General Motors is the second major carmaker in as many days to announce plans to concentrate on developing efficient diesel powertrains and mild-hybrid systems for Europe rather than more complicated and expensive full hybrid vehicles. Yesterday Ford said it too would focus on stop-start motors and improved aerodynamics to increase fuel efficiency of its European fleet instead of hybrid tech.
Europeans have been slow to take to hybrids because modern diesel powertrains offer similar fuel consumption but cost thousands of dollars less. Because of this low demand, GM thinks that micro and mild-hybrid systems will be more marketable across Europe.
Lexus on the other hand sees hybrid as a way of differentiating itself in Europe.
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