Demand is stretching the limits of supply for the new Saturn Vue Green Line. There's barely a 13-day inventory of the hybrid-electric SUVs on U.S. dealer lots, reported Troy Clarke, head of General Motors' North American operations, in an industry where a 60-day supply of vehicles is considered the norm. The Green Line is GM's first true hybrid and sales have been stimulated by the low-option price for the gasoline-electric package, about $2000 more than a base Vue.
A little more than a year from now, Saturn will add a second version of the next-generation Vue. It will be powered by a new two-mode hybrid system, which GM is developing as part of a joint venture with DaimlerChrysler and BMW. Where conventional hybrids work best in stop-and-go traffic, Clarke claimed the two-mode system will be able to deliver significant fuel economy improvements during highway driving as well.
Both hybrids will be marketed simultaneously, Saturn division General Manager Jill Lajdziak told TheCarConnection.com. That will pose a "challenge," she acknowledged, making it clear to consumers what the differences are between the two hybrid models. It is still being decided whether both will be designed Green Lines, or if Saturn will adopt another brand for the two-mode system.
More after the jump:
Full 2006 LA Auto Show photos (click the link below)
2006 LA Auto Show Photo Gallery
AutoSpies.com Photo Galleries
Read Article