GM announced
yesterday that it would spend $118 million at a
Maryland plant to begin mass-producing its dual mode
hybrid vehicle transmission. "We believe the
two-mode system will become the industry
standard," Rick Wagoner said to workers at a
presentation at GM's Baltimore transmission
facility, where GM already builds a hybrid
transmission for a small fleet of heavy-duty trucks
and buses. (DetroitNews)
GM also added a new member to their 2008 lineup of hybrid
vehicles. In addition to the Chevy
Tahoe hybrid and GMC
Yukon hybrid, GM will also offer a hybrid
version of the Cadillac Escalade. All vehicles
should hit the road in late 2007. (AutoWeek)
According to GM, its dual mode hybrid system will
increase overall fuel efficiency by 25 percent. So,
it seems odd that Wagoner would boldly state that
the two-mode system will become the "industry
standard".
Already, Toyota, Ford and Nissan beg to differ and
so to will Volkswagen and Hyundai soon - with each
automaker not using a dual mode hybrid system.
Moreover, Toyota and Ford hybrids offer around the
same fuel efficiency improvements as GM's dual mode
system. So, Wagoner is being exceedingly optimistic,
especially when Toyota will soon launch its third
generation hybrid synergy drive, which is expected
to increase fuel efficiency and performance, yet cut
hybrid costs in half.
GM's hybrid system might have an advantage in the
large SUV market, however, especially if towing is
required. Still, I don't think that will be enough
to make it the "industry standard".
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