Speaking of achievements, GM scored a highly ironic award recently in the People’s Republic of California – a place where accolades and praise for the General are as rare as rain and open roads.

The new Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid, a full-size SUV built at the General Motors Assembly Plant in Arlington, was recently named the 2008 Green Car of the Year at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

The show is increasingly becoming a stage for green vehicles, and the award should give the Tahoe Hybrid credibility with greenies who are far more accustomed to vilifying full-size SUVs than praising them.

The Tahoe was one of five new hybrids considered by the judges, who included, by the way, Jay Leno and Jean-Michael Cousteau. (Hey, it’s L.A.) But the nominees were pretty legitimate: the Tahoe, the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, Mazda Tribute Hybrid, Nissan Altima Hybrid and Saturn Aura Hybrid.

Did anyone happen to notice that three of the five green vehicles vying for this award were GM products? Did the Earth just wobble on one of its rotations?

The Tahoe Hybrid – equipped with a 6-liter, 332-horsepower V-8 and a two-mode electric motor – is rated at 21 miles per gallon city, 22 highway, approximately 50 percent better fuel economy than a conventional Tahoe. The hybrid, whose price has not been set yet, should arrive at dealers shortly after the first of the year. Expect a $5,000 premium on top of the truck’s base $34,095 price, I would guess.

The Tahoe was cited for its low impact on the environment while offering class-leading hauling (6,200 pounds) and storage capabilities and space for eight passengers. “We felt all along that doing a hybrid in a full-size SUV that does not normally get good gas mileage was a good idea,” said Bob Walczyk, product manager for the Tahoe. “We’re glad others recognize it.”

GM has not said how many hybrids will be among the estimated 200,000 SUVs built in Arlington next year – though union officials at the plant expect as many as 20,000 of them to roll down the line.

“We’re seeing a huge interest in the vehicle right now,” Mr. Walczyk said. “I don’t know if it will result in more sales, but we’re getting a lot of inquiries from consumers and dealers.”