GM and Toyota to make a hybrid together?
There was a rumor at the 2007 LA Auto Show that there will be hybrid version of the 2009 Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Matrix. The Pontiac Vibe is a product of NUMMI, New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc., a joint venture between GM and Toyota. So, if the rumor is true, GM and Toyota are working on a hybrid together right now.Toyota wants to license their hybrid technology and GM has worked with other companies on their own hybrid system. I am not a big fan of what-ifs but making a hybrid is not something that's lightly considered and it would explain a lot of things like why has GM not come out with a full hybrid passenger car yet. Of course, the hybrid Vibe might also be a mild hybrid without any real exchange or license of technology.
I guess we find out soon enough; the 2009 Vibe and Matrix go on sale the first quarter of 2008.
[Source: New York Times]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Throwback 10:47AM (11/27/2007)
I can't imagine GM is moving away from their 2 mode system which seems superior to Toyota's current set-up. I can see however GM offering a BAS system on the Vibe, especially since the new one is getting a bigger engine option.
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small-wee-wee 11:24AM (11/27/2007)
2009 will also offer Honda's ground up replacement for the Insight. Next year should be an exciting time for those that prefer to sip instead of gulp fuel.
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Lascelles Linton 11:36AM (11/27/2007)
Throwback, Superior for SUVs. Maybe Toyota will license the two mode they will just divide up the hybrid market for themselves. Someone call the Justice Department :D
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Chris M 4:24PM (11/27/2007)
The Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive has fewer parts and is less expensive than the GM "dual mode" hybrid transmission. Hybrid Synergy Drive is ideal for cars that don't need to tow heavy loads, and would be a perfect match for the Matrix/Vibe models, especially if they could get compact and reasonably priced LiIon batteries for it.
A start/stop "mild hybrid" system could be used, although the fuel milage wouldn't be as good, and the cost savings would be modest. Would they use the GM (Aura) or the Toyota (Vitz) version?
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Throwback 7:04PM (11/27/2007)
It will be interesting to see what the MPG is for a dual mode Malibu vs a Camry Hybrid. Is a CVT a better transmission for highway travel or is a conventional 5-6 speed transmission better? I'm not an engineer but I don't see an advantage either way.
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FrankBank 8:04PM (11/27/2007)
I suppose this rumor was started by a toyota fan to somehow give people the impression that gms great 2 mode and bas hybrids come from toyota. gm has gone out of their way not to be a client of toyota (like ford or nissan). gms' 2 mode is superior and more costs less (way smaller motors, way smaller electronics, way lower voltage).
there is no way that gm would use a toyota hybrid system in any car they sell. why would they want to? they now are leading with the volt eflex system, which is a real plug in that runs at all speeds and power levels with the engine off. all toyota can muster is a conversion of a regular prius, no better than a hobby shop or home made conversion.
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cwerdna 6:13PM (12/01/2007)
FrankBank: GM now "leading" w/the Volt? Go and try buying one right now. It's just a bunch of marketing hype and vaporware right now. We'll see when/if it actually sells along the competitive landscape whenever that it is.
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