GM Opts for 'Mild Hybrid' for Saturn Vue

'Mild-hybrid' system to use belt-alternator with CVT for 12-15% improvement in fuel efficiency, opposed to 50% for a full-hybrid system

Published: 10-Nov-2003

The Saturn Vue will play a lesser role in General Motors Corp.'s strategy to develop environmentally friendly sport utility vehicles.

The Vue, assembled at the Saturn Corp. plant in Spring Hill was to have been a key player in GM's hybrid vehicle development effort. Plans announced in January called for the Vue to be the first GM SUV to use an electric motor to augment its gasoline engine, reducing fuel consumption.

On Thursday, the company announced that its full-size SUVs and pickups would be the first to use the new system, which will make its debut with the 2007 model year.

<< PREVIOUS

NEXT >>