Click above for a high-res gallery of the Two-Mode Vue

Ever since the initial hybrid version of the Saturn Vue, the "different kind of company" chose to go its own way by badging its fuel-saving wares as Green Lines. This designation will be going the way of the Dodo in favor of the much more simple and recognizable designation of simply "hybrid." The reasoning is that the Green Line badge adds unnecessary confusion to Saturn's line of vehicles and is too long for marketing purposes. This becomes especially true as General Motors rolls out new versions of its hybrid technology. Soon, the Saturn Vue will be granted the sophisticated 2-Mode technology as is used on full-size SUVs from GM such as the GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Tahoe and Cadillac Escalade. While the current Vue is well priced considering its decent fuel mileage of 25 mpg in the city and 32 on the highway, the new 2-Mode model will be capable of powering the vehicle on electricity alone and should be available in 2009.

[Source: Kicking Tires]

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People have a variety of reasons for buying hybrid vehicles, one of which is saving money on fuel – they go green to save some green. For others, there's the sincere motivation of environmental stewardship. And for others still, though they may be loath to admit, there's an undeniable ego aspect – think of that hybrid badge as the automotive equivalent of a polo pony on a collared shirt.

The one "problem" with hybrids is that they cost more than non-hybrid cars – you pay a premium for the technology. That added cover charge may be enough to keep some from getting past that green velvet rope. To try and address this, General Motors has developed its Green Line "light" hybrid system.

GM was obviously watching closely as other companies like Toyota, Honda, and Ford made waves and grabbed headlines with their high-profile hybrid vehicles. In response, GM earmarked Saturn to be the brand to offer a mass-market hybrid, and it would go after customers by marketing an inexpensive alternative to other, more costly hybrids. The result is the 2007 Saturn Vue Green Line.

Follow the jump for our full review.

Jill Ladjiak couldn't be happier. The current Saturn Vue Green Line hangs around dealer lots an average of only 13 days before being sold. And now the Saturn general manager is showing off the new 2008 Saturn Vue that will be the foundation for three different hybrid systems in the next few years, including a plug-in version.

Ladjiak followed up GM Chairman Rick Wagoner's early morning speech to open the Los Angeles Auto Show in which he announced that GM will expand its hybrid technology to include a front-wheel-drive 2-mode hybrid and a plug-in version of the 2-mode system. Both will debut on the Saturn Vue Green Line.

While Wagoner had the spotlight in making the announcement, Ladjiak fielded questions about the timeline, availability and pricing. She told AutoblogGreen that early versions of the 2008 Vue Green Line will carry over the current 4-cylinder engine and belt-alternator hybrid technology until late next year when the FWD 2-mode system with a 3.6-liter V6 engine becomes available. At that time, customers will have a choice between the two hybrids as well as straight gas. Ladjiak said the strategy allows customers a choice of fuel economy and cost. The 2-mode could deliver up to 45 percent fuel economy compared with a non-hybrid Vue.

While Ladjiak couldn't offer an estimated time for releasing a plug-in version of the 2-mode system, she said it has the potential to "double the mileage" of any current SUV. The plug-in would enhance the 2-mode system with a Lithium Ion battery pack to offer up to 10 miles of electric-only propulsion. It could also be charged from an external electrical outlet.

In other news from the GM press conference, Troy Clarke, president of GM North America, reviewed the company's hybrid and fuel cell portfolio. He showed off the upcoming GMC Yukon 2-mode hybrid that will be available soon as well as the Equinox fuel cell vehicle that will be part of a 100-customer test program next year.

Follow the break for official GM news releases and more photos