Shanghai, July 15 (Gasgoo.com) Shanghai General Motors (GM) will launch its Buick LaCrosse eco-hybrid to the Chinese market this month, with a single 2.4L model priced at 300,000 yuan ($43,969) or less, Beijing News reported yesterday.
The LaCrosse rollout is the opening volley for what Shanghai GM calls its "Drive to Green" program. The LaCrosse eco-hybrid, based on 2007 LaCrosse 2.4L premium version which was sold for 249,800 yuan, is expected to sell for no more than 300,000 yuan.
Buick LaCrosse eco-hybrid
The hybrids adopt technology similar to Aura Green Line HEV (Hybrid-Electric Vehicle, the first GM hybrid model which sells in the North American market for $22,695, $100 lower than Toyota Prius.
The Buick LaCrosse eco-hybrid is the first mainstream hybrid model for volume production in China's mid- to high-end vehicle segment. According to tests by Shanghai GM, the Buick LaCrosse eco-hybrid can save 15% more fuel than the gasoline version. The hybrids can achieve fuel economy of 8.3 liters/100km, compared with the non-hybrid version's fuel economy of 9.8 liters/100 km.