GM, DaimlerChrysler hybrid vehicle partnership creates serious questions

Today's announcement that GM and DaimlerChrysler will work together on hybrid vehicles, while important, begs a serious question.

Last week, GM and DaimlerChrysler joined a lawsuit against California legislation to reduce global warming emissions. In the past, PR efforts against the aforementioned California legislation have claimed such efforts were impossible, too expensive, and would create less powerful, unwanted automobiles, according to auto manufacturers.

Yet, today's announcement seems to counter those claims. In reality, hybrid cars, such as the Honda Accord hybrid, are actually faster than standard Accords, in addition to much more efficient.

Moreover, GM claims that hybrids provide a bridge to the 'hydrogen economy', in addition to significantly reducing harmful emissions. Also, the hybrid motors that this joint effort will produce will "achieve at least a 25 percent improvement in composite fuel economy".

This 25 percent increase in efficiency is almost exactly what the California pollution registration will require.

So why are automakers fighting the legislation? Why do they contradict themselves? Why are American automakers behind on technology which makes faster, more powerful vehicles, while reducing harmful emissions and significantly reducing foreign oil consumption?

Smells like profit.

In reality, the Toyota Prius and the Honda Accord hybrid prove that fuel efficiency and performance can coexist. Furthermore, the Prius proves that people are willing to pay several extra thousands of dollars and are willing to wait many months to simply do the right thing.

Why can't auto manufacturers do the same?