The Holden grant goes towards four projects involving hybrid development, researching fuel economy and alternative fuels, research into cabin design and development of its global design process.

Mr Laird said the projects were all long-term and centred on Australian-built models. "They give us the opportunity to do research for the next generation of vehicles beyond VE," he said.

The research will investigate whether a new hybrid transmission from General Motors will fit into the VE Commodore, according to Holden sources. The transmission has been jointly developed by GM, DaimlerChrysler and BMW, and claims to be more efficient than Toyota's current system.

> Full article

I've never really seen the point of hybrids to begin with... it seems that 48 million could be better used to give GM some design...

Plus, half of my mom's side of the family drive Holden Commodore's and I've asked them about Hybrid's... most of them would prefer a more efficient gas "petrol" engine instead of paying a premium for a hybrid...

...Then again, they drive Commodore SS' with the V8... so I doubt their opinion mirrors many Australians.

Around the city, hybrids do make sense, so city dwellers in Sydney, Brissi, Perth & Melbourne may appreciate it, but Australians also do a lot of highway commuting and hybrids aren't too stellar then...

The research will investigate whether a new hybrid transmission from General Motors will fit into the VE Commodore, according to Holden sources. The transmission has been jointly developed by GM, DaimlerChrysler and BMW, and claims to be more efficient than Toyota's current system.

It should fit. There's no point in Holden developing its own hybrid.

It should fit. There's no point in Holden developing its own hybrid.

If GM developed Zeta and did not think that they may fit this trans at some stage then someone should have their butt kicked.