GM CEO says company developing Saturn-branded plug-in hybrid

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(JackDodge @ Nov 29 2006, 03:38 PM) [snapback]355343[/snapback]</div>

Since GM can't keep the trim glued to my Intrigue, tells me the wind whistle doesn't exist and can't keep all of the button lights illuminated for six years I doubt they have the capability to build a quality hybrid. However, the competition should be beneficial.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Marlin @ Nov 29 2006, 11:42 AM) [snapback]355301[/snapback]</div>

What's interesting is that more Toyota rumors come true than GM announcements. Toyota is rumored to have a plug-in Prius coming. I bet Toyota beats GM to market.

I WILL buy the GM car if it comes to market first.

Nate

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Bryanmsi @ Nov 29 2006, 03:20 PM) [snapback]355363[/snapback]</div>

No, it has to be earned... like a credit for each sale. If they don't sell anything, nothing is earned. If they only produce a few, they won't get much in return.

Without doing something that actually makes a difference, why should they be given any praise?

Talk is cheap. Merit requires action.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(naterprius @ Nov 29 2006, 09:30 PM) [snapback]355518[/snapback]</div>

It seems like Honda or Toyota would have to be much much closer to a plug in hybrid. From my understanding of the GM system, it's using the alternator via the accessory drive belt to restart the motor after stopping. That design doesn't seem to lend itself for much further development, whereas something like a Prius or Civic hybrid seems like it could be converted to plug in use with a bigger battery pack and a charger.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Beryl Octet @ Nov 30 2006, 12:27 AM) [snapback]355551[/snapback]</div>

GM has two systems... they have a mild system that is being used in the Vue and will be in the Aura/Malibu shortly. They also have a full system which will be in the Tahoe and Vue this coming summer.

The Vue with the full system is supposed to have 50% better mileage than the regular Vue.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Jonnycat26 @ Nov 29 2006, 11:36 PM) [snapback]355559[/snapback]</div>

You learn something new every day. Thanks!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Jonnycat26 @ Nov 30 2006, 12:36 AM) [snapback]355559[/snapback]</div>

Yep, that IS what GM says. OTOH, when is the last time GM lived up to it's hype ?

For comparison purposes, the Camry hybrid 4 cyl GETS V6 power, and outperforms the non hybrid 4 cyl by 38% MPG wise. The design is simpler than GM's, is 3rd gen, has a proven record of outstanding reliability, and will be updated to 4rth generation by the time GM comes out with their first iteration. Toyota expects ~ 20% mpg improvement. And if that is not enough to put the final nail in GM's hybrid plans coffin, toyota estimates they will halve the HSD cost by gen 4.

The only thing good that can come of GM's announcement is Toyota pushing a little harder to get their plug-in to market earlier; and for that I am grateful.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(EricGo @ Nov 30 2006, 08:33 AM) [snapback]355624[/snapback]</div>

My twice dead Prius with it's potential cracking steering column and once replaced MFD would love to disagree about that 'outstanding reliability'.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Jonnycat26 @ Nov 30 2006, 10:20 AM) [snapback]355660[/snapback]</div>

Well, there's a reason GM is pushing their 100K warranty. And it's not because everyone thinks their products are reliable and durable.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mojo @ Nov 29 2006, 04:35 PM) [snapback]355371[/snapback]</div>

The UAW is just as much a part of the problem as the bean counters. It's not management alone that makes crappy cars. You sound like one of the shop rats 'it's management's fault, it's Japan's fault, it's the U.S. government's fault, it's the customer's fault, it's everyone's fault but ours because we don't do anything....wrong. We just do what we're told yep yep yep.' Until the shoprats take reponsibility for their part in building junky cars that no one wants, I doubt that GM will ever get on the true road to recovery. You never ever hear them striking for more responsibility for more control in how the cars are built. If they did that, fighting for the customer, they'd have my undying support but they never do. They're just like managment: they just don't care about anything or anyone but themselves; the customer is the last person they think about.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(JimN @ Nov 29 2006, 09:30 PM) [snapback]355516[/snapback]</div>

True. :lol: maybe at least your GM car won't burn gasoline while you sit in the long line at the dealership's service bay to get the latest problem fixed.

 

Just found the video of the guy walking on stage with the certificate that I showed earlier.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoQkVYn0gCU

 

Ah. And the fallout immediately after.

"That guy should be taken out behind the building and thrashed... and I'm more than capable of doing it."

Hey, we're smart guys doing the best we can.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFDjz1VqFlE

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(darelldd @ Nov 30 2006, 12:51 PM) [snapback]355759[/snapback]</div>

I'd love to beat GM to the punch and get mine converted to PHEV but it's still priced at $32,000 which is pretty steep. Any idea when the conversion is going to come down in price?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DaveinOlyWA @ Nov 29 2006, 08:59 PM) [snapback]355500[/snapback]</div>

Guys, I have some inside knowledge on this, they have teamed with a major player on this plug in technology. Here is a super secret image I was able to capture :lol:



Its the perfect addition to their "hybrid" system in the Vue. It will charge a low battery overnight and you can plug it in almost anywhere!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(JackDodge @ Nov 30 2006, 12:19 PM) [snapback]355865[/snapback]</div>

For my money, a made-at-the-factory plug-in is THE answer. Conversions are a GREAT way to show viability, and I give tons of credit to those who are willing and able to afford to go that way. There are just too many built-in limitations for me to get too excited about actually doing the conversion on my own vehicle. I'd much rather sell my current car, and buy a new unit with full warranty, etc. Even if the conversions come down in price, those pesky limitations of "it wasn't supposed to run on battery power" will bite us in teh butt.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Jonnycat26 @ Nov 30 2006, 11:20 AM) [snapback]355660[/snapback]</div>

It's about time you took your car in to have the steering wheel PREVENTIVE recall performed. While you are at it, the TSB's that dealt *years* ago with engine stalls might be a good idea too.

Do everybody a favor: don't forget to fill your fuel tank. I know you will have less to whine about, but have some consideration for the drivers around you.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(EricGo @ Nov 30 2006, 05:20 PM) [snapback]355915[/snapback]</div>

Done and done... would rather they hadn't been necessary in the first place tho, wouldn't you? Or perhaps you're that rare bird who likes recalls?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(efusco @ Nov 30 2006, 05:48 PM) [snapback]355932[/snapback]</div>

And other than the stalling issue, none of the recalls were really related to the Hybrid system.

My take on it is this: When the Vue Hybrid was launched, GM delayed it for 2 weeks because they found a bug where diagnostic tools were reporting incorrect information from the hybrid system. The Prius had the exact same issue, but they launched it anyway and recalled it later. GM knows they can't screw up. Toyota is coasting on their reputation.

I trust the motivated manufacturer more than the one who's coasting.