GM Considering Voltec Chevy Orlando MPV

As you may be aware, it is not possible to find a high efficiency hybrid people mover. There is a glaring complete absence of hybrid minivans, large or small in the marketplace. Needless to say, this is a popular and useful vehicle type in American society yet the creation of a fuel efficient version has been neglected by all automakers.
You might be interested in reading a piece I wrote about this on AllCarsElectric.com called Hybrid Minivans: the road not taken.
Inspired and concerned, I reached out to GM vice chairman Bob Lutz to share with him what I see as a significant need, and wrote him the following in an email:
I wanted to point out the lack of a aerodynamic high-tech hybrid people mover with seating for 6 or 7 in the marketplace.
Families looking for a crossover/minivan/microvan size car that can hold 3 adults + 3 or 4 children and contain a strong hybrid drivetrain, getting > 40MPG will find nothing at all.
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thstone - 8/3/2009 5:19:18 PM

+1 Boost

Who wrote this? The King of Obvious?

The problem isn't that the automakers have failed to recognize the market for a 40mpg minivan, its that they can't reach the performance criteria at a reasonable price.

tango - 8/3/2009 6:12:39 PM

+1 Boost

40mpg minivan you say? There are plenty on the streets in Europe actually. FIAT Multipla, 44.1mpg. Ford Galaxy, 47.1mpg. Mazda5, 46.3mpg (comb). Peugeot 807, 40.9mpg. SEAT Alhambra, 47.1mpg. VW Sharan, 47.1mpg. Oh, just so you know, these figures are average mileage, and these vehicles are all diesels. Read it and weep.

veyron1001 - 8/3/2009 6:45:49 PM

0 Boost

Same with Japan. US wont let them in because it will hurt domestic sales and some other things they make up.

Bmw8ter - 8/3/2009 7:29:17 PM

+1 Boost

European cycle or U.S. cycle? Something tells me those are European cycle figures.