The VUE forward: 2008 Model
#1
The VUE forward: 2008 Model
http://media.gm.com/servlet/GatewayS...74&docid=30889
Looks like a vastly better Green Line Vue is on it's way. Almost like they're admitting the current model is a mistake and not worth mentioning.
Looks like a vastly better Green Line Vue is on it's way. Almost like they're admitting the current model is a mistake and not worth mentioning.
Last edited by Pravus Prime; 11-29-2006 at 11:41 AM.
#2
Re: The VUE forward: 2008 Model
http://media.gm.com/servlet/GatewayS...74&docid=30889
Looks like a vastly better Green Line Vue is on it's way. Almost like they're admitting the current model is a mistake and not worth mentioning.
Looks like a vastly better Green Line Vue is on it's way. Almost like they're admitting the current model is a mistake and not worth mentioning.
Bob Wilson
#3
Re: The VUE forward: 2008 Model
http://media.gm.com/servlet/GatewayS...74&docid=30889
Looks like a vastly better Green Line Vue is on it's way. Almost like they're admitting the current model is a mistake and not worth mentioning.
Looks like a vastly better Green Line Vue is on it's way. Almost like they're admitting the current model is a mistake and not worth mentioning.
So if the 2-Mode is so great, why was the BAS Green Line released first? Simple. From a technology implementation stand point, it is an easier application. It was ready first. Also notice that the 2008 VUE is totally changed from the 2007. The FWD 2-Mode was develop coincident with the change to the new VUE chassis and design. The BAS system is more transportable across vehicle designs, so it could more easily be developed for the 1st design VUE and carried over to the new design.
The BAS is also less costly to produce, therefore offering a lower price to the consumer. What you'll see when the 2008 2-Mode is available is the basis of the GM hybrid strategy. One model at a modest price with modest fuel economy improvement. This allows people who want a hybrid but can't afford to pay - $3 - 5,000 above the base vehicle price to still experience a hybrid. Another high tech / high fuel economy model for people who want the maximum improvement in fuel economy and are willing to pay the option price for it.
Peace,
Martin
#4
Re: The VUE forward: 2008 Model
So if the 2-Mode is so great, why was the BAS Green Line released first? Simple. From a technology implementation stand point, it is an easier application. It was ready first. Also notice that the 2008 VUE is totally changed from the 2007. The FWD 2-Mode was develop coincident with the change to the new VUE chassis and design. The BAS system is more transportable across vehicle designs, so it could more easily be developed for the 1st design VUE and carried over to the new design.
The BAS is also less costly to produce, therefore offering a lower price to the consumer. What you'll see when the 2008 2-Mode is available is the basis of the GM hybrid strategy. One model at a modest price with modest fuel economy improvement. This allows people who want a hybrid but can't afford to pay - $3 - 5,000 above the base vehicle price to still experience a hybrid. Another high tech / high fuel economy model for people who want the maximum improvement in fuel economy and are willing to pay the option price for it.
Peace,
Martin
Yeah, but take a look at all the upset VUE owners. That can really damage the brand view (Only slight pun intended) in the eyes of future consumers (Who, as we see from reports, do most of their research online before ever visiting a dealer). You have people who are returning it after purchasing it, people outraged at the poor MPGs, and others wishing they hadn't bought the hybrid technology already.
If they had waited and released them together, the 2 mode for people who want some serious MPGs, and BAS for people who don't want to fork out the dough, it would be a different story; and probably a neat innovative idea. Since they were so far behind in the game, why they didn't seems puzzling to me.
Seems to me that GM is taking a serious risk damaging the way people look at GM hybrids. A once burned approach is enough for most consumers when it comes to cars and manufacturers. It's bad enough when people won't buy the Big 3 because of a model they didn't like in the '80's, but to tell them just a few months later that they've improved both seems like a giant slap in the face to current owners and an act of deception at the hands of GM Execs.
In addition, they're also facing the damage done by Who Killed the Electric Car; it's not really a good time to take too many miss steps.
#5
Re: The VUE forward: 2008 Model
Bob Wilson
#6
Re: The VUE forward: 2008 Model
I had no idea how true this fact is, until I first had a car with instant MPG. If you don't see what bad habits cost you in MPG, you tend to underestimate their toll.
#7
Re: The VUE forward: 2008 Model
Can anybody say early 80's GM diesle engines in cars.
GM tried to convert a gas engine into a diesel engine without any block improvements, and the engine was a pathetic dog as far as performance and reliability.
Now they seem to be repeating old habits.
Give the consumer a dog, so they won't even look at the better product.
Smart marketing!
GM tried to convert a gas engine into a diesel engine without any block improvements, and the engine was a pathetic dog as far as performance and reliability.
Now they seem to be repeating old habits.
Give the consumer a dog, so they won't even look at the better product.
Smart marketing!
#8
Re: The VUE forward: 2008 Model
Yeah, but take a look at all the upset VUE owners. That can really damage the brand view (Only slight pun intended) in the eyes of future consumers (Who, as we see from reports, do most of their research online before ever visiting a dealer). You have people who are returning it after purchasing it, people outraged at the poor MPGs, and others wishing they hadn't bought the hybrid technology already.
If they had waited and released them together, the 2 mode for people who want some serious MPGs, and BAS for people who don't want to fork out the dough, it would be a different story; and probably a neat innovative idea. Since they were so far behind in the game, why they didn't seems puzzling to me.
Seems to me that GM is taking a serious risk damaging the way people look at GM hybrids. A once burned approach is enough for most consumers when it comes to cars and manufacturers. It's bad enough when people won't buy the Big 3 because of a model they didn't like in the '80's, but to tell them just a few months later that they've improved both seems like a giant slap in the face to current owners and an act of deception at the hands of GM Execs.
Peace,
Martin
#9
Re: The VUE forward: 2008 Model
This sounds more like the VUE I was expecting, based on Saturn's response to my email back in 2003:
Our advanced hybrid system will be designed specifically for U.S. driving
patterns and will optimize both city and highway fuel efficiency. This
system will be more functional alternative to other gas/electric hybrids.
The VUE Hybrid is expected to boost fuel efficiency up to 50 percent.
I'll be very interested in test-driving this one when it makes it to my local dealership!
#10
Re: The VUE forward: 2008 Model
Martin --
This sounds more like the VUE I was expecting, based on Saturn's response to my email back in 2003:
Our advanced hybrid system will be designed specifically for U.S. driving
patterns and will optimize both city and highway fuel efficiency. This
system will be more functional alternative to other gas/electric hybrids.
The VUE Hybrid is expected to boost fuel efficiency up to 50 percent.
I'll be very interested in test-driving this one when it makes it to my local dealership!
This sounds more like the VUE I was expecting, based on Saturn's response to my email back in 2003:
Our advanced hybrid system will be designed specifically for U.S. driving
patterns and will optimize both city and highway fuel efficiency. This
system will be more functional alternative to other gas/electric hybrids.
The VUE Hybrid is expected to boost fuel efficiency up to 50 percent.
I'll be very interested in test-driving this one when it makes it to my local dealership!
Peace,
Martin