Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

GM cancels next-gen hybrid truck/SUV program

According to a report from GMInsideNews.com, General Motors has shut down its hybrid program for company's next-generation of full-size pickup trucks and sport-utility vehicles. Currently, the Chevrolet Silverado, Tahoe, GMC Sierra, Yukon and Cadillac Escalade all use the two-mode hybrid technology.

Historically, the two-mode hybrid models have not sold well, and only yield minor improvements in overall fuel economy. In most applications, the two-mode hybrid system is rated at 20 miles per gallon in the city and 23 mpg highway.

GMI reports that it's unusual for programs like this to be shut down so close to the launch of a new vehicle – the next-generation trucks/SUVs are scheduled to debut for the 2014 model year – but that many sources within GM are not surprised about the move. These new full-size hybrids were reportedly supposed to use an updated two-mode system, featuring a smaller displacement V8 engine, upgraded battery storage (using a more modern lithium-ion pack) and revamped electric motors, according to GMI.

When contacted by Autoblog, a GM spokesperson only stated that the automaker could "not comment on future products or related technologies."

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/31/g...k-suv-program/

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

The real reason being they heard Ford and Toyota joined forces developing hybrid pickup technology and simply gave up

spwolf

GM spent so much money on Volt that will sell 20k this year, and now they dont have money to develop hybrids that Toyota sells >1,000,000 per year...

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

another govt funded green initiative that fails.

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

Hybrid trucks were wrong in the first place. People never counted on trucks to be significantly fuel efficient.

However, people demand small cars and family sedans to boast spectacular fuel efficiency, which currently is the 40+ mpg benchmark.

Let GM stop making hybrid trucks, and move on to hybrid cars...

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Let's at least get a small diesel V8 in a 1/2 ton pickup first

RXSF

I think the gaudy hybrid sticker badging is to blame too

Fizzboy7

This is a mistake. Fuel economy will continue to take center stage in the auto and truck industry. It's all everyone talks about, including the Big Three with their current trucks. Gas prices/fuel economy is what dimmed the SUV craze five years ago and will continue to hold it back.
This misstep is yet another sign shades of the old GM still exists. Against the grain decisions and botched releases are still regularly happening.

oldcajun

GM did not spend the effort to develop a "real" hybrid. Their system was considered a mild hybrid and was more like the European system the just shuts the engine down when stopped. The GM hybrid did not match the Ford Ecoboost pick-up in either mileage or power. No wonder it was dropped. There is a real market for something like the RX450 system for pick-ups and SUV's that are used in town for service or delivery. So far, no one has tapped this market.

Steve

Och

iTrader: (3)

Forget diesels, they are a dying breed. The newest diesel emission regulations are so strict that new diesels are extremely complicated, not very reliable, and very expensive to maintain and repair. And because of the emission regulations they are not efficient either. My 2005 6.0 powerstroke diesel gets roughly double the mileage of the new 6.7 powerstroke.

Sulu

So is that the end of the Dual-Mode Hybrid system? GM developed it initially for hybrid buses (through its then-subsidiary Allison Transmission, which has since been sold off), then went into a joint venture with BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Chrysler (then one company as DaimlerChrysler, before Chrysler was divorced from MB). The original hybrid transmission embedded 2 electric motors in a 4-speed automatic but its operational concept seemed to be much more complicated than Toyota's (and Ford's) hybrid systems.

BMW and MB did start using it in their cars, but seem to have given it up. Chrysler did start using it in their trucks, but have since given it up. And GM had originally promised to downsize it into a transverse layout for a FWD Saturn Vue Hybrid crossover but that never happened and the Dual-Mode Hybrid never appeared in anything except GM's trucks.

Was it because the Dual-Mode Hybrid is too complicated or was GM not able to make up its mind, and spread too much effort and resources on too many other types of hybrid systems -- the Belt-Alternator-Starter (BAS) in the previous-generation Malibu, the next-gen/improved eAssist system and, of course, the Volt's plug-in hybrid system (that has a transmission remarkably like Toyota's and Ford's power-split device)? Toyota (and Ford) decided to concentrate on one type of hybrid system (the power-split device) and have done much better in terms of sales.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Newer doesn't have to mean more efficient. Just more power!

LexFather

Sad to read.

spwolf

problem is that all of their technology is crap and hence nobody is buying it and hence it being discontinued.

Toyota has mild hybrid system in Japan for 7-8 years now, even paired with diesel engine.

LexFather

I refuse to believe there isn't a market here for big vehicles with better fuel economy. Its a "have your cake and eat it too" proposition. Imagine a full size truck or a 7 seat big SUV getting 25-30 MPG. It would sell incredibly well once the cost doesn't skyrocket.

Shame, I thought they were on to something.