Hybrids to Play Critical Role in Truck Market, GM Engineer Says

ANN ARBOR, MI – Despite an early track record that is spotty at best, hybrid powertrains will play a big role in future light trucks as a result of toughening fuel-economy regulations, a top General Motors Co. engineer predicts.

Only about 1,000 fullsize pickups have been sold in the U.S. with hybrid powertrains so far this year, according to Ward’s data, while total hybrid light-truck sales barely top the 20,000-unit mark – less than 1% of the truck market overall.