GM kills current mild hybrid system

Mild hybrids just aren't selling

With inventory backing up on GM's mild hybrid vehicles, such as the Chevy Malibu and Saturn Aura hybrids, the General - or is it the Government - will stop producing these vehicles until they can be replaced with an upgraded mild hybrid system. The new mild hybrid system, to be launched summer of 2010, will utilize lithium-ion batteries.

Chevy Malibu hybrid testimonials

Malibu hybrid reviews and testimonials

Are you the owner of a Chevy Malibu hybrid?

Tell us about your experiences with the Malibu hybrid.

What kind of gas mileage do you get in your Malibu hybrid and in what kind of driving?

Any other issues with your Malibu hybrid?

GM's mild hybrid battery problem?

Malibu hybrid: Plagued by battery problems?

This morning AutoWeek ran a story regarding a recall of GM's mild hybrid vehicles, such as the Chevy Malibu hybrid. Turns out the Cobasys NiMH batteries used in the hybrid cars had an internal leak which caused the hybrid powertrain to shut down. Reps from both GM and Cobasys stated the problem had been resolved.

Even though Chevron owns many NiMH battery patents, I guess they don't know as much about batteries as they think they do!

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?

Camry hybrid: Best hybrid for the money?

Payback in just 18 months?

According to Edmunds, the Toyota Camry hybrid recovers its costs compared to the the base 4 cylinder Camry in just 18 months. The Chevy Malibu hybrid was second at 2.7 years, although it won't save as much money over the long run as other hybrids. Thus, the Toyota Prius at 3.5 years will save more money than the Malibu hybrid if you keep the vehicle for at least 5 years. The Honda Civic hybrid takes 4.8 years to recover its hybrid costs.

Because of large price increases in the last year, the Ford Escape hybrid, now priced more than $2,300 more than last year, and the Toyota Highlander hybrid, now up $5,482 over last year, take 7.3 years and 12 years respectively to recover their hybrid costs. Ouch!

Obviously, some hybrid vehicles are a great hedge against high gas prices, but the Toyota Camry hybrid is beginning to look like a steal.

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.

Hybrids: Has GM leapt past Toyota and Honda?

It's not just about the Volt?

I received an e-mail yesterday asking whether I thought that GM had leapt past Toyota and Honda in hybrid vehicles in the last year, as some believe based upon GM's dual mode hybrid vehicles and, more importantly, the ongoing development of the Chevy Volt.

My initial response was absolutely not, but as I contemplated this question, I realized that maybe GM had jumped past everyone in the auto industry. Well, everyone except Toyota. Read more....

Do mild hybrids make sense?

Is the Malibu hybrid worth the effort?

There was a time when I hated writing about mild hybrids, but today that isn't the case. It isn't that I'm willing to give much pen time to the mild side of hybrid vehicles now, but at least I no longer hate mild hybrids.

Still, do mild hybrids make sense? Read more.......

A spin through Hollywood in the Malibu hybrid

Man, I wish this was a dual mode hybrid

I've never bought an American car. Of course, I've only owned a few cars in my life, so I've not had many opportunities. Nonetheless, anytime I've looked for a new vehicle, I've always checked out the U.S. automakers, except in recent years.

While I have checked out Ford's hybrid vehicles, I only go to dealerships that sell hybrids. Thus, I haven't been to a GM dealership in some time. Finally, that is about to change. The Yukon hybrid, the Tahoe hybrid are all worth a look for hybrid shoppers interested in SUVs. Sadly, the hybrid that GM could sell me, however, is only a mild hybrid, the Chevy Malibu hybrid, but I insist on a full hybrid vehicle. Read more....

Malibu hybrid: Not coming to a dealer near you?

Will only be available in 11 markets

According to AutoWeek, due to limited supplies, GM's Chevy Malibu hybrid will only be available "11 key U.S. markets in the Northeast and the West Coast, with none in the Southeast, Deep South or Midwest." And, don't expect this to change until the Fall of 2008, when the 2009 model begins hitting dealerships.

In terms of hybrid cars, I'm not always a big fan of mild hybrid technology, such as will power the Malibu hybrid. However, considering how hot the Malibu is going to be, I would much rather have consumers buy the Malibu hybrid than the conventional Malibu. Unfortunately, many consumers might not have such an option.

Role Reversal at the LA Auto Show: GM and Toyota

No new hybrids from Toyota?

Today, at GM's press release, fuel economy ruled. The Tahoe hybrid, the Malibu hybrid, the Silverado hybrid, and the Chevy Equinox fuel cell vehicle dominated the show.

At, Toyota's press release, the Sequoia ruled. Sure, Toyota also showed their fuel cell vehicle, which is a hybrid, but a fuel cell hybrid. Where was a new Prius, a next-generation hybrid?

Not at the LA Auto Show. Last year it was trucks that Toyota focused on. This year it was a large SUV.

2008 Malibu hybrid offers a mild increase in fuel economy?

Good drive, but what about the fuel economy?

Peter Valdes-Dapenz recently took a test-drive of the Chevy Malibu hybrid and he liked it - a whole lot better than his Saturn Aura hybrid test drive.

"When I reviewed the Saturn Aura Green Line back in July, I panned it. Acceleration was patchy and uneven with an on-off, slow-then-go feel. The four-cylinder engine sounded sickly and harsh. Braking was just as wobbly, requiring constant adjustments of pedal pressure to help compensate for the hybrid system's automatic downshifting."

The Malibu hybrid, however, has changed Peter's mind about GM's mild hybrid vehicles, "Acceleration was smooth and quiet. Braking also felt even and predictable. The improvements that make the new Malibu Hybrid so nice to drive have also been made to the Saturn Aura Hybrid. (Saturn is dropping the "Green Line" badge.)"

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?

New hybrids at LA auto show?

Will a hybrid steal the show?

Last year's Los Angeles Auto Show offered some interesting hybrid announcements from GM, such as one regarding a plug-in Saturn Vue and hints of the Chevy Volt.

On the other hand, hybrid car king Toyota offered a great display area for its hybrid vehicles, but the automaker seemed far more focused on pickup trucks than hybrids.

Still, Southern California has become the largest hybrid market, and the importance of green vehicles is becoming a major theme for the LA Show - an auto show growing greatly in importance in the auto show circuit.

Currently, there are 12 major world premiers scheduled. One of them has to be a hybrid, and I'm betting one will be a new Prius-derivative, such as a smaller Prius or a crossover Prius. In addition, I'm expecting Honda's new hybrid to also show, and I would love to see a Ford Fusion hybrid, or a dual mode Chevy Malibu hybrid.

Regardless, I'm expecting hybrids to make a strong showing in LA. I can't wait.

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?

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)

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)

The Malibu hybrid to be delayed?

GM announces that the redesigned Malibu could be delayed

GM informed the UAW that the production plans for the redesigned Chevy Malibu will probably be delayed according to CNN.

Might this delay also affect the Malibu hybrid? There has been no official word yet.

GM's 2008 'mild' Chevy Malibu hybrid?

Another GM 'mild' hybrid?

The 2008 Chevy Malibu hybrid will utilize the same hybrid powertrain as the Saturn Vue hybrid - a mild hybrid vehicle - rather than the dual mode hybrid powertrain which will power the upcoming Yukon hybrid according to battery maker Cobasys (press release).

It's great to see GM expanding its lineup of hybrid vehicles, but why isn't there more emphasis on the dual mode hybrid powertrain?

Malibu hybrid not until late 2008

At one time it was rumored that the Chevy Malibu hybrid would be available for sale in 2007, though probably as a 2008 model. Lately, however, there are whispers that the Malibu hybrid probably won't see a sale's room floor until at least 2008. Since the Malibu is being redesigned for 2008, it isn't necessarily surprising that the hybrid version of the Malibu could see a delay or two. Still, is the hybrid version becoming less important to GM? Have any of GM's hybrid plans changed? Now that GM sees an electric future, a future which should produce more GM hybrids, is GM's hybrid powertrain adapting to this new future?

Are automakers destroying hybrid technology?

Yesterday, Business Week printed the article, Are hybrid sales running out of gas, which argues that other than the Toyota Prius hybrid, the sales of most other hybrid cars are slowing.

Unfortunately, I basically agree with Business Week that the costs of hybrids are an issue that is slowing hybrid sales. Hybrid vehicles do save gas, but they do not always save enough gas to justify the higher costs, especially hybrid SUVs.

Thus, only those with the wallet and the passion to fight foreign oil dependency or for the environment, can afford these vehicles.

A much larger customer segment; however, can afford vehicles such as the Prius or the Honda Civic hybrid. Still, the conventional Civic isn't a gas-guzzler, so you inevitably start comparing the Civic hybrid to the conventional Civic. For most consumers, up-front costs will eventually dominate.

The Prius, on the other hand, is unique. It is the hybrid vehicle, not a conventional vehicle with hybrid technology.

If someone wants to buy a sports car, they wouldn't typically want to buy a souped-up Chevy Malibu, they would want to buy a Corvette. Simply putting a badge on a Chevy Malibu that states 'Corvette Powered' doesn't make the Malibu a Corvette, even if they both have the same engine and performance.

Vehicles, such as the Ford Escape hybrid or the Toyota Highlander hybrid, will always have an audience, but they will never meet the sales demand of the Prius. If there were a unique hybrid SUV; however, it would dominate hybrid SUV sales.

Nonetheless, in the next year gas prices are going to go up significantly as refineries go from MTBE to ethanol additives. Additionally, in the next couple of years we will probably see multiple, significant spikes in the price of gasoline. All of these events will renew interest in ALL hybrid vehicles.

Additionally, hybrid technology is and will continue to advance. These advancements, and the potential small business tax credit for hybrid vehicles, could make hybrids, such as the Escape and Highlander, very cost-effective - perhaps even long term bargains.

Still, the only way hybrid technology will ever take off is when a number of unique hybrid vehicles are competing against each other. If automakers don't take this approach, the potential of hybrids will never be reached.

Re: AutoWeek's Newest Diesel versus Hybrid Vehicle article

"Heavy-duty diesel pickups have proved popular here, but hybrid-powered vehicles dominate the market for fuel-efficient cars, in part because they generate better environmental buzz. Consumers are willing to pay a premium for the gasoline-electric Toyota Prius and Ford Escape Hybrid." AutoWeek

Sometimes it's very hard to take AutoWeek seriously, especially when they write things that don't make sense.

First, I'm willing to admit that clean diesel achieves 20 percent better fuel efficiency than conventional gasoline engines, but the technology does cost more.

Second, in Los Angeles, where I live, the price of diesel is almost a dollar more than standard unleaded. So, how exactly is a clean diesel going to save me any money, even if it is 20% more efficient?

Third, in Los Angeles, almost all of my driving is stop and go driving. In such conditions, a hybrid vehicle like the Toyota Prius will perform much better than a Jetta Diesel.

Fourth, the Big 3 are focusing almost exclusively on diesel trucks, not cars. So I have to wait a decade before I have a selection of diesel cars to compare to the Civic hybrid, Prius hybrid, Camry hybrid and Malibu hybrid, etc?

So in my case, in real world driving, selection and costs, how does a diesel compare to a hybrid vehicle? The facts demonstrate that it just doesn't. So, it isn't about environmental buzz, as AutoWeek states, it's just basic facts.

Granted if more petroleum were refined into diesel, the costs would go down, but that's a 'what if'.

If AutoWeek wants to play 'what if' games, let me counter with a 'what if' game.

What if new hybrid batteries become 100% more powerful at the same weight and cost as today's hybrid batteries? Such technology is completely possible within the next decade - which is the same period of time that AutoWeek speculates it would take diesels to really take off in the U.S. in a way that would drive diesel fuel prices lower.

If such hybrid technology were available, then diesels - even with cheaper diesel fuel prices - simply wouldn't compare with the capabilities of hybrid cars. The potential of hybrids has barely been tapped. In the coming decades, hybrids will become significantly more powerful, fuel efficient, and clean.

Diesel technology, on the other hand, has largely reached its potential. Yes, clean diesel technology is a good thing, which can compete with hybrids in the short term, but only in the short term. Inevitably, the best utilization of a diesel engine will be to put it in a hybrid vehicle.

Clean diesel hybrid vehicles are an excellent push into the future. To quit at clean diesel is just far too short-sighted, and a silly argument against hybrids.

Once again I just don't get AutoWeek. Why are they so afraid of hybrid cars?

Showing off hybrid vehicles in Detroit.

In Invasion of the Hybrids, BusinessWeek states that "The auto giants are putting the spotlight on their eco-offerings at this year's North American International Auto Show in Detroit."

"Hybrid vehicles are proliferating, and not just because gas prices spiked to above $3 per gallon last year. Auto makers showing off new hybrid vehicles and plans at this week's North American International Auto Show in Detroit realize that having a hybrid vehicle lineup is valuable public relations for their images."

While this might be true, it is very interesting to note that there are some very unique and radical ideas in many of these new hybrids. For example, GM will be releasing a dual mode hybrid powertrain, while Mitsubishi is showing off its In-wheel Electric Vehicle (MIEV) hybrid powertrain, and Ford is displaying the Reflex diesel hybrid vehicle.

The autoshow isn't just about hybrid vehicles, its about new hybrid technology, and it is also about new hybrid parts suppliers. To simply call this PR is an understatement.

So what hybrids are just around the corner?

Ford will add the Mercury Milan hybrid and the Ford Fusion to their hybrid lineup by 2008, along with their current hybrids, the Escape hybrid and the Mariner hybrid.

GM will offer its mild hybrid, the Saturn Vue Greenline Hybrid, next year which will be followed by the Chevrolet Tahoe hybrid, Chevy Equinox hybrid, the Chevy Malibu hybrid, and the Cadillac Escalade hybrid.

Honda will add the Ridgeline hybrid and Pilot hybrid.

Nissan has already announced the Altima hybrid, but the Sentra and Murano hybrids won't be far behind.

Hyundai, Volkswagen, BMW, Chrsyler, Puegeot, Subaru and even Porsche have all announced they will also offer hybrids.

Obviously, Toyota, which launched the Camry hybrid in Detroit, will continue to push full steam ahead into hybrids. "I think everything will be a hybrid, eventually. It will either be a gas hybrid, a diesel hybrid or a fuel-cell hybrid," Jim Press, Toyota's North American president and chief operating officer said.

Hybrid cars aren't just critical for the public realtions of auto corporations, hybrid technology is critical for their very survival.

Gas over $3 in Malibu

In a sign of things to come, gas is already over $3 for a tank of regular unleaded in Malibu, California. Ouch.