Now I know this may sound incredible: GM’s dual mode hybrid system is on big trucks. How can that possibly save America from its oil addiction? Well, let me make a few loose suppositions. First, over 50% of vehicles on the road today are trucks and sport utility vehicles. GM’s dual mode hybrid system improves fuel economy by up to 50% on the vehicles on which it is installed. If you follow this through, if all trucks and SUVs were replaced with like vehicles using GM’s dual mode system, we could see a reduction in fuel demand of up to 25% nationwide. That would be huge!
Of course this is a stretch, but it does demonstrate that the key to success is in building fuel efficient vehicles that will do the work of America. While there is certainly a place for small fuel efficient vehicles, the biggest bang for our buck may be in large ones.
GM started the research in hybrid technology in its truck and bus division. GM felt that the market for hybrids was in mass transportation, and developed the first dual mode hybrids to run busses in America’s largest cities. This technology has been adapted for use in our SUVs and pickups, and will evolve for use in large cars and crossover vehicles.
Now for the real silver bullet: Hydrogen. You combust hydrogen and you get water. GM has a fleet of 100 hydrogen powered Equinox SUV’s running around Washington DC right now. It is going to take the will of congress and continued high oil prices to push for a hydrogen distribution system in the US. GM is the leader in this technology.
The GM GIANT has a Yukon Hybrid in stock now available for test drives. Come take a trip around the block in this impressive fuel saver. For more information about this and other GM products, visit us at www.gmgiant.com
3 comments:
Why doesn't chevy try and make any small (relatively) diesel car or trucks like Volkswagen, mercedes or BMW? (I don't own one, but several of my friends own volkswagens that get over 45 mpg)
-BMW just released their 520d which gets better gas mileage than the prius (it also weighs more by over 500lbs) which would allow it to offset the current high price of diesel.
If you really want our country to get independent from foreign oil, buy a motorcycle. I ride a bike and own a car (won't disclose which one because I might be seen as biased, but it's not japanese) and the bike gets around 65 mpg city/hwy.
-The motorcycle makes a great commuter vehicle for school/work while I use the car when running errands: still gets better gas mileage than the new tahoe hybrid and its over 13 years old! (mustang)
There is room for every citizen to do their part. What I illustrate is that for many, in fact most people, smaller vehicles are not their preferred choice. GM is working on many alternatives including the diesel cars and trucks you talk of. Worldwide, GM has similar offerings. The GM equinox hydrogen powered vehicle is I believe where the long term answer is to fossil fuel independence. US standards for safety are the highest in the world, as we would want them to be. So are our emission standards, again as it should be. This makes it more difficult to retro-fit those vehicles for use in the US. Be assured, GM is a market driven company. As the market demands products, they will necessarily respond. I will admit that they missed the small hybrid opportunity in the beginning. That was because they missed the reality of $3.00 plus gasoline, a mistake I am sure they are reminded of daily. That being said, they are responding and you will see these products. I am sorry to be so late responding but I have been otherwise preoccupied. Thank you for your comments. I wish I had the discipline to ride my bike to work. Good for you.
Lee
I like some of the new vehicles that GM has come out with in recent years. My dad bought a 2007 Chevy ss impala and he loves it, first new car he ever bought. It looks good, handles well and it has the cylinder deactivation feature to save gas when not accelerating. It is a big car (four door sedans usually are) and has more room than what he needs; so on workdays he takes his car to the local train station and does most of his commute using the coaster. I'm sure some people might need an SUV, but most people that I see driving them don't have anyone else in the vehicle. The worst is when I see someone driving a hummer: just them, not towing anything, not even pets. I think that if someone has the money to purchase an suv they should buy a smaller car (possibly a 2 seater) that saves gas and doesn't produce as much smog. They should save the SUV for car trips/vacations instead of solo shopping or cruising.
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