China-made GM Hybrids Arriving In 2008

General Motors (GM) earlier announced its plan to build environment-friendly hybrids in China. Said manufacture plan is scheduled in 2008. In relation to this, the automaker further divulged an upcoming hybrid mass production at the Shanghai GM plant. The mass production will be a joint venture with Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation.

The announcement was made the automaker parades its series of energy-saving cars, which include Saturn Vue hybrid and Chevrolet Sequel. Saturn Vue hybrid is a midsize crossover SUV that is first to use the GM Theta platform. Vue uses quality Saturn car parts that include Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery, electric motor, and 'eco' light that contribute to its fuel-economy aspect. Vue Hybrid's fuel savings are 20 percent up from the base vehicle's 22/27 mpg city/highway sticker to 27/32 mpg.

Chevrolet Sequel, on the other hand, is a hybrid crossover SUV that is powered by a fuel-cell powertrain and improved Chevrolet performance parts. Its powertrain includes an electronic control unit and fuel cell stack. The fuel cell used by the vehicle combines oxygen with hydrogen fuel to produce electricity. The waste by-product of said process is water vapor hence; it is not risky to the environment.

"The GM Hybrid System is flexible and cost effective and is ideal for high volume global applications, which include its introduction in China in 2008," said Martin Murray, head of GM's Asia Pacific hybrid engineering. The hybrid system is currently under development with the BMW Group and DaimlerChrysler.

According to Rick Wagoner, GM head, "We believe fuel cell vehicles offer the best long-term solution for meeting the world's growing demand for automobiles in an economically and environmentally sustainable manner. From a China and Asia Pacific perspective, development of world-class fuel cells and the associated infrastructure are key initiatives that need the support of industry, government and the academic community."

Auto parts GM are enhanced and upgraded to give quality ride and performance. This time around, some are manufactured to promote an environment-friendly vehicle.

The only problem of building hydrogen vehicles is the production and storage of hydrogen as well as the building of the refueling stations.