Despite already selling a version of the Toyota Matrix as the Pontiac Vibe, it seems that the coffers at General Motors may bring the Pontiac G3 to the U.S. market. Already sold to our neighbors up north, though known in Canada as the Wave, the G3 is a slightly revised Chevrolet Aveo, which is currently the cheapest vehicle the General offers for sale in the U.S. Oddly enough, the G3 would not post significantly better fuel economy figures than the already available Vibe, though it would undercut its slightly larger sibling by a few thousand dollars. While we can see the reasoning behind wanting as full a vehicle line-up as possible for dealers representing the Pontiac-Buick-GMC trifecta, the G3 seems to do little more than continue to water-down Pontiac's already shaky performance image.

As was previously reported, the Pontiac G3 was just recently approved for sale as a 2009 model by the EPA. According to Automotive News, though, some dealers and even some executives within GM itself were surprised by the decision to get the G3 certified for sale in the states. Sounds like we may not be the only ones who think that the G3 may be a bit too much brand-dilution.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

There was a rumor at the 2007 LA Auto Show that there will be hybrid version of the 2009 Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Matrix. The Pontiac Vibe is a product of NUMMI, New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc., a joint venture between GM and Toyota. So, if the rumor is true, GM and Toyota are working on a hybrid together right now.

Toyota wants to license their hybrid technology and GM has worked with other companies on their own hybrid system. I am not a big fan of what-ifs but making a hybrid is not something that's lightly considered and it would explain a lot of things like why has GM not come out with a full hybrid passenger car yet. Of course, the hybrid Vibe might also be a mild hybrid without any real exchange or license of technology.

I guess we find out soon enough; the 2009 Vibe and Matrix go on sale the first quarter of 2008.

[Source: New York Times]