Do
plug-ins prove that GM has changed?
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
This
plug-in hybrid is being tested in the real world
Most people buy hybrid
cars because of foreign oil dependency or global
warming. Most people terribly concerned about these issues
see GM as the enemy in this battle.
Despite the fact that GM is about to a launch a greater
number of hybrid models in the next few years - probably
more than any other automaker - critics don't care because
so many of them are large hybrid SUVs. Fair enough.
Ironically, however, GM isn't just going to launch more
hybrid models than any other automaker in the next few
years, GM is also attempting to launch two different kinds
of plug-in
hybrid vehicles by 2010: the dual mode plug-in Saturn
Vue and the Chevy
Volt Ranged-Extended plug-in vehicle.
Even more interesting, many execs at GM, including Bob
Lutz, have staked their reputations on achieving these
revolutionary vehicles.
Outside of the lithium-ion battery companies exploring the
necessary plug-in battery requirements, even many battery
experts believe that plug-in hybrids just won't be ready
for primetime, minimally, for another decade - if ever.
Most automakers, including Honda, harbor similar beliefs.
Not even the king of hybrid cars, Toyota, is as bullish
regarding plug-in vehicles as GM.
And, while there are still endless contradictions
regarding GM's product formula and its role in addressing
foreign oil dependency and global warming, does not this
commitment represent a critical change in GM thinking?
Does it not, at least, represent hope?
Vehicles, such as the Volt, might cost almost $40,000 at
first, but perhaps such a vehicle could qualify for a
large, foreign oil dependency-fighting tax credit? Could
not GM lobby Congress for such tax credits? Does not GM
have both the political muscle and the ability to rally
its consumer base for such credits? Would not rallying its
base around such an issue be one of the most critical
things GM could accomplish as an automaker?
Other than Toyota, no other automaker is really offering
any realistic solution towards ending foreign oil
dependency as GM tries to achieve what most other experts
call "impossible". Yes, GM still has a lot to
prove, but doesn't GM's commitment to plug-ins represent
an important change at GM?
Rather than just assuming it's just more GM trickery,
wouldn't it be better to use this buzz and hype to ensure
that GM fulfills its promise to America?
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