Hybrid from GM

General Motors Chairman Rick Wagoner announced that 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 helps optimize fuel efficiency and reduce emissions by:

Turning the engine off at idle
Offering brief electric-only propulsion
Using a more powerful electric motor to enhance engine efficiency
Extending fuel cutoff during deceleration
Extending regenerative braking to recapture more energy
Performing intelligent hybrid battery charging
For additional energy savings, an advanced six-speed automatic transmission also may be used, depending on the vehicle application.