GM Sequel: General Motors to launch Hybrids in China

World’s largest automaker General Motors has said that they would begin selling hybrid cars in China from 2008.

This would make them the latest player in the market to launch environment friendly hybrid cars in one of the fastest growing auto markets in the world.

They would be building these new generations of cars with its local partner Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation.

Toyota is already selling their hugely popular Prius petrol-electric hybrid car in China and Volkswagen is also on their way to sell hybrids in china.

Market analysts believe that considering china does not have yet not have the expensive gasoline infrastructure, it would result in it becoming a driving force behind the development of alternative energy vehicles.

GM also showcased their Sequel car, which uses hydrogen fuel-cell technology. It is however not production ready and would take a couple of years before it is sold in the retail markets.

The company said that they have already reduced the cost of making the Sequel by 12 times over the last five years. But they need to further bring down the cost of manufacturing before the car is ready for a retail launch.