Next-Generation GM Hybrid System Announced in Geneva
GENEVA, March 4/ --
o High-Volume System Will Debut in North America in 2010, and Then Expand Globally
o Hitachi to Supply New Lithium-Ion Battery
o Cost-Effective Technology to Improve Fuel Economy by up to 20 Percent
As another key element in its overall global strategy to improve fuel economy and reduce oil consumption and CO2 emissions, General Motors Chairman Rick Wagoner announced today that GM (NYSE: GM) will introduce a second-generation version of the GM Hybrid System with a new, more powerful lithium-ion battery.
Hitachi Vehicle Energy Ltd., a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Hitachi Ltd.,
will supply an advanced lithium-ion battery, which will help make the
next-generation GM Hybrid System nearly three times more powerful than the
system it replaces. Overall fuel economy improvements for cars and trucks
using the system are expected to be up to 20 percent, depending on engine and
vehicle application.
"This new system is another important step in our broad-based strategy to
reduce vehicle fuel consumption and emissions," Wagoner said at the 78th
International Geneva Motor Show.
The next-generation GM Hybrid System will build upon the successful
belt-alternator-starter hybrid technology currently available in the Saturn
Vue, Saturn Aura and Chevrolet Malibu. By building on this proven technology,
Wagoner said, GM will be able to make the GM Hybrid System more
cost-effective and expand its application in GM's global vehicle portfolio.
"In order to have a real impact in reducing oil consumption, oil imports,
and CO2 emissions, advanced technologies must be affordable enough to drive
high-volume applications," he said. "We plan to roll out this next-generation
hybrid technology globally, across our brands and regions, starting in 2010
in North America, and we expect that volumes will eventually exceed 100,000
units annually."
The next-generation GM Hybrid System will complement GM's widely
acclaimed Two-Mode Hybrid system as part of the company's advanced powertrain
portfolio. The Two-Mode Hybrid system debuted in 2007 in the Chevrolet Tahoe
and GMC Yukon, and will be offered this year in the Cadillac Escalade
full-size SUV and the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra full-size pickups.
The first front-wheel-drive application of the Two-Mode Hybrid system will
debut in the 2009 Saturn Vue Green Line.
The increased power from the lithium-ion battery will allow the
next-generation GM Hybrid System to be used in a wide range of global
powertrains, including naturally aspirated engines, new high-efficiency
turbocharged engines, bio-fuel engines and diesels.
This technology is showcased in the Saab 9-X BioPower Hybrid concept car,
which debuted today at the Geneva Motor Show. The Saab concept is capable of
117 g CO2/km, or projected fuel consumption of just 4.9 l/100 km (48 mpg)
when running on gasoline over the combined cycle.
The next-generation GM Hybrid System helps optimize fuel efficiency and
reduce emissions by:
o Turning the engine off at idle
o Offering brief electric-only propulsion
o Using a more powerful electric motor to enhance engine efficiency
o Extending fuel cutoff during deceleration
o Extending regenerative braking to recapture more energy
o Performing intelligent hybrid battery charging
For additional energy savings, an advanced six-speed automatic
transmission also may be used, depending on the vehicle application.
The current GM Hybrid System was introduced in 2006 on the Saturn Vue
Green Line SUV, which remains the lowest-priced hybrid SUV in the U.S.,
starting at a $25,995 MSRP. Shanghai GM announced in January that the Buick
LaCrosse Eco-Hybrid sedan will be the first application for the current GM
Hybrid System in Asia-Pacific.
By the end of 2008, GM will offer eight hybrid models in North America
and nine worldwide. GM will introduce 16 new hybrid vehicles over the next
four years.
General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world's largest automaker, has been
the annual global industry sales leader for 77 years. Founded in 1908, GM
today employs about 266,000 people around the world. With global headquarters
in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 35 countries. In 2007,
nearly 9.37 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following
brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel,
Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the
industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More
information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.
Contacts:
Brian Corbett
GM Hybrid Communications Office
Tel: +1-248-857-0323
E-mail: brian.corbett@gm.com
Andrew Marshall
GME Technology Communications
Tel: +49-6142-77-3815
E-mail: andrew.marshall@de.gm.com
Source: General Motors (GM Europe)
