11-15-2007, 03:52 AM
|
 |
Engineering first
|
|
Real Name: Bob
Location: Huntsville, AL
Hybrids: Prius Classic 03
Posts: 5,038
|
|
GM sees 'showdown' with Toyota on electric car
Warning: there are news media that go out of their way to instigate a conflict where otherwise, nothing happened at all. Such sources should be taken with a 'grain of salt.'
http://www.guardian.co.uk/feedarticle?id=7078745
Quote:
By Kevin Krolicki
LOS ANGELES, Nov 14 (Reuters) - General Motors Corp is on track to road test its Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid early next year and to produce the rechargeable car by late 2010, setting the stage for a "showdown" with Toyota Motor Corp., a senior GM executive on Wednesday.
. . .
Lutz said that difference in viewpoint set the stage for a "showdown" between GM and Toyota at a time when the Japanese automaker is on the verge of overtaking GM for the industry's No. 1 spot in terms of global sales.
"We've got sort of this showdown at the OK Corral coming," he told reporters. "Our large Asian competitor ... said the Chevy Volt is a scam. It's a PR exercise. The lithium-ion batteries aren't ready. They won't be able to do it."
He added: "About the time the Easter Bunny brings his or her eggs, we will find out who's right and whose credibility took a serious dent."
. . .
|
Understand that "I don't have a dog in that fight." However, quotes like this reflects badly on GM decision making. Engineers have strong opinions too but the wise engineer keeps such opinions away from reporters. The best engineers 'shoot it out in the market place.' The ultimate test is on the road.
Bob Wilson
|