General Motors Corp. and DaimlerChrysler AG unprepared for China

According to an article in the Online Wall Street Journal, the World Resources Institute has released a report which predicts that General Motors Corp. and DaimlerChrysler AG are not prepared to meet new fuel-efficiency standards in China.

Because China is significantly increasing its reliance upon foreign oil, much like the U.S., and because the isolationist and protectionist Nation acknowledges the harmful pollution caused by cars, unlike the U.S., China is increasing fuel efficiency requirments for all cars sold in China starting in 2005.

The inability to meet these requirements might result in high fines for those automakers.

On the other hand, both Toyota and Ford were reported to be in the best position to meet fuel efficiency requirements in China.

Toyota, which sees pollution as possibly the most important issue for the automotive world, is already the leader in clean auto technology with it's Prius hybrid car.

Ironically, Ford was the first American company to take hybrids seriously - though the company is still far behind Toyota. Nonetheless, the auto giant can make claim to the title of World's First Hybrid SUV. The Ford Escape Hybrid is also the first American hybrid vehicle.

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