Editorial: GM finally looking ahead

Monday, Dec. 4, 2006 | 7:23 a.m.

The chairman of General Motors made a surprising - and welcome - statement last week at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

The company that lost its place atop the auto world by arrogantly believing consumer interest in its gas hogs would keep growing despite soaring energy prices has now committed itself to the next generation of hybrid vehicle.

Chairman and Chief Executive G. Richard Wagoner Jr. committed his company to producing a plug-in hybrid vehicle that will far surpass the mileage achievements of today's hybrids with their small and nonrechargeable batteries.

This is a sea change for General Motors, which in the past has been blind to the fact that its 20th century technology will not and cannot make the kind of profits it once did.

Plug-in hybrids are only theoretically possible today, which makes GM's announcement all the more surprising and welcome. An article on Wagoner's announcement in The Washington Post quoted James Press, Toyota's chief executive in the U.S., as saying, "We want it (plug-in technology) as much as anybody else, but there are limits right now in terms of technology. It's not a lack of desire. It's a lack of science."

That GM would commit itself to solving the technological barriers speaks volumes. Once content with the status quo in a rapidly changing world, it is now looking ahead - which is the philosophy that put Toyota on top of the auto world today.

Hybrids now being driven still rely on gasoline-powered engines for most of their performance. It will be the reverse with plug-in hybrids. The batteries will be bigger and more powerful, allowing far better mileage.

Of course, making a commitment is the easy part. Now comes the hard part for GM - sticking with it.