GM's hybrid sales momentum crunched?

Down from 1,000 per month

"The momentum that General Motors was starting to get with its hybrid sales hit a major speed bump last month," reports Autobloggreen this morning.

In September the Chevy Tahoe hybrid and the GMC Yukon hybrid combined, achieved sales of just over 1,000 units. In October, despite the edition of the Cadillac Escalade hybrid, total sales of all three of these hybrid vehicles dropped to 795 units.

I don't know that I'd call 1,000 units per month momentum, but I think it's obvious that large SUVs - whether hybrid or not - have no future.

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."

GMC Yukon hybrid testimonials

Yukon hybrid reviews and testimonials

Are you the owner of a GMC Yukon hybrid? Tell us about your experiences with the Yukon hybrid.

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

Any other issues with your Yukon hybrid?

Add your GMC Yukon hybrid testimonial today.

GM dealers not interested in hybrids

Half of GM's dealerships said no to large hybrids?

Trucks and SUVs, the bread and butter of the US auto industry. However, after years of escalating gasoline prices, the days of large SUVs and trucks dominating the total sales output of dealerships appears to be near an end. Thus, one would assume that dealers would be excited to get their hands on hybrid versions of some of their top selling vehicles. Surprisingly, that is not the case. According to the DetroitNews, half of all GM dealerships opted not to sell GM's new dual mode hybrid vehicles: the Chevy Tahoe hybrid and the GMC Yukon hybrid.

No word on when GM dealers had to make this decision, but I assume it had to have been made several months ago, before the big run-up in gas prices. Still, can you say, denial?

GM offers $4000 cash back on Tahoe, Yukon hybrids

Now worth $4000 cash back to owners

GM is now offering an owner loyalty incentive to the buyers of both the Chevy Tahoe hybrid and the GMC Yukon hybrid worth $4000. You must hurry, however, because this incentive will only be offered through the rest of June. (AutomotiveNews)

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?

Can hybrid technology save large SUVs

So big it's scary?

Not only are the sales of largest SUVs declining, resale value is also racing downward. All of this as happened as GM's large hybrid SUVs have hit the road, but are these hybrid vehicles the solution to high gas costs for SUV drivers?

Probably not. In the last two months GM has sold a combined 1000 such hybrids combined.

It's not that hybrid SUVs, such as the Chevy Tahoe hybrid or the GMC Yukon hybrid, don't offer a huge increase in fuel economy, they do. With a 50 percent improvement in city fuel economy, these hybrid SUVs provide a great increase in fuel economy over their conventional counterparts. But they are still huge, and they cost $50,000+.

For those needing a large SUV, these hybrid SUVs are a good deal. For everyone else, however, smaller vehicles seem to be looking better by the minute, or at least every penny that gasoline prices increase.

Yukon hybrid in limited availability

A limited supply now available

I noticed that GM started ad campaigns for the GMC Yukon hybrid on Yahoo this weekend. I clicked through the ad to the GMC website, where it now states that the Yukon hybrid is now available in "limited availability".

The 2wd versions has an MSRP of $50,945, while the 4wd version is $53,775. Anybody shop the Yukon hybrid at a local dealership yet?

Did you like GM's Yukon hybrid Super Bowl commercial

Yukon makes a Super Bowl Ad appearance

I saw GM's Yukon hybrid commercial during the Super Bowl and sort of wondered whether GM could have better invested that money elsewhere.

The ad was clearly made for die-hard SUV fans, as it should have been, and it didn't try to portray the Yukon hybrid as some great green vehicle. The Yukon hybrid is a big SUV that achieves excellent fuel economy, especially in the city, for such a large SUV. Fine. I still think a Cadillac Escalade hybrid would have been a better fit (earlier post), but the better fit might have been no commercial.

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.

Does the Tahoe hybrid make sense? Congress?

What's the purpose of SUVs?

The hybrid technology that powers both the soon-to-be-released Chevy Tahoe hybrid and the GMC Yukon hybrid is impressive. However, ever since GM announced plans for dual mode hybrid vehicles, I've asked one simple question: Will the technology be cost-effective and, therefore, relevant?

That question has been answered, kind of, and I have some questions for Congress. Read more....

Greenwashing: GM's dual mode hybrids?

Is the marketing budget bigger than the production budget?

A few years ago Dan Neil wrote an article that so offended GM that the automaker pulled all of their advertising from the LA Times. Well, he might have achieved the same result with his recent article, Just Right, Yet Wrong.

Dan says a lot of great things about vehicles like the Chevy Tahoe hybrid and the GMC Yukon hybrid. Still, he has questions, a lot of questions about GM's dual mode hybrid vehicles, and those questions lead Dan to the word 'greenwashing'. Read more....

Yukon hybrid picks up best engine award

Another award for GM's hybrids

GM's hybrid SUVs are on a role. First, the Chevy Tahoe hybrid picked up the Green Car of the Year at the LA Auto Show, then it was nominated for the North American Truck of the Year. Now Ward's has named the GMC Yukon hybrid a 10 Best Engine for 2008.

Focusing on engines that improve fuel economy without compromising performance, the 6.0-liter OHV V8 hybrid that powers the Yukon hybrid was the only hybrid engine on the list. Both the Tahoe hybrid and the Yukon hybrid will be coming to a dealer near you soon.

Does the Tahoe hybrid deserve a vehicle of the year award?

Worthy of a North American Truck of the Year Award?

For some fans of hybrid vehicles, a hybrid like the Chevy Tahoe hybrid is hard to support. Many hybrid fans just cannot help but question whether such a large SUV is necessary, even if it is a hybrid.

In the past, I would have criticized the Tahoe hybrid, but I have had a profound shift in my thinking. If you read the Hybrid Car Blog often, then you know that I think the Tahoe hybrid is a great vehicle based on my Tahoe hybrid test drive - a great vehicle that I would never buy. However, you also know that when I realized that the Tahoe hybrid can achieve Mini Cooper like city fuel economy at the LA Auto Show, I had to get behind this vehicle.

While I would still prefer that SUV drivers downsize their vehicles, if SUV consumers - which make up a sizable percent of auto buyers - need or demand such vehicles, then let them at least be hybrid vehicles like the Tahoe hybrid or the Yukon hybrid. Thus, I gladly support the Tahoe hybrid as the North American Truck of the Year.

Can GM turn SUV drivers green?

The face of the devil according to environmentalists?

Following the Detroit Auto Show last January, my hosts, GM, gave me a ride to the airport in a Cadillac Escalade. As an SUV-hater, this simple trip to the airport was a profound moment. I realized that I had probably never been more comfortable in a vehicle as I was in that Escalade.

I had a similar moment, again provided by GM, when I was asked to test drive the Chevy Tahoe hybrid back in August, after which I penned my thoughts in the post, The Devil Drives a Tahoe hybrid.

Now I didn't come up with such a title because I think such full-sized SUVs are evil, which I kind of do, rather I compared the Tahoe hybrid to the devil because the Tahoe hybrid had caused me temptation. Like the Escalade, the Tahoe hybrid was a joy to drive, unlike the Escalade, however, the Tahoe was a hybrid SUV. Read more......

Is $50,000 too much for a full sized hybrid SUV?

A Yukon hybrid at the LA Auto Show

Back in August, when I was able to test drive the Chevy Tahoe hybrid, I was very impressed. In fact, I was so tempted I titled the article of my test drive as The Devil Drives a Chevy Tahoe Hybrid. I'm not a fan of big SUVs, but the Tahoe hybrid tempted me.

However, after learning that the price of this hybrid SUV, as well as the very similar GMC Yukon hybrid, is going to start around $50,000, I'm no longer tempted. I simply cannot afford such a vehicle.

I love hybrid vehicles, particularly full hybrid vehicles, but can GM really sell many of its full hybrids at such a price? I'm just not sure. The Tahoe and Yukon hybrids are excellent vehicles for hybrid SUV fans, but $50,000? Dammnnn!

Finally, a real Revolution from Chevy?

A classic American vehicle goes green?

There is no vehicle segment more important than trucks to GM's Chevy brand. Certainly, SUVs are a profitable product for GM, but trucks are Chevy's marquee vehicle.

Thus, while it's great that GM has gotten into the full hybrid game with the Chevy Tahoe hybrid and the GMC Yukon hybrid, the hybrid that I think GM can be most proud of at this point in time is the Chevy Silverado hybrid.

If all goes well, this new hybrid truck will hit dealerships in late 2008 and it will be the definition of GM's American Revolution branding, finally - at least until the Chevy Volt.

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)

Everything in place for launch of Tahoe, Yukon hybrids

Hybrid transmission plant now in production

All the pieces are now in place for GM to start mass-producing the company's first full hybrid vehicles. In December, GM will start selling both the Chevy Tahoe hybrid, and the GMC Yukon hybrid.

For more information on these hybrids, click on the links for each vehicle above. Also, check my Chevy Tahoe hybrid test drive.

Would you pay $50,000 for a 100 mpg plug-in Prius?

Toyota Prius about to be converted into a plug-in hybrid

What would you pay for a loaded plug-in Prius that could achieve 100 mpg? Would you pay as much as $50,000? $40,000? What's the magic number?

It seems hard to believe that the add-on costs for plug-in hybrid technology could break under $10,000 anytime soon without substantial government incentives. So, what's an extra 50 mpg worth?

More interesting, is the Prius even a good launching pad for plug-in technology if the price of the technology is so high? Other less efficient hybrid vehicles, such as the GMC Yukon hybrid or the Lexus RX400 h hybrid might be better fits until the technology costs can be reduced - a 60 mpg Yukon would be pretty impressive.

What are plug-in hybrid vehicles worth to you?

Will large hybrid SUVs give GM a boost?

Will hybrid technology re-popularize large SUVs

When GM begins to sell both the Chevy Tahoe hybrid and the GMC Yukon hybrid in December, will it boost GM sales? Will it give GM a 'halo effect', such as the Prius did for Toyota? Will it bring some buyers back to large SUVs.

Those are some of the questions Roland Jones ponders in Hefty GM hybrids could boost automaker.

Tom Appel, editor of Consumer Guide Automotive, told Jones, "[These new hybrid SUVs] might not be the one product that contributes to GM’s financial success, but I think they will contribute to GM’s overall renaissance,” he said. “The ability to take a very heavy vehicle and give it really good fuel economy speaks volumes about GM’s reinvestment in its products and future products."

"Really good fuel economy"? Please! For large SUVs, GM's dual mode hybrids made a real good improvement in fuel economy, but 21 mpg is not "really good fuel economy".

Still, such an improvement in fuel economy might pique the interest of potential SUV buyers, however, the price of such hybrid vehicles is going to be very important. While GM's dual mode hybrid SUVs will be the best SUVs available in this segment, will a significant price premium deter most buyers?

As for the 'halo effect', however, even if GM's hybrids are better than Toyota's, GM is several years late to market. Moreover, GM will offer neither a unique hybrid, nor a hybrid to a challenge the Prius in overall fuel economy. Therefore, outside of SUV buyers, I anticipate little 'halo effect'.

GM's dual mode hybrids: DOA?

Is it now all about the Volt?

GM's dual mode hybrids, such as the Chevy Tahoe hybrid and the GMC Yukon hybrid, are not even yet for sale. Even so, are they already being phased out?

According to information released from the UAW, GM's future product plans do not seem very centered around dual mode hybrids. Rather, when it comes to hybrid vehicles, it's all about the Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid.

Perhaps GM is taking a wait and see attitude regarding its dual mode hybrids, but one has to ask: If GM can achieve a cost-effective Volt by 2010 or so, would it really need dual mode technology any longer?

Escape hybrid: Hybrid of Presidents?

Top hybrid for Presidential candidates

The DetroitNews reported this weekend that Ford began running ads in New Hampshire and Washington "touting the fact that the Ford Escape Hybrid was the top choice of vehicles among presidential candidates."

GM, however, was quick to respond, 'Wait until the Chevy Tahoe hybrid and GMC Yukon hybrid become available for sale.'

Tahoe, Yukon hybrids to equal Camry fuel economy?

As efficient as a Camry?

Ed Peper, a General Manager for GM's Chevrolet, told CNBC's Behind the Wheel that the Chevy Tahoe hybrid would achieve 21 mpg in the city - the city fuel economy of a conventional Toyota Camry.

That's a good start. Of course, the Toyota Camry hybrid, on the other hand, achieves mid to high 30s fuel economy in the city.

Still, I get Chevy's point.

My Chevy Tahoe hybrid test drive left me very impressed. Still, it's hard for me to endorse any large SUV, but I absolutely believe that the buyers of large SUVS need to take some responsibility for their gas-guzzling. The Tahoe hybrid and the GMC Yukon hybrid provide such an opportunity for large SUV buyers to both reduce foreign oil consumption and to invest in GM's hybrid technology.

Hopefully, one day, that investment will lead to hybrid cars in addition to smaller hybrid SUVs from GM. Until then, the Tahoe and Yukon hybrids are a step forward.

Only 10,000 GM dual mode hybrids?

Just a PR effort?

I'm not a big fan of SUVs, but when I test drove the Chevy Tahoe hybrid, I was quite impressed. If you have to have an SUV of this size, I believe it should be the hybrid Tahoe.

Nonetheless, GM doesn't seem to have very high expectations for either the Tahoe hybrid or the GMC Yukon hybrid. While I can't remember the source, I read something the other day quoting Bob Lutz in which he said GM planned to sell about 10,000 of these hybrids in the first year - in total.

Considering the sales of other hybrid SUVs, such as the Ford Escape hybrid or the Toyota Highlander hybrid, these numbers are not that surprising. Nonetheless, the Highlander hybrid will outsell both of GM's hybrid SUVs, even though it barely qualifies for any tax credit.

I'm glad GM is finally launching some dual mode hybrids, I just wish they were being a little more aggressive.

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?

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.

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

GM dual mode hybrid test drive

My first GM full hybrid test drive

In just a few hours I'll be taking my first test drive of one of GM's dual mode hybrid vehicles. Hopefully, I can get some confirmation on the base MSRP of both the GMC Yukon hybrid and the Chevy Tahoe hybrid.

Check back later tonight or tomorrow for more details.

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

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?

Chevy Tahoe hybrid: A real American revolution?

Finally, an American hybrid

I won't call it a freedom-fighter - that takes, minimally, 40 mpg. Nonetheless, I'll call the Chevy Tahoe hybrid an incredibly important step in the evolution of the American automobile. I might even call it an American revolution.

The Chevy Tahoe hybrid, as well as the Yukon hybrid, will not just be the first dual mode hybrid vehicles, these hybrids vehicles will be Made in America.

Unlike Ford's hybrids, such as the Escape hybrid, the Tahoe hybrid......

---> Finish: Chevy Tahoe hybrid: An American revolution

GM's dual mode hybrid advantage?

Bigger hybrids are better?

Later this year GM's first dual mode hybrid vehicles are set to go on sale. The Chevy Tahoe hybrid and the GMC Yukon hybrid will be GM's first full hybrid passenger vehicles, and already many are claiming GM's dual mode hybrids are superior to Toyota's hybrids.

And they are right. Well, sort of. OK, maybe, in some circumstances, although no one really knows, to be quite honest.


---> Finish GM's dual mode hybrid advantage

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's hybrids better than Toyota?

Michelle Krebs says two modes are better than one, but where is her proof?

Recently, GM sponsored an event for a few journalists to check out their new Tahoe hybrid. More important, it was a chance for journalists to check out the new hybrid powertrain that was co-developed by GM, Chrysler and BMW - a collaboration which Krebs calls "unprecedented" (read more from Krebs).

Additionally, Krebs insists that the two-mode hybrid is superior to, for example, Toyota's single mode hybrid powertrain because it has a bigger "toolbox" to control fuel efficiency optimization. As a result, the two-mode hybrid achieves about a 25 percent overall improvement in fuel economy.

Talk, talk, talk.

I say, settle down Mrs. Krebs. First, a 25 percent improvement in fuel economy is in the same league as other hybrid cars. Second, while the two-mode hybrid ...(Finish GM's hybrids better than Toyota?)

Tahoe, Yukon hybrids ready by end of year?

Tahoe and Yukon hybrids still in development stages

GM was able to show off working versions of both the Tahoe hybrid and the Yukon hybrid yesterday, according to the DetroitNews, but neither hybrid is yet production-ready.

"We're still in the development stages, but we're on track to have these vehicles ready by the fourth quarter of this year," said Larry Nitz, GM's executive director of hybrid technology.

GM's first two full hybrid vehicles, utilizing GM's dual mode hybrid powertrain, are expected to offer a 25 percent increase in fuel economy.

Chevy Volt Update or PR?

Bob Lutz updates the FastLane Blog about the Volt

A few weeks Bob Lutz told the DetroitNews that GM was going to be transparent regarding the Chevy Volt. In the course of that interview, Mr. Lutz also provided a few interesting Volt updates.

Yesterday, Mr. Lutz posted many of these same updates on GM's FastLane Blog. Lutz claims, some cynics accused us of pulling a PR stunt, saying the Volt is simply an attempt by GM to “greenwash” the public and would never be a real vehicle. The truth is just the opposite — we are treating Volt just like any other vehicle we do, giving it a dedicated development team and designating resources for it. With that in mind, I thought I’d take a moment to update you on the program so far."

Ultimately, Mr. Lutz didn't offer much new information regarding the Volt compared to the DetroitNews interview. He did, however, briefly mention progress on the Vue plug-in hybrid and he also used the Volt as another chance to talk fuel cells - GM's real passion. Unfortunately, to me, this post felt very much like a publicity stunt. For those whom don't follow the auto news quite as closely, however, it might feel more sincere.

I guess I'm just a bit jaded over GM's hybrids. Why not highlight these Volt updates at the launch of the Yukon hybrid? Oh yeah, where is the Yukon hybrid? How about some transparency on GM's dual mode hybrids?

Where are GM's dual mode hybrids?

Where is the Yukon hybrid?

This is a question I have been asking ever since NAIAS. Before NAIAS, I didn't really care about the GMC Yukon hybrid. I don't like large SUVs. Since NAIAS, however, I am interested in the Yukon because it will be the first GM hybrid to utilize GM's dual mode hybrid powertrain and it will be a small step towards the Volt concept.

--> Read the rest of Where are GM's dual mode hybrids

Volt has GM fans and critics charged up

Yesterday, I covered a Tesla blog post in which the CEO of Tesla mocked the Chevy Volt Concept vehicle, as have a number of GM critics (read). While I don't agree with Tesla's point, I do understand the contempt many have for GM - I've often held the same contempt.

And it's not as if GM doesn't realize this contempt. Beth Lowery, whom I spoke with at great lengths in Detroit, wrote in the FastLane Blog, "I can understand why people are skeptical," Lowery said. "All I can tell you is that we recognize the role that electricity will play in future cars — that's why we've worked so hard to bring you the Volt."

But the Volt isn't just charging up critics of GM, it's also electrifying many fans of GM. Apparently, Volt fans have flooded the mailboxes of GM with letters full of desire for the Volt as well as ideas for making the Volt happen faster according Inside Line.

While GM did sponsor me to cover the debut of the Volt, I left Detroit firmly believing that the Volt would happen. Now, however, with all the attention the Volt has driven to GM and all the hopes it has provided to GM fans, GM has NO CHOICE but to develop the Volt. Ultimately, the Volt might just be GM's last straw; it's last chance to charge into the future.

Thus, fans should keep pushing GM, keep asking questions about the Volt and about other dual mode hybrids, such as the flex-fuel Saab hybrid. Even more important, in the very short term, GM fans should demand that GM start selling the Yukon hybrid - Let's put some rubber to the road!

100 mpg Prius versus the Volt electric: The great war of 2010?

Is the Volt a Prius killer? Will GM's plug-in hybrid leave Toyota's hybrids behind?

The Chevy Volt electric plug-in hybrid is an amazing vehicle, an amazing concept vehicle, but the Toyota Prius is an amazing production vehicle. Still, if GM were able to produce the Volt, would it be a Prius killer?

If today's Prius faced tomorrow's Volt, of course the Volt would electrocute the Prius, however, tomorrow's Volt will face tomorrow's Prius. So what do we know about these hybrids of the future?

--> Read the rest of 100 mpg Prius versus the Volt

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.