Comments on: Report: New Buick Regal Will be First to Get GM’s New Hybrid Drivetrain, and Possibly Plug-in

By: Shane

Shane — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:04:01 +0000

The fuel usage in the chart looks good but I really don’t understand the engine off. Does the car turn the car off and then turn it back on? Wouldn’t that be bad for the starter motor?

By: Brian in Austin

Brian in Austin — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:11:48 +0000

Too bad the Buick SUV was killed by consumer feedback and lack of demand. The shame is that the Saturn VUE 2-mode hybrid had plenty of interest from Saturn owners. Was Buick “really” the brand to keep vs. Saturn? I only know one person with a Buick and it’s my 60-year old uncle. I see many Saturns on the road every day. Killing Saturn was the last great mistake of the old GM. They paved the way to the future with Saturn then abandoned it. And why the heck would anyone keep GMC when you have Chevy? I’d like to support GM when they have good products (My Satrun 4-door sedan has gotten 32 MPG for the past 14 years), but most of their crucial decisions (besides the Volt) have been idiotic.

By: Shock Me

Shock Me — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:48:50 +0000

Under-50 Buick owner here.

GIve me a VOLTEC powered Buick Velite!

Or at least a VOLTEC La Crosse.

The 2010 La Crosse is nice for a pure ICE though. Reminds me of the Holden Commodore.

In any case my next Buick will be VOLTEC powered or there won’t be a next Buick. I can wait. ….Mostly.

By: john1701a

john1701a — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 05:51:34 +0000

LauraM: But I have to wonder how of much the non-hybrid sales are a result of the halo effect of the fusion hybrid?

Sorry, like many, you've been greenwashed if you think a hybrid is necessary for the halo effect. GM advertises their "33 MPG highway" non-hybrid Malibu a lot. How many consumers are attracted by that, but then end up buying a less expensive or more powerful model instead?

By: LauraM

LauraM — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 04:19:07 +0000

DonC: If you think that selling one hybrid Camry for every 100 standard ICE Camrys or selling one hybrid Fusion for every ten standard ICE Fusions is a success, then Toyota and Ford have made hybrids “worth it”. Looked at realistically, hybrid variations have been a bust across the board. Bob Lutz was right: At current gas prices they just aren’t a compelling choice.

To add to everyone else’s previous comments, the Fusion is now one of the top ten vehicles sold in the US. Yes. Most of those are the non-hybrid versions. But I have to wonder how of much the non-hybrid sales are a result of the halo effect of the fusion hybrid? People hear the rave reviews of the hybrid, come in to look at it, and then wind up with the cheaper regular fusion.

http://www.examiner.com/x-1995-Green-Car-Examiner~y2009m11d13-Ford-Fusion-and-Ford-Fusion-Hybrid-are-bestselling-domestic-car-sets-sales-records