Tahoe hybrid named Green Car of the Year

The odds were in General Motors Corp.'s favor, considering that three of the five finalists for Green Car of the Year came from the General. The Chevrolet Tahoe hybrid, however, made the biggest impression with the judges who selected the full-sized SUV as this year's winner at the Los Angeles Auto Show on Thursday.

"This is a milestone in many respects," said Ron Cogan, Green Car Journal editor and publisher.

That's because SUVs typically don't garner consideration for the award. However, Coogan added, the Tahoe, with a 6-liter engine and two-mode hybrid system hits 21 mpg in city driving — a 50 percent improvement.

"The importance of GM's accomplishment can't be overstated," Cogan said. "For years, consumers have been buying SUVs in increasing numbers because of their functionality, making them the No. 1 class of vehicle on the market."

This is a big deal.

"GM promised they would use hybrid technology and use it where it would make the most difference, on their biggest vehicles," said Carl Pope, executive director of the Sierra Club and one of the judges for the award. "They have delivered with the Chevy Tahoe."