes too large and a blatant disregard for fuel efficiency. They are exactly the kind of cars self-righteous idiots point to while denouncing Detroit and General Motors as being hopelessly out of touch.

They can all get stuffed. The weapons-grade version of the CTS wagon is an insanely fun, absurdly fast and remarkably refined vehicle, quite capable of running with the best European cars.

We’ve known Cadillac could dish out some serious hurt since 2009, when the CTS-V sedan elbowed its way through the crowd like a belligerent drunk and delivered a beating to almost anything that crossed its path. The sedan begat a coupe so potent it prompted Cadillac’s return to racing. But General Motors didn’t stop there.

Someone at GM decided that what the world really needs is a CTS-V Wagon because, you know, a 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 good for 556 horsepower is just what you need for running to Costco.

Which, by the way, is exactly what I did with it the first day I had it.

The car GM sent me was as red as the devil with a face just as mean. The V is all creases and angles, with a leering grille and a linebacker’s stance. It’s so masculine it all but drips testosterone. I got in to find a proper manual transmission, with six speeds and three pedals. I could swear I heard a trumpet fanfare.

Six gears are superfluous when you’ve got enough torque for your car and the two behind you. It simply doesn’t matter what gear you’re in when you’ve got 550 foot-pounds of the stuff, which is more than a Lamborghini Aventador, by the way.

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