Saturn Vue hybrid going full in 2008. Why not the Aura or the Malibu?

Thursday, May 17, 2007

A full future for this mild hybrid?

I'm not a very big fan of large SUVs. Even when hybrid technology is added to large SUVs, they are still only more fuel-efficient gas-guzzlers - in my opinion. Nonetheless, I can gladly endorse a Yukon hybrid over a conventional Yukon, for example. Still, I would prefer to see America morph into a liking for smaller SUVs.

Thus, I am very excited about the fact that GM will offer a full Saturn Vue hybrid in 2008. A Vue hybrid gives SUV-loving Americans a very nice selection of small hybrid SUVs: the Ford Escape hybrid, the Mercury Mariner hybrid, the Mazda Tribute hybrid, and even the Toyota Highlander hybrid.

Yet, as glad as I am about the Vue hybrid, I'm a bit more disappointed about the lack of any GM hybrid cars. Where is the Malibu hybrid? If a Saturn Vue hybrid, why not a Saturn Aura hybrid?

I understand that GM believes that hybrid technology is currently better suited for larger vehicles. Nevertheless, I truly believe that GM could convert a number of GM doubters with some hybrid cars, and wouldn't increasing marketshare be a nice change for GM?

posted by Dahcredyns at 7:56 PM 0 Comments

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