Chinese auto manufacturer begins selling hybrids

December 19, 11:58 AMProgressive Politics ExaminerJay McDonough

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I've been arguing the Big Three auto makers can't be allowed to go belly up given the current economic conditions.  But if there was ever a good reason, here it is.

On Monday, BYD Auto (of Shenzhen, China) began selling the first mass-produced plug-in hybrid car in the world.

Unlike conventional gas-electric hybrids, the F3DM can be charged from a wall outlet. It has a range of about 60 miles on a full battery charge. Its lithium-ion batteries can be fully recharged in as little as seven hours, said BYD, which stands for Build Your Dreams. And the batteries can be 50 percent recharged at a special station in 10 minutes.

The car also has a 1-liter gas engine, which, according to media reports (Treehugger and Autoblog Green), recharges the batteries to extend the range.

For those of you keeping score, BYD Auto has beaten General Motors and Toyota in bringing a plug-in hybrid to market. The Chevrolet Volt goes on sale at the end of 2010. Toyota is planning a plug-in hybrid, also for 2010.

“The development of electric-powered vehicles is the best way for the Chinese auto industry to surpass other leading countries,” Wang Changfu, BYD’s founder and chairman, told reporters at an unveiling ceremony in Shenzhen.

In September, Warren Buffett bought 9.9 percent of the firm, which may signal BYD’s entrance into the United States market in the near future. (Link)

Jeez, that the Chinese scooped those GM knuckleheads is so symbolic of everything that's wrong with American automobile manufacturers.

Hey.....maybe the Chinese will want to buy the Big Three....