The company has not announced plans to install a hybrid powertrain in any other vehicles. The Chrysler group is about a year from launching a diesel-electric version of the Ram pickup. plans to start production of its mid-sized hybrid Escape HEV in July, followed by a gasoline-electric version of the upcoming Futura sedan. GM's announcement comes at a time when the Big 3 face increased pressure for lagging Japan-based automakers in hybrid vehicles.Ī Toyota source called the announcement "engineering by press release," saying GM is trying to buy time with public relations tactics while its competitors beat it to the technological punch.įord Motor Co. GM will phase out that truck when the new one is introduced in the 2007 model year, a GM source says. GM is sticking with its plans to produce a mild-hybrid version of the Silverado pickup that is to start production in about six weeks. It is expected to increase fuel economy in those vehicles between 12 percent and 15 percent, putting both vehicles at better than 25 mpg for city driving. That hybrid powertrain will be used in the Chevrolet Malibu sedan. Stephens also says GM will cancel the strong-hybrid version of the Saturn Vue that was due in 2005 and instead offer a mild-hybrid Vue in 2006. That would increase the city mpg from its current 16 to more than 20. The total fuel economy gain from the hybrid powertrain and displacement-on-demand is estimated to be in the 30 percent to 35 percent range. This is a computerized engine management system that turns off unneeded cylinders when the truck reaches highway speeds. Independent of the hybrid powertrain, the vehicles will use GM's displacement-on-demand technology. The GM trucks will use a 300-volt battery pack. A mild hybrid uses an electric motor to provide boost upon acceleration. Discover the latest lineup in new Ford vehicles Explore hybrid & electric vehicle options, see photos, build & price, search inventory, view pricing & incentives & see the latest technology & news happening at Ford. The 5.3-liter V-8 would be mated to two 40-hp electric motors.Ī strong hybrid, such as the Toyota Prius, uses an electric motor to drive the vehicle at slow speeds. A scaled-down version of the hybrid powertrain developed by GM's Allison division for use in city buses would power the vehicles. Thomas Stephens, GM's global powertrain chief, says the automaker will offer strong hybrid versions of the Chevrolet Silverado and Tahoe and GMC Sierra and Yukon. Last week, GM made sweeping changes to its plans for more fuel-efficient vehicles, saying it will use gasoline-electric powertrains and displacement-on-demand technology in some of its highest volume vehicles. That is about the same fuel economy as many mid-sized cars. DETROIT - General Motors' decision to build hybrid full-sized pickups and SUVs means those vehicles would deliver more than 20 mpg in city driving.
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