Adding hybrid technology to SUVs could be the cure for GM and DaimlerChrysler's U.S. blues. The two companies (along with BMW) are investing in a big way in technology that boosts the fuel economy of the gargantuan vehicles could revive flagging SUV sales, according to the Automotive News.
The "two-mode" hybrid technology will automatically optimize power and fuel economy performance for acceleration as well as sustained speeds, which should help both city and highway mileage. To encourage consumers to buy, the companies will likely have to pitch the additional torque and horsepower that the hybrid drivetrains also provide.
It would be a mixed blessing if hybrid SUVs could get the anticipated 25+ miles per gallon. At least the SUVs on the road would use less gas, but then again increasing sales of the largest vehicles isn't exactly what environmentally-minded folks have in mind.
Ford which is betting the farm on ethanol vehicles, could be left by the roadside if it loses part of the lucrative SUV market.
