[dragin]

You are right Windy. Unlike a hybrid this SAIC vehicle has a single power source, the fuel cell*.

Although it has no internal combustion engine, it nonetheless relies on a continuous supply of hydrogen. And that's where the stumbling block lies with regard to the environment. The easiest way to make hydrogen is by a method that unfortunatley requires the consumption of fossil fuel. So until alternate (affordable) methods, like solar can be developed to make it, it won't help us with our pollution problems.

In contrast, hybrids, like the mass produced Toyota and Honda cars, have dual power sources, a gasoline engine and electric motor/battery.

Webster defines hybrid - the offspring of two.......different species.

*fuel cell - not a battery, but more like a battery than like an engine

 

[dragin]

Yes, the Shanghai name harkens back to the SH760 model days of Shanghai Auto Works, before VW or the other laowai's even came on the scene.

It will take time for the Chinese consumer to cozy up to the hybrid idea. But SAIC should blaze a new trail and put it into production anyway. Even if it loses money, like Toyota did when it put Prius into production, it will gain a lot of recognition and respect in the long term.
I don't think any Chinese manufacturer can yet claim that fame of being the first to begin mass production of an alternate energy powered vehicle. That is aside from China's small players (lead acid batteries club).

Here's GM still trying to get one of their's off the ground (launched).