GM has announced that it will stop the producing of Chevrolet Malibu mild hybrid versions in June 2009. This action (stop the producing mild hybrid technology) is one more sign that the GM is cutting back on technologies and programs that are unsuccessful and expensive too – in the other side, this ways also reducing unprofitable dealerships and brands.
The main reason why GM cutting the car is the poor sales of the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid. The officials of GM said that inventory of the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid is backing up on dealership lots. When the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid debuted at the 2008 MLB All-Star Game, Ed Peper, the General Manager of Chevrolet said that the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid is winning package that will leadership in the midsize sedan segment and meet the needs of the Chevrolet customers – with its uncompromising design and fuel economy.
In 2008, The Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid available in the market as directs competition to the Japanese automakers, the Toyota Camry Hybrid. The Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid is a stylish 5 door midsize sedan but used a mild hybrid technology; the fuel economy compared with the conventional Malibu was a very modest 2 mile per gallons jump to 24 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.
But for 2009 the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid rating is increasing to 26 mpg in the city and 34 on the highway and this meaning 2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid a much healthier. There is no difference in the lowest end MSRP between the two vehicles remains the same. As comparison, the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid starts at $24,695 and the conventional Malibu starts at $20,745. In the others words, the cost per mpg improvement was cut in half.
Nancy Libby the spokesperson of GM said, “The hybrid improvement is primarily the result of new battery charging control software that reduces load on the engine, and the hybrid also uses new 17-inch low rolling resistance tires – They were 16-inch tires in 2008.”
And when we compare 2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid with the Toyota Camry Hybrid, we will notice that in the EPA category Toyota Camry Hybrid is the winner. But if we look in their base level MSRP, Toyota Camry Hybrid is $1,500 higher than the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid. Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid MSRP at $24,650.
Based on General Motor’s long wheel based Epsilon platform, the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid’s powertrain is defined by Ecotec 4-cylinder 2.4 liter and electric starter motor generator (36 volt) tied to a nickel metal hybride battery pack. Output stands at 164 hp, plenty for a car of its weight and size. Energy is channeled through a smooth shifting 4 speed transmission.
Hybrid shoppers searching for a fuel efficient small hybrid SUV will automatically put the Ford Escape Hybrid at the first list of this category. The Ford Escape Hybrid is the winner in town driving with its city fuel efficiency rating of 36 mpg. But on the highway, Chevrolet Equinox is the winner in this segment with fuel economy rating of 32 mpg on the highway – no other SUV can achieve whether hybrid or gas powered.
Chevy Equinox: Class Leading Fuel Economy
Nowadays, in the second generation of Chevrolet Equinox, the all new Equinox is very important for Chevrolet in modify to advance the attractive styling direction of the brand as well as offers compact SUV shoppers a compelling reason to consider something other than Honda CR-X, Ford Escape Hybrid, or Toyota RAV4. In fact, while Chevrolet Equinox is astounding on the highway mileage, the new Chevy Equinox achieves 22 mpg in city driving which also a commendable figure, beating the Honda by 2mpg.
The Chevy Equinox is the new base engine, with a 2.4 L Ecotec direct injection I-4 engine, the Equinox can delivering 182 hp, that helps this Chevy reach its high end mileage goals. Besides that, while GM paired the sport or utility vehicle with a six speed automatic transmission, Equinox perhaps can get the best combination to achieve the best fuel economy.
Chevy Equinox and Its Lots of Good Stuff
Although the Chevrolet Equinox ‘underline’ fuel economy as its focus, the Equinox isn’t sacrifice to cabin amenities and interior design. Inside, the Chevy Equinox offers telescoping steering wheel and standard tilt, power lumbar and standard driver seat power height adjustment, a closed storage bin in the instrument panel above the center stack, a generous number of storage bins including an oversized glove box, and closed storage under the center armrest large enough for a laptop computer.
The prices of Equinox is some $1800 less than the previous model the list of standard content has expanded to include power lumbar support, 17” wheels, and more airbags. Moreover, the automaker also added together with the fuel economy improvements – it’s very amazing!! The 2010 Chevy Equinox must become one of the favorite for compact SUV drivers.
GM’s Chevrolet division is the brand under which Chevrolet Aveo is marketed. Chevy Aveo has been made available as a subcompact automobile which holds 4 doors hatchback called the Aveo5 and could take in five passengers. This Chevy will market and offered globally.
In general, in almost every category that counts style, comfort, and acceleration – Chevy Aveo does not compete with other 4 door hatchback category: Hyundai Accent, Toyota Yaris, Nissan Versa, Honda Fit, and Kia Rio.
The Chevrolet Aveo offers respectable vehicle dynamics, well tuned suspensions, and impressive interior features with a very affordable price.
The Chevrolet has changed the Aveo5 4-cylinder engine for 2009 to improve the fuel economy and has variable valve timing. The Chevy Aveo’s EPA mileage rating is 25 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway—quite respectable—falls slightly behind the cheaper Kia Rio (Chevy Aveo is beat to the bottom by the Kia Rio by about $1,000) and more expensive Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit.
Hybridcars.com has test drive this car and achieve 32.8 mpg in a 162-mile roundtrip test loop from Churchville, Md. to Philadelphia, Pa. and back. This Chevy comes with a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine that makes 107 hp and 106 pound-feet of torque.
The Chevrolet Aveo provides three trim levels: LS, LT and Special Value.
The LS adds carpeted floor mats and air-conditioning, as well as the availability of options such as cruise control, antilock brakes, a sunroof, a CD/MP3 player, keyless entry, power windows and 15-inch alloy wheels.
The LT trim is available on the sedan only. It includes most of the LS model’s options as standard and can be ordered with an upgraded audio system and leatherette seating.
Special Value is comes with minimal features and offered on the Aveo5 only and. Standard equipment includes manual mirrors and windows, 14-inch steel wheels, side airbags, a radio with four speakers and manual locks.
For a low cost car, this Chevrolet gives you nice interiors. Chevrolet Aveo’s interior offers theater style rear seating, a 60/40 split folding rear seat, and a fully reclining front passenger seat that have been designed and manufactured to your comfy. The sedan’s trunk provides roomy and spacious in its back seats. The Chevy Aveo has a capacity to carry up to 42 cubic feet of cargo and it’s also has a fold down rear.
The 2009 Chevrolet Aveo gets a face lift and has a nice interior design, which does little to get attention customers and bring them become as a new customer. This Chevy models have an OnStar and auxiliary audio jack (one year of service) as standard. The customers also will get satellite radio when they decide to upgraded trim levels.
The Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and the Yukon Hybrid (its GMC counterpart) are the first full size two mode hybrid powertrain – developed jointly by General Motors, DaimlerChrysler, and BMW. This amazingly fuel size SUV launches a new breed of larger vehicles that are completely fuel efficient and greener than their conventional versions. Maybe that’s why the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid become more popular and received the questionable title of ‘Green Car of the Year’ by the Green Car Journal.
Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid uses a hybrid propulsion system and available in 2-wheel drive or 4-whell drive. This hybrid SUV can operates in three different ways. First, this hybrid has the electric power which serves to optimize fuel economy. Second, when you need more power there is engine can be utilized. Third, you can use the combination of the two types of power when you needed. This is courtesy of the GM’s 6 liter Vortec V8 with cylinder deactivation technology which shut off four of its eight cylinder when you do not need additional power off and kick in at other times.
Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid has impressive an EPA rating, 21 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway, as compared to their conventional Tahoe 14 in the city and 19 on the highway. This hybrid SUV also offers up to 40 percent improvement in city driving. Unbelievably, this Tahoe hybrid’s city fuel economy is similar to that of a 4-cylinder Toyota Camry.
This Tahoe hybrid SUV truly combine top notch performance and fuel efficiency that you would not expect from other hybrid SUV. Despite focus on fuel economy concept, Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid can deliver power and capability like a full size SUV. Tahoe Hybrid can boast 332 hp and can tow up to 6000 pounds – available in 2 or 4-wheel drive models.
Finally, go green today with this hybrid SUV and save our environmental. Who knew Tahoe Hybrid could be this eco-friendly and save your wallet?
