[Ming]

GM's announcement comes at a time when the Big 3 face increased pressure for lagging Japan-based automakers in hybrid vehicles.

A Toyota source called the announcement "engineering by press release," saying GM is trying to buy time with public relations tactics while its competitors beat it to the technological punch.

Full article here: http://autoweek.com/cat_content.mv?port_co...t_code=07622708

:kama:

Stephens also says GM will cancel the strong-hybrid version of the Saturn Vue that was due in 2005 and instead offer a mild-hybrid Vue in 2006. That hybrid powertrain will be used in the Chevrolet Malibu sedan. It is expected to increase fuel economy in those vehicles between 12 percent and 15 percent, putting both vehicles at better than 25 mpg for city driving.

Hmm, mild hybrid must mean DOD? No, DOD was only 8 percent, so it must be some additional hybrid tech. A battery operated radio unit?

Tomorrow, tomorrow, you're always a year away....

 

[Ghrankenstein]

Jealousy, and a little bit of "small truck" syndrome...

Ghrankenstein

 

[Ming]

Is Bob's strategy of Hydrogen-first, with a passing bit of effort on hybrids going to change people's minds?

I think Toyota, thought I hate to admit it, has a point here...but maybe they simply aren't used to bearing the financial load of being on the bleeding edge and are bitter that GM won't join the game in full force yet.