GM Offers First Incentives on Full-Size SUV Hybrids

DETROIT — General Motors, for the first time, is offering cash incentives of as much as $4,000 on its full-size 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid. The automaker is also increasing cash incentives, including as much as $6,000 back, on such big SUVs as the 2008 Cadillac Escalade and up to $5,000 on full-size pickups such as the 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche and Silverado.

In e-mail correspondence Tuesday with Inside Line, GM spokesman John McDonald underscored that "this is the first time we've offered any incentives on them [the company's full-size SUV hybrids]."

The hybrid versions of the large SUVs went on sale in late January.

McDonald noted that owners of GM models from the 1999 model year or newer qualify for the cash offers. The cash incentives cover seven large SUVs and pickups from Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC.

"We really are trying to build awareness with our core base of [full-size SUV] consumers to show them they can get great technology and fuel savings with a new hybrid," said McDonald.

The cash incentives are in effect until June 30.

What this means to you: GM seems to be getting more desperate to move its hybrid SUVs. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent