vLane Blog

Articles Matching “Saturn”

• Upcoming: #carchat 30; September 30 @ 8PM EST

  Banovsky on September 30, 2009

  Well, some big news today to discuss on #carchat! First, Saturn is no more, after Penske couldn't secure a source of vehicles past their contract with GM. Second, the GM and eBay Internet experiment is finished…and it wasn't that positive. Third, Volvo buys ad space to complain about distracted driving! Oh, and Toyota's got a recall they can't sweep under the rug…

  If you'd like to participate, check out the #carchat How-To. Anyone can join us at 8 PM EST September 30, but you'll need a Twitter account to ask questions.

  However, if you'd like to follow things live, go here at 8 PM EST.

  And if you'd like to suggest topics and questions for the discussion, please leave a comment below, tag articles on Delicious.com with "carchat," or email me at michael [at] banovsky.com.

  Topics:

  • Discussion: Saturn is dead!
  • Discussion: GM and eBay…too soon for Internet new car sales?
  • Discussion: Distracted driving…should automakers take sides?
  • Discussion: Toyota's huge recall…over floor mats!

  So click through and read a few links, and see some photos related to the discussion.

  Read full article | Comments (0) | Filed under General Motors, Saturn, News, Toyota, This week, Discussion, Social Media, carchat, Volvo, Twitter, Original

• Future Buick CUV to be a plug-in hybrid

  Banovsky on August 6, 2009

  Remember our Future of GM series? The one where we talked about the upcoming Buick CUV? Turns out, our analysis was pretty much dead-on.

  

  The as-yet-unnamed (rebadged Saturn Vue) 2010 Buick crossover SUV

  The teaser shot GM released along with some details shows a clearly reworked front-end from the current Saturn Vue. GM CEO Fritz Henderson's assertion that he's not a fan of badge engineering is getting weaker by the second, as this new model is undeniably a re-badged Saturn Vue plug-in hybrid.

  With that model due out in the market next year before Saturn was sold means the development work on the Buick must nearly be completed.

  Look for this mystery Buick early next year in showrooms.

  Click through for the GM release.

  Read full article | Comments (0) | Filed under GM, General Motors, Saturn, Future, Green, SUV, Crossover, Technology, SUV, Detroit, 2010, 2011, Buick, Fritz Henderson

• The Future of GM Part 3: 2011 Buick CUV

  Banovsky on July 7, 2009

  In this five-part series (parts one one, two, and three), we'll take a look at some of the most exciting products that GM has in the pipeline.

  

  It's not a commercial, either: with 60.8 per cent of the company now owned by the US taxpayers — and 11.7 per cent by Canadian taxpayers — it's a good time to look at how well our investments are holding up.

  GM had — well, Saturn had — a wonderful vehicle slated for launch this year: The Vue plug-in hybrid SUV.

  Well what's the problem? After selling the automaker Saturn to the Penske Group, GM announced that the upcoming Vue plug-in would be put on hold indefinitely…IE: forever.

  Thing is, GM won't just waste the technology. And a few weeks ago, some reporters got a glimpse of a full-sized clay mockup of a future vehicle…

  Click through for the photo, and more info!

  Read full article | Comments (0) | Filed under GM, General Motors, Saturn, Lexus, Future, Green, Mileage, SUV, Feature, Concept, Crossover, Hybrid, SUV, Detroit, 2011, plug-in, Buick

• Feature: My favourite hybrid SUVs

  AshleyW on April 10, 2009

  I have been wondering for quite some time if the word, "hybrid" would be here to stay or if it would be replaced with another term for cars powered by gas and electricity. Even if the idea of an SUV hybrid doesn't tickle your fancy, it's clear these vehicles are functional and boast fuel economy, so what's not to like?

  

  While a two mode hybrid system is the most common in large SUVs and hybrid utility vehicles, some here are a little more conventionally "hybrids" — with the Toyota and Lexus hybrids taking the lead. Click through for more interesting hybrid SUVs. [Photo: Michael Banovsky]

  Read full article | Comments (0) | Filed under GM, General Motors, Saturn, Lexus, Industry, Environment, Future, Green, Mileage, SUV, Feature, Crossover, Technology, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Porsche, Hybrid, SUV, electric, motor, electric motor, engine