SHANGHAI, China - The first hybrid bus to be introduced in China has been announced here today by General Motors Corp.and its local partner, the Shanghai Automotive industry Corp (SAIC).

The Chinese hybrid bus project will use the same fuel-efficient technology as that already in operation in a fleet of GM buses deployed earlier in several US cities, including Seattle, Philadelphia, Minneapolis and Portland. The buses' hybrid powertrains have been developed by GM's Allison transmission division and use dual electric motors to launch the bus from a stop and regenerative braking to capture energy in an advanced battery system.

Initially GM and SAIC will produce one bus for commercial use in Shanghai, but the long term goal includes the possibility of mass production of hybrid buses for Shanghai, which currently has about 17,000 conventional buses in operation, and for China as a whole.

"Our hybrid bus project will help Shanghai explore alternatives that have the potential to greatly impact its public transportation system," said Phil Murtaugh, chairman of GM China Group.



full story
http://www.detnews.com/2004/autosins...der-299581.htm