GM to limit Malibu hybrid to 11 markets

Hi Cwerdna,

Apparently the "southeast, deep south and midwest" do not have any high volume Chevy dealarships. I vote we keep it that way !!!

 

So is the Malibu hybrid even supposed to get over 40mpg?? Doesn't look like it will....

 

The hybrid system only delivers a 2 MPG improvement... and no improvement in smog-related emissions.

 

If predict when (if?) the Volt comes out, they'll pull the same stunt with that. Hey, it worked to keep the EV-1 off the road!

 

Next newsflash: Will it be? ... "It'll only be a 2 seater ... Lease Only ..." then, "See? Nobody likes it, so we mize well crush'em"

 

Malibu mileage

Nope. 24 and 32, which is only 2 mpg better than the regular Malibu.
See http://www.hybridcars.com/compacts-sedans/chevy-malibu-hybrid.html

 

Is there a vegas line on whether the volt will come out?

 

Wow, it will take awhile to pay back that hybrid premium, won't it?

 

After 8 years, this is what GM is offering as Prius competition?

Maybe the markets where it is not being offered are the markets GM is trying to protect.

 

What hybrid premium? GM will probably be offering rebates to get them off the lots.

 

I'm still agog at this 2 mpg increase. Jeeze, just have the conventional Malibu tire pressure increased by 5 psi and you have the same return almost....or maybe that's what the extra premium is for.

 

Perhaps this is GM's embrace, excrete, extinguish strategy for hybrids matching the excellent job they did on diesels back in the 80's.

 

GM has already tested the market with their BAS Silverado and Saturn VUE and no doubt discovered they don't sell in some markets. In North Alabama, the local Republicans think hybrids are a Democratic plot and won't consider one for political reasons regardless of the technology.

Given what a poor technology a BAS is, I wouldn't wish one on anyone. Yet the last time I discussed this with someone from GM, their answer was 'something better is coming.' But in the meanwhile, this poor excuse for a hybrid, the BAS, will carry the label GM.

Bob Wilson

 

Have Automakers not learned?

Have the Automakers not learned from the Honda Accord Hybrid mistakes.

You cannot just strap on hybrid components onto a standard production line car with minimal improvements and expect it to sell.

The market will not go for a "standard" car with hybrid components especially if there is going to be a premium to pay. Heck people want a better warranty on the hybrid components plus tax breaks.

There is NO way that I would buy this hybrid malibu with only a slight increase in mpg and no emissions improvements.

What a shame, I really would love to by a GM vehicle, but they just don't get it. That 1988 Olds of my father-in-law just lasts forever.

Build the right hybrid (or EV) and they will come.

Actually, build the right hybrid (or EV) and there will be a WAITING LIST and you can forget about special distribution or even marketing.

 

The Malibu Hybrid is $1835 more than a Malibu LT1. That's a little high for a miserable 2 mpg increase and, like the expensive Silverado 'hybrid' that returned a negligible mpg increase, I suspect that unless the price of gas rises exponentially, the Malibu Hybrid will be cancelled just as quickly as the Silverado hybrid was.

 

Actually the hyhi and the Lexus 400h do pretty good just 'strapping on' HSD. The difference is that Toyota's system just works better.

 

You're assuming GM wants this turkey to sell, which is not a good assumption.