Can GM's Green Technology Derail The Toyota Juggernaut?

In the next 24 months, General Motors (GM), Chrysler, Daimler (DAI) and BMW (BMWG) will collectively bring out at least nine hybrid trucks and sport-utility vehicles, including the Chevrolet Tahoe and Chrysler's Aspen and Dodge Durango, which are being unveiled this week at the Los Angeles Auto Show. But for the conditions of a joint technology agreement among the companies, each vehicle might have a badge on its side-panel that says "GM Inside."

That's right, GM, once a laggard in fuel efficiency technology, is making its nemesis Toyota (TM)—the undisputed image leader in fuel-efficient transportation—take notice by starting a new and legitimate rivalry for the next generation of hybrid trucks and SUVs, as well as plug-in vehicles. Chrysler, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW all opted in 2005 to adopt GM's hybrid technology in a four-company venture, rather than to license Toyota's hybrid hardware.


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Porschinator - 11/19/2007 2:28:56 PM

+1 Boost

Perhaps but def not overnight. GM has several image issues with Hummer and large SUVs. GM is making a hybrid version for their large SUVs which may help, but Hummer needs some PR too.

Also Toyota has been the 'green' car company for sometime with high MPG Plain Jane small cars and compacts for decades. GM on the other hand has always had large guzzlers and is now finally changing it. Will take some time for public image to change.

Kaniver - 11/19/2007 2:43:51 PM

0 Boost

Toyota doesnt have much to worry about, GM's hybrids aren't contributing much to MPG. Look at the Malibu hybrid, you're paying a couple of thousand extra for 2 additional MPG and the prestiege of saying "I drive a hybrid." GM's SUVs arent much different...

no1listensanyway - 11/19/2007 3:08:12 PM

+2 Boost

GM was very late to this game, but they are quickly catching up. They also have the advantage of working together with other manufacturers like MB and Chrysler, which cut costs and time. Now, toyota is under the gun to counteract, with some innovative models. I believe GM announced that they will bring out a new hybrid every quarter, for next. Don't forget they hold the most patents for any company in the US.

Porschinator - 11/19/2007 3:52:17 PM

-1 Boost

Well the collaboration of GM, BMW, AND MB has been fruitful. BMW has been using GM transmissions for sometime and their Tranmission based Hybrid tech may be better than Toyotas. Not easy to place a compact hybrid system into a large vehicle and expect great MPG savings.

Hybrids in all auto comps will take sometime for hybrids to be cost effective. Technically this is the early stages and not sure if hybrids will reach its pinnacle before other tech comes out..i.e. Hydrogen.

BigShow50 - 11/19/2007 4:32:53 PM

+4 Boost

What I find interesting is how many Major Auto Corps, it takes to come with some sort of hybrid tech, and I'm sure it will have great results for all that is involved, so I can see why the Bobby boy "No Clue" Lutz is all out with a big mouth, b/c if they did this on a solo tip, he would still be sucking on his thumb sitting in the corner hoping nothing fails in their R&D let alone their production vehicles. EIther way it will take some time to prove thier hybrid tech, and as for Toyota/Lexus, they will always have their hybrid tech to be just as good, if not much better and most importantly more cost effective in the very near future...and that is doing it all on their own.

1970toyotamarc - 11/19/2007 9:17:48 PM

+2 Boost

I support GM's foray into hybrid trucks and SUVs. In fact, I'm very impressed. We should not be surprised. The EV-1 was a remarkable car. As I have mentioned before, I did have the pleasure of driving one before GM axed it. That could have been one of the biggest PR blunders the industry has ever seen. They basically gave any and all their green cred away. But if they keep on the path of these new trucks, they might just get it back.

That being said, GM is not likely to dethrone Toyota. People alway forget that Toyota does not tip their hat early to theur technological and design leaps. Who had any idea that this current gen Prius would be such a vast improvement over the last one. There is so much mis and dis information coming from Toyota City, we really have no clue what is coming up next. But count on it being another vast, remarkable leap. Count on it.

S4cabriofoxone - 11/20/2007 7:59:04 PM

+3 Boost

I think Honda and VW will also be forces to be reckoned with in the coming years. Whether it be clean diesels, hybrids, diesel-hybrids or even hydrogen power, those two companies are hard at work. The people at Toyota had better watch their backs.

woood - 11/21/2007 7:56:56 AM

0 Boost

I think if gas hybrid like Toyota's system, it would be easier for Toyota to do it with a diesel since they already have the blueprints. They probably are hard at work right now developing that. And if all car companies manage to come up with hybrids of their own, reliability and resale value will be the next big issue.

XYZZ - 11/21/2007 8:29:24 AM

+1 Boost

of course, toyota has NOT been sleeping and resting on its laurels since intro'ing the last Prius and other hybrids.

rumor has been circulating for MONTHS on the tundrahq blog about an upcoming tundra hybrid.

and some old tacoma fans haven't been happy about its increased porkiness in recent years. if there is a new tacoma hybrid too, it will KILL all other mid-size trucks.

(my old '94 toy truck gets up to 34 mpg on trips. a hybrid version should EASILY get 40+ mpg.)

XYZZ - 11/22/2007 6:53:23 AM

+1 Boost

a 40 mpg truck. entirely possible.

what's not to like with such a machine!!?