Three new hybrid vehicles -- two SUVs and a sedan -- make their debut at the LA Auto Show this week as GM and Ford try to expand the demand for full size vehicles with superior fuel economy.
The GMC Yukon will join the Chevy Tahoe as the first GM "dual-mode" hybrids that use twin electric motors to reduce fuel consumption during start and stop traffic as well as at highway speeds.
According to the Chicago Tribune the Yukon Hybrid will get 25 percent better mileage than gasoline version, or about 21+ mpg. While that may not sound like great fuel economy, the hybrid model will use approximately 175 less gallons of gas per year (based on 15,000 miles), reducing the petroleum consumption more than by replacing a Civic with a Civic Hybrid (134 gallons). So getting more stingy SUVs on the road is even more important than hybrid sedans in reducing oil imports (if that kind of thing matters to you.)
Ford has redesigned its Escape SUV and is introducing seat fabric made from 100 recycled materials. It's good to see Ford joining Honda in using recycled materials in its interiors.
GM also introduced the Saturn Aura Green Line, it's first hybrid car. The Aura Green Line doesn't use dual mode hybrid technology, and it won't be in the class of the Prius or Civic Hybrid in fuel economy. While priced about the same as the 50 mpg (combined) Civic Hybrid, the Aura Green Line is expected to get just 30 miles to the gallon.
