EV: Detroit v. Japan

Detroit v. Japan

Santayana said, "Those who forget history are doomed to repeat it."

Slim's response is "Those who forget history are doomed--Period!"  

But there is a positive spin. "Those who remember history are able to repeat it.

Detroit has forgotten history.

Japan?  That remains to be seen. However, past events will suggest that even as you read this, Japanese auto executives are discussing the issue.  

Japan remembers the Jimmy Carter gas crisis.

Japan remembers market penetration.

Japan sees another opportunity.

I won't recap the issues surrounding EVs. 

Everyone knows what they are.  Or should.

And right now, you can bet that Japanese auto makers are working together to resolve the issue that is most pressing:  A universal battery.

The Japanese will work together to determine which is the best batter. Which system is the best.  And work together to make that system available in all Japanese cars.

Nissan, Subaru, Honda, Mazda, Mitsubishi, et. al.

Now, expand on the strategy.  

Using the same thinking that Firestone used to sell more tires by building gas stations, Japan has three options.

Build Swapping Stations

Provide swapping services to Petrol Stations

Make battery swapping at every and any dealership where the driver of any Japanese car can pull it to have a battery swap.

What will Detroit do?

If the Jimmy Carter Gas Crisis is any indicator, Detroit will drop the ball.

Best wishes,

Sincerest regards,

Slim.

Bob Asken

Box 33

Pen Argyl, PA 18072

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The Quotations of Slim Fairview

Copyright © 2021 Robert Asken

All rights reserved

People Won't Buy Electric Cars Until...

Why can't we sell electric cars?



1. Batteries Die

• The Transistor Radio

• The Remote Control

• The Razor

And, dare I say it, the car battery on a cold morning.  Batteries Die


2. Batteries Don't Last.

That is why car batteries have warranties.  



3. Unanswered Questions:

• How long will the battery last?

• How much will a new battery cost?

• How long will you keep it at the dealership inflating the service bill as you check out the car instead of replacing the battery?

HOWEVER

The biggest problem is not battery life or battery cost or sloganeering like slinging around words like 'range anxiety."


The real reason is that Americans measure distance in hours and minutes--not in miles.



This is not an American conversation.


"How far is it?"

"Eight Miles."




This is an American conversation.


"How far is it?"

"Fifteen minutes."



Question


"My wife's sister lives two hours away?  If we buy a Tesla (A Volt) can we make it to her sister's house?" 


In American:

"Do we have enough gas?"

"A little under 3/4 of a tank."

Maybe we should fill up before we leave?"

"No. I'll stop at that station by your sister.  It's cheaper there."



What if we buy a Tesla or a Volt?


"My wife's sister lives two hours away. Can I make it on a full charge?"

"How far away does she live?"

"I told you. Two hours!"

"No. I mean how many miles is it?"


"Mr. Tesla?  Mr Volt?  You are not listening to your customers.  My wife's sister lives two hours away. Can I make it on a full charge."



Electric Cars. The JCP of  Ron Johnson lives on.

• Ron Johnson wanted to sell "everyday low pricing."

• Customers wanted to buy, "coupons and discounts."

• Ron Johnson tried to convince the customers to buy what he wanted to sell.

• Ron Johnson should have sold what the customers wanted to buy.

• Don' be a Johnson.

This is what you want to sell:

• Price of the Battery.

• Life of the Battery

• Recharge Time

• Recharge Cost

• Charging Stations

• Swap-out Stations 

• How far can I go on a full charge.  In hours, not in miles.

If you find anything here to be helpful, please do not hesitate to send me a really tricked-out Mac Book and to put a few dollars into the envelope along with the thank you note. Slim.

Bob Asken
Box 33
Pen Argyl PA 18072


Sincerest regards,


Slim


Slimfairview@yahoo.com 

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Copyright (c) 2013 Bob Asken
All Rights Reserved.