"The Chevrolet Silverado Classic Hybrid -- the first full-size production pickup to utilize hybrid technology -- is also the first hybrid to be recognized as the most accessory friendly vehicle at the 2006 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, capturing one of four SEMA Vehicle Design Awards and becoming the benchmark in SEMA's newest design award category." (more)
"First hybrid....", please.
Quite frankly, calling the Silverado a hybrid is offensive to those whom truly support hybrid technology. If the Saturn Vue hybrid is a "a maximally minimal venture in hybrid powertrain technology that would seem less about fuel economy and more about securing coveted hybrid badges on the doors," then the Silverado hybrid is a maximally inept hybrid vehicle.
Sorry GM fans. Until GM offers a full hybrid vehicle, GM is on my #8@* list regarding hybrids. Hopefully, GM will exceed my expectations when they announce plans for the i-Car plug-in hybrid.
For now, however, GM simply doesn't offer any hybrid vehicles in my eyes.
- Bo said...
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You need to open your eyes then. GM's started several years ago with 2-mode hybrid transit busses, of which there are some 400 on the road, saving more fuel than passenger vehicles. If you're so easily swayed by one journalist's view of the Vue hybrid, you should read the plethora of reviews applauding the fact that it's the most affordable hybrid SUV, which delivers the best highway fuel economy (32 mpg)of any SUV on the road - both appealing to customers who need the room of an SUV, want better fuel economy, and who don't have the money to fork over for a competitors hybrid. GM's 2-mode system will be deployed on its full-size pickups and sport utilities beginning next year, mirroring its strategies with the Silverado and the busses - to attack the highest consumption vehicles, where there was the greatest opportunity to save the most fuel, first. And by the way, GM also offers 23, yes 23, different models that get more than 30 mpg. It's a big world out there - go explore it.
- Dahcredyns said...
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Unless we all start taking Buses, Bo, fuel efficient buses aren't going to put any sort of dent in foreign oil dependency.
Regarding the Vue hybrid, it does not offer the best fuel economy of any SUV, the 2 wheel drive Escape hybrid does, particulary when city and highway are combined - we don't all drive 55 on the highway all the time bo - so let's get real.
More important, the world is changing, bo. Every year congestion significantly increases in the U.S. and is predicted to get far worse ever year, so I don't really care about highway fuel economy.
For the majority of drivers, on the majority of their driving, they are stopped on freeways, at stop signs and red lights during part of their commutes. Those conditions produce the most pollution and result in the worst fuel efficiency. In those conditions the Escape hybrid kicks the Vue hybrid's ass - beats it around the block.
If the Vue mild hybrid is so great, why is it eventually going to become a full hybrid when GM finalizes its dual mode hybrid powertrian? Doesn't make much sense if the current hybrid Vue is so perfect, now does it?
As for GM's 23 different fuel efficient models - nobody is buying them!!! If they don't sell, they don't really matter. Plus, your again talking highway fuel economy, bo. Again, Bo, let's deal with reality. It's like buying a flex-fuel vehicle and never filling it with E85. What are you accomplishing? Oh yeah, fuel efficiency credits so you don't have to pay millions in fines for violating the law!!!!!!!!!
GM's bread and butter are gas hogs. That's a fact, bo. Without truck sales, GM is done. HMMMM. What kind of fuel economy do those trucks achieve 14, 15 mpg??? But it's our country, our truck. Just keep buying 15 mpg Silverado hybrids and all of America's problems will go away!!
Please, bo. Just because you love GM, be objective. We're not just talking fuel economy or global warming or even just American auto jobs, we're talking foreign oil dependency and America's National Security.
Is there really anything more important?
If GM keeps on its current path, America is in serious trouble, and that is precisely why I am so against GM's half-ass hybrid efforts.
GM shouldn't be chasing Toyota and Honda tail on hybrids and fuel efficiency, they should be leading the way. No country has more to gain than America by ending foreign oil dependency, yet GM would be doing nothing towards that goal if not for Toyota and Honda - THAT'S PATHETIC.
When GM gets serious about hybrid vehicles, I'll be their biggest supporter and I am extremely hopeful regarding the i-Car. Until then, however, you should follow your own advice.
As for me, I did go explore the world, that's why I strongly advocate hybrid cars. The technology is only just emerging and can incorporate flex-fuel, clean diesel, hydrogen, electricity and fuel cells into current automobile technology far faster than any other powertrain.
We're at war, bo, it's time to get serious.
