GM to launch hybrid system in Saturn cars

By Journal Times staff

Tuesday, August 30, 2005 2:05 AM CDT

MILFORD, MICH. - General Motors will launch a new, "affordable" hybrid system that will debut next year in Saturn cars.

The belt alternator starter hybrid system will come out in mid-2006 for the Saturn 2007 Vue Green line.

The belt alternator starter hybrid is one of three hybrid systems that GM plans to introduce on up to 12 models. The company said that will give consumers an array of hybrid vehicles that will vary in fuel savings and cost.

GM said its belt alternator starter hybrid combines "sophisticated controls with a precision electric motor/generator mated to the engine."

"The best design is uncomplicated and easy to implement," said Larry Nitz, executive director of GM's hybrid program. "This simple, elegant hybrid architecture makes it possible to implement globally on a broad spectrum of vehicle applications at an attractive price."

GM said the belt alternator starter hybrid can be applied to multiple engines with minimal change to the engine or transmission.

GM engineers developed the belt alternator starter hybrid to deliver better fuel economy by: * Shutting off the engine when the vehicle is brought to a stop to minimize engine idling.

* Restarting the engine promptly when the brake pedal is released.

* Enabling early fuel cutoff to the engine during vehicle

deceleration.

* Capturing vehicle kinetic energy during deceleration to help charge the advanced nickel metal hydride hybrid battery - called regenerative braking.

* Performing intelligent battery charging by opportunistically charging when it's most

efficient.

The belt alternator starter hybrid also will provide an electric power assist during acceleration when needed.

The system is designed to automatically maintain accessory functionality and passenger comfort when the engine is stopped.

GM launched the world's first hybrid pickup trucks in 2004, the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra. The full-size trucks, with GM's parallel-hybrid system, were initially sold in six states. Retail availability will expand nationwide beginning with the 2006 model year.

GM also announced it is developing an all-new two-mode full hybrid system that is uniquely compact and scalable. This new two-mode full hybrid will first be marketed in GM's new Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon full-size SUVs in 2007. The system is based on GM's successful diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system for transit buses, 364 of which are in service in 25 cities in the U.S. and Canada .

GM said its hybrid strategy is part of its larger advanced-propulsion technology strategy which is focused on introducing new technologies to improve the internal combustion engine and transmissions to further reduce vehicle emissions and increase fuel economy.

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