GM and others announce hybrid project

This isn't new.

They're just re-re-re-re-announcing it to keep it in the news until they actually have something to sell.

I'd expect a new 'announcement' about every two months for at least the next two year.

 

We should applaud ANY effort to make these more efficient.


and CLEANER

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(wstander @ Aug 11 2006, 12:57 PM) [snapback]301592[/snapback]</div>

Efficient is in the eye of the beholder.

I don't consider the "hybrid" Silverado to be that efficient.

 

Can anyone spell Smoke Screen? h34r:

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Godiva @ Aug 11 2006, 02:26 PM) [snapback]301614[/snapback]</div>

On the other hand, the hybrid Vue is more efficient than the Hybrid Highlander and RX$00.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Godiva @ Aug 11 2006, 11:26 AM) [snapback]301614[/snapback]</div>

And I don't consider the Prius all that efficient for hauling lumber and debris, either

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(wstander @ Aug 11 2006, 01:54 PM) [snapback]301636[/snapback]</div>

Fair enough, but it is hard to dispute that the vast majority of LARGE vehicles (SUV's/Minivans) end up sold to people that just don't have to haul that kind of stuff even once a year. I think one of the comics on Last Comic Standing said it best when he described the Mom driving the Expedition and you look all the way in the back row and see her one child sitting there all strapped in.

It's really silly when you think about how our parents and their parents fit everyone and everything you needed into a wagon or sedan for a vacation, yet these days a soccer mom can't live without a Expedition to haul two kids to soccer practice.

Americans have succumbed to the 'bigger is better' theory when it comes to vehicles, and it isn't necessary. That is why it is funny that these American car manufacturers who suddenly can't sell these ginormous vehicles that they banked on joining into the hybrid game with the same large vehicles.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Jonnycat26 @ Aug 11 2006, 01:30 PM) [snapback]301617[/snapback]</div>

You know very well that Highlander-Hybrid was not optimized for efficiency, so that comparison isn't objective.

In the end the "full" hybrids are a better choice. Give up your propaganda for "assist" hybrids.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(john1701a @ Aug 11 2006, 04:01 PM) [snapback]301672[/snapback]</div>

I can point out the Highlander's flaws if you can point out the Accord's flaws... fair is fair.

And I don't know what's the better choice. And I don't care. I buy based on efficiency.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Jonnycat26 @ Aug 11 2006, 01:41 PM) [snapback]301701[/snapback]</div>

One should buy based on their needs and what they can afford. If you have a need to constantly haul lumber and/or debris, buy something that will be able to handle the load. If you only occasionally need to haul things, get something smaller/more efficient for regular driving and rent a truck or other large vehicle for those must-haul instances.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Jonnycat26 @ Aug 11 2006, 03:41 PM) [snapback]301701[/snapback]</div>

The fact that you "don't care" about smog-related emissions is really unfortunate.

All of the "full" hybrids from Toyota are SULEV or cleaner. That "assist" Vue you keep singing praise about isn't.

Efficiency only is not a complete solution.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(john1701a @ Aug 11 2006, 05:15 PM) [snapback]301730[/snapback]</div>

Well, given that the Toyota hybrids are the dirtiest hybrid SUVs around, I don't know how anyone could sing their praises if they care about emissions. And as you know the VUE's emission ratings aren't on the EPA site, which is odd considering it's on sale now... but I wouldn't be surprised if it's higher than the HH as well.

How come the "assist" hybrids from Honda and GM are rated higher than Toyota's "full" Lexus hybrids?

Please don't reply until you can answer.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Jonnycat26 @ Aug 11 2006, 04:49 PM) [snapback]301749[/snapback]</div>

SULEV is an standard emission category, used to prevent greenwashing attempts just like yours... a contribution to the smoke screen.

Some hybrids achieve it, others don't. Honda's weren't clean enough originally, now they are. Nothing in GM's promotion has mentioned having achieved a SULEV rating.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(john1701a @ Aug 11 2006, 06:01 PM) [snapback]301755[/snapback]</div>

Well, the EcoTec in the Ion/Cobalt gets a PZEV rating, which is higher than the Lexus's SULEV ratings. So I can't imagine that adding a hybrid component to the EcoTec would make it dirtier. Thanks for trying tho, always a pleasure!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Jonnycat26 @ Aug 11 2006, 05:07 PM) [snapback]301757[/snapback]</div>

More greenwashing. You are doing everything you can to avoid facing the fact that Vue-Hybrid is not SULEV.

Post all the distraction content you want. It won't change that reality.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(john1701a @ Aug 11 2006, 06:21 PM) [snapback]301761[/snapback]</div>

What is it's rating John?

Edit: According to the preview on About.com, it may in fact be a SULEV. They don't have a confirmation yet. Apology accepted tho!

 

It took that long for you to finally acknowledge emission ratings. Phew! Too bad all you could find was a comment that it might be from an enthusiast.

Why is information from GM totally absent? That's highly suspicious... more smoke, definitely nothing solid.

 

The reason the 2007 Saturn Green Line emissions classification isn't listed is because it's a 2007; it's brand new and hasn't yet been rated by the EPA, it's not GM's call.

Here are the facts:
2006 Toyota Highlander hybrid starts at $33,635; annual GHG emissions: 6.0 tons; combined fuel economy: 30mpg

2007 Saturn VUE Green Line starts at $22,995; annual GHG emissions: 6.4 tons; combined fuel economy: 29mpg

This means more small SUV buyers will be able to afford a clean, efficient model. GM is also rolling the BAS technology into the Chevrolet Equinox this fall and many of it's cars starting in 2007. It seems like you folks would welcome this affordable hybrid for what it does, help reduce emissions and fuel consumption. I guess if it's not an import it's just not good enough.

Oh, and: http://priuschat.com/index.php?act=ST&f=24&t=23087

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(AndrewGS @ Aug 11 2006, 06:59 PM) [snapback]301806[/snapback]</div>

Any technology that actually delivers improvements to both smog-related emissions & efficiency is welcome. I don't welcome a hybrid that implies that it is cleaner, but actually is not. The lack of a SULEV rating makes the imposters easy to identify.

The other nonsense we have to deal with on a regular basis is hype... like the story running on NPR right now. The two-mode "full" hybrid design won't be rolled out in large quantities. So even though it will supposedly deliver, very few people will actually get to buy one. Lots of talk, few that benefit.