GM's hybrids: The wrong start?
Large SUVs will become GM's first hybridsWhen the first full hybrid vehicles from GM hit the streets this Fall, they will come in the form of full size SUVs. And, why should anyone be surprised that GM would start with large SUVs, such as the Yukon hybrid or the Tahoe hybrid?
If large trucks are GM's bread, then large SUVs are GM's butter.
Of course, GM's bread and butter isn't as tasty to consumers as it was a decade ago. Sure, more fuel efficient hybrid versions of these gas-guzzlers might help stem the public's growing disinterest in such vehicles, but will they provide any new marketshare?
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Labels: GM, Hybrid Vehicles, tahoe hybrid, toyota, toyota camry hybrid, toyota prius, yukon hybrid
posted by Dahcredyns at
7:51 AM
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When the first full hybrid vehicles from GM hit the streets this Fall, they will come in the form of full size SUVs. And, why should anyone be surprised that GM would start with large SUVs, such as the Yukon hybrid or the Tahoe hybrid?
If large trucks are GM's bread, then large SUVs are GM's butter.
Of course, GM's bread and butter isn't as tasty to consumers as it was a decade ago. Sure, more fuel efficient hybrid versions of these gas-guzzlers might help stem the public's growing disinterest in such vehicles, but will they provide any new marketshare?
For GM critics and discontents, a Tahoe hybrid simply indicates that GM really hasn't changed - that GM hasn't grasped the reality that large SUVs and trucks might be nearing their death roll. Even if large SUVs survive today's foreign oil dependency and global warming turbulence, large hybrid SUVs are almost certainly not going to increase marketshare for GM.
On the other hand, what might have surprised GM critics, would have been a Prius fighter, or at least a Toyota Camry hybrid contender. And, no, the Chevy Volt doesn't count - what might happen in 2010 is of little importance today.
For years GM has maintained that the public's perception of GM doesn't match up with the reality of GM. GM has changed. Products are safer and more reliable than they have ever been according to not just GM, but to customer satisfaction studies.
Fine, but is that the perception of GM that really matters, or is there something else, something bigger?
While large hybrid SUVs might be a step in the right direction, GM discontents see them as just more evidence that GM just can't embrace change, let alone lead change. Moreover, critics wonder, Is GM afraid of the Prius? Is GM, again, simply handing over another segment to a Japanese automaker in favor of large SUVs and trucks?
Sadly, GM's hybrids will do nothing to change those perceptions. Unfortunately, changing those perceptions might be the best path to increased marketshare.
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