GM Cancels Hybrid Truck Program

The current two-mode trucks generally haven't sold well and don't offer large fuel-economy gains.

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Web site dedicated to all things General Motors is reporting that the General's next-generation program of hybrid trucks and SUVs has been cancelled.

It's a bit rare for a program to be killed so close to launch (the next-gen hybrids were scheduled to debut as 2014 models, but GMInsideNews is saying that company insiders weren't shocked by the move.

2013 GMC Sierra Hybrid

The next generation of full-size GM trucks and SUVs was slated to use an updated version of the current two-mode technology along with a lithium-ion battery that offers upgraded storage, updated electric motors, and a smaller V-8 engine.

The current two-mode trucks generally haven't sold well and don't offer large fuel-economy gains, so the move isn't surprising. Perhaps GM has gone back to the drawing boards, or perhaps the company is conceding that few full-size buyers will be interested in a hybrid.

[Sources: Autoblog, GMInsideNews]