GM To Feature Fuel-Saving Technologies, But Won't Discuss Until LA Auto Show - Reuters

[hatrack]

LOS ANGELES, Nov 26 - Stung by criticism that it conspired to kill the electric car, General Motors Corp. is preparing to detail its commitment to new fuel-saving technologies, including new electric vehicles, according to people familiar with the automaker's plans.

GM Chief Executive Rick Wagoner will use an appearance at the Los Angeles Auto Show this week to highlight a development program the automaker hopes will be seen as a strategic shift and help distance it from its reputation as a company focused first on gas-guzzling trucks, people briefed on the presentation said. The effort is part of GM's bid to demonstrate how it is investing some of the US$9 billion saved through a wrenching program of job cuts and plant closures in technology, including hybrids, an area where it has lagged Toyota Motor Co.

GM is likely to wait until the Detroit auto show in January to comment in depth on its future electric vehicle plans, but Wagoner will discuss the company's strategy in Los Angeles on Wednesday, people with knowledge of the plans said. GM recognizes that to change consumer attitudes about the quality of its brands it has to address the criticism that it has not done enough to drive advances in fuel economy -- an especially key concern in California, said one GM executive, who asked not to be named ahead of the announcement.

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GM declined to comment on upcoming product plans, but a spokesman said the company would provide more detail on its investment in fuel-saving technologies in coming weeks.

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http://www.planetark.org/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/39154/story.htm

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[Javaman]

1. One of their revolutionary cutting edge ideas was recently leaked to the press...

This underground behind the scenes source states that GM's biggest gas saving technology is driving slower...

yup that's it. On all their new model cars a sticker will be placed inside the glove compartment regaling the facts behind how driving slower saves gas.

You know those guys at GM are always looking out for us. What a bunch of regular genius's they are...

[midnight armadillo]

2. Then there's their series hybrid...

That's a hybrid where only the electric motors drive the wheels, an onboard gas or diesel engine just charges batteries. Reference, including supportive quotes from Bob Lutz:
http://www.greencarcongress.com/2006/11/report_gm_may_i.html

[JohnWxy]

3. very interesting. Something more like the way diesel locomotives operate.