GM has begun its production of the two mode hybrid transmission for use in their upcoming 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon large SUV Hybrids. Over $118 million was spent to expand the transmission plant in Baltimore by 38,000 square feet in order to produced the new two mode hybrid transmission.
The two mode hybrid system was developed in partnership with BMW and DaimlerChrysler. All three companies will be coming out with their own two mode hybrid cars, but GM will be the first. The two mode hybrid system will increase fuel economy for GMs large SUVs by 30%.
Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md) and Barbara Mikulski (D-Md) were on hand for the first transmission produced to come off the line. Seventy eight percent of the components used in the production also come from the US.
The hybrid SUVs will start coming next week from an assembly plant in Arlington, Texas. GM is hoping to sell 10,000 units combined for the 2008 model year.
GM is planning on bringing the two mode system out for the Cadillac Escalade SUV, Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups. The re-tooled transmission plant will also be supplying the two mode hybrid system for the Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango SUVs. BMW is expected to follow-up with the X6 crossover.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Two Mode Hybrid System Begins Production in the US
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