Remember this picture? That's GM's Jill Ladjiak at last year's LA Auto Show when the General announced the plug-in Saturn Vue hybrid. Pretty excited, no? At the time, GM's Rick Wagoner said the PHEV Vue, which will use a modified version of GM's 2-mode hybrid system and a lithium Ion battery pack, was a "top priority" but no one would dare suggest when the car might be available for sale. Since then, we've had all kinds of updates on the progress of batter development and other things that need to happen to get you, yes you, a plug-in Saturn.

The Detroit Free Press' Mark Phelan is now reporting that Lajdziak told him in Frankfurt this week that the plug-in Vue is coming "very quickly ... in 2009-ish." So, we're getting there. Remember, though, that GM is not new to the plug-in game: here are plans for a PHEV from 38 years ago.

Related:

• In the AutoblogGreen Garage: 2007 Saturn Vue Green Line
• GM Awards two lithium-ion battery contracts for PHEV Saturn Vue
• Chicago Auto Show: 2008 Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid unveiled
• US gets three hybrid Saturn Vues, Europe gets a diesel Opel Antara

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

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