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First Full-Size Hybrid SUV Achieves 30 Percent Fuel EfficiencyIncrease Over Standard Model
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 15 -- The 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid -- the firstGeneral Motors vehicle to use the company's all-new two-mode hybrid system-- has been named Green Car Journal's 2008 Green Car of the Year(R). Theaward was presented at a press conference this morning at the Los AngelesAuto Show.
"This is a milestone in many respects," says Green Car Journal editorand publisher Ron Cogan. "People don't think 'green' when SUVs areconcerned, and for generally good reason since SUVs often get poor fueleconomy compared to most other vehicles. Chevrolet's Tahoe Hybrid changesthis dynamic with a fuel efficiency improvement of up to 30 percentcompared to similar vehicles equipped with a standard V-8."
According to the EPA's 2008 estimated fuel economy ratings, Chevrolet'sachievement is even more apparent during city driving where a largepercentage of SUVs spend their time every day. In this environment, the6.0-liter two-mode hybrid Tahoe achieves 50 percent better fuel economythan a Tahoe powered by a standard 5.3-liter V-8. What's equallyeye-opening is that the Tahoe's 21 mpg city fuel efficiency rating is thesame as that of the city EPA rating for the four-cylinder Toyota Camrysedan.
"We're thrilled to receive this recognition from Green Car Journal forour Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid," says Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager."We've felt that the Tahoe Hybrid represents the best of both worlds -- thegreat utility you'd expect from a Tahoe with fuel economy on par withtoday's mid-size cars. It's satisfying to receive this validation from suchan authority on environmentally-friendly vehicles."
The Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid was selected in a majority vote by a jury ofhigh-profile environmental and industry leaders, along with four Green CarJournal editors. Invited jurors this year included Carroll Shelby, JayLeno, Carl Pope (Sierra Club), Christopher Flavin (Worldwatch Institute),Jonathan Lash (World Resources Institute), and Jean-Michel Cousteau (OceanFutures Society).
"GM promised they would use hybrid technology, and use it where it wouldmake the most difference -- on their biggest vehicles. They have deliveredwith the Chevy Tahoe," says Carl Pope, executive director of the SierraClub, pointing out that this vehicle ends the argument that efficiency andvehicle choice are incompatible. He adds that automakers should now maketheir entire fleets fuel efficient as fast as they can retool.
The Tahoe Hybrid is the industry's first application of hybridtechnology in a full-size SUV. While a few vehicles with V-6 and V-8engines are offered with hybrid options, most hybrid technology isincorporated into mid-size or smaller vehicles with four-cylinder enginesbecause this is where big fuel economy gains are most readily achieved.It's a different challenge to achieve meaningful mpg increases on largevehicles of greater weight where substantial cargo hauling and towing maybe needed, and larger engines are required for the job. For instance, theTahoe Hybrid features seating for up to eight passengers, a 60 cubic footcargo volume with the second and third row seats folded, the ability tocarry up to 1400 pounds of cargo, and a tow rating of up to 6,200pounds.
"The importance of GM's accomplishment can't be overstated," says Cogan."For years, consumers have been buying SUVs in increasing numbers becauseof their functionality, making them the number one class of vehicle on themarket. The problem has been obvious: With larger vehicles generally comespoorer fuel economy because of greater size and curb weight. An 'equalizer'has been needed ... and the two-mode hybrid system in the Tahoe is clearlythat equalizer."
Along with the Tahoe Hybrid, the jury considered 2008 Green Car of theYear nominees including the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, Mazda Tribute Hybrid,Nissan Altima Hybrid, and the Saturn Aura Hybrid. Dozens of 2008 model yearvehicles using all technologies and fuels were considered by the Green CarJournal staff in narrowing down the field to five nominees.
Along with their considerable achievements in raising the bar inenvironmental performance, each of those making the final cut had to meetthe requirement of being on sale and widely available to the public by Jan.1, 2008. "Newness" was also a factor in the nomination process, withnominees ideally in the earlier phases of their production cycle ratherthan near the end. Other factors that weigh in on the decision makinginclude production volume and the likelihood of a candidate vehicle'senvironmentally-focused technologies leading to further implementation inother vehicles.
About Green Car of the Year(R)
The GCOY award is an important part of Green Car Journal's mission toshowcase environmental progress in the auto industry. Since 1992, Green CarJournal has focused on the intersection of automobiles, energy, andenvironment, first with an industry newsletter and then with anaward-winning auto enthusiast magazine. Today, the magazine is consideredthe premier source of information on high fuel efficiency, low emission,advanced technology, and alternative fuel vehicles. Green Car of theYear(R) is a registered trademark of Green Car Journal and RJ CoganSpecialty Publications Group, Inc. For more information visithttp://www.greencar.com/.
About the LA Auto Show
For the second consecutive year, the LA Auto Show will be held in thefall. The show opens for media only Nov. 14 and 15. Public days run fromNov. 16-25 including Thanksgiving Day. For general information visithttp://www.laautoshow.com/.
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