News: GM planning dedicated high efficiency hybrid (in addition to the Volt)

[MetroMPG]

GM has apparently learned the lesson Honda did with its Accord: consumers aren't keen on hybrids that don't return significant fuel economy improvements, and they seem to prefer the vehicle to be distinctive from the "regular" models in the line-up.

GM has cancelled its Malibu "mild" hybrid.

Chevrolet manger Ed Peper "disclosed to GM-Volt.com that GM is now working to develop an extremely fuel efficient dedicated hybrid besides the Volt."

“I think when we bring out a hybrid, and I think its very important, we’ve got to make sure it has significantly better fuel economy than a non-hybrid,” said Peper.

source: GM Planning Dedicated High Efficiency Hybrid Sedan | GM-VOLT : Chevy Volt Electric Car Site

[tasdrouille]

Good news, but the return of Lutz to GM makes me think there'll be just more of the same ol GM. I really hope I'm wrong though.

[bwilson4web]

There are more than one hybrid architecture that can work. Rather than get into a hissy-fit, I'm glad they 'learned a lesson' but the clock keeps on ticking.

Bob Wilson

[theycallmeebryan]

In my opinion...

GM dropped the ball when they took back all the EV1's and crushed them.....

I will not be satisfied with them again until they offer another car like it. The Volt still doesnt cut it...

Hybrids do not rid us of dependency on foreign oil....

[Old Tele man]

...back in 1982, a SAE newletter stated that GM had a 60 mpg two-seater (Fiero?) but wasn't going to produce it because GM management didn't feel there was a "market" for such a car.

...Toyota (MR2), Mazda (Miata), and Honda (S2000) simply went out and "made" a market right under GM's nose...albeit, not at 60 mpg however!

[cfg83]

tasdrouille -

Originally Posted by tasdrouille

Good news, but the return of Lutz to GM makes me think there'll be just more of the same ol GM. I really hope I'm wrong though.

Ibid.

I can't believe Lutz is back. He's like a Zombie.

CarloSW2

[Frank Lee]

“I think when we bring out a hybrid, and I think its very important, we’ve got to make sure it has significantly better fuel economy than a non-hybrid,” said Peper.

Gee Mr. Peper... Ya think? Me, I just want the extra weight, cost, complexity, and maintenance for no other reason. Yeah.

[Frank Lee]

Originally Posted by Old Tele man

...back in 1982, a SAE newletter stated that GM had a 60 mpg two-seater (Fiero?) but wasn't going to produce it because GM management didn't feel there was a "market" for such a car.

...Toyota (MR2), Mazda (Miata), and Honda (S2000) simply went out and "made" a market right under GM's nose...albeit, not at 60 mpg however!

Not Fiero, but GM TPC (Two Person Commuter)- the Grand Daddy to the Metro; different market than the sports cars. Idjits should have built it right away.

Dang, hadta go all the way to Russia for these pics!

[cfg83]

Frank -

That reminds me soooo much of the Ford Gnat (by Ghia). Never found a picture of it at that Russian site, though. Only saw it once at the LA car show (late 1970's?!?!).

Makes me wonder if the 1st gen CRX got some inspiration from the TPC.

CarloSW2

[Frank Lee]

Here: http://news.google.com/newspapers?ni...g=6238,4202876



Other lil Fords...