[ausev] GM announces plug in hybrid at LA Autoshow

[Mark Farver]

*GM made a public keynote at the LA Autoshow announcing their plug in 
hybrid program. They said plug in hybrid Saturn Vue will be available 
2008 model year, but the comment that they are still negotiating with 
battery suppliers makes me think that the vehicles will not be available 
early in the model year. **It does not appear they have a prototype to 
show as they said they would in earilier announcements.*
*
http://tinyurl.com/y4brys*

The range committment is "more than 10 miles" all-electric which is a 
start, but it isn't much.

Love this quote: "GM expanding and accelerating devel of electrical 
vehicles. Why? Diverse fuel sources upstream of vehicle. Increased 
performance and environmental sustainability."

and this one: "Edison might have had a great idea. "

The press release is a little weak:
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GM Announces Intention to Produce Plug-in Hybrid SUV

Saturn Vue Green Line Will Use Modified 2-mode Hybrid System, Lithium 
Ion Battery

LOS ANGELES – General Motors Corp. intends to produce a Saturn Vue Green 
Line plug-in hybrid that has the potential to achieve double the fuel 
efficiency of any current SUV, the automaker announced at the Greater 
Los Angeles Auto Show.

This hybrid SUV will use a modified version of GM's 2-mode hybrid system 
and plug-in technology, a Lithium Ion battery pack when ready, highly 
efficient electronics and powerful electric motors to achieve 
significant increases in fuel economy.

"GM has begun work on a Saturn Vue plug-in hybrid production vehicle," 
said Rick Wagoner, GM Chairman and CEO. "The technological hurdles are 
real, but we believe they are also surmountable. I can't give you a 
production date for our plug-in hybrid today. But I can tell you that 
this is a top priority program for GM, given the huge potential it 
offers for fuel-economy improvement."

A plug-in hybrid-electric vehicle differs from non-plug-in 
hybrid-electric vehicles by offering extended electric-only propulsion, 
additional battery capacity and the ability to be recharged from an 
external electrical outlet.

The Saturn Vue Green Line plug-in hybrid is expected to offer 
electric-only propulsion for more than 10 miles. At higher speeds or 
when conditions demand it, such as brisk acceleration, a combination of 
engine and electric power or engine power only will propel the vehicle.

In addition to plug-in capabilities and the modified 2-mode hybrid 
system, the Saturn Vue Green Line hybrid SUV's powertrain will feature 
Lithium Ion battery technology, two interior permanent magnet motors and 
GM's 3.6L V-6 gasoline engine with direct injection.

When ready for production, the Lithium Ion energy storage system will be 
replenished when the battery charge is depleted to a specified level by 
utilizing the 2-mode hybrid system's electric motors and regenerative 
braking systems. When the vehicle is parked, the battery can be 
recharged using a common household exterior 110-volt plug-in outlet.

The 2-mode hybrid system will be altered for use with plug-in 
technology. It maintains two driving modes – one for city driving, the 
other for highway driving – and four fixed mechanical gears to maximize 
efficiency while maintaining performance. In addition, special controls 
will be utilized to enable higher speeds during electric-only propulsion 
and maintain electric-only propulsion for longer periods of time.

The Saturn Vue Green Line SUV, featuring the modified 2-mode hybrid 
system with plug-in capabilities, is part of GM's ambitious effort to 
offer consumers a broad choice of hybrid systems at various levels of 
affordability:

* This year, the GM Hybrid system, an affordable belt-alternator starter 
hybrid technology, debuted in the Vue Green Line front-wheel-drive SUV.

* In 2007, the GM Hybrid system will expand to the Saturn Aura Green 
Line and Chevrolet Malibu front-wheel-drive midsize sedans.

* In 2007, the 2-mode hybrid system will debut in the Chevrolet Tahoe 
and GMC Yukon full-size SUVs. Rear-wheel and four-wheel drive will be 
offered.

* In 2008, the 2-mode hybrid system will expand to the Cadillac Escalade 
full-size SUV and the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra crew cab 
full-size pickups. The Escalade will offer all-wheel drive, while the 
Silverado and Sierra will offer rear-wheel and four-wheel drive.

* In 2008, the first front-wheel-drive application of the 2-mode hybrid 
system, will debut – without plug-in technology – in the Vue Green Line. 
The Vue Green Line will offer customers a choice of the GM Hybrid system 
or the 2-mode hybrid system.

* In 2009, an electric all-wheel-drive, 2-mode hybrid system will be 
introduced in the Vue Green Line.

"GM plans to introduce a new hybrid system annually for the next several 
years, each offering different levels of affordability, fuel savings and 
performance," said Tom Stephens, GM group vice president, GM Powertrain. 
"This strategy will allow more consumers to benefit from our hybrid 
technologies, while providing the opportunity to reduce our country's 
petroleum consumption."

GM is committed to a comprehensive and cost-effective, three-tiered 
advanced propulsion technology strategy focused on producing 
commercially viable and sustainable products. These include alternative 
fuel vehicles, ongoing improvements to conventional internal combustion 
engines and transmissions, the electrification of the automobile through 
a broad portfolio of hybrid models on high-volume car and truck 
platforms, and commercially viable hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world's largest automaker, has been 
the global industry sales leader for 75 years. Founded in 1908, GM today 
employs about 318,000 people around the world. With global headquarters 
in Detroit , GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 33 countries. In 
2005, 9.17 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the 
following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, 
HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn and Vauxhall.
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Mark Farver