Hybrids here and in China

[surferdude00711]

GM Planning Major Hybrid Invasion of China

GM TO LAUNCH HYBRIDS HERE IN 2007

Calling it a "very important strategy," General Motors is finalizing plans to roll out at least two hybrid models in China, revealed Troy Clarke, director of the automaker's Asia/Pacific region. Though he declined to provide precise details, Clarke indicated the plan is to launch both a mid-size, front-wheel-drive sedan - likely a Buick - and a crossover sport-utility "very quickly after" GM launches a new generation of hybrids in the U.S. in 2007. The Chinese models would be equipped with a second-generation of the Advanced Hybrid System, or AHS2, roughly similar to the "full" hybrid Toyota now uses in its Prius sedan. And like Toyota, Clarke indicated GM would prefer to build its hybrid models in China for domestic consumption. Final details, he added, will depend on Chinese government policies. Regulators indicated in June their desire to increase fuel economy in the fast-growing Chinese market, and for good reason considering the booming demand for imported petroleum. "We need more of an indication from the Chinese government how they will incentivize these vehicles," said Clarke. The heavier the incentives, he believes, the bigger the likely demand.

[gmsickofan]

I wonder if this means GM Daewoo is working on Hybrids?

[kmacleod]

Isn't AHS the "Full Hybrid" system that was to be deployed in '07 (Then GM changed their minds) in the Malibu and Vue? I remember seeing a prototype of that drivetrain @ NAIAS '03......

I think GM should be working on getting this system as an option across the board
ASAP in North America......

Ken

[tgagneguam]

..."We need more of an indication from the Chinese government how they will incentivize these vehicles," said Clarke.

I wonder how this what's-in-it-for-me attitude will play out. And I hope it doesn't mean that other companies, most notably the forward-thinking, longterm-focused Far East manufacturers, won't gain a perceived technical advantage over GM by offering hybrids earlier while GM waits to see what the Chinese government is willing to do to subsidize its investment.

[surferdude00711]

Which cars will be available Hybrids?

[AdmiralViscen]

The Japanese won't be stealing GM's Chinese thunder anytime soon.

[gerardo_zg]

I think the first generation is the one that is currently being use by the Silverado Hybrid.

[FoMoCo Fan]

GM and DCX are getting beat badly in the hybrid race. You can debate the mertis of the technology and GM's hybrid strategy, but it is a risky move.