GM to launch LaCrosse hybrid in China before Beijing Olympics

Here's an update on GM's new hybrid for China. Shanghai GM says they will release a Buick LaCrosse hybrid for the Chinese market before the Beijing Olympics, which will have its opening ceremonies August 8, 2008. The hybrid will be based on the Saturn Aura hybrid and the pricing and mileage difference ($2,500 premium and 25 percent improvement in mileage) hints the hybrid system is mild and not GM's two mode system.

In China, Toyota and Honda currently offer a hybrid for sale. Recently, China's Changan Auto debuted its first hybrid and other Chinese automakers like BYD and Chery said they would offer hybrids next year. In a recent speech, Bob Lutz said China admired the Buick brand over any other GM brand. Currently there are no plans to release a Buick LaCrosse hybrid in the American market.

GM has said they would release 16 hybrids in the next 4 years and the US market already has the Aura hybrid, so a Buick hybrid in the U.S. is possible. Below the fold is a Chinese TV ad for the Buick.

Related:

• Want a Buick hybrid? Move to China, where the LaCrosse hybrid is coming soon
• LA Auto Show video: Bob Lutz confirms GM will release 16 hybrids in next four years
• China's Changan Auto's first hybrid model: Jiexun-HEV
• Chery has huge plans for hybrids in 2008 and beyond
• China's BYD Automobile to make hybrid next year

[Source: AutoChannel]

UPDATE: Thanks to Ash, image has been changed.

The video meant to be presented here is no longer available. Sorry for the inconvenience.