Posts for Tag: tesla motors

"Coda unveils 'practical' all-electric sedan" - But who would want to buy it?

CNET News reports that Coda Automotive, a new electric auto company, is launching a "practical" sedan called The Coda. Though I applaud any alternative energy automobile, this one leaves me wanting more. First, its design is horrible. There are Hyundai's I would rather be seen in than this car. Second, it's not cheap. At $45K, it's more expensive than a BMW 3 Series and just $1K cheaper than a 5 Series! To be fair, The Coda can be up to $10K cheaper with federal and state tax credits/incentives.

Obviously, the "practical" reference in the title of the article suggests that it's making a jab at Tesla Motors. I'll give you that the $100K+ Roadster is a little bit eccentric for most people. However, the Model S is handily a much better car in all facets than The Coda. First off, it's only $5K more expensive. Second, it has room for 7 (5 adults + 2 kids) versus 5. Third, it has more range - 160 miles (expandable to 300!) versus 120 miles. Let's not forget that the Model S does 0-60 in just 5.6 seconds versus almost 11 seconds for The Coda. And lastly, it's just a much more elegantly designed car that compares with the design qualities of higher end car manufacturers like BMW, Mercedes, Lexus, etc.

Kudos to you Coda, for adding another choice to the electric car pantheon. I'm still holding out for a Model S.

Obama dishes tough love ... GM's CEO asked to resigns

The Obama administration asked Rick Wagoner, the chairman and CEO of General Motors, to step down and he agreed, a White House official said.

You never want to relish when someone gets fired.  But don't cry for Rick Wagoner.  He made over $63 million during his career at GM, most of which came during his years as CEO (a little under $39 million).  When you realize that GM lost approximately $82 billion in the last four years of his tenure, it was obvious that new leadership was needed.  Interim chairman, Kent Kresa, also stated that most of the GM board of directors would be changed at the annual meeting in August.  Another good move seeing as how they kept on supporting Wagoner year after year while he presided over the meltdown of an American icon.  I don't know if the US auto industry can be saved, but it couldn't hurt to have some new blood running things.  I want to desparately support American made automobiles and if the stars are aligned, my next car will be American made.