Mar 23, 2009

GM Introduces Hybrid Pickup Trucks

Is it better to save gas in a small vehicle that doesn’t use much gas anyway or in a large vehicle that uses lots of gas? General Motors Corp. has invested millions in pursuing the latter, feeling that upping fuel economy in large vehicles will save consumers more gasoline…and money. After already introducing hybrid technology on its full-size SUVs, it has just introduced hybrid technology on its full-size pickup trucks.

Frankly, the effort is a huge gamble. When it comes to hybrid vehicles, most people think of small cars and big gas mileage. But, GM argues, what about those who have a serious need for more space, utility and hauling power? Those needs have prompted General Motors to introduce the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra hybrid pickup trucks, which are unique because they deliver exceptional fuel economy but function the same way as a conventional pickup truck. Most often they will be more expensive than their non-hybrid counterparts, but a cost-benefit analysis indicates that the premium is moderate, and it will decrease if gasoline prices rise again.

The new good news is that the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra hybrid pickups can do pretty much everything their conventional siblings can, while they offer fuel economy that’s 50 percent better in city driving. They feature over 300 horsepower and 1,500 pounds payload, as well as 6,100 pounds of towing so buyers don’t have to compromise on full-size truck utility. And there is a bonus: These hybrid pickup trucks deliver the same fuel mileage as many popular four-cylinder-powered midsize cars. The pickup truck is as American as baseball, and pickups still represent the second-largest segment of the auto market, so GM’s big bet might come out a winner.