GM Wins "Green Car of the Year" Using New "Dual Mode Hybrid Transmission" on Tahoe, Other Trucks
Los Angeles Convention Center
A "dual mode hybrid transmission" developed in Europe by engineers from GM, Daimler, Chrysler and BMW, is what allows these large GM trucks to improve their mileage numbers by as much as 50% in some circumstances. This light truck dual-mode hybrid transmission was based on GM-developed technology for dual-mode transmissions which have been used for years in inter-city busses. The transmission can be fit into many large trucks and cars, so it might be seen in some of the biggest sedans from those four companies in the next few years (think Cadillac, 7-Series, S-Class and maybe a new Imperial). The new two-mode hybrid transmission will go into production next year and will initially be used in GM's all-new full-size SUVs, the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon, along with Active Fuel Management which chooses between 8 or 4 cylinders and regenerative braking to help recharge the 300-volt battery pack. The vehicles will be assembled at GM's Arlington, Texas plant. GM also says they will invest up to $118 million to upgrade their "GM Powertrain Baltimore Transmission" facility for building a new, rear-wheel drive two-mode hybrid vehicle transmission for future vehicles, cars and light trucks. The investment will also create up to 87 new jobs at that plant.