Detroit auto show update-Tahoe hybrid on the way?

General Motors plans to feature six new models, including two new concepts, for a number of its brands at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

“We understand that GM’s success in North America depends, more than anything else, on building great cars and trucks,” said Mark LaNeve, GM vice president, Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing. “The world’s media will see us demonstrate the intensity of our commitment to build vehicles that delight our customers.”

GM will feature the 2007 Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid, one early example of Saturn’s product revitalization. GM also will preview the upcoming 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Two-mode Hybrid featuring the world’s first two-mode full hybrid system in an SUV.

For premium buyers, GM will show two additional versions of the standard-bearer for luxury SUVs – the Cadillac Escalade ESV and Escalade EXT.

Two new concept vehicles also will be shown for the first time. There are no embargos for these two vehicles (the product information will be available at the time of the reveals).

Here’s a quick look at GM’s 2006 NAIAS production vehicle collection:

2007 Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid
2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Two-mode Hybrid
2007 Cadillac Escalade EXT and Escalade ESV

Homer008 - 1/2/2006 5:10:51 PM

+1 Boost

Hybrid technology started out as a joint effort between the U.S. and Japanese companies. ]
But, U.S. dropped out from this joint venture. (U.S. basically were more interested on Hydrogen and or electric cars at the time, I do believe.) ((And if my memory serves me right, German companies i.e. MB was also wagging its tail for Hydrogen cars at the time also.)) If Hydrogen cars will be a success anytime in near future..It would be safe to say Hybrid technology probably was a logical stepping stone instead of abrupt change that GM so wanted by building cars like EV1 which was complete 100% electric car or neolithic 100% hydrogen car GM built at the time for showoff.

Again, perseverance and steadfast on something you believe is paying off in time as in example for Toyota and Honda.

Homer008 - 1/2/2006 5:10:51 PM

+1 Boost

Homer008 - 1/4/2006 4:43:38 PM

+1 Boost

GM, Daimler, BMW to unveil joint hybrid plans at NAIAS

After showing an early reluctance to embrace the hybrid concept, DaimlerChrysler and BMW will join with GM to develop hybrid technology, to be used in all three brands. In a way this is almost seems like a shotgun wedding, as Toyota and Honda seem to be running away with the hybrid headlines.

Unlike the Toyota hybrid system, which is one-mode (a low speed electric motor, with a gasoline engine for high speeds), this new system will be a two-mode device, one mode for low speed and another mode for high speeds.

Homer008 - 1/4/2006 4:43:38 PM

+1 Boost

kurtismac - 1/6/2006 9:39:01 AM

+1 Boost

I think most North American car companies are dumb..why is everyone pinning hopes on hybrids..Regular hybrids (civic and accord) in some cases are just getting very few mpg over regular gas engines. Diesel gets way better....even in the UK diesels are getting much better mpgs than the so called hybrids....sure they produce nitrous oxide, but the US should be switching to low sulpur diesel pretty soon, plus particulate filters are now being supplied with diesel engines. Out side of the US modern diesels are a peach, you can't even tell that u are driving behind one in traffic. Gas hybrid (mind you i am not sure how much the two-mode system will be more efficient) in my estimation are a waste of time..if similar sized turbo diesel engines are giving similar if not better mpg (not to mention a sizable torque) surely diesel hybrids would give you significantly better mpg, power (hp and i not talking hewlette packard) and much clearner (cos modern day common rail diesels produce less CO2, the culprit behind climate change, than modern day gas engines)....I dunno how hard it will be to mate a turbo diesel engine with a hybrid..given the weight of the TD engine to start with..but imagine the significant mpg you would get..So imagine ure self in td hybrid (and not a mercury...which are carp i might add)....Americans need to wisen up about the benefits of diesel..the Europeans have..now its your turn...