2008 Saturn Dual Hybrid Vue

[BobbyP]

Snip from Car Connection...

Saturn Has Dual Hybrid Vue Strategy
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

[montrealvue]

......whyc can't GM just keep things SIMPLE???? Buyers don't want to be comparing "levels of hybrid".....they want it the technology or they don't. Sounds like they are late in the market in introducing a hybrid vehicle and are playing up the "mybrid" for now.....

[sspeer]

I can see a bit of the value. I think there are alot of people that want to be greener (especially if it means saving the greener in the wallet)

I would guess the milder hybrid would be more effective cost per mile wise while the dual-mode would market more toward techies.

Plus it's playing along with Saturn's traditional role of 'GM Guinea Pig'..and if one style of the hybrid is vastly more successful, they can always drop one in favor of the other.

Alot could depend on how the 2007 GL VUE is accepted by the market verus the Escape Hybrid..

so would the mild hybrid be the "Light Green Line" and the dual Mode the "Dark Green Line?" LOL

[spencerb]

......whyc can't GM just keep things SIMPLE???? Buyers don't want to be comparing "levels of hybrid".....they want it the technology or they don't.The Aura has two different V6 engines, and no one seems confused about that.

[cdp326]

......whyc can't GM just keep things SIMPLE???? Buyers don't want to be comparing "levels of hybrid".....they want it the technology or they don't. Sounds like they are late in the market in introducing a hybrid vehicle and are playing up the "mybrid" for now.....
It's that kind of thinking that justifies the Toyota Highlander Hybrid only coming as a V6 and starting at several thousand dollars more than a Highlander I4 w/ 3rd row seat, or the Honda Accord Hybrid only coming as a loaded V6 model with leather, sunroof, etc. :no:
It makes sense to me. The mild hybrid will be simpler, less expensive, and the two-mode hybrid will be more expensive. It's supposed to be the I4/mild hybrid and V6/two-mode hybrid; those who want better fuel economy but don't want to spend too much can opt for the I4/mild hybrid, and "techies" as sspeer put it and those who want to try for maximum mileage can opt for the V6/two-mode. They'll likely get similar EPA ratings, so buyers can decide whether the larger step up in price from the mild hybrid/I4 is worth it over the more expensive two-mode/V6, or if they'd rather take the smaller engine/simpler hybrid and save the extra money for gas. :yes: