Jalopnik
Automotive News is reporting the General's new dual-mode hybrid powertrain, which has two electric motors to assist the engine, and is one of what may be up to three new hybrid powertrain systems for the General, costs $10,000. The dual-mode hybrid system is designed to be dropped into the upcoming hybrid versions of the GMT-900 twins, the GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Tahoe. Although considering the Toyota Highlander hybrid costs about $8,000 more than the base model Toyota Highlander, this sounds pretty much in line with the rest of the industry. But, to make a more steal-like deal out of the dual-mode expected to cut 25% of the fuel consumption in the big SUV's, we're also hearing GM's looking to subsidize the cost. Sounds like a smart marketing move to us but we'll see if it translates to a sticker price that'll push big beasts out of dealer lots.
GM may eat hybrid cost (sub. req.) [Automotive News]
Related:
Tahoe Hybrid to be Produced In Texas; LA Auto Show: 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid Unveiled [internal]
Comments
"Cost" is the most overloaded word in business. If they only built one functioning Dual Mode system, it would "cost" several hundred million dollars. If they build millions, then it might "cost" a couple of thousand dollars per unit.
Let's hope they build millions ;)
A 25% decrease in feul consumption doesn't seem like a big savings to me, certainly not one worth 10 grand. That's going from 19 mpg to 24 mpg, right?
@B: "If" GM does this I'm sure that someone can find a way to *tweak* that percentage up a bit. This would be a smart move if all the numbers(gas cost, etc) crunch right...
Calling this a "subsidy" is pretty inaccurate.
@bcjohnso99:
I completely agree -- the big 2.1 are so concerned with cost that they shoot themselves in the foot on tangible quality. If they want to save on cost, they can start deleting the useless garbage that is added to vehicles that no one asks for ... plastic trim and chrome, for starters.
It's about time GM got in the hybrid game, because they have a lot of catching up to do.
Ten grand? A diesel engine plus T2B5 exhaust gas aftertreatment for a large pick-up would carry perhaps half that premium and, deliver similar or greater gains in fuel economy (based on fuel volume).
@platformhoon
if? there is no if! these hybrids WILL be produced. for gods sake they already have it listed as a vehicle for sale on their website
@al2six: please state GM's definition of a hybrid?....
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