Toyota and General Motors have had a strong partnership via NUMMI. This seemingly odd relationship was responsible for the Pontiac Vibe, which was build alongside the similar Toyota Matrix in a joint manufacturing venture based in California. With the Pontiac Vibe now discontinued, the question now is what will come of the NUMMI partnership.
Rumors have suggested that another model will soon be shared by the two automakers, perhaps also based on the Toyota Matrix suggests Oklahoma City Used Cars. However, details on these discussions remain unconfirmed. Another possibility for NUMMI is that GM will license Toyota’s hybrid technology for GM cars and trucks. This rumor has since been denied from GM executives in the paged of their online blog, the GM Fastlane Blog.
Although GM would no doubt benefit from Toyota’s stellar Synergy Drive Hybrid System, the automaker has pointed out that they are very busy developing their own internal hybrid technology. Chevrolet Financing Peoria say this proprietary technology will be available soon enough in the upcoming Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle. GM also has several other hybrid models under development, including a Buick hybrid crossover.
In discussing future hybrid technology plans, GM has singled out Buick as the main beneficiary of this new technology. A hybrid Enclave is currently in the works says Washington DC Buick, as well as a smaller hybrid crossover that will essentially fill the void in the GM lineup that will be left once the Vue Hybrid and the Saturn brand are sold.
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.
2010 Toyota Prius Gets Good Start Here and in Japan
While it wasn’t the first hybrid car available to the masses, the Toyota Prius quickly became the the most successful hybrid car worldwide. On the heels of unparalleled sales success, Toyota is rolling out the much anticipated, all-new 2010 Prius at dealers nationwide. However, with 180,000 orders for the hybrid in Japan already, success seems to be putting a strain on Toyota.
