Plug-in Saturn Vue expected on the road in "2009-ish"
Remember this picture? That's GM's Jill Ladjiak at last year's LA Auto Show when the General announced the plug-in Saturn Vue hybrid. Pretty excited, no? At the time, GM's Rick Wagoner said the PHEV Vue, which will use a modified version of GM's 2-mode hybrid system and a lithium Ion battery pack, was a "top priority" but no one would dare suggest when the car might be available for sale. Since then, we've had all kinds of updates on the progress of batter development and other things that need to happen to get you, yes you, a plug-in Saturn.
The Detroit Free Press' Mark Phelan is now reporting that Lajdziak told him in Frankfurt this week that the plug-in Vue is coming "very quickly ... in 2009-ish." So, we're getting there. Remember, though, that GM is not new to the plug-in game: here are plans for a PHEV from 38 years ago.
Related:
[Source: Detroit Free Press]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Dave 3:54PM (9/13/2007)
Its heavier and far less aerodynamic than a Volt.
Thats gonna be a real heavy, expensive battery pack.
Meanwhile, Lutz says that dual mode technology to meet serious CAFE increases will cost $5000 per car.
Shall we start the bidding at $45,000 for a dual mode plugin Vue? Do I hear $50,000?
Reply
summazooma 7:13AM (9/14/2007)
Said it before, say it again... this is transitional and relatively immature technology and the price (cost) bears that out. OEMs are developing this technology with a longer view in mind and are, likewise, taking a hit on overall profit margins in order to "move the stone" a bit. If we don't accept technology until it's been matured to the point of being a net-0 gain in cost, we'll be missing opportunities to "move that stone".
Put another way, I don't hear people complaining about the cost of cell phones, yet the early cost was through the roof (as with iPhone or worse)... people willing to bring that technology to market and, on the consumer side, to actually purchase it (despite the pricetags) is why I today have a Motorola Q that even I would have had a hard time, 10 years ago, envisioning as a low-cost consumer electronic product.
Small gains add up to larger gains; Many of the criticisms levied at these emerging technologies are short-sighted and dangerous to the idea of ultimately meeting larger goals of sustainability.
Reply