Posted on Friday 15 February 2008
At next month’s Geneva Motor Show, Cadillac will be showcasing its new Escalade Hybrid SUV. According to new reports, that’s just the start of the carmaker’s ambitious hybrid plans for Europe . Following its Geneva reveal, Cadillac is expected to make a decision about launching the hybrid model in Europe but will wait and see how popular the car is following its U.S. launch his summer.
One thing’s for certain. European buyers aren’t as fond of hybrid as their North American counterparts and the Cadillac brand itself is still considered new in most parts of Europe, which means customers will be wary of adopting the new model, reports AutoTelegraaf. The vehicle features GM’s new two-mode hybrid system and combines an electric motor with a 6.2L V8 engine, saving about 25% more fuel than the regular model.
The Escalade Hybrid won’t be the only green vehicle on Cadillac’s stands at this year’s show. Officials will also unveil the new Provoq Fuel-Cell Concept, the latest iteration of GM’s E-Flex platform and fuel-cell powertrain technology.
Yeah right, that’s gonna make it more popular.
Sadly, it probably will.
That thing looks ugly by all European standards. Cadillac missed the SUV trend in Europe some years ago. The trend now is for smaller and more eco-responsible rides. Energy labels for cars are already in place, with higher taxes for low-efficient models. So a 6+L V8 isn’t the way, not even with hybrid tech.