Vue 2 mode hybrid launch date scrubbed?

Dependent on the bailout?

Back in April I found myself sitting next to Bob Kruse, Executive Director of Vehicle Integration and GM Performance Division, at a dinner hosted by GM for a media update on the Chevy Volt.

Turns out Kruse had been driving the soon-to-be-released Saturn Vue dual mode hybrid, a vehicle Kruse was pretty excited about. In fact, he told me that although the numbers had not yet been finalized, the Vue dual mode was testing 70 percent more fuel efficient than a conventional Vue in city driving.

More important, by the end of 2008, GM would begin selling the Vue dual mode, Kruse confirmed.

Today, GM notified me that the Vue dual mode hybrid is set to go on sale some time in Q1 2009. This Vue of GM's future, it seems, is now completely dependent upon an automaker bailout.

Vue plug-in hybrid to be delayed?

Not until after the Volt launch?

GM hasn't made any official comments regarding the final production date of the Saturn Vue plug-in hybrid, but some are speculating that this means the Vue plug-in will now be a 2011 production model, rather than a 2010. The speculation makes some sense, however, I wouldn't make any wagers just yet.

2 hybrids up for Green Car of the Year

Can GM pull back-to-back wins?

Two hybrid cars are up for the Green Car of the Year Award. The Saturn Vue hybrid (dual mode version) and the Ford Fusion hybrid made the Green Car Journal's list, which has become a piece of the LA Auto Show.

Last year, GM won the award with the Chevy Tahoe hybrid, which focuses on new green models coming to market.

Other vehicles up for the award are the Smart ForTwo, BMW 335d, and the Volkswagen Jetta TDI.

Tahoe, Yukon and Escalade hybrids to be phased out?

Only for PR?

Large SUVs, such as the Chevy Tahoe, GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade, are facing their last days. Because of costs, Bob Lutz stated this weekend that these vehicles will not be replaced in 2011, as originally planned, including the hybrid versions.

Thus, all current GM dual mode hybrid vehicles are already being phased out. Soon, however, GM will launch a dual mode version of the Saturn Vue hybrid, which is a much smaller SUV. And, there are also plans for a GM dual mode pickup truck, but skeptics are already dismissing the vehicle.

“It is a publicity stunt,” states Ford truck marketing manager. “It is no different than what you are seeing with their large SUVs. They are not selling any Tahoe and Yukon hybrids. It’s about something to advertise."

Vue the best hybrid SUV deals

A plug-in version of the Saturn Vue hybrid

So, you're in the market for an SUV. And, despite higher than normal fuel prices, you're not sure whether a hybrid version is the right move. According to Intellichoice the answer to that question is clear.

Hybrid SUVs are more cost effective than their conventional cousins. After 5 years the Saturn Vue hybrid will save $3,797 over a conventional Vue. The Chevy Tahoe hybrid will save $3,733. The Ford Escape hybrid will save $2,489. The Toyota Highlander hybrid will save $1,360.

Now that doesn't mean the Saturn Vue hybrid is the best deal amongst hybrid SUVs. If you drive in heavy city traffic, for example, the Escape hybrid is a better deal. Still, if you're in the market for an SUV, and you've contemplated one of the four SUV models above, then the hybrid version is the way to go.

Saturn Vue hybrid testimonials

Vue hybrid reviews and testimonials

Are you the owner of a Saturn Vue hybrid? Tell us about your experiences with the Vue hybrid.

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

Any other issues with your Vue hybrid?

Add your Saturn Vue hybrid testimonial today.

Vue hybrid beats Prius to hybrid payback - CR

Why would anyone buy a conventional Vue?

Which hybrid vehicles offer the quickest payback? How could the Saturn Vue hybrid beat the Toyota Prius? Well, that's dependent on which non-hybrid you are comparing the Prius - Corolla or Camry.

Finish: Vue hybrid beats Prius to hybrid payback

2010: Year of the plug-in hybrid conversion?

A Plug-in hybrid converted by A123Systems

In 2010 a number of plug-in hybrids will be hitting the streets of America. GM plans to launch both the Saturn Vue hybrid and the Chevy Volt, while Toyota will release a plug-in version of the Toyota Prius. A number of plug-ins from niche automakers might also become available in 2010. Unfortunately, GM plug-in hybrids will be available in very limited numbers the first few years and Toyota might only make their plug-ins available for fleet sales.

By 2010, however, a number of second generation Prius hybrids will be 6 plus years old. Obviously, these hybrid cars will still have a lot of life left in them, but what if the fuel economy of these hybrids could be more than doubled for less than $5,000?

Finish: 2010 - Year of the Plug-in Hybrid Conversion?

Vue plug-in tests going well

A Vue plug-in hybrid at NAIAS

Earlier this year at NAIAS GM gave press a quick look at the Saturn Vue plug-in hybrid, but only a very quick look. Later, when I asked one of my GM contacts for a closer look, I was denied after being told that the vehicle that earlier crossed GM's stage was an actual Vue plug-in hybrid that was currently undergoing testing, including road tests, and GM wasn't prepared to show too much of the hybrid. So, I hung out until they removed the vehicle from hiding and shot a number of photos, including this one.

Well, tests continue to go well according to reports coming out of the Plug-in Conference. The lithium-powered plug-in dual mode Saturn Vue is now fully operational, although some systems, such as the plug-in charging systems, are still being refined.

In the interim, the Saturn Vue hybrid, another dual mode hybrid, should be out later this year.

Buyer regrets Vue hybrid purchase

Disappointing dealerships

I've been commenting on my disappointment with Toyota dealerships recently and their markups on hybrid cars. Of course, not every Toyota dealership engages in markups - the ones whom value customers.

Thus, when a Hybridcarblog reader made a post about their problems with their Saturn Vue hybrid and the lack of a quality response from his dealership, I felt like I had to respond.

Reader, Augie states, "There is a critical unexplained programing glitch in the software controling the many modules that communicate their information to the main computer control unit. When the modules don't communicate to the main computer the system starts to disable certain functions including safety functions and sends error codes and lights flashing on the dashboard." (more)

C'mon Saturn. We realize that technical glitches happen, especially in new technologies, but it is your job, dealerships, to ensure that customers fully understand what is happening and that you are resolving any issue to the customer's satisfaction.

GM sales down whopping 32% in May, time for more hybrids?

Where is the Saturn Vue hybrid?

GM's sales were down 32% in May, and truck and SUV sales were down an unbelievable 39% for the same period. Is there any wonder that GM is quickly dropping large vehicle production? And, while the Chevy Volt is a fantastic piece of automotive vision and technology, it can't help GM for years, and even when it is launched, it will still take a few more years to scale up production.

Isn't it time for GM to increase its dual mode hybrid production? Hybrid vehicles, such as the Ford Escape hybrid, are proving that small hybrid SUVs, such as the soon-to-be-released Saturn Vue hybrid, can sell well. Unlike Ford, however, GM doesn't lease hybrid technology from Toyota. Thus, isn't it time for GM to leverage its dual mode investment and put this hybrid technology into as many vehicles as possible, as quickly as possible?

A good time to buy GM?

A waking giant

I'm not sure which year of the GM death watch America is now in, but I know we're several years into the death march. And, with stock value crashing, it seems easy to believe the end is near for the General. So, why is Barron's predicting that GM stock could triple in value over the next few years?

Cost cutting and great foreign sales. GM has already trimmed a lot of corporate fat and by 2010 GM will be saving $4 - $5 billion dollars per year due to its new contract with the UAW.

Coincidentally, 2010 is also a very interesting year for new GM products. In 2010, the world could see two plug-in hybrid vehicles from GM: the Chevy Volt and the Saturn Vue hybrid. Additionally, GM will also a launch a new lithium-powered hybrid powertrain that can be integrated into almost any vehicle.

Around 2010, GM and its shareholders could find themselves in the perfect storm, but instead of death - GM critics please close your eyes now - it could be an amazing rebirth.

Saturn offers Vue of GM's hybrid progress

Ready to leave all other hybrid SUVs behind?

About a month before 2011, GM plans to roll out the first Chevy Volt available for sale - an event guaranteed to produce an unprecedented level of media buzz. This Volt press circus, however, has over-shadowed what will be GM's biggest hybrid launch thus far, the dual mode Saturn Vue hybrid.

At a recent Volt press event, I was able to ask Bob Kruse, Executive Director of Vehicle Integration and GM Performance Division, a few questions about the new Vue hybrid, scheduled for launch later this year.

Finish: Saturn offers Vue of GM's hybrid progress

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 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......

Willl you buy a $40,000 Volt in 2011?

Worth $40,000?

By 2011, according to Jonathon Lauckner, GM's VP for global program management, GM will be building 10's of thousands of Chevy Volts. Still, GM is hoping to debut the Chevy Volt by 2010, but the cost will be closer to $40,000, rather than $30,000 and that might not even include the battery lease. Read more....

NAIAS: First impressions

The Saturn View plug-in hybrid

I'm sitting in the Detroit airport finishing off a crappy gyro, so I thought I'd do some writing on NAIAS to help forget about how disappointed I am in my last meal before embarking on my five hour flight.

O.K., reserving the right to change my mind, I'm going to say the entire Saturn brand was best of show, at least in terms of hybrid vehicles and other clean technologies. First, I think the Saturn Vue hybrid has tremendous potential - if it's priced correctly. Second, Saturn also a lithium-powered Vue plug-in hybrid that is being road tested. Third, the Saturn Flextreme provides a path for Saturn to evolve into the E-Flex drive - powertrain of the Volt.

While NAIAS and most auto shows are getting greener, there are still far too many hybrid concepts hitting the show and not enough production ready vehicles. Having said that I was very impressed with the Quantum Fisker plug-in hybrid. Let's hope the technology powering this vehicle is as impressive as it's outward appearance. Likewise, Chrysler also showed some conceptual promise, such as the with the ZEO and the Voyager (more on all these vehicles later).

OK. I gotta get out of this restaurant and find a bar.

A sneak peak at the Saturn Vue plug-in hybrid

A real lithium powered plug-in hybrid from GM?

I wasn't going to post any pictures of GM's plug-in Saturn Vue hybrid until tomorrow, but I have a few extra minutes on my hands. The plug-in hybrid pictured here contains a lithium-ion battery, not a NiMH battery. More important, this exact vehicle is being tested on the track in real world driving conditions.

If the future is lithium, or plug-in hybrid vehicles, then GM is as much in the game as any other automaker. More on this later.

Today a Saturn Vue hybrid, tomorrow a plug-in hybrid

A mid-sized hybrid SUV is just what the doctor ordered

GM officially launched the new dual mode Saturn Vue hybrid today at NAIAS. The Vue has become a gorgeous car over the years and is now Saturn's best seller. More important, it will soon come in a full hybrid option that will increase fuel economy by about 50 percent overall. In city driving - while GM won't confirm the final number - the Vue hybrid is expected to achieve better than 50 percent.

Of course, the Saturn Vue is about options. Don't want a hybrid, buy a conventional Vue. Want a hybrid, but you don't want to pay too much, buy the mild Vue hybrid. Want to save as much fuel as possible, buy the full Vue hybrid.

But the options don't end there.

Around 2010 GM hopes to start producing the Saturn Vue plug-in hybrid, already being tested on the road today with lithium-ion batteries (not the same battery as the Volt), but more on this (including pictures) later. Ultimately, GM's plug-in program is far from dependent on the Volt, and that should be good news for the fans of plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Ready to check out the dual mode Saturn Vue

A Saturn Vue hybrid at the LA Auto Show

I haven't been a big fan of GM's Saturn Vue mild hybrid, however, today GM is officially debuting the Saturn Vue dual mode hybrid vehicle. Expected to achieve 50 percent better fuel economy than a conventional Vue, the new dual mode Vue hybrid should hit the streets at the end of this year. With such an improvement in fuel economy, the Vue hybrid will be an excellent addition to the hybrid suvs segment.

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....

Could the Saturn Vue beat the Prius to lithium?

Will the Vue hybrid be GM's next dual mode hybrid?

At this year's LA Auto Show, GM focused on its hybrid vehicles and the Chevy Volt. New technologies are the future, GM seemed to say, and this is how we're heading into the future, with hybrids today and the Volt and fuel cell vehicles tomorrow.

A year earlier at the same LA Auto Show, GM had created some buzz by announcing plans for a Saturn Vue plug-in hybrid vehicle. Yet, at this year's show, there was no word on the Saturn Vue hybrid, which seems odd. If the Chevy Volt is going to launch in 2010, it seems obvious that the Vue plug-in hybrid, ideally, would have to launch before the Volt.

So, is 2009 the year of the Saturn Vue plug-in hybrid? Read more.....

Is the Saturn Vue hybrid really the most fuel efficient SUV?

In combined city and highway driving, the Ford Escape hybrid is still the most fuel efficient SUV

Some have called the Saturn Vue hybrid the most fuel efficient SUV. Well, that's not exactly true. The Saturn Vue hybrid continues to be the most fuel efficient SUV, according to the EPA, on the highway. However, in city driving, the Ford Escape hybrid is significantly better than the Vue hybrid.

Thus, in combined city and highway driving, the Ford Escape hybrid is the overall Most Fuel Efficient SUV.

So, if fuel economy is your most important criterion for an SUV purchase, make sure to analyze your driving needs. Unless you are pure highway driver, the Escape hybrid will probably provide better fuel economy, but it will also cost a bit more. Of course, if you are a pure urban driver, then the Escape hybrid will provide a significant improvement in fuel economy compared to the Vue.

When GM adds its dual mode hybrid powertrain to the Vue hybrid, however, the Vue will truly will become the most fuel efficient of hybrid SUVs and all SUVs for that matter.

2008 Saturn Vue hybrid announced

Best highway mileage of any SUV?

GM, today, announced the 2008 Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid. The Vue hybrid will start at $24,795, while achieving a combined 27 percent improvement in fuel economy over a conventional 4-cylinder Vue according to GM. The EPA rates the Vue hybrid at 25 mpg in the city, and 32 mpg on the highway.

The 2.4 liter, 172 horsepower also offers a cool 'Eco Light' which turns on when drivers are, minimally, achieving the EPA's fuel economy estimates. This is a very nice feature for fuel-economy-optimizing drivers because it enables drivers to monitor their driving without really looking away from the road.

--Check out more in the comments section

Does GM have a lithium advantage with hybrids?

GM's hybrid ace?

I'm a huge hybrid advocate, obviously, which also means I've been a huge critic of American automakers because they just don't have much to offer when it comes to hybrid vehicles. Additionally, there won't be a full American hybrid car for, for who knows how long - it's all hybrid SUVs.

Certainly, the Ford Escape hybrid, the GMC Yukon hybrid and the Chevy Tahoe hybrid are all significant improvements upon their conventional counterparts, but how about some hybrid cars?

To date, the biggest hybrid car news coming from Detroit has been the Chevy Volt, a plug-in hybrid. Unfortunately......Finish: Does GM have a lithium advantage with hybrid vehicles

Volt, hybrids, are GM's future?

Chevy Tahoe hybrid: The future of things to come from GM?

"We know that our success in the future is contingent on delivering technology that is meaningful to society," said Larry Nitz, executive director of GM's hybrid technology, who was among the team of engineers at GM's Milford Proving Grounds Friday to showcase the automaker's new powertrain technologies. "The whole spirit of the company is driven to do this."

I have had the pleasure of hanging out with many GM employees, including top executives, and I have to agree that I do believe the "spirit" of GM is changing - has changed.

Already GM is finalizing the launch of its first full hybrid vehicles, such as the Tahoe hybrid and the Yukon hybrid, and many more hybrids are due to hit the road in the next few years, including a dual mode plug-in hybrid, the Saturn Vue.

Still, what really gets many GM employees excited is the Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid. Despite the claims of naysayers, this vehicle is not just a hype machine, although it has played that role well since its debut. For GM employees, I believe, the Volt is the nail in the coffin of GM-haters - a role I have taken in the past. The Volt is final proof that GM has not only changed, but that GM can bring the best automotive technology to the world - even in terms of fuel economy or emissions.

While success isn't guaranteed, where there is a will, there is a way, and I absolutely believe that GM has the will. May the force be with them.

Saturn hybrids and GS450h not allowed in HOV

No carpool lane access for you

The EPA has determined that both the Saturn Vue hybrid and the Saturn Aura hybrid, in addition to the Lexus GS450h, will not be allowed the hybrid exemption for HOV access.

All other current hybrid vehicles retain HOV rights, at least as far as the Federal government is concerned. Some states, such as California, already have far stricter HOV access requirements.

Really? Why we need big hybrid SUVs?

Because Americans can't get over big is better?

Some of the biggest hybrid fans out there are hybrid SUV fans. Yes, they feel guilty about the gas they are guzzling, but they love their SUVs, and many of those fans are extremely interested in GM's upcoming hybrid SUVs, the Yukon hybrid and the Tahoe hybrid.

For SUV fans, a hybrid SUV is like having your cake and eating it too.

Consequently, Peter Valdes-Dapena wrote yesterday that large hybrid SUVs are actually more important than hybrids, such as the Prius.

--> Finish: Really? Why we need big hybrid SUVs?

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)

Aura hybrid versus the Prius? Nonsense!

GM's first hybrid sedan

Hybrid cars have become incredibly important buzz generators in the automotive world. Thus, I use the term hybrid vehicle very lightly when describing mild hybrids, such as the Saturn Vue hybrid or the upcoming Saturn Aura hybrid.

It's not that I hate these hybrid vehicles. In fact, if GM offered both mild hybrid and full hybrid versions of these vehicles - letting consumers choose their hybrid package - I'd be incredibly supportive of mild hybrid technology. Since this choice does not exist, I see GM's mild hybrids more as a PR effort, rather than a technology effort.

Finish Aura hybrid versus the Prius

Saturn Vue hybrid incentives

Get a deal on the Vue hybrid, but only until Feb. 28

GM will add the Saturn Vue hybrid to its current incentive program. As a result the Vue hybrid will qualify for 0 percent financing for 60 months and $500.00 cash back. While this program ends with the month of February, GM is planning a March Madness incentive program, but details of that program are not yet public.

E flex System versus Hybrid Synergy Drive: First Thoughts

Several years ago I thought that automakers should do everything possible to develop hydrogen powered vehicles, especially fuel cell vehicles. Eventually, however, it became obvious that there were many, many technological hurdles - in addition to massive costs - to overcome and make this hydrogen future a reality. Yet, it seemed obvious, especially after 9/11, that America couldn't just wait for the hydrogen highway to deliver a road to energy security.

Fortunately, Honda launched the Insight hybrid and Toyota quickly followed with the Prius. For Honda, hybrid technology was a niche a technology, an experiment in fuel efficiency. By the second generation of the Prius, however, not only was the Prius a hit with consumers, it was the beginning of a foundation, an element of Toyota's kaizen.

The Prius had become a path to fuel cell vehicles.

--> Read the Full Story

The Yukon hybrid: Get it to dealers ASAP

GM was able to electrify NAIAS this year thanks in large part to the debut of the Volt plug-in concept vehicle. While the Volt is probably at least five years away from reality, there is a progression of vehicles leading to the Volt and its E-Flex platform.

It starts with GM's dual mode hybrid powertrain, which debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show in the Yukon hybrid vehicle. As soon as the battery technology is developed, the dual mode hybrid powertrain will evolve into a plug-in hybrid powertrain, starting in the Saturn Vue hybrid. This could happen in as few as three years.

Still, any vehicle at least 3 years away from reality is little more than fantasy today. While I am absolutely confident that both plug-in hybrids and the Volt will eventually be mass-produced vehicles, GM must take greater action today. For example, start selling the Yukon hybrid as soon as possible and roll out as many full hybrid vehicles immediately. Make the Saab flex-fuel hybrid, which also uses the dual mode hybrid powertrain, a production vehicle.

GM's green revelation would be far easier to believe with these two hybrids in dealerships throughout the country.

My thanks to GM

If not for GM's sponsorship, I would not have attended the North American International Auto Show, which was an absolutely outstanding experience on many different levels. Of course I was very thankful to see the debut of an incredible concept, such as the Volt electric. This is the type of car that Hybridcarblog.com and Soultek.com exist to promote, so I was happy to see GM becoming more serious and more real about such vehicles - and I believe GM is dead real about the Volt.

Just as awesome was the opportunity I was given to speak with designers and other top level GM executives regarding the Volt. Myself and a few other bloggers were even given a few exclusive moments with Bob Lutz.

Quite simply, the access to information and knowledgeable people, plus the absolutely unmatched hospitality, was a truly unforgettable experience.

---> Full Story