I think Ford has actually got "it", and GM is much closer to figuring "it" out:
Ford:
http://en.autos.sympatico.msn.ca/Guides_and_Advice/article.aspx?cp-documentid=8995437This was the bit that got me excited:
"It's also staggeringly green. Ford will sell an ECOnetic version, emitting a mere 98g/km of CO2, and officially averaging 76.3mpg. That's fewer emissions and more economy than a Prius - for, at £11,845, many thousands less."
GM:
http://en.autos.sympatico.msn.ca/GreenCentre/article.aspx?cp-documentid=8790083Here's what stood out, to me, anyway:
"One of most affordable gas-electric vehicles
While the mild hybrid design is less effective than a full hybrid in terms of fuel and emission savings, it is much less complicated and less expensive allowing GM to sell the Malibu Hybrid at several thousand dollars less than full-hybrid competitors."
Now I know guys like ArcticSteve are going to jump all over this, but the review on the Malibu was done by the AJAC, a group formerly notoriously anti-Detroit Three, and pro Toyota/Honda, so high praise indeed.
Is it too late for the Detroit Three? Not if they keep improving with each new model or updated models.
Ford of Europe apparently rocks over there. Why wasn't Ford NA paying attention?