Derek77

I think the elderly kill themselves more than they kill other people like teens. But watch out for the old fart that plows through a open market area.

Another story on the same study: New teenage drivers are more dangerous than previously thought: Nearly two of every three people killed in crashes involving 15- to 17-year-old drivers are people other than the driver, auto club AAA will announce today. Teenagers have long been the riskiest on the road. AAA's analysis shows that unlike elderly drivers, who mostly kill themselves when they crash, new teen drivers involved in wrecks have an impact far beyond their own families. "When we talk about teen driver safety, it tends to be viewed as a problem that affects teen drivers," says Robert Darbelnet, CEO of the auto club. "I don't want to de-emphasize the importance of (teenage) casualties, but your mother might be in a car hit by a teen driver." USA Today Story: Risk of teen drivers reaches others

TEEN DRIVER CRASHES POSE GREATEST THREAT TO OTHER ROAD USERS, ACCORDING TO AAA FOUNDATION ANALYSIS AAA Auto Club South To Focus Advocacy Efforts on Strengthening Florida’s Teen Driver Safety Law TAMPA, FL (January 18) - The majority of people killed in teen driver crashes are people other than the teen drivers themselves, according to a recent analysis of ten years of crash data by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. The new analysis shows that young novice drivers comprise slightly more than one-third of all the fatalities in crashes in which they are involved; whereas nearly two-thirds of those killed are other vehicle users and pedestrians. AAA Auto Club South says these new data provide new urgency to AAA’s advocacy efforts to strengthen Florida’s graduated licensing law (GDL). “It’s clear from this analysis that we have to approach the issue of teen driver safety in a different way,” said Kevin Bakewell, Senior Vice President, AAA Auto Club South. “We need to focus on the effects teen driver crashes have on others in addition to the teen drivers themselves.” AAA Teen Driver Study

I guess I should have told everyone to check the ordering guide. All the info is on there. Then again, they might shut it down now that I said something.

Can you imagine the USPS using GM's belt hybrid from the Vue? Stamps would go back down to 37 cents!

Consortium Orders 157 GM Hybrid-Powered Buses Eleven transit agencies in California, Nevada and New Mexico place one of the largest hybrid bus orders ever DETROIT - A hybrid bus consortium consisting of 11 transit agencies in California, Nevada and New Mexico has awarded a contract to Gillig Corp. for the purchase of up to 157 diesel-electric hybrid buses powered by General Motors' advanced hybrid propulsion system. The purchase contract is the second largest since GM's hybrid diesel-electric system debuted in 2003 and was spearheaded by the San Joaquin Regional Transit District (RTD) in California. San Joaquin RTD formed the consortium with other transit agencies to boost purchasing power and reduce per-vehicle costs through mass ordering. San Joaquin RTD plans on buying 50 hybrid buses, while the remaining 107 buses will be available for other consortium members. "Our Board of Directors' commitment to the diesel fuel path led San Joaquin RTD to purchase two GM hybrid-powered buses manufactured by Gillig in June 2004," said Bobby Kuhn, director of maintenance for San Joaquin RTD. "Since that time, we have experienced firsthand the reductions in fuel consumption, noise levels and emissions offered by this technology. These fantastic results convinced us to purchase additional buses, and to share our experience with GM's hybrid bus propulsion system with other transit agencies. The interest in acquiring the fuel-saving technology was amazing, so a purchasing consortium was formed." Joining San Joaquin RTD in the hybrid bus consortium are the following California transit agencies: Benicia Transit, Fairfield/Suisun Transit, Golden Gate Transit, Humboldt Transit Authority, Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority (LAVTA), Monterey-Salinas Transit, SamTrans (San Mateo County), and Santa Barbara MTD. Citifare of Reno/Sparks, Nev. and ABQ RIDE in Albuquerque, N.M. also joined the consortium. Deliveries will begin in mid-2006 and conclude in late 2007. "These hybrid buses will help San Joaquin RTD and other consortium members realize significant fuel cost savings by using diesel-electric hybrid systems," said Donna Kelsay, San Joaquin RTD's GM and CEO. "They also will help us fulfill our overall mission to significantly minimize air emissions, which in turn reduces the environmental impact to our region's land and water." The California consortium members are purchasing hybrid diesel-electric technology in part to help meet California's stringent clean-air requirements for urban buses. The GM hybrid system provides transit agencies the option of a clean-air technology solution that has been reviewed and certified by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Transit buses with GM's hybrid propulsion system deliver significantly better fuel economy than traditional transit buses, cut certain emissions up to 90 percent and have operating sound levels approaching that of passenger cars. Other benefits of the GM hybrid system include reduced maintenance costs resulting from extended brake, engine oil and transmission oil life, superior torque, and better acceleration. "GM is committed to applying hybrid technology to the highest fuel consuming vehicles on the road, including mass transit buses," said Beth Lowery, GM vice president of environment and energy. "Successful projects like this one require strong partnerships between industry and government, and we commend San Joaquin RTD's leadership and all of the consortium members for their decision to choose GM's hybrid technology and their commitment to improving fuel economy and reducing emissions in their communities." The consortium will join the growing ranks of communities that are investing in General Motors' clean hybrid technology. Currently, there are nearly 380 GM hybrid-equipped buses operating in 29 cities in the U.S. and Canada. For 2006, GM starts the year with an additional 203 hybrid-powered buses scheduled for delivery to six U.S. cities. "The General Motors hybrid diesel electric drive system for buses uses the most efficient parallel hybrid architecture available in the world today," said Tom Stephens, group vice president for GM Powertrain. "If the U.S. had only 1,000 GM hybrid powered buses operating in major cities, the cumulative savings would be more than 1.5 million gallons of fuel annually." The hybrid diesel-electric drive system is manufactured by GM Allison Transmission, maker of transmissions and hybrid propulsion systems for commercial trucks, buses, off-highway equipment and military vehicles, headquartered in Indianapolis. Gillig Corp. of Hayward, Calif., will manufacture the buses.

2007 GMC Yukon: Professional Grade at Competitive Price DETROIT – GMC today announced that the all-new Yukon will be offered with an MSRP of $34,690, $3,290 less than the recently repriced model it replaces. The Yukon features an entirely new interior and exterior design and the Yukon lineup features an all-new chassis and continuing standard Stabilitrak with new rollover mitigation technology. The aggressive MSRP is in line with the recent repricing announcement for the GMC brand. The 2007 Yukon will be available in February 2006, followed by the launch of Yukon XL and Denali models later this year. “We are excited to introduce the new Yukon lineup, and with the all-new design, improved content and attractive price, it’s a real value for consumers,” said John Larson, Pontiac-GMC General Manager. New optional features include roof-mounted head curtain side air bags for all seating rows, a power liftgate, 20” wheels and tires, rear camera system, heated windshield wiper fluid, as well as a segment-exclusive power fold-and-tumble second row seat. The Yukon will continue its segment-leading fuel economy position, achieving an estimated 16/22 mpg city/highway for 2WD and 15/21 mpg city/highway for 4WD. Other fuel management technologies include standard Active Fuel Management and E85 FlexFuel capability on most models. The 2007 Yukon line includes Yukon, Yukon XL, Yukon Denali and Yukon XL Denali. Pricing for the other Yukon models will be available later this year.

I forgot to add one more standard feature that the Avalanche will have: Trunk in Bed for spare tire and other stuff. Damn! Can't I play around! It was just a joke!!

I feel the same way. I was a little disappointed in a way, but damn, what was I expecting a different look from the Tahoe/Suburban? You're getting pretty greedy Mr. Derek77.

3-quarter-ton Models are no longer available Rearview camera system available Interiors: Ebony, Ebony/Light Cashmere and Dark Titanium/Light Titanium Luggage rack available Soft Cargo Cover Available only on LS

I can agree with that. I can see a redneck getting a Hybrid Tahoe and slapping a big TAHOE sticker on the front air dam. To bad GM didn't have more money to invest in a more aerodynamic under-carriage and get rid of the huge air dam.

I'm confused. I thought the got rid of the body tack-ons? Are you talking about the badging? plugged bumper holes?

The less polution was suppose to be a bi-product of the less fuel used. Or so I thought.

You're right!! There isn't an electric motor under the hood.

When's the last time you looked at an Equinox or Torrent? The Equinox doesn't come with grey bumpers anymore. They are all painted body color. The only difference is in the LS and LT's mirror (painted or black). They also don't come with those cheesy ass classic crappy GM style T bar shifter. That was a feature that never made it from the pre-production model shown at the 2003 North American International Auto Show. THe cargo area has been reworked mid-year 2006. The cargo shelf is now an option. On another note, I know the Equinox is going to get the hybrid option that is in the Vue Green Line. Did any one notice the New Hybrids video on GMtv? They showed the silhouette of several vehicles coming in the near future. They only showed a few of the ones that are coming and what is available now. Looks like the one on the bottom left is the Equinox. EDIT: I forgot to add that they don't remote start either.

It doesn't say it in this article, but other articles have said that these changes could help some vehicles achieve better mileage than what was once stated. Which I think will help GM out is some areas.

Comes out later this year.

America's Best- Selling Full-Sized SUV To Start At $33,990 DETROIT – Chevrolet today announced the all-new Tahoe will be priced at $33,990 for the LS model equipped with a standard 5.3L engine. This new vehicle is priced approximately $2,000 below its predecessor. The 2007 Tahoe goes on sale at Chevrolet dealers across the country today. “Tahoe has been the best-selling full-sized SUV since 2001. The 2007 model is the best Tahoe yet, and we are bringing it to the marketplace at a great value,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “This is very consistent with our recent pricing of other launch vehicles, making America's number one brand, Chevrolet, also America's number one value.” The starting price for a Tahoe LT 5.3L is $35,740; and an LTZ, equipped with a 5.3L engine begins at $44,015. All prices include $875 Destination Freight Charge (DFC) and are 2WD. The new Tahoe takes over at the top of the segment not only in sales, but also in fuel economy. When combined with improved aerodynamics, the small-block V-8 gives the Tahoe the segment’s best fuel economy. Two-wheel-drive models equipped with the 5.3L engine have EPA estimates at 16 mpg in the city and 22 on the highway. Tahoe was the first full-sized SUV with an EPA estimated highway mpg over 20. “We know customers are looking for fuel-efficient, high quality vehicles that offer more standard equipment at competitive prices, and that’s what we are delivering,” said Peper. “This strategy, which we started last year, helped Chevrolet become the best-selling vehicle brand in the United States for the first time since 1986.” In 2005, Chevrolet's sales results were paced by full-size pickup sales and the introduction of the new Impala, Equinox, HHR and Cobalt. Over the last five years, driven by consumer response to its revamped product lineup, Chevrolet closed an 850,000-unit sales gap with the competition, a notable accomplishment given the increasingly competitive nature of the U.S. auto industry. Chevrolet's continuing strong truck sales and the introduction of important entry-level vehicles were key to this achievement. Chevrolet's new entry-level vehicles, the Equinox, HHR, Cobalt and Aveo, increased sales by more than 100,000 units in 2005. “More Americans buy Chevys than any other brand,” Peper said, “and we intend to defend our sales position with a continued strong product assault in 2006, led by our new trucks.” The new Tahoe is one of six all-new vehicles Chevrolet will launch this year.

From GM Media: SATURN VUE GREEN LINE USES NEW, LESS COMPLEX HYBRID SYSTEM DETROIT – The 2007 Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid features a unique electric motor/generator mated to a 2.4L VVT four-cylinder engine and 4T45-E four-speed transmission powertrain to deliver increased fuel economy over non-hybrid models. It is a less complex, lower-cost hybrid system than competitors’ systems. The Vue Green Line’s hybrid system enables increased fuel economy through engine shut-off at idle, fuel cut-off during deceleration, electric motor/generator assist during acceleration and the capability to capture electrical energy through regenerative braking. The Vue Green Line is expected to deliver an EPA estimated 27 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. Six elements comprise the hybrid system: * A precision electric motor/generator unit that replaces alternator, and is capable of 115 lb.-ft. (156 Nm) of auto-start torque * Engine-coolant cooled power electronics that control the motor/generator unit and provide 12-volt vehicle accessory power * An advanced NiMH hybrid battery pack capable of delivering and receiving more than 10 kW of peak power – the battery pack is located beneath the cargo floor between the rear wheels, maintaining full vehicle utility * An engine control module that includes sophisticated Hybrid Supervisory software to manage both the hybrid system and the gasoline engine * An engine accessory drive with new, dual-tensioner assembly and durable aramid cord belt that enables transfer of “motoring” and “generating” torque (see below) * Hybrid-enabled Hydra-Matic 4T45-E electronically controlled four-speed automatic transaxle that includes an auxiliary oil pump and unique hybrid controls. The driving situation determines whether the vehicle operates in either motoring or generating mode. In motoring mode, the hybrid system is used to quickly restart the gasoline engine upon brake pedal release and provide momentary acceleration assistance as needed. To perform these functions, the NiMH battery pack converts its stored chemical energy into direct current (DC) electrical energy. The system’s electronics then convert the DC power to three-phase alternating current (AC) energy to run the motor/generator unit as an electric motor. The vehicle’s 12-volt accessory power also is generated in this mode. In the generating mode, the hybrid system is used to provide both 12-volt accessory power and power to charge the battery pack. To perform these functions, the engine is used to power the motor/generator unit, which then provides a three-phase electrical output. In this mode, the energy required to drive the engine may come from either gasoline when accelerating, or the kinetic energy of the moving vehicle when decelerating with the fuel cut off. The three-phase AC electrical output of the motor/generator is then converted to DC energy to efficiently charge the hybrid battery pack and vehicle accessory battery. A Green Line-specific instrument cluster with a new “charge/assist” readout indicates when the vehicle is in the battery charging or electrical assist modes, and a tachometer that has “AUTO STOP” and “OFF” readouts. AUTO STOP indicates when the engine shuts off and OFF indicates when the key is either turned off or removed from the ignition. Also, an “ECO” indicator illuminates whenever instant fuel economy exceeds the EPA-average fuel economy ratings.

Thank You GM! Bob mostly. The could easily use the same parts that are on the Hybrid version on the regular production Tahoes and lower the weight, increase aerodynamics, which all improves mileage.

Take a second look and you'll see what I mean. Right above the grill, just below the hood, you will see a slot that should have red lights moving in it.

What's up with the NightRider slot above the grill? That's an ugly ram-air setup if that's what it is.

Thank you GM!! Bring it to production now, well in 2008 or 09.

Oh, I remember. And I also remember that the Aveo looked "cool" as the Kalos, but we got the toned down version. We always seem to get the bottom of the barrel. That's all I'm worried about. GM is always capable of screwing up too.

Oh please don't make the Aveo suck. Oh please don't make the Aveo suck. Oh please don't make the Aveo suck.