Hybrid vehicles as a category is picking up steam with the American public. As as prices hover around $2.80, there is little to no relief in sight for that go-juice that powers almost all our cars and trucks. With a hybrid Chevy Camaro being rumored for sometime in the future (General Motors (NYSE:GM) really needs to do this), how about hybrid versions of several popular full-size SUVs for the Detroit automaker? These are in addition to the E85 Ethanol-powered cars and trucks already on the market form GM.

These are not rumors, but are coming this fall to a GM dealer near you. The hybrid versions of the GMC Yukon and the Chevy Tahoe should be landing on the doorsteps of dealers here in a few months, with a combination V8 gas engine and an electric motor powered by batteries that are recharged using "regenerative braking" techniques widely used in hybrid cars and trucks already.

GM claims a 25% increase in fuel economy, with a slightly higher figure in city driving since quite a bit of driving will happen under 32 mph. When driving under that figure, the gas engine won't even be on (no gas burning). Although a 25% increase in fuel economy for a large SUV just barely brings it up to where most normal passenger cars (non-hybrid) already are, what is the point, you may say? Well, to those that must have an SUV and who are in the market, these hybrid versions may may be good options. But if prices are 30% higher than all-gas counterparts, GM may see sales sit on the sideline instead of replacing normal gas-guzzler SUV sales.

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