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Sales of Hybrid SUVs Stuck in Neutral
New truck-based models save gas, but they're still costly
By Matt Cantor
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Posted May 31, 08 11:15 AM CDT
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(Newser)
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As sales drop for traditional SUVs, GM and Chrysler have high hopes for hybrid versions of their popular truck-based vehicles—but sales thus far haven’t been impressive, the New York Times reports. GM has sold 1,100 of its Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon hybrids—pacing far behind the company’s goal of 12,000 a year.
“To this point, the GM hybrids aren’t getting any traction at all,” said an analyst. The Tahoe gets 20 miles per gallon in the city to the usual 14, for an extra $4,000. “Is this a green vehicle? I think it could be a lot greener,” says an expert. Truck-based SUVs account for 4% of the US market, down from 8% last year as consumers flock to gas-sipping smaller cars.