Saturn Has Dual Hybrid Vue Strategy

Link to Original Article @ The Car Connection

Even as it rolls out its first gasoline-electric vehicle, General Motors' Saturn division is laying out plans for an unusual dual-hybrid strategy. The Vue Green Line is Saturn's first hybrid-electric vehicle. Sold as a $2000 option, it is not only GM's first non-truck hybrid, but also one of the market's most affordable.

The Green Line is what some call a "mybrid," or "mild" hybrid, among other things meaning it does not have the capability of running on battery power alone. But a more advanced and feature-laden hybrid system is now under development, part of a joint venture between GM, DaimlerChrysler and BMW. This two-mode system is expected to reach production status about the time Saturn rolls out the next-generation version of the Vue, late in calendar year 2007.

At that point, the GM division plans to offer both the mybrid version of the crossover, as well as a two-mode hybrid version of the Vue, explains the marque's general manager, Jill Lajdzick. "One will be very cost competitive," she explains, while the other "will be more aggressive (in terms of capabilities) and will come in at a higher price point."

Lajdzick admits the dual-hybrid strategy could prove a little confusing to potential customers, but she believes that it will ultimately play well in a market where price is critical, but "fuel economy will remain top-of-mind."-Paul A. Eisenstein

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I suspect this means the BAS Green Line VUE 'Classic' will be produced along with the new dual-mode VUE?

like the strategy. big time.

wow, GM really understands how to play this game!

3.6L+6speed with the more complex hybrid option is definitely a great combo. It should be offered in the new Lambdas, Malibu, Aura...

3.6L+6speed with the more complex hybrid option is definitely a great combo. It should be offered in the new Lambdas, Malibu, Aura...

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unless the fwd's dual modes are 6 speeds, i thought they were just 4speeds..? but even a 3.6L w/ the dual mode sounds fun lol maybe they'll upgrade the bas' 2.4L maybe have a mid v6 w/ the 2 mode.. or something else....?

as long as GM makes money on it, more options are allways great.

By late 2007, won't the new 2008 VUE be out by then? If that's the case, that would be pretty cool if GM had the Hybrid model came out at the same time as the new generation model.

offer plug in too.

That's a great strategy to be able to quickly advertise the "second generation" VUE hybrid a year after the first.

offer plug in too.

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Patience .... 2007 NAIAS

That's pretty smart, they should offer this system in more cars

Patience .... 2007 NAIAS

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And reliable sources on this? And will it be in the form of a Saab?