[ausev] GM announces plug in hybrid at LA Autoshow

[Mark Farver]

Mark Farver wrote:

>*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.*
>  
>

Actually reading more carefully, the "dual mode" hybrid drive will be 
available in 2008 on the Vue.  GM did not commit to a release date for a 
plug in hybrid at all. 

I am not sure what the "Dual-mode" non-plugin hybrid is... It sounds 
like a hybrid system that can run on the electric drive for short 
distances like the Prius and Escape.  (GM's current "weak hybrid" system 
uses a larger alternator that can also function as a motor.  It offers a 
small performance boost, and a 2-3mpg  fuel economy improvement, mostly 
by stopping the engine while idling.)

So the announcement basically states that GM is committed to building a 
plug-in hybrid someday, and in the meantime is playing catchup to Ford 
and Toyota in the hybrid market.

Mark FArver