Three different systems for application in twelve model lines developed

General Motors starts comprehensive initiative on hybrid propulsion

• Depending on demand, annual production could exceed one million vehicles
• In combination with Displacement on Demand, fuel savings reach 20 percent

Rüsselsheim/Detroit. General Motors Corp. will offer optional and innovative hybrid powertrains on several of its most popular models including trucks, SUVs and mid-size sedans starting in late 2003, GM President and CEO Rick Wagoner announced today at the North American International Auto Show. Until 2007, the offer will encompass three different vehicle architectures and more than a dozen different models. "If consumers were to select the hybrid option on all of the models included in our multi-year plan, the impact could eventually exceed one million vehicles annually. With this major commitment we will bridge the gap between improved internal combustion engines and the hydrogen fuel cell," Wagoner explained. "At the same time, we can lower the fuel consumption of our vehicles by up to 20 percent."

The hybrid systems announced today include:

• Full-size pickup trucks (Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra), from late 2003: Alternator starter system (42 Volt, 14 kW), integrated between engine and transmission, lead-acid buffer battery, regenerative braking, and engine idle start/stop functions. When the gasoline engine stops running, accessories like power steering, vehicle heating or air conditioning continue working. Fuel savings between ten and twelve percent. From 2007 the system will be combined with Displacement on Demand for the V8 engine, pushing fuel consumption gains towards 20 percent. At the same time, the system will become available on full-size SUV's like Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon.
  
  
• Compact SUV's and cross-overs (Saturn Vue), starting in late 2005: Twin electric motors with a power of 20 kW each complement the transversally installed four cylinder ECOTEC engine with an output of 125 hp (92kW). The power is stored in the system's 300-volt battery pack. The electric motors will propel the vehicle at low speeds and while reversing, and will supplement the combustion engine while accelerating and on steep hills. They will drive the air conditioning compressor, even when the engine is off, resulting in a notable improvement in fuel economy and vehicle performance. Depending on driving conditions, fuel savings will approach 50 percent. Emissions from the system will carry a super low emissions vehicle (SULEV) certification.
  
  
• Mid-size cars (starting with Chevrolet Equinox and Malibu), from late 2005: Belt driven alternator starter system (5kW, 42 Volt) combined with a VTi continuously variable transmission for use in models derived from the Epsilon or Theta-based high volume front-wheel-drive platform architectures. Functions include engine idle start/stop automatic, electric air conditioning, regenerative braking. Estimated composite fuel economy savings range from 12 to15 percent.