General Motors has many difficult decisions to make in the coming days and weeks. Already GM has made decisions that will essentially remove Saturn, Saab, Hummer, and Pontiac out of the GM umbrella so that the automaker can focus more on its remaining core brands.
These decisions may result in new ownership for these brands, but could also dissolve them forever. Despite this dramatic outcome, these brands have passionate customers and owners. Among them, Saturn has long been synonymous for customer service and in its short history the brand has developed a dedicated and loyal customer base. Denver Saturn dealers points out that Saturn currently offers a fresh lineup and includes the elegant Aura, sporty Sky, and perhaps most importantly the innovative Vue hybrid. A plug-in electric version of the Vue was due in 2011, but that is one hybrid that will not make it into showrooms.
Despite offering two hybrids with one on the way, Saturn’s commitment to hybrid systems and fuel-saving technology will not be forgotten by GM. The automaker will continue to research and develop plug-in hybrid systems and battery technology to be used within its remaining brands, especially Chevrolet to the delight of Massachusetts Chevrolet. The same plug-in hybrid technology that was to be used in the Vue will also be found in a new GM vehicle shortly.
Of course, GM will also continue to build anticipation for the Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle as well, which will be available by 2012. While sacrifices have been made and will continue to be made, one Fredericksburg Chevrolet dealer says that GM has made it evident that it cannot survive without remaining dedicated to advanced eco-friendly technology.
Volvo Dives into Plug-in Hybrid Technology
Volvo has been struggling amid slumping global sales, but that hasn’t stopped the automaker from diving into research and development. One such as product of its R&D efforts is a new plug-in hybrid that will be due by 2012. Volvo has committed itself to producing a high mileage diesel-electric plug-in hybrid, but it has yet to confirm its plans to sell the vehicle in the U.S.
Lexus ES Still Critical to Luxury Brand Lineup
As one Lexus’ most popular models, there will be plenty of drivers that will be happy to see a revamped Lexus ES 350 coming to showrooms later this month. While it may not be a full redesign, the updating certainly brings needed enhancements.
Euro Civic Type-R Teases U.S. Consumers
In the U.S., Honda is mostly known for producing somewhat conservative, economical cars. However, the image of Honda outside of the States is far more performance oriented. This is attributed to a range of models that can be had overseas, but remain unavailable here.
