General Motors to export hybrid SUV to Europe, China, Middle East

General Motors Corp said Friday it plans to export its newest hybrid, a version of the Cadillac Escalade sport utility vehicle, to Europe, China and the Middle East. The hybrid powertrain boosts the Escalade's fuel economy by 50 percent in city driving and by 10 percent on the highway, GM officials said.
Production of the new hybrid begins next week at an assembly plant in Texas and the hybrid Escalade is expected to account for 20 percent of GM's sales of the big sport utility vehicle in the future, said David Schiavone, global product manager for the Escalade. He said the new hybrid Escalade should be in showrooms by September.