GM Knows Green, Even if It Isn’t Seeing Any

By: Rachel Tanis

It’s well-known these days that GM is short on the green stuff. That’s right, the company and its two American automotive manufacturing counterparts, are running out of cold, hard cash. In the past few weeks there has been much speculation about the long-term (and even short-term) viability of the companies. Their request for low-cost government loans (note that I said “loans,” not “hand-outs”) has been met with fierce opposition, mostly by Republicans in Congress and import-lovers. The largest accusation is that General Motors is not making interesting, nor eco-friendly, vehicles.

This gives me pause. Few people seem to remember (or are aware) of General Motors early endeavor in the world of eco-friendly vehicle development. With government help and oversight (which was necessary because this type of research and development is extremely costly with very little promise for reasonable returns in any less than a decade), GM led the way to current technology, way back in the 1960’s. With the help of intelligent engineers on the forefront of hybrid and electric-car technology, General Motor’s outfitted a working hybrid car back in the 1970’s. Sadly, the government (specifically the EPA) ended the project and its assistance, just as it was picking up steam, in 1976. General Motors did not throw away any of their research and hard work, though. Instead, GM would be first on the electric-car scene with its innovative EV1. GM leased the EV1 during the 1990’s, even though it lost money while doing so. The batteries for the EV1 were so expensive that GM lost money on the vehicles. They ultimately ended the EV1 project, when it was determined that despite the sacrifice (translation - lost dollars) made for knowledge of the electric car, the endeavor was too expensive. Nearly a decade later, foreign automotive manufacturers (namely Toyota and Honda) came out with the first profitable production hybrids. Still, much has been debated about their affordability for the consumer, especially when gas prices dip and with the high cost (about $10,000) of battery replacement (it is not currently known how long a battery will last, with most estimates coming in at around 5-10 years). Note the clear distinction here: General Motors was on the leading edge of the technology, not the first to introduce a product to the public that may or may not end up costing them huge amounts of money in the long run. GM took on that cost itself with the EV1, instead of passing it on to consumer guinea-pigs. General Motors has continued to forge ahead with plans for hybrid vehicles and even an electric-car with an all-new battery concept.

General Motors current products are also highly fuel-efficient, especially when considering their size. Looking for a large, luxury SUV that gets over 20 miles per gallon (which is, by the way, the best mpg rating in its class)? You have only one choice, and it’s not a Toyota. Wondering what it is? See it now! Think that I’ve narrowed the fields to skew the results? Think again. Head to non-bias www.edmunds.com and ask for the SUV with the highest mpg rating. Surprised at what you find? Edmunds will provide you with two options: one is the 2008 Saturn Vue Hybrid; the other one is the 2009 edition! Looking for an eco-friendly sedan that comes in at 25-30 mpg? You’ll get plenty of choices, but GM will tie with Toyota for having the most options available in this class. Looking for a hybrid but can’t decide what type of vehicle you want? No one offers more hybrids than… GM. You read that right – not Toyota, not Honda – General Motors. (Plus, who can argue that the line-up of GM products aren’t stylish and innovative? Check out the Malibu, Tahoe, Enclave, and more!)

The American automotive industry is not without fault, and has certainly made its fair share of mistakes. However, before you make your final opinion on what Congress should do in this situation, consider the facts and then re-consider the trendy notion of which companies the masses believe to be the leaders of the green movement. GM has overcome poor management of the past and is fighting for a brighter, greener future. The good news for GM is that they are closer than anyone to finding a lasting green solution.