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A123 Systems , a much larger company which is providing batteries to GM for possible use in the Vue and Volt, will be showing off a plug-in hybrid powered by its Lithium batteries. Will Bush get the first view of a plug-in Vue? The Detroit News reports that an all-electric pickup and a plug-in hybrid will pay a visit to the White House today. MORE
A $7,000 discount on a new hybrid vehicle is unheard of, but that’s essentially what you can get if you buy a 2009 Saturn Vue hybrid SUV before January 4, 2010. The mild hybrid Vue (formally known as the Green Line) is a front wheel drive model with a 2.4 MORE
For EcoCAR 2: Plugging In to the Future, GM donated Chevrolet Malibus; for EcoCAR: The NeXt Challenge, GM donated Saturn Vues; and for Challenge X: Crossover to Sustainable Mobility, the company donated Chevrolet Equinoxes. General Motors is continuing its partnership with the US Department of Energy and Argonne National Laboratory for the EcoCAR 3 collegiate advanced vehicle technology competition. MORE
The Malibu hybrid shares components with two other GM mild hybrids: the Saturn Aura and Vue hybrids. General Motors has announced that there will be no retail production of the Chevrolet Malibu hybrid for model year (MY) 2010 due to “elevated inventory levels of the 2009 model.” MORE
That Saturn hybrid was to be called the Vue Plug-in. The idea was to give the Vue a Buick-style grill and other design features consistent with the Buick line. According to a Motor Authority article at that time, the rebranded Vue “didn’t mesh with the Buick image.” MORE
GM would continue production, on a contract basis, of the Saturn Aura, Vue and Outlook. General Motors Corp. and Penske Automotive Group confirmed details of a proposed transaction under which Penske would acquire the Saturn brand. If completed, the deal would save more than 350 dealerships and 13,000 jobs at Saturn and its retailers in the United States, and would preserve the Saturn brand. MORE
We lost green versions of the Durango, Aspen, and Vue - the Tribute might as well be gone, and rumors are now circulating that Ford may kill their Mercury brand, meaning the hybrid Mariner could also soon be history. Where do we go from here? MORE
I was really hoping for a 2-mode Saturn Vue hybrid , but that’s not going to happen now.). Hybrid sport utility vehicles may be the best overall choice for consumers and auto manufacturers alike. MORE
Representatives of GM stoked the clamor for the Volt, and a Saturn Vue plug-in hybrid sat on the show floor. Tags: plug-in 2008 smart car BMW mercedes electric mini electric car plug-in Saturn Vue plug-in hybrid chevy volt andy grove al gore plug-in car Once again, a conference on plug-in cars. Coming on the heels of the Google/Brookings event in Washington, D.C., MORE
The announcement from General Motors that the technology once planned for the Saturn Vue will now instead end up in a Buick came as a huge shock to me. Can this really be true? MORE
If the Sierra Club, NRDC, and the Union of Concerned Scientists awaken from their CAFE-induced slumber and espouse such a message as Roberts' suggests, projects awaiting commercialization from a Toyota plug-in Prius to the Saturn plug-in Vue and the Volt just might get the jolt need. Tags: union of concerned scientists electric cars urge2 plug-in hybrid chevy volt Saturn grist NRDC vue Sierra Club David Roberts is a staff writer at Grist , an online enviro magazine. MORE
Nitz also noted that the coming next-generation of the mild GM Hybrid System ( earlier post ), which in its current form is applied in the Malibu, VUE and Aura, will offer equivalent power to Honda’s IMA system in the new Insight. by Jack Rosebro. MORE
GM has simplified the two-mode hybrid system for application in front-wheel drive vehicles—the Saturn VUE being the first instance ( earlier post )—while retaining its functionality and capability, according to Mark Selogie, Senior Manager Power Electronics, GM Powertrain, speaking at the SAE Hybrid Symposium in San Diego (11-12 Feb). The two-mode VUE, which goes on sale later this year, will accelerate from 0-60 mph in 7.5 Simplified schematic of different hybrid systems. MORE
Sales of the Saturn VUE mild hybrid were down 31% to 134 units, for 9.8% of all VUEs sold. Reported US sales of hybrids. Click to enlarge. Reported US sales of hybrids rose 21% year-on-year by volume in November 2009 to 20,003 units. MORE
Hybrid sport utility vehicles have been around for about 5-6 years now (the first was the 2005 hybrid Ford Escape that went on sale in 2004) and while there once were several more to choose from (including the hybrid Dodge Durango, hybrid Saturn Vue, hybrid Chrysler Aspen and the hybrid Mazda Tribute), you still have a decent selection to consider today. Once you begin researching hybrid SUV’s you will notice a huge range of prices. On the low end are the Escape and Mariner which both start around $30K. On the other end of the green spectrum sits a new BMW hybrid that fully loaded will push up against $100K. Below is a quick roundup of ‘10 model hybrid sport utilities ordered from least to most expensive. I’ll add some photos and links to reviews next, but this should get you started. 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid. Starting MSRP: $29,860. Fully Loaded: $38,015. Notes: $38,015 gets you the 4WD Limited Model. Some of the options in the package include side step bars, active park assist, dual-headrest DVD entertainment system, cargo area protector and powercode remote start system. 2010 Mercury Mariner Hybrid. Starting MSRP: $30,105. Fully Loaded: $40,060. Notes:Adding every available option and accessory boosts this Mariner north of $40,000. This includes 4WD, power moonroof, remote start, active park assist, dual headrest DVD entertainment system, heated seats, roof rack, voice activated navigation, leather, rear camera, heated mirrors and the reverse sensing system. 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Starting MSRP: $34,900. Fully Loaded: $52,430. Notes: Well loaded doesn’t begin to cover the options that increase the base price of this hybrid SUV by 50%. It started with selecting the 4WD, Limited model and included a $7,372 package with extras such as DVD entertainment system, dual climate control, remote engine start, engine immobilizer anti-theft and a moonroof. All the accessories were added too like a tow hitch, running boards, bike and ski attachments, iPod kit and many more. 2010 Lexus RX 450h. Starting MSRP: $42,685. Fully Loaded: $57,084. Notes: The most expensive version includes the $9,618 Package A with too many options to list (navigation, backup camera, heated seats, 19″ alloys, parking assist, etc.) plus accessories like wheel locks, glass breakage sensor, 4 years of safety connect, ashtray, cargo net, towing hitch, paint protection film and a roof rack. 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid. Starting MSRP: $50,720. Fully Loaded: $58,641. Notes: $58K plus change gets you the following options: power sunroof, rear cargo mat, entertainment system, spare tire and wheel, chrome door handles, all weather floor mats, rocker panel molding and splash guards. 2010 GMC Yukon Hybrid. Starting MSRP: $51,185 (the Denali version starts at $58,500). Fully Loaded: $59,226. Notes: The loaded version is 4WD and includes a spare tire, wheel, chrome mirror caps, chrome door handles, sunroof, front console organizer, all-weather floor mats, advanced remote start, rear cargo mat and entertainment system (dvd, remote and wireless headphones). The fully loaded Hybrid Denali tops out at $66,256. 2010 Mercedes Benz ML450 Hybrid. Starting MSRP: $55,000. Fully Loaded: $78,726. Notes: Getting this hybrid SUV to cost you more than $75,000 starts with adding Mercedes premium 1 and premium 2 packages. These include rear camera, Comand system with voice control, power liftgate, harmon/kardon LOGIC7 system, keyless-go, bi-xenon headlamps and heated headlamp washers. We also added parktronic, trailer hitch, rear entertainment, heated front and rear seats, 20″ two-tone 5-spoke wheels, and all-weather floor mats. 2010 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid. Starting MSRP: $73,425 (the Platinum version starts at $85,225). Fully Loaded: $79,460. Notes: The $79,460 price gets you the AWD model with options including a spare tire kit, power retractable running boards, advanced 2-way remote vehicle starter and engine block heater. (The Platinum version tops out at $90,115.). 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6. Starting MSRP: $88,900. Fully Loaded: $95,124. Notes: I fully expected I could get this luxury SUV to exceed $100,000 but came up about $5k short. The extras I added included active ventilated seats, a cold weather package, rear side window shades, smartphone integration, enhanced premium sound, rear seat entertainment, automatic high beams and the BMW assist convenience plan. Tags: Compare Hybrids. MORE
Vue redux The compact crossover that sold for only two years as the 2008 and 2009 Saturn Vue will return to the The shuttered Saturn brand is quickly fading from memory, but now GM plans to bring back one former Saturn model to live on in a new incarnation. But even if you're a Saturn fan, you won't be able to buy one--unless you're a business. MORE
GM today announced two contracts to "design and test lithium-ion batteries" for use in the Saturn Vue Plug-in Hybrid announced last month at the LA Auto Show. According to the press release, two variants of Lithium batteries will be "evaluated in prototype Saturn Vue Green Line plug-in hybrids beginning later this year." Johnson Controls/SAFT, the huge battery company at which President Bush first publicly announced his support for plug-in hybrids, received one contract. MORE
338 units of the Saturn VUE hybrid, representing 11.3% of VUE sales. Monthly US sales of hybrids. Click to enlarge. Reported sales of hybrids in the US reported by Toyota, Honda, Ford, GM and Nissan dropped 45.5% MORE
As underscored last month when GM announced it would build a plug-in hybrid version of its Saturn Vue, the logic of electric propulsion is compelling. There is more to Dan Neil's recent LA Times column than a favorable review of yet another gasoline-only hybrid. He likes the Nissan Altima Hybrid well enough. Calls it a "Camry hybrid in tight jeans." More important, Neil says, is that it comes from an automaker that had scoffed at "hybridization." MORE
A National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) project, funded by GM, found that an ultracapacitor-based energy storage system (ESS) in a Saturn VUE BAS (belt alternator starter) mild hybrid performed at least as well or better than the NiMH battery system in the production hybrid. MORE
In March of 2008 we announced that the upcoming 2009 Saturn Vue hybrid, the one that would be built with GM’s 2-mode hybrid system, might possibly end up being the most popular hybrid SUV yet. General Motors made it official last week that there will be no 2-Mode, FWD Saturn Vue hybrid. MORE
It originally arrived on the scene in 2008 to compete with Ford’s Escape hybrid and the Saturn Vue hybrid; however it has its own characteristics that set it apart and make it great for someone looking for a fuel-efficient hybrid SUV. MORE
Just two weeks ago, we reported that GM's first plug-in hybrid vehicle--originally meant to be a Saturn Vue before GM decided to sell Saturn to Pennske--would become a Buick crossover. My, how quickly things change in the new Internet world. As GM said Wednesday on its Fastlane blog, "not all the feedback was positive MORE
The Saturn VUE hybrid posted 188 units, for 6.4% of all VUEs sold. Reported sales of hybrids. Click to enlarge. Reported sales of light-duty hybrids in the US dropped 29% by volume in February year-on-year to 16,020 units. MORE
While the system is being tested in a discontinued Saturn Vue crossover, it now seems likely to appear in a version of either the GMC Terrain or Chevrolet Equinox compact Recent spy shots posted by our sister site Motor Authority show that despite delays, General Motors is continuing to develop the plug-in version of its Two-Mode Hybrid system. MORE
will convert three of DTE Energy’s fleet Saturn VUE SUVs to battery electric powertrains. The all-electric DTE Energy fleet Saturn Vues will be powered by Amp’s exclusive modular electric powertrain system. AMP Holding Inc. AMP, a company engaged in the conversion of new vehicles to full battery-electric drive, unveiled its all-electric conversion of the GM Chevrolet Equinox earlier this year. Earlier post.) MORE
I’m guessing this is a soft launch and that we will see the full link soon, but for now you can follow the hybrid SUV comparison link (default is Escape hybrid compared to Vue hybrid compared to Highlander hybrid) and then you can modify the comparison vehicles. MORE
Wagoner said GM is using the Saturn Vue hybrid sport utility vehicle to develop a plug-in hybrid, which can be re-charged from a standard electrical outlet, and will offer biofuel-capable Hummer SUVs. LOS ANGELES (MarketWatch) -- General Motors Corp. (GM) GM) Chief Executive Rick Wagoner said Wednesday that the U.S. needs to reduce dependence on foreign energy and insisted the No. MORE
Currently Saturn sells two hybrid vehicles - the VUE and Aura with GM hybrid system - and was also scheduled to offer a two-mode hybrid Vue with a Vue plug-in two-mode hybrid version scheduled for 2011 to be used in a test fleet with the US Department of Energy. Speaking in 2008, Stephens said the Vue two-mode hybrid would deliver around a 50 per cent increase in combined fuel economy compared to the non-hybrid Vue XR. MORE
From the pricey ads in national magazines devoting serious space to the Volt to today's announcement about the plug-in hybrid Saturn Vue, GM is compelling me to take their expressed interest in plug-in cars seriously. As announced in Frankfort and reported in Detroit , GM hopes for a 2009 release of the first Saturn Vue plug-in hybrid SUV. MORE
GM's Vue and Volt plug-ins have no firm date to appear in showrooms. Financial Times Deutschland has a report on Th!nk nk Global. Putting a little flesh on the bones of previous reporting. 10,000 Think City electric cars in 2009. Parts manufacturing in Thailand and Turkey. As previous reported, plan is to sell the car (€25,000) and lease the battery. Zebra batteries first. Online marketing and sales. MORE
Contracts for lithium batteries for the plug-in hybrid Saturn Vue and the Chevrolet Volt have received much press. A few items before I head out to Black Rock City for two weeks. Out in the desert as part of Burning Man , our encampment, Snow Koan Solar, is setting up a solar photovoltaic EV Charging Station (at 7:30 and Desert) for electric scooters, golf carts, sofas and barstools. MORE
As of the time of this writing, buyers in the market for a hybrid sport utility have eleven (11) vehicles to choose from (not including hyrids that have been discontinued such as the Durango, Vue, Aspen and Tribute). MORE
Plans Saturn Vue PHEV-10. Aims to get Saturn Vue on road in 2010; no production goal. Lutz said GM is pushing to have Saturn Vue plug-in hybrid on the road by 2009. -- ( Autoweek ). "I About CalCars Plug-In Hybrids FAQ How to Get a PHEV Where PHEVs are Carmakers Say. MORE
GM and Honda earlier collaborated in a powertrain cross-supply arrangement in 1999 under which Honda manufactured 50,000 V-6 engines for the Saturn VUE and Honda received diesel engines from GM’s Isuzu affiliate for use in Europe. MORE
The last time we reported on the Two Mode Saturn Vue Green Line was in March, 2008. In November, GM spokesman Brian Corbett announced that the decision had been made to re-time the launch of the 2-mode Vue from December, ‘08 to sometime during the first quarter of 2009. MORE
Toyota said it would provide prototype versions of plug-in hybrid vehicles to researchers at the University of California, Irvine, and the University of California, Berkeley.The prototype plug-in hybrids will be powered by two oversize packs of nickel-metal hydride batteries Yesterday, in Sacramento A123Systems , the battery manufacturer being used by GM for the Vue and Volt, challenged CARB not to wait for OEM plug-ins. From today's NY Times Toyota to Test Plug-In Hybrid, Rivaling G.M. MORE
Rounding out the list were the Saturn Vue hybrid and the Mercury Mariner hybrid. It’s January and the 2010 car season is officially in full swing now that the doors have opened at the North American International Auto Show. MORE
General Motors has announced its intention to mass-produce two PHEVs -- a Saturn VUE SUV, and the Chevy Volt, a series hybrid (where only the electric motor powers the wheels and the gasoline engine recharges the batteries). MORE
153 VUE Green Line hybrids, representing 5.3% of all VUE sales. Monthly reported sales of hybrids in the US. Click to enlarge. Reported sales of hybrids in the US in January dropped 32.2% MORE
Prototype Saturn Vue PHEV plugging in to a Coulomb Chargepoint ( earlier post ) in San Jose, CA. Click to enlarge. MORE
W e've had the people in our shop go over the new energy bill with an eye for Plug Ins and electric transportation in general. MORE
General Motors is also on the plug-in bandwagon with its Saturn Vue Green Line. The Vue Green Line will get a two-mode hybrid powertrain later this year and a plug-in variant will be introduced in 2009. MORE
Saturn Vue (2,280). 2009 won’t end up being a record year for hybrid vehicle sales, but considering the circumstances it would be fair to say that hybrids have held their own. MORE
VUE Related Topics Green Car Reports
MARCH 14, 2011
Vue redux The compact crossover that sold for only two years as the 2008 and 2009 Saturn Vue will return to the The shuttered Saturn brand is quickly fading from memory, but now GM plans to bring back one former Saturn model to live on in a new incarnation. But even if you're a Saturn fan, you won't be able to buy one--unless you're a business.
Hybrid SUV Blog
MAY 17, 2009
In March of 2008 we announced that the upcoming 2009 Saturn Vue hybrid, the one that would be built with GM’s 2-mode hybrid system, might possibly end up being the most popular hybrid SUV yet. General Motors made it official last week that there will be no 2-Mode, FWD Saturn Vue hybrid.
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Plugs and Cars
JANUARY 4, 2007
GM today announced two contracts to "design and test lithium-ion batteries" for use in the Saturn Vue Plug-in Hybrid announced last month at the LA Auto Show. According to the press release, two variants of Lithium batteries will be "evaluated in prototype Saturn Vue Green Line plug-in hybrids beginning later this year." Johnson Controls/SAFT, the huge battery company at which President Bush first publicly announced his support for plug-in hybrids, received one contract.
Hybrid SUV Blog
FEBRUARY 1, 2009
The last time we reported on the Two Mode Saturn Vue Green Line was in March, 2008. In November, GM spokesman Brian Corbett announced that the decision had been made to re-time the launch of the 2-mode Vue from December, ‘08 to sometime during the first quarter of 2009.
Green Car Congress
NOVEMBER 16, 2010
will convert three of DTE Energy’s fleet Saturn VUE SUVs to battery electric powertrains. The all-electric DTE Energy fleet Saturn Vues will be powered by Amp’s exclusive modular electric powertrain system. AMP Holding Inc. AMP, a company engaged in the conversion of new vehicles to full battery-electric drive, unveiled its all-electric conversion of the GM Chevrolet Equinox earlier this year. Earlier post.)
Plugs and Cars
JULY 31, 2008
Representatives of GM stoked the clamor for the Volt, and a Saturn Vue plug-in hybrid sat on the show floor. Tags: plug-in 2008 smart car BMW mercedes electric mini electric car plug-in Saturn Vue plug-in hybrid chevy volt andy grove al gore plug-in car Once again, a conference on plug-in cars. Coming on the heels of the Google/Brookings event in Washington, D.C.,
Plugs and Cars
JANUARY 16, 2007
If the Sierra Club, NRDC, and the Union of Concerned Scientists awaken from their CAFE-induced slumber and espouse such a message as Roberts' suggests, projects awaiting commercialization from a Toyota plug-in Prius to the Saturn plug-in Vue and the Volt just might get the jolt need. Tags: union of concerned scientists electric cars urge2 plug-in hybrid chevy volt Saturn grist NRDC vue Sierra Club David Roberts is a staff writer at Grist , an online enviro magazine.
Plugs and Cars
SEPTEMBER 12, 2007
From the pricey ads in national magazines devoting serious space to the Volt to today's announcement about the plug-in hybrid Saturn Vue, GM is compelling me to take their expressed interest in plug-in cars seriously. As announced in Frankfort and reported in Detroit , GM hopes for a 2009 release of the first Saturn Vue plug-in hybrid SUV.
Plug In Partners
FEBRUARY 15, 2008
General Motors is also on the plug-in bandwagon with its Saturn Vue Green Line. The Vue Green Line will get a two-mode hybrid powertrain later this year and a plug-in variant will be introduced in 2009.
Plugs and Cars
JULY 25, 2007
Toyota said it would provide prototype versions of plug-in hybrid vehicles to researchers at the University of California, Irvine, and the University of California, Berkeley.The prototype plug-in hybrids will be powered by two oversize packs of nickel-metal hydride batteries Yesterday, in Sacramento A123Systems , the battery manufacturer being used by GM for the Vue and Volt, challenged CARB not to wait for OEM plug-ins. From today's NY Times Toyota to Test Plug-In Hybrid, Rivaling G.M.
Hybrid SUV Blog
JANUARY 1, 2010
A $7,000 discount on a new hybrid vehicle is unheard of, but that’s essentially what you can get if you buy a 2009 Saturn Vue hybrid SUV before January 4, 2010. The mild hybrid Vue (formally known as the Green Line) is a front wheel drive model with a 2.4
Plugs and Cars
FEBRUARY 23, 2007
A123 Systems , a much larger company which is providing batteries to GM for possible use in the Vue and Volt, will be showing off a plug-in hybrid powered by its Lithium batteries. Will Bush get the first view of a plug-in Vue? The Detroit News reports that an all-electric pickup and a plug-in hybrid will pay a visit to the White House today.
Green Car Congress
MAY 5, 2009
Prototype Saturn Vue PHEV plugging in to a Coulomb Chargepoint ( earlier post ) in San Jose, CA. Click to enlarge.
Green Car Reports
AUGUST 21, 2009
Just two weeks ago, we reported that GM's first plug-in hybrid vehicle--originally meant to be a Saturn Vue before GM decided to sell Saturn to Pennske--would become a Buick crossover. My, how quickly things change in the new Internet world. As GM said Wednesday on its Fastlane blog, "not all the feedback was positive
Hybrid SUV Blog
NOVEMBER 22, 2010
That Saturn hybrid was to be called the Vue Plug-in. The idea was to give the Vue a Buick-style grill and other design features consistent with the Buick line. According to a Motor Authority article at that time, the rebranded Vue “didn’t mesh with the Buick image.”
Plugs and Cars
NOVEMBER 29, 2006
Wagoner said GM is using the Saturn Vue hybrid sport utility vehicle to develop a plug-in hybrid, which can be re-charged from a standard electrical outlet, and will offer biofuel-capable Hummer SUVs. LOS ANGELES (MarketWatch) -- General Motors Corp. (GM) GM) Chief Executive Rick Wagoner said Wednesday that the U.S. needs to reduce dependence on foreign energy and insisted the No.
Green Car Reports
MARCH 10, 2010
While the system is being tested in a discontinued Saturn Vue crossover, it now seems likely to appear in a version of either the GMC Terrain or Chevrolet Equinox compact Recent spy shots posted by our sister site Motor Authority show that despite delays, General Motors is continuing to develop the plug-in version of its Two-Mode Hybrid system.
Plug In Partners
JANUARY 28, 2008
W e've had the people in our shop go over the new energy bill with an eye for Plug Ins and electric transportation in general.
Plugs and Cars
DECEMBER 28, 2007
GM's Vue and Volt plug-ins have no firm date to appear in showrooms. Financial Times Deutschland has a report on Th!nk nk Global. Putting a little flesh on the bones of previous reporting. 10,000 Think City electric cars in 2009. Parts manufacturing in Thailand and Turkey. As previous reported, plan is to sell the car (€25,000) and lease the battery. Zebra batteries first. Online marketing and sales.
Green Car Congress
FEBRUARY 10, 2010
A National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) project, funded by GM, found that an ultracapacitor-based energy storage system (ESS) in a Saturn VUE BAS (belt alternator starter) mild hybrid performed at least as well or better than the NiMH battery system in the production hybrid.
Green Car Congress
JUNE 11, 2009
The Malibu hybrid shares components with two other GM mild hybrids: the Saturn Aura and Vue hybrids. General Motors has announced that there will be no retail production of the Chevrolet Malibu hybrid for model year (MY) 2010 due to “elevated inventory levels of the 2009 model.”
Hybrid SUV Blog
NOVEMBER 8, 2009
Saturn Vue (2,280). 2009 won’t end up being a record year for hybrid vehicle sales, but considering the circumstances it would be fair to say that hybrids have held their own.
Hybrid SUV Blog
SEPTEMBER 16, 2011
As of the time of this writing, buyers in the market for a hybrid sport utility have eleven (11) vehicles to choose from (not including hyrids that have been discontinued such as the Durango, Vue, Aspen and Tribute).
Green Car Congress
FEBRUARY 11, 2009
GM has simplified the two-mode hybrid system for application in front-wheel drive vehicles—the Saturn VUE being the first instance ( earlier post )—while retaining its functionality and capability, according to Mark Selogie, Senior Manager Power Electronics, GM Powertrain, speaking at the SAE Hybrid Symposium in San Diego (11-12 Feb). The two-mode VUE, which goes on sale later this year, will accelerate from 0-60 mph in 7.5 Simplified schematic of different hybrid systems.
Green Car Congress
APRIL 25, 2014
For EcoCAR 2: Plugging In to the Future, GM donated Chevrolet Malibus; for EcoCAR: The NeXt Challenge, GM donated Saturn Vues; and for Challenge X: Crossover to Sustainable Mobility, the company donated Chevrolet Equinoxes. General Motors is continuing its partnership with the US Department of Energy and Argonne National Laboratory for the EcoCAR 3 collegiate advanced vehicle technology competition.
Hybrid SUV Blog
JANUARY 17, 2010
Rounding out the list were the Saturn Vue hybrid and the Mercury Mariner hybrid. It’s January and the 2010 car season is officially in full swing now that the doors have opened at the North American International Auto Show.
Hybrid SUV Blog
AUGUST 17, 2009
The announcement from General Motors that the technology once planned for the Saturn Vue will now instead end up in a Buick came as a huge shock to me. Can this really be true?
Hybrid SUV Blog
MARCH 17, 2009
It originally arrived on the scene in 2008 to compete with Ford’s Escape hybrid and the Saturn Vue hybrid; however it has its own characteristics that set it apart and make it great for someone looking for a fuel-efficient hybrid SUV.
Hybrid SUV Blog
JUNE 6, 2010
We lost green versions of the Durango, Aspen, and Vue - the Tribute might as well be gone, and rumors are now circulating that Ford may kill their Mercury brand, meaning the hybrid Mariner could also soon be history. Where do we go from here?
Green Car Congress
MARCH 5, 2009
The Saturn VUE hybrid posted 188 units, for 6.4% of all VUEs sold. Reported sales of hybrids. Click to enlarge. Reported sales of light-duty hybrids in the US dropped 29% by volume in February year-on-year to 16,020 units.
Plugs and Cars
DECEMBER 22, 2006
As underscored last month when GM announced it would build a plug-in hybrid version of its Saturn Vue, the logic of electric propulsion is compelling. There is more to Dan Neil's recent LA Times column than a favorable review of yet another gasoline-only hybrid. He likes the Nissan Altima Hybrid well enough. Calls it a "Camry hybrid in tight jeans." More important, Neil says, is that it comes from an automaker that had scoffed at "hybridization."
Green Car Congress
MAY 9, 2009
Nitz also noted that the coming next-generation of the mild GM Hybrid System ( earlier post ), which in its current form is applied in the Malibu, VUE and Aura, will offer equivalent power to Honda’s IMA system in the new Insight. by Jack Rosebro.
Tony Karrer Delicious EVdriven
APRIL 21, 2009
General Motors has announced its intention to mass-produce two PHEVs -- a Saturn VUE SUV, and the Chevy Volt, a series hybrid (where only the electric motor powers the wheels and the gasoline engine recharges the batteries).
Green Car Congress
DECEMBER 8, 2009
Sales of the Saturn VUE mild hybrid were down 31% to 134 units, for 9.8% of all VUEs sold. Reported US sales of hybrids. Click to enlarge. Reported US sales of hybrids rose 21% year-on-year by volume in November 2009 to 20,003 units.
Hybrid SUV Blog
MAY 28, 2010
Hybrid sport utility vehicles have been around for about 5-6 years now (the first was the 2005 hybrid Ford Escape that went on sale in 2004) and while there once were several more to choose from (including the hybrid Dodge Durango, hybrid Saturn Vue, hybrid Chrysler Aspen and the hybrid Mazda Tribute), you still have a decent selection to consider today. Once you begin researching hybrid SUV’s you will notice a huge range of prices. On the low end are the Escape and Mariner which both start around $30K. On the other end of the green spectrum sits a new BMW hybrid that fully loaded will push up against $100K. Below is a quick roundup of ‘10 model hybrid sport utilities ordered from least to most expensive. I’ll add some photos and links to reviews next, but this should get you started. 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid. Starting MSRP: $29,860. Fully Loaded: $38,015. Notes: $38,015 gets you the 4WD Limited Model. Some of the options in the package include side step bars, active park assist, dual-headrest DVD entertainment system, cargo area protector and powercode remote start system. 2010 Mercury Mariner Hybrid. Starting MSRP: $30,105. Fully Loaded: $40,060. Notes:Adding every available option and accessory boosts this Mariner north of $40,000. This includes 4WD, power moonroof, remote start, active park assist, dual headrest DVD entertainment system, heated seats, roof rack, voice activated navigation, leather, rear camera, heated mirrors and the reverse sensing system. 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Starting MSRP: $34,900. Fully Loaded: $52,430. Notes: Well loaded doesn’t begin to cover the options that increase the base price of this hybrid SUV by 50%. It started with selecting the 4WD, Limited model and included a $7,372 package with extras such as DVD entertainment system, dual climate control, remote engine start, engine immobilizer anti-theft and a moonroof. All the accessories were added too like a tow hitch, running boards, bike and ski attachments, iPod kit and many more. 2010 Lexus RX 450h. Starting MSRP: $42,685. Fully Loaded: $57,084. Notes: The most expensive version includes the $9,618 Package A with too many options to list (navigation, backup camera, heated seats, 19″ alloys, parking assist, etc.) plus accessories like wheel locks, glass breakage sensor, 4 years of safety connect, ashtray, cargo net, towing hitch, paint protection film and a roof rack. 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid. Starting MSRP: $50,720. Fully Loaded: $58,641. Notes: $58K plus change gets you the following options: power sunroof, rear cargo mat, entertainment system, spare tire and wheel, chrome door handles, all weather floor mats, rocker panel molding and splash guards. 2010 GMC Yukon Hybrid. Starting MSRP: $51,185 (the Denali version starts at $58,500). Fully Loaded: $59,226. Notes: The loaded version is 4WD and includes a spare tire, wheel, chrome mirror caps, chrome door handles, sunroof, front console organizer, all-weather floor mats, advanced remote start, rear cargo mat and entertainment system (dvd, remote and wireless headphones). The fully loaded Hybrid Denali tops out at $66,256. 2010 Mercedes Benz ML450 Hybrid. Starting MSRP: $55,000. Fully Loaded: $78,726. Notes: Getting this hybrid SUV to cost you more than $75,000 starts with adding Mercedes premium 1 and premium 2 packages. These include rear camera, Comand system with voice control, power liftgate, harmon/kardon LOGIC7 system, keyless-go, bi-xenon headlamps and heated headlamp washers. We also added parktronic, trailer hitch, rear entertainment, heated front and rear seats, 20″ two-tone 5-spoke wheels, and all-weather floor mats. 2010 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid. Starting MSRP: $73,425 (the Platinum version starts at $85,225). Fully Loaded: $79,460. Notes: The $79,460 price gets you the AWD model with options including a spare tire kit, power retractable running boards, advanced 2-way remote vehicle starter and engine block heater. (The Platinum version tops out at $90,115.). 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6. Starting MSRP: $88,900. Fully Loaded: $95,124. Notes: I fully expected I could get this luxury SUV to exceed $100,000 but came up about $5k short. The extras I added included active ventilated seats, a cold weather package, rear side window shades, smartphone integration, enhanced premium sound, rear seat entertainment, automatic high beams and the BMW assist convenience plan. Tags: Compare Hybrids.
Green Car Congress
MAY 4, 2009
338 units of the Saturn VUE hybrid, representing 11.3% of VUE sales. Monthly US sales of hybrids. Click to enlarge. Reported sales of hybrids in the US reported by Toyota, Honda, Ford, GM and Nissan dropped 45.5%
Tony Karrer Delicious EVdriven
APRIL 21, 2009
Plans Saturn Vue PHEV-10. Aims to get Saturn Vue on road in 2010; no production goal. Lutz said GM is pushing to have Saturn Vue plug-in hybrid on the road by 2009. -- ( Autoweek ). "I About CalCars Plug-In Hybrids FAQ How to Get a PHEV Where PHEVs are Carmakers Say.
Hybrid SUV Blog
JUNE 10, 2009
I’m guessing this is a soft launch and that we will see the full link soon, but for now you can follow the hybrid SUV comparison link (default is Escape hybrid compared to Vue hybrid compared to Highlander hybrid) and then you can modify the comparison vehicles.
Hybrid SUV Blog
JUNE 3, 2009
I was really hoping for a 2-mode Saturn Vue hybrid , but that’s not going to happen now.). Hybrid sport utility vehicles may be the best overall choice for consumers and auto manufacturers alike.
Plugs and Cars
AUGUST 18, 2007
Contracts for lithium batteries for the plug-in hybrid Saturn Vue and the Chevrolet Volt have received much press. A few items before I head out to Black Rock City for two weeks. Out in the desert as part of Burning Man , our encampment, Snow Koan Solar, is setting up a solar photovoltaic EV Charging Station (at 7:30 and Desert) for electric scooters, golf carts, sofas and barstools.
Green Car Congress
JANUARY 30, 2017
GM and Honda earlier collaborated in a powertrain cross-supply arrangement in 1999 under which Honda manufactured 50,000 V-6 engines for the Saturn VUE and Honda received diesel engines from GM’s Isuzu affiliate for use in Europe.
Green Car Congress
JUNE 5, 2009
GM would continue production, on a contract basis, of the Saturn Aura, Vue and Outlook. General Motors Corp. and Penske Automotive Group confirmed details of a proposed transaction under which Penske would acquire the Saturn brand. If completed, the deal would save more than 350 dealerships and 13,000 jobs at Saturn and its retailers in the United States, and would preserve the Saturn brand.
Green Car Congress
FEBRUARY 4, 2009
153 VUE Green Line hybrids, representing 5.3% of all VUE sales. Monthly reported sales of hybrids in the US. Click to enlarge. Reported sales of hybrids in the US in January dropped 32.2%
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