I congratulate General Motors for being first in the pool with hybrid-powered, full-size sport/utilities. These SUVs employ a true hybrid powertrain (not like the Malibu, Aura, and previous-gen GM trucks, which use what can best be described a mild-hybrid system). As fuel prices continue to increase, the cost/benefit equation of the Tahoe, Yukon, and Escalade 2Mode hybrids improves.
You'll never have trouble spotting one, either, because this rig wears no fewer than nine (9) badges and emblems aimed at reminding you that it's a hybrid. Follow me around:
This rocker-panel billboard is the worst offender and stretches nearly five feet long.
Like this badge? Hope so -- because you get three of them: one on the rear deck, plus another on each front fender.
Perhaps GM thought a hybrid badge on the grille would have been over the top, but didn't want to take any chance that oncoming traffic might miss the news. So this goodie appears on the windshield.
You get a pair of these stylized "H" badges, one per C-pillar.
And, finally, just to leave a good impression, there's a hybrid dingus on the rear window, too (in case you miss the one on the lower rear deck, noted above).
That's 2+3+1+2+1 = 9 badges. How on earth has Toyota sold a million Priuses so far, getting by on just three?
There are two things going on here. The first is that GM is overmarketing. The General wants you to know, in no uncertain terms, that it has, finally, arrived at Destination Hybrid. And they're not the only ones trying to get that point across. Nearly every carmaker is working double overtime to inform and convince you it is the Lean Green MPG Machine.
The second aspect of all this messaging is to help potential buyers feel good about purchasing a big rig. "Have your three-row SUV and eat it, too, guilt free." No treehuggers will throw eggs at their 6000-lb sport/utility, because it's a hybrid, gets better mileage, smaller carbon footprint, etc. That's all true, but could be said without the overabundance of paste-on bits. Taste is always up to the individual, but personally, I wouldn't want all this stuff glued on my truck.
Does this bounty o' lables look great and tell the world something important? Or is GM just grandstanding to draw your attention away from all those thirsty H2s? Your thoughts, please.