A ripe time to sell full-sized hybrid trucks?

Smartest hybrid on paper?

For decades full-sized trucks have dominated US auto sales. Since the fuel economy of these beasts is so horrific, creating hybrid versions of these trucks seems quite logical.

Fortunately, GM undertook such a task several years years ago with the GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado hybrids. Unfortunately, however, the added hybrid costs of these trucks has scared most pickup truck buyers away.

Recently, I've noticed a significant uptick in GM's hybrid truck commercials. Perhaps it's just a manly time of the year thanks to the Super Bowl? Or, maybe GM is taking a serious stab at trying to make a name for itself in the 'green' truck space? Then again, maybe its just good marketing and has nothing to do with hybrid sales.

Anyway, I'm going to be very interested in GM's February sales. On paper, GM's full-sized hybrid trucks make a ton of sense, at least a half ton, but can they make sale's sense?

Several hybrids on Intellichoice 'Best Deals'

Hybrids still offer value with lower gas prices

According to Intellichoice, the “Best Deals of the Month” rankings for December 2009 "illustrate the power of hybrid and diesel vehicles in delivering value for consumers, even with gas prices relatively flat."

For the month of December the Toyota Prius, Saturn Vue hybrid, GMC Sierra hybrid, and Chevy Silverado hybrid were Best Deals.

Likewise, the Prius, the Mercury Mariner hybrid, and the GMC Sierra hybrid are also 'Best Overall Values' regardless of month.

A good time for a hybrid truck?

The GMC Sierra hybrid

Sales of big trucks are on the rise. Thanks to incentives and cheap gas, consumers are again interested in big vehicles.

Could this help launch GM's large hybrid pickups, which will hit dealerships early next year?

Probably not since the sales of hybrid vehicles are tanking, and GM won't be able to offer the kinds of discounts on hybrid trucks as it can on conventional trucks. Plus, consumers are returning to trucks because gas is cheap, which means fuel economy is less important.

Ironically, as truck sales increase, it would seem this is a bad time to launch a new truck.

GM discontinues hybrid trucks

No more mild, mild hybrids

GM has discontinued a few of its hybrid vehicles - I guess. I never really considered either the Chevy Silverado or the GMC Sierra hybrid pickups as real hybrids. They really aren't even mild hybrids, such as the Saturn Vue hybrid from GM. Nonetheless, GM is done with hybrid pickups until 2008, when it launches its dual mode hybrid powertrain. So, don't worry truck fans, GM will offer the trucks in full hybrid mode soon.