2012: GM’s hybrid offensive begins?
Was the dual mode Vue hybrid a contender?
GM has been talking about a big increase in it’s hybrid vehicle portfolio for a number of years now. Today, GM reiterated those plans of 14 new hybrid vehicles by 2012.
Since that statement, MotorTrend has tried to guess GM’s future hybrid line up. Sadly, outside of the Chevy Volt, not much looks that impressive. Hopefully, 14 different models, some rebadged, will collectively help GM move some hybrids and provide some scalability for these technologies.
Ultimately, however, there are still some key questions. First, can an updated BAS System with lithium really make GM’s mild hybrids that much more compelling? Second, will the dual mode hybrid powertrain ever be cost-effective, especially in smaller SUVs and crossovers that might not need all the functionality that the dual mode hybrid powertrain provides?
Regardless, I’d prefer just one or two new hybrid models, each capable of selling at least 50,000 units per year, instead of 7 more that each sell 10,000 units, or less, per year. Thus, I’m hoping, possibly beyond hope, that GM has at least one hybrid wild card up its sleeve.
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