Autoblog Green

GM to suppliers: Keep working on Two-Mode Hybrid PHEV

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 08:40:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Buick, Chevrolet, GMC, Saturn

2010 Chevrolet Equinox - Click above for high-res image gallery

Now that General Motors has offloaded its Saturn brand and the once-planned Buick plug-in hybrid SUV failed to get off the ground after being roundly criticized by the press and public, GM needs to pick yet another platform to introduce the Two-Mode Hybrid powertrain in its first plug-in capable front-drive application. Good news, though, plug-in fans: GM is reportedly telling suppliers like lithium ion battery producer Compact Power not to slow down on the project as its still very much in the works.

According to The Detroit Bureau, GM is still aiming to release its PHEV technology for the 2011 model year, likely in a vehicle from either the Chevrolet or GMC brands. We imagine it will be an SUV like the Vue, so the recently-redesigned Chevy Equinox or GMC Terrain seem to be the most likely candidates.

Gallery: 2010 Chevrolet Equinox

[Source: The Detroit Bureau]

GM to suppliers: Keep working on Two-Mode Hybrid PHEV originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 12 Sep 2009 08:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM will have first factory-certified B20 diesels vehicles next spring

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Biodiesel, Diesel, Chevrolet, GMC

2010 Chevy Express with 6.6-liter Duramax diesel

One of several interesting little surprises to come out of this week's GM product technology showcase was the upgraded 6.6-liter Duramax V8. Unfortunately, the 4.5-liter diesel developed for the light duty applications remains on the shelf for now, but the big diesel is getting a significant revamp in 2010. First up is a new fuel injection system that takes advantage of the latest common rail technology with piezo electric injectors. The system now runs at 2,000 BAR (29,000 psi) and can do up to six injection pulses per cycle. This allows for more precise, slower and cooler combustion.

The lower combustion temperature reduces NOx production and the multiple pulses help reduce noise significantly. The 6.6-liter still uses a single variable vane turbocharger mounted on top of the intake manifold. Downstream, the engine also meets the latest emissions standards thanks to a diesel particulate filter and a urea injection SCR system. Read our drive impressions - and the news about biodiesel - after the jump.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM will have first factory-certified B20 diesels vehicles next spring

GM will have first factory-certified B20 diesels vehicles next spring originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 13 Aug 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Chevy Silverado XFE updated to achieve best-in-class 22 mpg highway

Chris Shunk — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

A couple years ago, the battle of the pickup trucks was all about power and towing capabilities. Now, with volatile fuel prices and an increased focus on the environment, fuel efficiency is the new battleground. For the 2009 model year, the GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado XFE took fuel economy up a notch by hitting 21 mpg in highway driving. Ford's new SFE F-150 matched the Silverado's 15/21 numbers. The Blue Oval dropped the SFE for 2010, but kept the improved fuel economy.

General Motors is firing the latest salvo in the new fuel economy war by upping the EPA numbers on the XFE Silverado and Sierra to 22 mpg in highway driving. The move also improves the combined fuel economy of the GMT900 trucks from 17 to 18 mpg. That number now matches the highway fuel economy of the Silverado hybrid, but without the really expensive battery pack.

Chevrolet spokesperson Brian Goebel told Pickuptrucks that the increased fuel economy is due several engineering improvements. The XFE's 5.3L V8 now has variable valve timing, optimized shift pattens in its 6-speed transmission, and Active Fuel Management, which enables the truck to run on four cylinders at cruising speeds.

[Source: Pickuptrucks]

2010 Chevy Silverado XFE updated to achieve best-in-class 22 mpg highway originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Day one for The New GM: the more things change... Lutz stays, company needs vehicles that matter

Sebastian Blanco — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:27:00 EST

Filed under: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, GMC, Green Daily

After only 40 days in bankruptcy, General Motors emerged today as the new GM (sans green logo, for now). While the bankruptcy was about as short and sweet as they come, the future is what everyone is most interested in, and it's kind of looking a lot like the present/past.

For one thing, Chevy Volt cheerleader and former General Motors product chief Bob Lutz has reversed his decision to retire at the end of this year and may stick around in either marketing and communications or product design, sources told Automotive News (subs req'd).

As for the company itself, their press release says, among other things, that the new GM has, "A fresh lineup of Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC cars, trucks and crossovers, each with leading-edge designs and technologies that matter to both consumers and the environment."

CEO Fritz Henderson wrote that the new GM will focus on "customers, cars and culture," meaning that they need buyers, vehicles that people want to buy and will shift things around in the company to make decisions faster. A lot of this we've heard before. After this morning's press conference, Henderson drove away in a 2010 Cadillac SRX crossover. Were all the Volts busy? is this a sign of what will the future will bring to the ~~old~~ new GM?

[Source: GM, Automotive News (subs req'd), Green Car Advisor]
Photo by Patricia Drury. Licensed under Creative Commons license 2.0.

Continue reading Day one for The New GM: the more things change... Lutz stays, company needs vehicles that matter

Day one for The New GM: the more things change... Lutz stays, company needs vehicles that matter originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: GMC adds Yukon Denali Hybrid SUV

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:53:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, GMC

2010 GMC Yukon Denali Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

General Motors has finally added the 2-Mode Hybrid powertrain to its top-level GMC Yukon Denali. There aren't any mechanical changes to the drivetrain that's been available since 2008 in the standard-grade Yukon Hybrid and its platform mates, the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and Cadillac Escalade Hybrid, which means we'll see a 6.0-liter Vortec V8 engine with 332 horsepower and 367 lb-ft of torque and up to a 6,200-pound towing capacity.

The hybrid technology is mostly contained in the 2-Mode Electrically Variable Transmission, which features twin electric motors powered by a 300-volt nickel metal hydride battery pack. Expect EPA fuel economy ratings of 21 city, 22 highway for two-wheel drive models and 20/20 when equipped with 4WD.

As far as mechanical changes go, the Denali Hybrid will bring the first application of GM's MagnaRide suspension system to the Yukon. As you'd expect in a top-level SUV, the Denali Hybrid will come fully loaded straight from the factory - the only three options will be a sunroof, rear-seat entertainment DVD system and side blind zone alert mirrors. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Gallery: 2010 GMC Yukon Hybrid and Denali Hybrid

[Source: GM]

Continue reading Officially Official: GMC adds Yukon Denali Hybrid SUV

Officially Official: GMC adds Yukon Denali Hybrid SUV originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York 2009: GMC Terrain gets all-DI engine lineup

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 10:17:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, GMC, New York Auto Show

Like its mechanical twin, the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox, the new GMC Terrain is getting an engine lineup that consists entirely of direct injected engines. The base 2.4-liter EcoTec four cylinder is expected to give the Terrain an EPA highway fuel economy of 30 mpg and get cleaner cold-start emissions. Cold starts are when engines produce the vast majority of emissions and GM is using a two pulse strategy with it's direct injection system to help warm up the cylinder walls and catalytic converter faster. A richer primary pulse is injected allowing the spark plug to light it off faster. This is followed by a leaner secondary pulse. Once the engine warms up, only the second pulse is used. The optional engine in the Terrain will be the new 3.0-liter direct injected V6 that's also going into the new Buick LaCrosse and Cadillac SRX. There are two videos and a press release after the jump.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading New York 2009: GMC Terrain gets all-DI engine lineup

New York 2009: GMC Terrain gets all-DI engine lineup originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 08 Apr 2009 10:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York Preview: GMC adds Yukon Denali hybrid and Terrain SUVs

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 19:19:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, GMC, New York Auto Show

General Motors is planning to add another SUV to its hybrid vehicle fleet, in this case wearing the Yukon's top-level Denali trim. There's not much new to report here, as the Yukon Denali Hybrid will feature the same exact drivetrain that's fitted to its siblings from The General, including the non-Denali Yukon. That means we'll see a 6.0-liter Vortec V8 engine with 332 hp and 367 lb-ft of torque mated up with GM's sophisticated 2-Mode hybrid transmission. Expect EPA fuel economy ratings of 21 city, 22 highway for two-wheel drive models and 20/20 when equipped with four-wheel drive.

The hybrid Denali will make its debut at the New York Auto Show, joining the new-for-2010 GMC Terrain, which is based on the equally new Chevy Equinox. GM will debut a new 2.4-liter four cylinder engine in the Terrain and Equinox that will manage 30 mpg on the highway. Optional will be a 3.0-liter direct injected V6 that will get an estimated 18 city and 25 highway.

[Source: AutoWeek]

New York Preview: GMC adds Yukon Denali hybrid and Terrain SUVs originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 05 Apr 2009 19:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Twitter Embargo Leak: 2010 GMC Terrain to manage 30 mpg highway

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 14:22:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, GMC, Green Daily

Click above for a high-res image gallery of GMC Terrain spy shots

In what may be the first recorded instance of an embargo break in Twitter's short but influential history, General Motors has mistakenly Tweeted a few salient details about the upcoming GMC Terrain, the embargo of which won't be up until April 5, 2009. Regardless of how the information got out there, the important bit is that the 2010 GMC Terrain will seat 5 adults and deliver 30 miles per gallon on the highway, and that's pretty good mileage for a midsize crossover that can seat your entire brood.

We can't say what powertrain is able to manage that figure, but a quick check of the Terrain's competition reveals that the only vehicles that beat 30 mpg on the highway are the Ford Escape Hybrid and Saturn Vue Hybrid. Interested in knowing more? Hang tight, we're sitting on all the rest of the details and we'll be ready to share on April 5th.

[Source: GM via Twitter via Jalopnik]

Twitter Embargo Leak: 2010 GMC Terrain to manage 30 mpg highway originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 24 Mar 2009 14:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2009 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid and GMC Sierra Hybrid

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Chevrolet, GM, GMC, AutoblogGreen Exclusive, First Drive

Click above for high-res gallery of the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra Hybrid

The more things change, the more they stay the same. Once again, this time-honored dictum is proving true as pickup trucks regain their rightful place at the top of the U.S. sales charts following a precipitous fall from grace last summer. As you've undoubtedly noticed, the cost of gasoline has dropped to a more manageable level, with an average gallon of regular-grade fuel going for half the price it was less than a year ago. So is it back to business as usual? Not quite. As we found out (again) in 2008, the volatile nature of gasoline stocks means that the market price for a barrel of crude can and will change on a whim. Does anyone really think fuel is going to stay cheaper than bottled water forever? Not likely.

However, America's love affair with the pickup truck will continue to burn bright even though the status quo is changing. All vehicles, regardless of type, must travel more miles on each gallon of gasoline. Enter GM's latest duo of fuel-saving pickups: the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra Hybrids.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra Hybrids

Continue reading First Drive: 2009 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid and GMC Sierra Hybrid

First Drive: 2009 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid and GMC Sierra Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 27 Feb 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next gen GM hybrid pickups to get 50% better towing, Voltec possible

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 08:52:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

click for a high res gallery of GM's hybrid pickups

General Motors is currently in the midst of launching its hybrid full-size pickup trucks and our man Jeremy is in San Antonio this week to try them out. One thing about the auto industry is that as soon as you get one product out the door, you're already working on the next generation. Such is the case with GM's two-mode hybrids which are due for a second generation in about 4 years. Mike Levine over at PickupTrucks.com has been talking to GM about where they are going for the next generation models. While the trucks launching right now have pretty decent towing power at 6,100 lbs for the RWD version (5,900 for the 4WD), big truck buyers want more.

GM's truck vehicle line executive, Gary White, told Mike that the next-gen models would have 50 percent better towing power in addition to greater efficiency. Perhaps more interesting is where GM is going with the hybrid architecture itself. While a next generation two-mode system will definitely be developed, White told Levine that something like the Volt's Voltec (formerly E-flex) system is on the table for the trucks.

The trucks certainly have room between the frame rails for plenty of batteries, and electric motors that provide enough torque for 9,000 lbs of towing capacity are pretty straightforward. Such a system would also eliminate the limiting factor with the current two-mode, which is the planetary gear-sets. However, a truck would need a very large range extender to maintain that towing capacity beyond the plug-in battery range when the vehicle gets into charge sustaining mode. It's certainly an interesting idea. We'll be watching to see what happens.

Gallery: 2009 GM hybrid pickups

Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Next gen GM hybrid pickups to get 50% better towing, Voltec possible originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 26 Feb 2009 08:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: New charging post juices old electric GMC van

Domenick Yoney — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 15:37:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, GMC, Green Daily, USA

Click above and scroll down to watch the video

While perhaps not as spectacular as San Francisco getting a fancy Smartlet charging station in front of City Hall, the addition of two charging posts at Truckee Meadows Community College in Northern Nevada are a welcome addition to the nations slowly-growing charging infrastructure. The posts, which use a traditional parking meter interface and ask for only 10 cents an hour, are getting put to good use, as we learned from a bit of video by the local NBC affiliate, KRNV. As interesting as the posts were, the station found one of the vehicles regularly using them was just as interesting: a 1991 GMC Van.

Around the time GM was refining the Impact prototype that would go on to become the EV1, some GMC vans were built with an electric drivetrain for the Department of Defense, according to the vehicle's owner (Southern California Edison got some too). Able to go 70 miles on a charge, the vehicle requires little maintenance and its driver seems very happy with his old EV ride. If you are thinking that you'd like a van like this yourself, you may be in luck. A nice looking 1989 copy is listed on the EV Album by someone who says, "I'm considering selling this, contact me with offer." If that doesn't pan out and you're good with a wrench, there's another in need of extreme TLC on eBay for the next few days. Video after the jump.

[Source: YouTube / eBay / EV Album]

Continue reading VIDEO: New charging post juices old electric GMC van

VIDEO: New charging post juices old electric GMC van originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 20 Feb 2009 15:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hybrids dominate the Intellichoice Best Overall Value of the Year Awards

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 08:49:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, Hybrid, Ford, GMC, Honda, Lexus, Mercury, Toyota, Volkswagen, Chicago Auto Show

Click above for a gallery of the Ford Escape Hybrid

IntelliChoice used the Chicago Auto Show to announce its Best Overall Value of the Year Awards, and, lo and behold, it's loaded up with hybrid and eco-friendly vehicles. Included in the list of winners for 2009 are:

Honda Civic Hybrid for Best Compact over $17,000
GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab Hybrid for Best 1/2 ton Full-Size Pickup (2WD and 4WD)
Toyota Prius for Midsize over $21,000 (Touring trim) and under $21,000 (Standard trim)
Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4WD for Midsize Crossover
Ford Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid for Compact Utility/Crossover
Volkswagen Jetta TDI for Small/Midsize Wagon
Lexus GS 450h for Sport Sedan/Wagon over $38,000

This list serves as another reminder that hybrid vehicles have really started making their mark on the automotive marketplace. There's hardly a segment or price range that doesn't include at least one hybrid vehicle, and if you can't find one to suit your needs, you can always choose the all-conquering Jetta TDI from Volkswagen.

Gallery: ABG Garage: 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid Limited

[Source: IntelliChoice]

Hybrids dominate the Intellichoice Best Overall Value of the Year Awards originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 13 Feb 2009 08:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Yes the GM Two-Mode hybrids can tow, but what of MPG?

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 07:53:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, GM, GMC

We've had numerous opportunities over the last two years to drive various SUVs and pickup trucks equipped with the two-mode hybrid system spawned from GM, Chrysler, Daimler and BMW. Among the claimed advantages of the two-mode hybrid system is the ability to dramatically improve fuel efficiency while still maintaining the functionality one expects of these trucks, including towing. We've even had the opportunity to sample the towing capability of the now departed Dodge Durango hybrid. In doing so however, our impressions have been strictly subjective with no opportunity to evaluate fuel efficiency during an extended towing test.

Over at Popular Mechanics, Larry Webster had precisely that chance recently when he purchased an old Camaro a couple of hundred miles from his Ann Arbor home. Just as we found with the two-mode Durango, the Yukon behaved pretty much the same with a load hitched up as it does without. Also, just as a non-hybrid consumes more fuel with a weightier load, so does a hybrid. Larry got 14.14 mpg with the Yukon hybrid pulling the car. While not great in and of itself, that's 20 percent better than a conventional SUV gets under similar conditions. So the Yukon hybrid can tow and be more efficient.

Gallery: ABG Garage: 2008 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid

[Source: Popular Mechanics]

Yes the GM Two-Mode hybrids can tow, but what of MPG? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 26 Jan 2009 07:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GMC Yukon hybrid featured in Macy Parade

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 10:42:00 EST

Filed under: Green Culture, Hybrid, GM, GMC, Green Daily, USA

General Motors is the Official Vehicle Supplier for the Macy Thanksgiving Day Parade. There, now you've learned your requisite something new for the day. This year, The General decided to trot out hybrid versions of the full-size GMC Yukon to pull various parade floats and giant balloon-things. Oddly, GM did absolutely nothing to advertise the fact that it would be having the hybrid 'utes take place in the event, leaving various other media outlets to find out about it themselves. No matter. Find out they have, and now that the event is over, the news has hit the wires.

We are also left wondering if Macys did any promotion of the event, considering that the large clothing retailer has recently begun touting its own green efforts. If it did, we must have missed it. Whatever the case, slow city running is the perfect place to use a hybrid vehicle such as this. GM's full-size hybrids are fully capable of towing large loads, and something had to pull the huge number of parade floats for the 82nd installation of the classic Manhattan parade, right? May as well be a hybrid.

[Source: Star-Telegram]

GMC Yukon hybrid featured in Macy Parade originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 30 Nov 2008 10:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid gets priced at $39,365

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, GM, GMC, Pontiac

Click the Sierra hybrid for a high res gallery

General Motors has announced pricing for the first of its new two-mode hybrid pickup trucks, the GMC Sierra and they've apparently learned at least one lesson from the roll-out of the Yukon and Tahoe hybrids earlier this year. The starting price for the two-wheel drive Sierra hybrid is $39,365, about $10,000 less than the SUVs. It's not immediately clear from the press release but it appears that at least part of the price drop came via de-contenting the pickups. While the SUVs have a navigation system with the hybrid power flow display as standard equipment, it looks like this is an optional extra on the pickups. The base price does, however, include the requisite "Hybrid Ornamentation." I'm not really sure that GM needs to be pointing this out, since it's pretty obvious, not to mention obnoxious. The same press release also mentions that the new Pontiac ~~Aveo~~ G3 will have a starting price of $14,995. At that price point, I'm not sure the Aveo/G3 would be my first choice. Production of the Sierra hybrid (and, presumably, the Chevy Silverado equivalent) kicks off next month with sales starting early in the new year.

Gallery: 2009 GM hybrid pickups

Continue reading 2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid gets priced at $39,365

2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid gets priced at $39,365 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Obama to be transported in GMC Topkick "Cadillac"

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 11:02:00 EST

Filed under: Cadillac, GM, GMC, Legislation and Policy, USA

There's no doubt that the President of the United States needs a safe vehicle to be transported in. Various assassination attempts prove that case rather easily. President-in-waiting Barack Obama will be getting a brand-new armored "car" that will look like a Cadillac, but will really be based on the positively gigantic medium-duty GMC Topkick chassis. Nobody is quite sure what kind of armament the First Car will be equipped with, but let's just assume that there is plenty, including up to five inches of glass and ceramic ballistics materials. That should make this one heavy vehicle. In fact, a couple of heavy vehicles, as General Motors is likely building multiples so that decoys can be used. With all that weight to move around, we'd expect GM to use a version of its diesel engine (running perhaps on biodiesel? No?) and Allison transmission from its line of heavy-duty trucks. Alternatively, Obama could make a green splash by using GM's 2-Mode hybrid system. Just a thought.

Related Posts:

[Source: The Boston Globe]

Obama to be transported in GMC Topkick "Cadillac" originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 13 Nov 2008 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hybrid tech won't save the full size SUV as new Tahoe/Yukon cancelled

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 18:03:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, MPG, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

It looks like the theory behind the creation of full-size hybrid SUVs may not hold water, at least from a marketing perspective. Certainly adding a hybrid drivetrain to a big truck will save more gas for a given number of miles driven than doing the same to a smaller more efficient car. At the same time these vehicles will still use more fuel than a smaller vehicle even at the higher mileage levels they achieve. The pitch from automakers like GM and Chrysler was that some people still need the capabilities that are offered by these vehicles such as the people towing boats on a regular basis.

However, the reality is that a combination of factors ranging from high fuel prices (at least they were high through most of the summer of 2008), increasingly restrictive credit and leasing terms and collapsing real estate values have made buyers re-evaluate their real needs in a vehicle. For those that are still able to afford new vehicles, "needs" increasingly means a smaller, more-efficient vehicle rather than a hybrid SUV. GM and Chrysler have seen the writing on the wall and the Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen received their execution orders last week. We heard earlier this year that GM had put the development of the next generation full-size trucks on hold for at least a year. Now Inside Line is reporting that, as far back as last May, the SUVs may have been killed entirely. It's unclear what this means for the current vehicles, but if sales don't start to at least stabilize soon, they may face the same fate as the Chryslers and die before reaching the end of their planned life cycle in 2011. Whether they live on or die sooner, they will likely be effectively replaced by the Lambda crossovers, the Acadia, Outlook, Traverse and Enclave.

[Source: Inside Line]

Hybrid tech won't save the full size SUV as new Tahoe/Yukon cancelled originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM moves nearly 2,000 hybrids in September

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 19:31:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Chevrolet, GM, GMC, Saturn

In yet another dismal sales month here in the U.S., General Motors actually did better than many companies with only a 15.8 percent drop in September compared to last year. There were even some bright spots in the numbers with the Malibu being up 192 percent and the Vibe jumping 91.1 percent. GM's hybrid models are also continuing to gain ground with 1,957 units moved during the month. The combined total of Tahoe and Yukon Two-Mode Hybrids topped 1,000 for the first time and the Malibu and Vue mild hybrids held steady at 382 and 443 respectively. The new Escalade hybrid still hasn't climbed into triple digits and the Saturn Aura still doesn't seem to be more than an afterthought with 31 sales. All together, GM has sold 9,053 hybrids through nine months. That doesn't go far toward offsetting the 50 percent drop in sales of the normal Tahoe and Yukon, but it's a start.

Related:

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM moves nearly 2,000 hybrids in September

GM moves nearly 2,000 hybrids in September originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 02 Oct 2008 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM Hybrid sales slowly picking up some steam: 1,629 deliveries in August

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 14:18:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, GMC, Saturn

General Motors is finally starting to regularly break out the sales figures for its hybrid vehicles and while the numbers are improving, they still look very weak compared to the competition. August was the company's best month yet for hybrids with a whopping 1,629 units delivered of the six available models. Buyers took home a combined 797 examples of the Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon plus a single Escalade hybrid. The Escalade only went on sale in late August so we'll be looking for the September numbers to see if there really is any demand for a $70,000+ luxury hybrid SUV. Over on the mild hybrid side of the tally, the Saturn Vue was the winner with 417 sales, followed by the Malibu at 388 and finally the Aura with a mere 26 sales. These numbers are still pretty weak but at least they are trending upward. Over 12 months the current rate amounts to over 19,500 units, a number that will likely grow significantly when the two-mode Vue goes on sale in a few months. With six hybrids on sale though, that's still pretty tame compared even to Ford, which sells every one of the 25,000 Escape and Mariner hybrids it offers. Ford will likely jump well out ahead in the new year with the Fusion hybrid. Next month, we'll be carefully watching Chrysler's numbers as well, since the first sales of the Durango and Aspen hybrids should be recorded.

Related:

Gallery: ABG Garage: 2008 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM Hybrid sales slowly picking up some steam: 1,629 deliveries in August

GM Hybrid sales slowly picking up some steam: 1,629 deliveries in August originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 14:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ABG First Drive: 2009 Chevy Silverado Hybrid and Silverado XFE

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, MPG, Chevrolet, GM, GMC, First Drive

Let's get something out of the way right now. Not every vehicle we write about here is going to be as efficient as a Prius or have a plug or require pedal power. There is a huge market place of vehicles out there. None of those vehicles are for everyone. Not everyone needs or wants a Prius or a Mitsubishi iMiEV or a Chevrolet Silverado. However, in spite of rapidly falling sales of big trucks there is still a very significant need out there for such vehicles. I am in no way advocating (nor have I ever done so, in fact for many years I have done the opposite) that people should buy a Silverado or other truck for personal transportation or commuting. Having said all that, these vehicles and others all need to become more fuel efficient, for economic and environmental reasons. In a market segment that will still amount to about 1.5 million vehicles in the U.S. this year, GM is scaling back production but they are still trying to make the vehicles they sell more efficient. To that end they are introducing the both XFE and two-mode hybrid variants of the GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado for the 2009 model year. We had a chance to sample both versions on a brief drive this week and you can read about it after the jump.

Gallery: 2009 GM hybrid pickups

Continue reading ABG First Drive: 2009 Chevy Silverado Hybrid and Silverado XFE

ABG First Drive: 2009 Chevy Silverado Hybrid and Silverado XFE originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 13 Aug 2008 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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