Greenwashing and the Saturn Vue hybrid

Smaller than the Yukon, but small enough?

A few weeks ago I posted the article Greenwashing: GM's dual mode hybrid vehicles based off an article by LA Time's writer Dan Neil. Basically Dan wondered what was bigger, GM's hybrid marketing budget or their hybrid production budget.

To some extent, GM answered that question recently at the GMnext event, "a global communications initiative celebrating the start of our second century."

Still, what we know is that GM is focused on nothing but hybrid SUVs until the Chevy Volt and that the Saturn Vue hybrid will be GM's smallest full hybrid. Can these vehicles really compete in the hybrid segment? Read more....

Could the Vue beat the Prius to lithium?

Will the Vue hybrid be GM's next dual mode hybrid?

At this year's LA Auto Show, GM focused on its hybrid vehicles and the Chevy Volt. New technologies are the future, GM seemed to say, and this is how we're heading into the future, with hybrids today and the Volt and fuel cell vehicles tomorrow.

A year earlier at the same LA Auto Show, GM had created some buzz by announcing plans for a Saturn Vue plug-in hybrid vehicle. Yet, at this year's show, there was no word on the Saturn Vue hybrid, which seems odd. If the Chevy Volt is going to launch in 2010, it seems obvious that the Vue plug-in hybrid, ideally, would have to launch before the Volt.

So, is 2009 the year of the Saturn Vue plug-in hybrid? Read more.....

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.