Malibu to become a full hybrid?

To become a dual mode hybrid?

A couple of months ago, GM made an interesting announcement regarding its mild hybrid technology, such as found in the Chevy Malibu hybrid. Around 2010 GM will begin using lithium-ion batteries in their mild hybrid powertrains. Thus, around 2010 the Chevy Malibu hybrid will become a lithium-powered mild hybrid, but it will still be a mild hybrid, right?

Who cares?

I just finished reading a review of the Malibu hybrid that claimed that GM will turn the Malibu hybrid into a full hybrid. Does that mean a lithium-powered mild hybrid, or a dual mode hybrid, such as the GMC Yukon hybrid?

GM's dual mode hybrid technology is a great bit of hybrid technology, but a technology that was especially designed for large vehicles, especially vehicles carrying heavy payloads or that tow regularly. Such capabilities, however, are not required for a Malibu hybrid. So, is GM going to scale down the dual mode hybrid powertrain for cars - something I've been calling for now for a few years - or is GM going to brand its mild hybrid technology as full hybrid technology once lithium is added?