I got a chance to meet with a few executives at GM involved with their hybrids programs afternoon. While these meetings seemed rather choreographed, I did manage to glean some interesting information from them.

Micky Bly, GM Director Global Hybrids

I had a great conversation with Micky about weather GM’s hybrid program has been a success. We touched on a few points that I think are informational:

• Leadership – It’s clear that GM wants to be a leader in Hybrids (and FlexFuels, PHEVs, and whatever other technologies are viable). He noted that all of GMs prescribed production runs have been sold out. The issue, however, is that these products are not being sold in volume. He did admit that suppliers are stretched to the limit, but are making deliveries. I wasn’t able to get any numbers out of Micky (no surprises there). But their high-profile models – Saturn Vue Greenline, Tahoe Hybrid, Malibu Hybrid – continue to be listed on their corporate website as having “limited availability”. I should expect that given the direct incursions of Toyota on their territory (pick-ups, cross-overs) that they would tout their market success of their hybrids. But they’re not – they report no sales figures (yet). The bottom line is that while GM’s intention is to be a leader, it currently does not have a record of leadership (or at least gains) in this segment.
• Phased roll-out: Micky admitted to me that GM has plans for 8 hybrids to be released by the end of the year (they currently have 5 – Vue, Aura, Malibu, Tahoe, Yukon? – not sure if that’s the fifth or the 2-Mode Vue). This means that they have another three annoucements through the remainder of the year. Their plans, however, is to continue to announce a new hybrid model on a quarterly basis. While that might sound a bit measured, it makes sense from the standpoint of building out a supply base. This should give their suppliers the opportunity to scale production and manage the roll-out in an organized manner. That’s good for consumers too.

Marty Hogan, Vehicle Chief Engineer, Saturn Vue

Marty had a similar upbeat attitude about the Saturn Vue’s future. There were three big take-aways from this conversation:

• All options on the table – The Vue is an interesting case in that they have announced all types power trains – V6, Hybrid, 2-Mode Hybrid, PHEV. The Vue, then, seems to have a great platform upon which to develop these technologies. That means extra pressure on Marty and his team to continue to make new options viable.
• Underweighting opportunities – While improving the mass of the vehicle isn’t a primary concern, Marty did note that there are still lots of opportunities for accomplishing this task. Many they have taken advantage of – light metals like Aluminum and Magnesium in specific applications. But as new material options become available for say, seats, or noise management materials they should be able to create some additional value.
• Fuel use at a max – Interestingly, Marty seemed to also indicate that there’s not a whole lot of means for getting additional energy just out of a traditional gasoline engine. He noted that there’s a lot of efficiency that can be gotten out of integrating engine system controls such as those found on the two-mode hybrid system. A PHEV Vue is also an interesting development. But at the moment, every new development from here on out will be a new feat of engineering – not an incremental one of yesteryear.

Saturn announced a PHEV Vue and New E-Flex concepts at today’s press event.  Below are some photos.

This is a big commitment for GM and Saturn.   I have been critical of PHEVs – and I still think for good reason.  I will be speaking to some additional representatives from Saturn this afternoon so please look for my notes from these conversations.

E-Flex Concept:

Plug-in Vue:

2-Mode Hybrid Vue:

Toyota is planning to unveil – even though I have pictures from CNet below – a new hybrid pickup concept at the Detroit Auto Show. It’s a really slick design even though it looks like a mutant Honda Ridgeline. No word on its potential performance specs (mileage, etc).

Something tells me that this little pre-show unveiling has something to do with getting upstaged by GM’s Volt concept last year. This seems like a great way to get a buzz going in their direction.

(Detroit News Image)

I’ve been critical of PHEVs and EVs lately. Mostly because advocates don’t seem as though they are representative of the population at-large. I was in Chicago when this storm hit. A foot of snow came and buried everything. This image gives a small glimpse of what snow can do to a car. There are a few things to take away from it:

1) Where do I plug-in? This is a typical urban street – filled with apartment livers who park on the street. In a PHEV world, where do they plug-in? What if they forgot (like I forget to plug-in my phone every night and rely on recharging it in my car)?

2) This is pretty cold weather. I’ve seen metal bent and reshaped in temperatures this low. So the notion of a battery or electric motor scares me a bit. Will they withstand the cold. Will they stand-up to the salt (if the city could actually get around to salting).

3) Would you want to drive around with a plug-in without a gasoline engine? You can refill your gas in a few minutes. But recharging seems like hassle in weather like this.

Let’s be clear: I’m not against PHEVs or EVs. I actually think they’re great ideas that have some really great prospects. But they’re only one solution that meets only some of individuals’ needs. I have issues with their viability for many people in different walks of life. This recent Midwestern storm underscores my concern. The Midwest represents around 25% of the U.S. Population (consider also the demographics of similar climates in Asia and Europe). So it seems as the prospect of a sale of PHEVs or EVs would be tough.

If I had a choice, I’d much rather have a Chevy Tahoe in this condition (a hybrid would be fine – but I wouldn’t bother plugging in during weather like this). I only add this commentary to add to the debate. PHEVs are great – but they’re only part of a solution.

[Update] Recent vote fails.  Senate not giving up though.

[Update] Senate Republicans seem to be pushing back on the proposed bill due to increases in taxes to the oil industry. ( Read CNN Article)

Senate leaders have been working hard to pass an energy bill that includes higher CAFE standards for cars.

From the Detroit News article:

Even with the changes hammered out in recent days, prospects for the bill remain uncertain. Democrats need 60 votes to end debate and approve the bill, which would require a fleetwide industry average of 35 miles per gallon by 2020. The House passed the 1,055-page energy bill last week, 235-181. The White House reiterated a veto threat if the tax provisions remain.

Issues in debate:

• Higher CAFE standards with fleet mileage of 35 MPG
• Removal of 15% Renewable Portfolio Standard for electricity production
• Continuation of renewable energy incentives (to the tue of $21.8 Billion)
• Reduction of oil company tax breaks of $1 Billion
• Tax credits for hybrid car purchases

There’s still a lot of changes that could be made before the final version. So we will see what happens today as it may go to vote.