The 10-Second Version (AI Summary)
What happened: GM is preparing its Lansing Delta Township plant for hybrids, reportedly starting with the Traverse, Enclave and Acadia.
Why it matters: GM sells one U.S. hybrid today, and its market share has slipped as Toyota and Honda gained.
What to do: Start building the cost-of-ownership conversation now, before the hybrids land.
AI-generated and reviewed by the ASOTU team.
Our head writer has exactly one hybrid request for GM: a 1987 Chevy Caprice wagon. Short of that, he says he's out.
The rest of us are easier to please, and we said so on Friday's episode. GM finally answered its dealers on hybrids this week, and we already know where we want it to go next.
What has GM confirmed about its hybrid plans?
Q: Which models are coming first?
A: Reuters sources say hybrid versions of the Chevy Traverse, Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia will be built at GM's Lansing Delta Township plant. GM confirmed the plant investment but hasn't named models or timing.
Q: How is GM paying for it?
A: A $500 million Energy Department grant originally meant for EV retooling will now go toward hybrid production.
Q: Why now?
A: GM sells only one U.S. hybrid today, the Corvette. Its market share slid from 17.4% to 16.6% through September while Toyota and Honda gained. Dealers told Reuters they've raised the need for hybrids every chance they get.
Which GM hybrids should come after the three-rows?
We want a hybrid Yukon and a hybrid Escalade. A full-size SUV getting something closer to 40 mpg, instead of about 18, would change the cost-of-ownership conversation on every lot that sells them.
Better late than never.
With payments climbing, fuel savings are one of the few cost-of-ownership arguments that gets stronger every month, and GM dealers have been waiting a long time to make it.
Keep a list of the customers who left for a Toyota or Honda hybrid. When GM's arrive, they're your first calls. Hear the full conversation on Friday's episode of the Automotive State of the Union.
