Sources within GM says the sales figures to date are misleading, for two reasons. First, the ramp-up to production of the large hybrids has only just concluded. So, these models have only trickled into dealer showrooms to this point. But, that trickle is set to become a deluge.

Second, sales of smaller GM hybrids were hampered by battery longevity problems, and models previously produced had to be recalled to replace those batteries. This stalled, as well, introduction and sales of the smaller GM hybrids. That problem’s been solved, says GM. So, there should be a much larger flow of small GM hybrids, such as the Saturn Vue Green Line.

But some are skeptical, including the editor at Edmunds.com: "They're getting talking points out there so they have something to say when they get asked tough questions. They'd better get something out there because there already people who will see through this."