Even though it won’t be built, Saturn VUE 2-Mode hybrid rated at 27/30 mpg by EPA!
The Saturn VUE 2-Mode hybrid was supposed to hit the market late 2008/early 2009. When the market crashed, it was one of the first programs to be cut, and now that Saturn is being transitioned over to Penske, the VUE itself doesn’t have much life left in it. That didn’t stop the General from having the VUE hybrid EPA certified, bringing home a 27 mpg city, 30 mpg highway rating. While that doesn’t seem so great compared to the Ford Escape hybrid, the VUE features a V6 compared to the Ford’s I4. The VUE beats the Toyota Highlander hybrid though, which is rated at only 27 mpg city, 25 mpg highway. For more on the story, head on over to Autoblog.
(Image source: Autospectator)
GM cancels Saturn VUE-based Buick crossover; PHEV powertrain to go elsewhere
They say it’s a sign that GM has changed. Instead of waiting weeks, months or even years and millions of dollars creating a Buick version of the Saturn VUE, GM has decided to kill the model instead. The reason? According to Michelle Bunker, Manager of Buick Communications, the initial feedback from the media, employees and dealerships regarding the upcoming ‘ute where almost all negative. They said the product didn’t fit with the direction the Buick brand was headed, so the model has been cancelled.
The model was slated to receive a plug-in hybrid electric drive train, but word is that will now move over to another model. Maybe the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox? Only time will tell, but for now, head on over to Autoblog for the full story.
(Image source: Autoblog)
Saturn VUE Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle becomes Buick PHEV!
Other sites seem to be making a big deal out of this…like it wasn’t totally expected. GM has been planning on moving certain Opel models over to Saturn, like the new Insignia, for some time now. Well now that Saturn has been shed from GM, those models are being used to create new Buick’s in China…so since most of the development work was already done, why not sell them here as Buick’s too?
With the PHEV Saturn VUE, a large portion of the development was already done, so it makes sense to put all of that time and substantial cost to work as a Buick here in the States (and China too.) For the full story, as well as the official press release from General Motors, click on over to Autobloggreen.
2010 Saturn Vue Two-Mode hybrid
There has been some confusion over whether or not the Saturn Vue Two-Mode hybrid will actually be sold. With Saturn’s future hanging in the balance, several people who have placed orders for the vehicle have been told the CUV will not be built by dealers. Autobloggreen decided to clear this up and went to spokesman Brian Corbett. Corbett stated that slow demand for vehicles, hybrids in particular, and declining gas prices, was responsible for the decision to push back the vehicle, from a 2009 model to 2010, which means a Summer 2009 release. So basically it’s another victim of the financial crisis at GM. For full details, head on over to Autobloggreen.
