GM: Saturn Vue plug-in hybrid coming (Reuters/CNNMoney.com)

[eppur_se_muova]

CEO plans for future electrically-driven vehicles in speech.
November 29 2006: 1:57 PM EST

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) -- General Motors is working on a plug-in hybrid version of its redesigned Saturn Vue SUV, the company's CEO announced today at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

GM (Charts) Chief Executive Rick Wagoner used the appearance at the Los Angeles Auto Show Wednesday to highlight a development program the automaker hopes will be seen as a strategic shift and help distance it from its reputation as a company focused first on gas-guzzling trucks.

The effort, which focuses a greater effort in electric-driven vehicles including hybrid and fuel cell vehicles, is part of GM's bid to demonstrate how it is investing some of the $9 billion saved through a wrenching program of job cuts and plant closures.
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Plug-in hybrids are seen as a more viable alternative to all-electric vehicles because, while they can be charged by plugging into a wall outlet, they also operate by driving and charging their batteries from a gasoline engine just as cars like the Toyota Prius do.
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"I cannot give you a date certain for our plug-in hybrid at this point," Wagoner said. "But I can tell you that is a major priority for General Motors."
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more: http://money.cnn.com/2006/11/29/autos/gm_green_cars/index.htm?postversion=2006112913

[trotsky]

1. This is great to hear.

Because I was highly disappointed by my recent visit to Saturn. I've been a Saturn owner for the past 13 years, but the new direction the company seemed to be going in was perplexing. Larger sedans, two new larger SUV type vehicles, and a near-elimination of the smaller, efficient, inexpensive, yet solid cards they have made in the past. Oh don't get me wrong, the quality still seems to be there (the Aura I drove was something else!) but WTF? Let's face it - gas will never get cheap again, but Ford and GM especially seem fixated on BIGGER and FASTER. The new sedan has a trip computer and gas mileage calculator. For the ~900 miles it has been driven, it had averaged 16.4 mpg. Are you kidding me? A *car* that gets 16 mpg??

[JohnWxy]

2. damn! Recommended!

Plug in hybrids from a domestic manufacturer? NOw that's some news!

[Benhurst]

3. Recommended #3

[hatrack]

4. Key phrases: " . . . is working on . . . " " . . cannot give you a date . . . "

Sorry to sound like a sour cynical wet blanket, but 26 times burned by GM, twice shy.

I'll believe it when I see it on the showroom floor.

[Javaman]

16. Exactly, after the stunt the pulled with the EV-1, why should I trust their word?

I just want a to and from car. For getting to work. If it gets 100 miles to the charge I'm all for it. I don't want no stinking hybrid.

[MessiahRp]

5. Why hasn't anyone tried to create a car that is both an electric hybrid

and capable of running on Ethanol based fuels?

Imagine the efficiency, mileage and lack of gouge from the pump!

Rp

[Dead_Parrot]

6. Both Saab and Toyota are doing just that...

Saab are, I think, a bit farther ahead but I'd guess Toyota have more resources to throw at it, so we'll who gets there first. Here's an article on Saabs prototype: http://car-reviews.automobile.com/Saab/concept/2006-saab-biopower-hybrid-concept/1790/

[LTR]

11. I'd give the nod to Saab

They're owned by GM, and GM has been pretty gung-ho on E85. I would assume that they're a bit closer.

Nissan is the only Japanese company that has really done anything considerable with ethanol. It's mostly the Big 2 1/2 and a few European makers.

[JohnWxy]

9. Ford had one, a small SUV. although, this might have just been for an auto show.

No reason you can't do it though.

[LTR]

12. I remember reading about that

A while back, I wondered why Ford or GM (or even Toyota) didn't look into making E85 hybrids. Then Ford did a compact SUV concept doing just this. As far as I know, there were alot of problems with it. And Ford has been doing a great deal with both technologies.

And I agree with you. It doesn't sound too tough to convert an engine to ethanol. Perhaps it wasn't working well with the hybrid components.

:shrug:

[Javaman]

13. Or better still a diesel hybrid plug-in. that's the one I want. nt

[jgraz]

7. Nice, but can we get some hybrids for non-SUV-lovers?

So sick of this SUV craze. I hope to see some normal-sized cars get the fuel-economy upgrade.

[Javaman]

14. right there with you. nt

[Turn CO Blue]

8. I'd buy that for a dollar!

The Tesla proved it could be done. They can't lie to us anymore. The current batch of car companies had better get on board, or new car companies will come along and replace them PDQ.

[IDemo]

10. from Brazil: not a hybrid, but pretty sweet

The Obvio 828 from Brazil runs on any combination of ethanol or gasoline, or on natural gas. There will soon be a 100% battery electric model as well.

Now, about that paint scheme...

http://www.obvio.ind.br/obviona/Obvio%20!%20828.jpg

[Javaman]

15. Gimmie, gimmie, gimmie and electric one!! nt