Hybrid, hybrid, hybrid. This is starting to get old. Now, General Motors and the Transit and Roads Authority of Dubai have put together an agreement that may eventually bring gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles — including the new hybrid versions of the Chevrolet Tahoe and Malibu — to the one place on earth (apart perhaps from Venezuela) that least needs (or wants, we'd bet) hybrids, the Middle East. Starting in January, the yearlong "comprehensive evaluation program" will introduce a small fleet of hybrid Tahoes and Malibus for use as limousines and taxicabs in Dubai (cab companies there currently operate a flagrant guzzler called the Toyota Camry). The deal, claims GM, may lead to one of the "largest fleets of hybrid vehicles in the world." Says GM, "The accord is groundbreaking because it demonstrates the common goal of General Motors, Dubai RTA and the Government of Dubai to reduce their impact on the environment — even in a region that is rich in oil resources." Uh-huh. It's all about the environment.
So we have to wonder: How long would it take to justify a Tahoe Hybrid's $2000-$4000 premium over the standard model in a region where gasoline costs, oh, 45 cents a gallon?
Pictured above, left to right: Abdul Aziz Malik, CEO Dubai Taxi, Maureen Kempston Darkes, General Motors Group Vice President and President GM Latin America, Africa and Middle East, His Excellency Matar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board & Executive Director of the RTA, Terry Johnsson, President GM Middle East Operations, His Excellency Essa Al-Dosary, CEO Public Transportation Agency.
Photo courtesy of General Motors.
