Admittedly, the Japanese car companies have done a better job at producing hybrids and fuel efficient cars on the smaller end, but one must look deeper to see that General Motors actually has some very fuel efficient vehicles. If you look head-to-head, GM performs very well. I know that GM is not the overall leader, but if one is shopping for a mid-size car or a mid or large SUV, GM is among the leaders. They get no credit for it with the media though.
People don't always buy the most fuel efficient segment of vehicle like compact or hybrid. And hybrids have limited availability. In fact, most people want regular mid size cars or truck based SUVs or pick-up trucks. This is where GM has some very competitive fuel efficient products. It seems that just because GM isn't first in every segment or highest with their overall fleet, people chastise them for being uncompetitive in fuel economy.
As for places where they're first or very close (based on 2006 EPA ratings)...
V8 Two-Seater - Chevy Corvette is best
V6 Mid-Size Sedans - Malibu beats Accord (non-hybrid) and Camry
V6 Mid-Size Sedans - Grand Prix is about the same as Accord (non-hybrid), better than Camry
V6 Large Sedan - Impala is best
V8 Full Size Pick-up - Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra are best
V8 Large Vans - GM is best
V8 Mid Truck-Based SUV - GM is only 1 mpg in city less than Toyota 4Runner, same on highway
V8 Large Truck-Based SUV - GM is best
We're talking about vehicle segments that add up to a huge part of the automotive market here. Also, second or third is not always uncompetitive. As their commercials say, GM has the most car models that get 30 mpg or better.
- Atul
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