GM Marketing? How many GM hybrids do you know?
OK, I have a complaint. As noted in my November 1 blog where I was interviewed on Fox Radio (see posting), the news media was unaware of GM's hybrid fleet! While many companies have one or two hybrids available, GM has over 8! And a number within a reasonable price range and several under the Toyota Prius - with more room, I might add!
So, here we go (2009's):
Model; Base Price; Mileage City/Highway
- GMC Yukon; $50,945; 20/21
- Chevy Tahoe (2008 Green Car of the Year); $51,405; 21/22
- Cadillac Escalade; $72,865; 20/21
- Saturn Vue; $26,270!; 25/32
- Saturn Aura; $26,685!; 24/32
- Chevy Malibu; $26,225!; 24/32
With the Siverado and Sierra coming in early 2009. This does not include the Volt - the first US Production Electric Vehicle, which will be out early 2010 or other hybrids under development and the pricing does not reflect any energy rebates, tax incentives, nor special deals.
Information: http://www.gm.com/experience/fuel_economy/hybrids.jsp
Personally, I want to see more USA vehicles on the road - supporting our big three and their hard work in developing leading edge hybrid, electric and alternative fuel vehicles.
Let me know what you think about GM marketing by clicking on the 'comments' word below (next to the number) and giving a response.
posted by MotorDoc @ 8:45 AM
3 Comments
3 Comments:
GM hybrids are not in the slightest bit fuel efficient. They are a joke. I mean a Yukon hybrid?! That car is an insult to anyone who truly believes in energy dependency or the environment. Mating a v8 to a hybrid is lunacy. Cars need to be smaller, lighter and more efficient.
As for the Chevrolet Volt being the first USA production electric car... ever heard of the Tesla? Or perhaps going back a bit further, the 1912 Detroit Electric?
Dear Rick
Thank you for your comments.
The V8 is a displacement on demand engine operating, primarily, as a four cylinder except when power is needed such as when towing, carrying gear, etc. Unfortunately, I do not see the smaller vehicles carrying around equipment, towing trailers, or acting as work trucks (I am picturing ladders strapped to the top of a Prius or hanging out the rear hatch).
If we are truly working towards energy independency or the environment, people who only need vehicles for running to the store or in town to work should consider mass transportation or the programs that are starting in such places as Washington DC where they are renting out bicycles. The use of heavier vehicles for emergency services, contractors, service people, etc. just doesn't fit the smaller, lighter arena. So, my argument is - why shouldn't we improve the gas mileage on the larger vehicles? Should we keep horrible mileage on the necessary vehicles and improve mileage in the unnecessary? What about such things as park forest rangers or police? When they are idling in their emergency vehicles - how much would a town, county, or state save in fuel if they were using hybrids? When I was stuck in the snowstorm in Canada a few weeks ago, I was able to use the built-in DVD player and my computer/broadband card plugged into the vehicles 120 Volt outlet, and with the heat set for 70F, for 3.5 hours using only about a gallon of gas.
The Tesla is a hand-built vehicle with a minimum price of $115,000 and a reserve price of $55k in order to place your order for one. While it has some nice features, it is NOT a mass produced vehicle. The Volt will be the first mass-produced vehicle with a price tag under $40k. The 1912 Detroit Electric was also a hand-built vehicle. I suppose you are right, I should have defined production a bit better - assembly line versus job-shop.
I look forward to your future input.
Sincerely,
Howard
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Sharon
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