GM to make lithium standard in mild hybrids

Lithium-powered by 2010

With the launch of the Saab 9-X BioHybrid, GM has now demonstrated the future of its mild hybrid powertrain currently used in vehicles like the Chevy Malibu hybrid.

It's all lithium.

With lithium, the new hybrid powertrain will offer increased power and voltage, increased electric boost, increased regenerative braking, increased fuel economy, improved vehicle acceleration, and easier global integration for all of GM's mild hybrid vehicles.

In terms of global integration, the Next Generation GM Hybrid System can be combined with downsized turbo, biofuel and diesel engines. In fact, the new GM Hybrid System will help alleviate turbo lag and knock at the low end by utilizing electric boost, which should result in a nice combination of fuel economy and performance according to GM.

GM plans to offer the new GM hybrid system in as many models as possible - maybe even all models. By 2010, GM is hoping to make as many 100,000 next generation GM Hybrids, in addition to dual mode hybrids, the Saturn Vue plug-in hybrid, and even the Chevy Volt.

Do plug-ins prove that GM has changed?

This plug-in hybrid is being tested in the real world

Most people buy hybrid cars because of foreign oil dependency or global warming. Most people terribly concerned about these issues see GM as the enemy in this battle.

Despite the fact that GM is about to a launch a greater number of hybrid models in the next few years - probably more than any other automaker - critics don't care because so many of them are large hybrid SUVs. Fair enough.

Ironically, however, GM isn't just going to launch more hybrid models than any other automaker in the next few years, GM is also attempting to launch two different kinds of plug-in hybrid vehicles by 2010: the dual mode plug-in Saturn Vue and the Chevy Volt Range-Extended plug-in vehicle. Finish......

Holy cow, GM calls it quits!?

Lost in nostalgia: Et tu, GM?

GM is writing its memoirs and the company wants you to help. Much like Chysler, GM is hoping to resurrect nostalgic feelings of the glorious past by asking GM fans to help them write their memoirs.

Memoirs? I thought that's what you write before you die?

Wow. GM has to have one of the smartest marketing departments the world has ever seen. Seriously. Instead of focusing on how GM is going to lead America out of the dangers of foreign oil dependency - an incredibly difficult task no doubt - GM is trying to drive buzz about the future by focusing on its gas-guzzling past? That's just brilliant marketing, and I bet it works marvelously.

I can't wait until GM puts that kind marketing genius into selling their customers on the importance of ending foreign oil dependency by buying slightly more expensive 'freedom-fighter' hybrid cars and electric vehicles. Won't that be the day?

A shortage of GM's hybrids?

A car you won't see in the Super Bowl?

GM is still considering whether it should market some of its hybrid vehicles during the Super Bowl, but a lack of supply could decide the matter according to Edmunds.

Adequate supply? I'm sorry. I know that GM's mild hybrids are part of GM's 'choice' campaign, but mild hybrid sales are going nowhere this year or next year. Save the ad space for a dual mode hybrid, such as the Yukon hybrid. Of course, since GM keeps delaying the launch of their dual mode hybrids, I guess they don't have much choice.

I'm glad to see GM ramp up their hybrid efforts, but let's get some product on the streets. When a vehicle that is 2-3 years away from reality, the Chevy Volt, is your best hybrid marketing tool, it's hard not to be skeptical with GM.

GM forms hybrid engineering team

Desires to speed up hybrid and electric vehicle development

Hybrid vehicles are the future. That sentiment has been echoing throughout the auto industry for the last year or so. Whether it's CAFE, European global warming emissions requirements, or California's EPA tailpipe waiver, the writing on the wall is clear: Automakers will have to develop significantly more fuel efficient vehicles and the hybrid powertrain will be required to achieve future success.

Thus, Robert Kruse, executive director of vehicle engineering for hybrids and electric vehicles, will lead a team of engineers to more quickly develop hybrids and vehicles like the Chevy Volt, according to the AP.

Executive: Why the Chevy Volt must be built

Frank Weber at NAIAS 2008

Over the past few weeks there has been a lot of speculation on whether the Chevy Volt is a real product or just some sort of 'vaporware' designed as both a distraction and a marketing machine. Recently, I covered this topic in Chevy Volt: Hype whore or resource hog.

At NAIAS I was able to interview Frank Weber, Global Vehicle Line Executive for the E-Flex drive, which includes the Chevy Volt concept. I'm hoping to finish transcribing my interview later today or tomorrow and then I'll post the whole thing. However, I wanted to post one interesting answer to a question I asked Frank. Read more....

GM ramps up Chinese hybrid efforts

Next for China?

GM's Shanghai Division has kicked off its "Drive to Green" strategy in China. According to GreenCarCongress, "The strategy covers three key areas: developing products with improved performance, lower fuel consumption and lower emissions; cultivating greener manufacturing systems; and undertaking a “green responsibility.”

Thus, GM will start selling a hybrid version of the Buick LaCrosse, based on the mild hybrid powertrain of the Chevy Malibu hybrid. In addition, GM plans to soon offer an unnamed dual mode hybrid, such as the Saturn Vue hybrid pictured above. And, down the road, China is also seen as a big market for GM's E Flex Drive, which will power vehicles such as the Chevy Volt.

GM Style Event 2008

Wow!

There weren't many hybrid cars at this year's GM Style Event to kick off NAIAS, but the show was still a fantastic hit. And while all the performers were great, Kid Rock's enthusiasm for GM, for Detroit, really captured the essence of the GM show - Detroit, Kid Rock and GM are proud.

The past is the past. Bold new styles are going to move GM forward. Style oozed excitement, potential and pride. Last year's Style Event seemed to be missing a message, this year there was no doubt.

Is GM dead? Not even close the Style Event said loud and clear.

Heading to NAIAS this weekend

Looking forward to seeing the Cadillac Provoq

GM was gracious enough to host my trip to the North American International Auto Show this weekend so that I can check out some of their new hybrid cars and other concept vehicles. I hope to be posting highlights starting Sunday night of the best of GM, as well as the rest of the show.

I should have done this earlier, but if anyone out there has some questions about GM's hybrid vehicles or fuel cell vehicles, reply to this post. I'll be interviewing numerous engineers, designers and executives involved with this programs.

Wagoner, GM commited to advanced technologies like the Volt

The Volt and the Provoq are GM's future

$12 billion in losses. That's a staggering number. Yet, that's the amount of money GM lost in 2005 and 2006 according to the DetroitNews.

Nonetheless, GM realizes that advanced technology will drive the future of the automobile, and much of that technology will be driven by electronics and electricity. That means battery power and fuel cells, which means hybrid vehicles such as the Chevy Volt and the Cadillac Provoq.

Thus, GM and Rick Wagoner chose the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas as the place to debut the Provoq plug-in fuel cell hybrid vehicle.

"That's the role of the automobile in energy security and environmental protection," GM's CEO Rick Wagoner stated at CES. "And the role that electronics, and electricity, can play in reinventing the automobile to address these concerns."

Flex Brothers: Chevy Volt and Cadillac Provoq

E Flex is about more than the Volt

The Chevy Volt is over-rated. Why? Because the car, rather than the technology, is always the focus. For example, while the Toyota Prius is a great car, it's the Hybrid Synergy Drive that matters most, and the same can be said of the E Flex Drive.

Most important, the E Flex drive is not limited to the Volt. Already, GM has showed off the Opel Flextreme which is also an E Flex vehicle. And GM is now ready to show off another E Flex vehicle at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas tomorrow, the Cadillac Provoq. Read more..

Greenwashing: Will the Saturn Vue dual mode hybrid be small enough?

Smaller than the Yukon, but small enough?

A few weeks ago I posted the article Greenwashing: GM's dual mode hybrid vehicles based off an article by LA Time's writer Dan Neil. Basically Dan wondered what was bigger, GM's hybrid marketing budget or their hybrid production budget.

To some extent, GM answered that question recently at the GMnext event, "a global communications initiative celebrating the start of our second century."

Still, what we know is that GM is focused on nothing but hybrid SUVs until the Chevy Volt and that the Saturn Vue hybrid will be GM's smallest full hybrid. Can these vehicles really compete in the hybrid segment? Read more....

A new GM hybrid every 3 months?

GM is just getting started with its hybrids

GM is serious about moving towards the electrification of the automobile, but the automaker acknowledges that it will take decades to comprehensively achieve this reality. Thus, conventional fuels are going to be with us for some time. Therefore, hybrid cars will be one of the major keys to electrification.

Hybrids are a "critical component for our future propulsion system portfolios globally", Gary Smyth, Director of Powertrain Systems Research Laboratory told reporters this morning. As a result, in the next 4 years, GM will be introducing, on average, a new hybrid vehicle every 3 months.

Future plans for GM's hybrids includes direct injection and HCCI engines to help increase the efficiency of GM's hybrids vehicles.

GM to start building hybrids in China next year

GM joins Toyota in China

GM will join Toyota and begin building hybrid cars in China for the Chinese market according to Reuters. Currently, Toyota builds the Prius for China and sold 2000 of the hybrids there last year. No further details are available.

Fuel Cells: How you could take a drive into the future

A few of the first Project Driveway participants

Early next year, the first participants of GM's Project Driveway will begin testing GM's Chevy Equinox Fuel Cell Vehicles in their day-to-day lives. For three months, these participants will replace their current automobiles with fuel cell vehicles to provide GM with real world data, consumer preferences, etc.

Of course, you could apply to be one of GM's next Project Driveway participants - a program that will go on for the next few years. Or, you can head to Disneyland. At the LA Auto show GM announced a partnership with Disney where GM will provide Disney with some Equinox fuel cell vehicles to use as shuttles on Disney properties.

GM's dual mode hybrid powertrain not fit for small cars

No small hybrids from GM until the Volt

Yesterday, I sat at the dinner table with GM's Bob Lutz and his wife. While I enjoyed some fine wine, a nice filet mignon, and a sweet piece of cheesecake, nothing could have been sweeter than the conversation.

Quite frankly, Bob Lutz is one cool dude.

One of the questions I asked Mr. Lutz was, essentially, 'Why not make a small hybrid car to challenge the Toyota Prius? Call it a shot over Toyota's hybrid bow, and a PR move to quiet GM's environmental critics.' (Finish)

No small GM hybrids until the Volt?

A good way to hedge the Volt, change image?

In December, the first full hybrid vehicles from GM will hit the market. While the Chevy Tahoe hybrid and the GMC Yukon hybrid will fit GM's current product portfolio well, they are not vehicles that are going to increase marketshare, or change perception about GM.

Without a Toyota Prius-contender, GM's hybrid efforts - its green efforts - will not be taken seriously outside of GM's core customers. Is that fair? Who cares, it's reality. Of course, GM believes it has not just a Prius-contender, but a Prius-killer, the Chevy Volt. Unfortunately, the Volt won't be available for a few more years, at least.

On the other hand, a dual mode Chevy Cobalt hybrid could have been the perfect interim product. Actually, instead of a Cobalt, a Cobalt - hybrid-only - derivative. (Finish)

Could BMW partner with Toyota on hybrids?

BMW's Hydrogen 7 at NAIAS

Yesterday, I read on article on Car&Driver that has really been bugging me. BMW May Partner With Other Automakers on Tech Development claims that BMW is seeking technology partners to save costs.

Already, BMW has a partnership with GM on hybrid vehicles, and a 4-cylinder engine partnership with PSA Peugeot Citroen SA. On its own, BMW has developed clean diesel and is working on hydrogen and fuel cell vehicles.

So, for what other technology is BMW seeking partners? Or, is BMW not happy with some of its current partnerships?

Now, I am purely speculating, but could it be that Toyota's hybrid powertrain would be a better fit for BMW's vehicles?

I have a lingering feeling that GM optimized it's dual mode hybrid powertrain for larger vehicles, such as the Yukon hybrid or the Tahoe hybrid. Now, GM could easily prove me wrong with a hybrid car, but why didn't GM plan a dual mode Malibu hybrid launch with its hybrid SUVs? Thus far, hybrid cars are selling far better than hybrid SUVs.

Is GM just SUV crazy, or are there issues with the dual mode hybrid powertrain when it comes to small cars, such as cost-effectiveness versus efficiency?

GM's hybrids: The wrong start?

Large SUVs will become GM's first hybrids

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?

--> Finish: GM's hybrids: The wrong start?

Hybrid buyers: Prepare to deal with quirks?

The Quirkiest hybrid?

I came across the article, Learning to live with hybrids a while back, but was turned off by the title and a busy schedule - sometimes hybrid critics are just boring. Of course, assumptions are often even worse than boring critics.

Thus, when I came across this article again today, I decided to read it, which has proven my assumption statement. Assumptions make assess.

While the article is a bit anti-hybrid, or at least hybrid suspicious in nature, it's a good article for anyone whom is thinking about a hybrid purchase, especially a Toyota Prius, the quirkiest of all hybrids. Hybrids are different and buyers should be prepared. It doesn't mean hybrids are bad, just different, and for some, difference - or change - is hard.

Additionally, the article causes me to give a small amount of props to GM. One of the hybrid quirks covered in the referenced article is the hybrid display of many hybrid cars - it can be dangerous when drivers are more focused on the screen to maximize fuel efficiency than on the road.

GM, on the other hand, will offer a nice solution - a small hybrid efficiency gauge that makes maximizing hybrid efficiency as easy as watching your speed (Read more about GM's hybrid technology in The devil drives a Tahoe hybrid). Kudos.

Still, for potential hybrid buyers, Learning to Live with hybrids is worth the read.

The Chevy Malibu hybrid: GM's Big Mistake?

GM plans massive marketing blitz to challenge Camry

The Chevy Malibu is of critical importance to GM, thus the automaker will use a six-speed transmission with a four-cylinder engine to increase fuel economy. In addition, GM will spend more than $100 million marketing the Malibu in an effort to challenge the Toyota Camry.

That's great, but how much buzz would a full hybrid version of the Malibu have brought to GM dealers?

GM's Bob Lutz has essentially called the Toyota Prius a marketing coup. It's not that the Prius is breaking sale's records for any category outside of hybrid cars, rather it's the fact that the Prius is a PR machine. Even if the Prius isn't selling, it's still driving buyers into Toyota.

Moreover, while the Toyota Camry hybrid might only sell a little more than 50,000 units this year, I'll bet the Camry hybrid has also helped drive more buyers into Toyota.

So, why not a dual mode Malibu hybrid? GM's dual mode technology is ready to roll. Selling 50,000 Malibu hybrids in 2008 wouldn't just make GM the second best hybrid vehicle seller and validate GM's hybrids, it would drive incredible buzz to GM.

What's the deal? Can't GM compete?

The devil drives a Tahoe hybrid

GM's new hybrid face

Temptation.

That's the best way to describe my Chevy Tahoe hybrid test drive yesterday. Pure and simple temptation.

I mean large, gas-guzzling SUVs are destroying the world, right? Besides, when I was invited to test drive one of GM's first dual mode hybrid vehicles, I did it to test the technology, not to see if I liked the vehicle. I hate these SUVs, right?

So, why am I again tempted? Finish: The devil drives a Tahoe hybrid

Volt road ready this Spring?

Still, a long way to go

GM's Bob Lutz is a spin-master.

“I think that our No. 1 competitor has some problems with their technology, and I do think that it very definitely opens a window of opportunity for us to be first to market with a genuine plug-in hybrid,” Bob Lutz said at an automotive industry conference in Traverse City where the battery deal was announced.

While I believe that GM might offer the first "genuine plug-in hybrid", GM is also facing serious problems. For example, the Chevy Volt is still just a concept. It won't be road-ready - for testing - until the Spring of 2008, at the earliest. Additionally, if GM does produce the Volt by the end of 2010, as planned, the costs are expected to be very high. Thus, GM is considering a plan to sell Chevy Volts with optional battery leases to help make the cars a little more cost-effective.

But, back to Toyota's problems. Finish Volt road ready by this Spring

A skeptic's view of GM's hybrids

No Prius-fighter for years?

When it comes to hybrid cars, Toyota is king. Of course, when 2 members of the Big 3 aren't even selling full hybrids, it's easy to be king. So, will that change when GM starts selling its first full hybrids?

There is no doubt that GM's first dual mode hybrid vehicles, the Yukon hybrid and the Tahoe hybrid, will have an advantage over Toyota's hybrid trucks and SUVs. In particular, GM's dual mode hybrids can tow big loads and achieve impressive highway fuel economy for such large vehicles.

On the other hand, GM's hybrids might cost over $10,000 more than their conventional counterparts. Thus, while some can claim GM's hybrids are more technologically sophisticated than Toyota's, they also appear to be more expensive. Will the rewards justify the costs?

--> Finish: A skeptic's view of GM's hybrids

Can GM turn profits into increased U.S. auto sales?

More money for Volt development?

The U.S. auto industry is dead, right?

Well, maybe there is still a little life. Last week Ford surprised analysts with a better than expected quarter, and, today, GM reported its third profitable quarter in a row, achieving almost 900 million in profit for the second quarter.

And, GM needs this profit. While the company is doing well in foreign markets, U.S. vehicle sales continue to be sluggish.

"Slower-than-expected sales GM's new full-size pickup have hurt GM, which still relies heavily on sales of highly profitable trucks and SUV. A slowdown in the housing market and rising fuel prices are keeping keep buyers away, and competitors foreign and domestic have piled on incentives to move their trucks," writes the the DetroitNews this morning.

Something like the Chevy Volt, more dual mode hybrid vehicles, especially a full hybrid car, and a plug-in Saturn Vue have great potential to drive the same kind of green buzz that Toyota received from the Prius.

In a nutshell, new technologies have the ability to drive new consumers to GM and to increase U.S. marketshare, and, hopefully, a few profitable quarters can provide a large enough financial cushion to enable GM to fast track some of these emerging technologies.

Green Technology: GM versus Toyota

Automotive Evolution: Adaptation versus the Big Bang?

Ever since the Chevy Volt Concept debuted at NAIAS, many auto journalists have called it a Prius killer, claiming the technology was so much more advanced than the Prius, or at least claiming that the Volt's technology was so much more advanced than Toyota's hybrid technology.

The other day, another similar comment was made by BW's David Kiley, "GM, of course, was the hit of last January’s Detroit auto show when it debuted the Chevy Volt plug in. It was the first time in recent years that GM appeared to be ahead of Toyota, or even equal, in the arena of alternative and greener vehicles."

What? Why?

Thus far GM offers a few mild hybrids (Yes, I know they offer full hybrid buses!). More important, there isn't yet a fully functional Volt, and yet some can claim the technology is better than Toyota's hybrid vehicles?

--> Finish Green Technology: GM versus Toyota

OnStar Discount coming

A nice feature when you buy your GM hybrid

Soon, GM will start selling its dual mode hybrid vehicles, such as the GMC Yukon hybrid. A service that will be included with these vehicles is GM's OnStar navigation system.

While I don't own a GM vehicle, I was given a demonstration of the OnStar system by the fine OnStar staff when I was at NAIAS. Wow, does this navigation system blow away any other navigation system I've seen.

And, soon, OnStar will begin offering a discount up to 54% on the service for those whom drive less than 15,000 miles per year. GMAC insurance will offer a similar plan.

Tahoe versus Tahoe hybrid: Will you pay $10,000 more?

Dual mode hybrids $10,000 more than conventionals?

In just a couple of months GM's dual mode hybrid vehicles will finally hit the market. Thus, buyers of many of GM's top selling SUVs will be able to buy hybrid versions these gas-guzzlers, potentially providing a huge savings in fuel costs.

Yet, will SUV buyers be willing to fork out at least $10,000 more for the Tahoe hybrid or the Yukon hybrid? Even if the hybrid versions pay for themselves in long terms fuel costs, will buyers be able to look past the price difference?

2008 Malibu hybrid debuts

The Malibu will start as a mild hybrid

The 2008 Chevy Malibu hybrid made its debut at the All-Star game festivities for MLB. According to Edmunds, the new Malibu will achieve 24 miles per gallon in the city and 32 mpg on the highway for a 2 mpg overall improvement compared to the conventional Malibu.

As an option on the LS Malibu, the hybrid version uses "a 36-volt electric motor/generator paired with the 2.4-liter Ecotec VVT four-cylinder engine and a four-speed transmission. The hybrid system uses the electric motor/generator to supply extra power when needed during startup or passing maneuvers. Full accessory use is enabled when the vehicle is stopped, "so that hybrid operation is seamless to the driver and passengers."

A step forward for Chevy, but I don't think it will entice many buyers until GM replaces the mild hybrid powertrain with its dual mode hybrid powertrain. Hopefully, if GM's full hybrid vehicles, such as the Tahoe hybrid, are successful, this will happen sooner rather than later.

(Source: Edmunds)

Rick Wagoner's biofuel credibility

Rick Wagoner and Bob Lutz shake hands at the Volt debut

So, Rick Wagoner wants to push the focus of Congress from fuel economy to biofuels? He his a master of such distractions - he helped make Congress believe in fuel cell vehicles, rather than hybrids, plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles for many years.

Kudos, Rick.

Nonetheless, many disagree with Rick's biofuel's assessment.

--> Finish: Rick Wagoner's biofuel credibility

GM determined to become the greenest automaker

"We have to have people think we are part of the solution, not part of the problem," the WSJ quoted Lawrence Burns, GM's vice president for research and development and global planning, as saying.

Thus, GM is fast-tracking the Chevy Volt, its dual mode hybrids, and its fuel cell program.

(Source: Car&Driver)

Vue hybrid going full, but what about the Aura and the Malibu?

A full future for this mild hybrid?

I'm not a very big fan of large SUVs. Even when hybrid technology is added to large SUVs, they are still only more fuel-efficient gas-guzzlers - in my opinion. Nonetheless, I can gladly endorse a Yukon hybrid over a conventional Yukon, for example. Still, I would prefer to see America morph into a liking for smaller SUVs.

Thus, I am very excited about the fact that GM will offer a full Saturn Vue hybrid in 2008. A Vue hybrid...(Finish: Vue hybrid going full, but what about the Aura and Malibu hybrids)

GM receives contract from King County for 500 hybrid buses

GM's dual mode hybrid buses will save 1.1 million gallons of fuel yearly

King County, WA awarded GM today with a contract for up to 500 GM hybrid buses. Already, King County has a fleet of 214 hybrid buses on the road today.

“We at General Motors share King County’s vision to reduce oil consumption and greenhouse gas emissions,” said Tom Stephens, GM Group Vice President, Global Powertrain and Global Quality. “GM’s commitment to improving fuel economy, reducing vehicle emissions, and developing electrically driven vehicles is not a short-term strategy. We’re in this game for the long term. We see energy and environmental leadership as a critical element of GM’s ongoing turnaround plan and a key part of our business strategy. That is why we are introducing four all-new hybrid models in 2007, which is more than any automaker has ever introduced in one calendar year.”

Later this year GM's dual mode hybrid powertrain will make its way into the GMC Yukon hybrid and the Chevy Tahoe hybrid, followed by a number of other hybrid vehicles in 2008. Already, GM offers 2 mild hybrids, the Saturn Vue hybrid and the Saturn Aura hybrid.

GM Sequel hits 300 mile fuel cell mark

300 miles on one tank of hydrogen

"With this drive, General Motors has reached another important milestone toward the commercialization of our fuel cell vehicles, by achieving the range expected by today's consumers," said Larry Burns, GM vice president, research & development and strategic planning. "And we did it while producing zero emissions, as a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle only emits water. In addition, the hydrogen produced at Niagara Falls, used to fuel Sequel, was derived from hydropower - a clean, renewable resource. This means that the entire process - from the creation of the hydrogen to the use of the fuel in the vehicle -- was virtually carbon dioxide free."

While an important fuel cell milestone, GM - and all automakers - still face another monumental obstacle regarding fuel cell vehicles: where will the hydrogen come from?

Then there is the cost of these vehicles, and we're not just talking fuel cell costs. Brake-by-wire, wheel hub motors, lithium-ion batteries, advanced aluminum framework - all of these are not standard, production ready systems. So, even if a hydrogen highway, or some other fuel network can be developed, it might still be decades before such vehicles cost less than $100,000 per vehicle.