Another GM plug-in bites the dust?

Vue plug-in hybrid killed twice

Earlier this year I was invited to test drive the dual mode Saturn Vue hybrid, and I was excited. This was the first GM full hybrid that I could at least consider buying. Moreover, the Vue hybrid was destined to become a plug-in hybrid.

Finish: Another GM plug-in bites the dust

Bob Lutz, hybrid cars and GM

Still irrelevant according to Lutz?

Bob Lutz. Love him or hate him, he's one very interesting guy. Over the last few years I've had a chance to meet Lutz a few times, and even though I disagree very much with him on many issues, I still cannot help but like the guy. Moreover, even though I disagree with him, I have total respect for his straight talk.

Still, that doesn't mean that Lutz sticking around at GM is a good thing. Lutz, over the years, has been clear about a few things. For instance, global warming is a joke and the Toyota Prius, and hybrid cars in general, are a pretty stupid idea.

Finish: Bob Lutz, hybrid cars and GM

A flex fuel carnival for GM in Brazil?

A good trip to profitability?

If GM is going to be successful in the future, it might just be foreign markets that take them there. Today, GM announced that they are going to spend $1 billion over the next few years developing cars for the Brazilian market. Considering that GM has pretty extensive flex fuel experience, it seems that this could be a perfect a match.

GM committed to a new dedicated hybrid sedan

Will its tech top the Fusion hybrid?

GM is working on a new dedicated hybrid sedan according to reports. Unfortunately, there are few details regarding this new hybrid.

Finish: GM committed to a new dedicated hybrid sedan

How much would hybrids have helped GM?

Cheap oil built this country

Over the weekend, White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel claimed that America was facing a "day of reckoning" regarding health care and energy dependence while discussing GM's financial plight. Emanuel blamed GM for not investing in fuel efficient technology and for instituting an outdated health care plan (as if the UAW had no part in that).

So, am I to assume that if GM had started building hybrid cars at the same rate as Toyota, it wouldn't be in financial trouble?

Finish: How much would hybrids have helped GM?

Black October over for US automakers - What's next?

October was scary, but is the worst over?

So, October was a pretty scary month for US automakers, and it now appears inevitable that the Big 3 will become the Big 2. But, is that is bad as it gets? Is the worst over?

Finish: Black October over - What's next for US automakers?

Tax credits for plug-in conversions - Another congressional failure?

More proof Congress is inept?

When Congress came up with tax credits for plug-ins, they seemed very focused on making sure that the Chevy Volt, and GM, was rewarded. Fine. GM is an American company. But, A123Systems is also an American company and, possibly, a very important American company in terms of the future.

Finish: Tax credits for plug-in conversions - Another Congressional failure?

Volt development on despite GM's financial woes

The Volt or bust?

GM has confirmed that it will delay new vehicle production to save cash. Thus, vehicles seen as vital to GM's future, such as the Chevy Cruze, will be delayed. However, GM will not put any holds on the Chevy Volt according to Reuters.

Large hybrid SUVs are done

The Dodge Durango hybrid

Chrysler is shutting down the plant that makes both the Chrysler Aspen and the Dodge Durango according to USA Today, although there is still the possibility that these vehicles, including the hybrid versions, could be produced elsewhere. Still, sales of both vehicles have been dropping drastically the last few years and there seems little reason to believe that hybrid versions of these vehicles would help much.

Likewise, GM is also canceling several large SUV hybrid vehicles.

Can the Chevy Volt brighten GM's image?

The Volt made a recent publicity stop at NASCAR

For many Americans, the Chevy Volt has become the savior of the US auto industry. A made in America foreign oil dependency freedom fighter. And, one day, it might just be that, but not any time soon.

In the interim, however, can it change the perception of GM and its ability to build quality automobiles?

Finish: Chevy Volt: Can it change perception of GM?

Chrysler's EVs as developed as Chevy Volt?

A Dodge plug-in concept at NAIAS 2007

Has Chrysler killed Chevy Volt hype?

Since the Volt debut in 2007, GM has reiterated over and over how they were accomplishing something almost inconceivable. Concept to reality in little more than 3 years. And, not just your standard concept. A range extended electric vehicle.

Yet, all the while, Chrysler has been quietly keeping pace.

Finish: Chrysler's EVs as developed as Chevy Volt?

A new GM hybrid every 3 months

GM is just getting started with its hybrids

GM is serious about moving towards the electrification of the automobile, but the automaker acknowledges that it will take decades to comprehensively achieve this reality. Thus, conventional fuels are going to be with us for some time. Therefore, hybrid cars will be one of the major keys to electrification. Read more...

GM goes solar in California

GM and Constellation develop "one of the largest solar power installations in corporate use"

In December, GM will generate half of its power at a large warehouse in Fontana with Constellation solar power, creating enough electricity for 300 homes.

"The new solar arrays on our rooftops are reducing our energy costs and carbon footprint, while providing green energy to the community," Elizabeth Lowery, GM vice president of environment, energy and safety policy, said.

Hybrid SUVs: The same old GM?

Large SUVs will become GM's first hybrids

When the first full hybrid vehicles from GM hit the streets this Fall, they will come in the form of full size SUVs. And, why should anyone be surprised that GM would start with large SUVs, such as the Yukon hybrid or the Tahoe hybrid?

If large trucks are GM's bread, then large SUVs are GM's butter.

Of course, GM's bread and butter isn't as tasty to consumers as it was a decade ago. Sure, more fuel efficient hybrid versions of these gas-guzzlers might help stem the public's growing disinterest in such vehicles, but will they provide any new marketshare?

--> Finish: GM's hybrids: The wrong start?

Volt and hybrids are the future for GM?

Chevy Tahoe hybrid: The future of things to come from GM?

"We know that our success in the future is contingent on delivering technology that is meaningful to society," said Larry Nitz, executive director of GM's hybrid technology, who was among the team of engineers at GM's Milford Proving Grounds Friday to showcase the automaker's new powertrain technologies. "The whole spirit of the company is driven to do this."

I have had the pleasure of hanging out with many GM employees, including top executives, and I have to agree that I do believe the "spirit" of GM is changing - has changed.

Already GM is finalizing the launch of its first full hybrid vehicles, such as the Tahoe hybrid and the Yukon hybrid, and many more hybrids are due to hit the road in the next few years, including a dual mode plug-in hybrid, the Saturn Vue.

Still, what really gets many GM employees excited is the Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid. Despite the claims of naysayers, this vehicle is not just a hype machine, although it has played that role well since its debut. For GM employees, I believe, the Volt is the nail in the coffin of GM-haters - a role I have taken in the past. The Volt is final proof that GM has not only changed, but that GM can bring the best automotive technology to the world - even in terms of fuel economy or emissions.

While success isn't guaranteed, where there is a will, there is a way, and I absolutely believe that GM has the will. May the force be with them.

GM's Corsa hybrid concept ready for Frankfurt

A hybrid concept from GM's Opel brand

GM's Opel brand will debut a Corsa hybrid concept vehicle at the Frankfurt Auto Show according to reports from InsideLine.

"The Corsa Hybrid uses the 75-horsepower Corsa 1.3 CDTI and GM's next-generation belt-alternator starter technology, which makes its debut on the concept. It also uses a lithium-ion battery. Opel says the concept 'requires just 3.75 liters of diesel per 100 km and emits only 99 grams of CO2 per kilometer.'"

Sure, the Opel Corsa Hybrid will probably only qualify as a mild hybrid, but within such a small car, the mild hybrid technology might offer a significant improvement in fuel economy. And, why not offer such technology in smaller cars?

Often times, the buyers of small cars aren't just buying small automobiles because they are cheap, if at all for that matter, but for better fuel economy - so make them as fuel efficient as possible!

Oh yeah, bring'em to the states.

H.C.C.I. Hybrids - Gasoline Hybrid Perfection?

An H.C.C.I. hybrid - as efficient as a diesel hybrid?

GM hasn't been the biggest fan of clean diesel technology.

O.K., not long ago, GM wasn't much of a fan of hybrid technology either, but that has changed. So, it isn't necessarily surprising that GM might not rush into clean diesel, right?

Or, maybe was there an alternative reason that GM hasn't been going diesel crazy?

If there is a reason, it might be the Homogenous-Charge Compression-Ignition engine, or H.C.C.I. --- Finish: H.C.C.I. + hybrid technology = Gasoline Hybrid Perfection

A skeptical view of GM's hybrid vehicles

No Prius-fighter for years?

When it comes to hybrid cars, Toyota is king. Of course, when 2 members of the Big 3 aren't even selling full hybrids, it's easy to be king. So, will that change when GM starts selling its first full hybrids?

There is no doubt that GM's first dual mode hybrid vehicles, the Yukon hybrid and the Tahoe hybrid, will have an advantage over Toyota's hybrid trucks and SUVs. In particular, GM's dual mode hybrids can tow big loads and achieve impressive highway fuel economy for such large vehicles.

On the other hand, GM's hybrids might cost over $10,000 more than their conventional counterparts. Thus, while some can claim GM's hybrids are more technologically sophisticated than Toyota's, they also appear to be more expensive. Will the rewards justify the costs?

--> Finish: A skeptic's view of GM's hybrids

Can profits drive GM green

More money for Volt development?

The U.S. auto industry is dead, right?

Well, maybe there is still a little life. Last week Ford surprised analysts with a better than expected quarter, and, today, GM reported its third profitable quarter in a row, achieving almost 900 million in profit for the second quarter.

And, GM needs this profit. While the company is doing well in foreign markets, U.S. vehicle sales continue to be sluggish.

"Slower-than-expected sales GM's new full-size pickup have hurt GM, which still relies heavily on sales of highly profitable trucks and SUV. A slowdown in the housing market and rising fuel prices are keeping keep buyers away, and competitors foreign and domestic have piled on incentives to move their trucks," writes the the DetroitNews this morning.

Something like the Chevy Volt, more dual mode hybrid vehicles, especially a full hybrid car, and a plug-in Saturn Vue have great potential to drive the same kind of green buzz that Toyota received from the Prius.

In a nutshell, new technologies have the ability to drive new consumers to GM and to increase U.S. marketshare, and, hopefully, a few profitable quarters can provide a large enough financial cushion to enable GM to fast track some of these emerging technologies.

GM to focus more on fuel economy, hybrids

Bob Lutz at the the debut of the Volt at NAIAS

GM has now made fuel economy a major priority, according to product chief, Bob Lutz. Thus, some GM concept vehicles have been canned in favor of other projects, such as plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Once a major critic of hybrid vehicles, it appears Lutz has now staked his legacy at GM on such hybrids, especially the Chevy Volt. Yes, Lutz might believe hybrids are just a bridge to fuel cell vehicles and the hydrogen highway, but I can live with that.

Make it happen, Bob.

(Source: DetroitNews)

GM discontinues mild hybrid pickups

No more mild, mild hybrids

GM has discontinued a few of its hybrid vehicles - I guess. I never really considered either the Chevy Silverado or the GMC Sierra hybrid pickups as real hybrids. They really aren't even mild hybrids, such as the Saturn Vue hybrid from GM. Nonetheless, GM is done with hybrid pickups until 2008, when it launches its dual mode hybrid powertrain. So, don't worry truck fans, GM will offer the trucks in full hybrid mode soon.