Here we have an example of the basic policy difference between the US
and other countries. The US, in the body of GM, proposes to make the
"perfect" hybrid using batteries that are not yet available and may
never work as expected. In addition, the car will not be available for
two years. In contrast, Toyota proposes to make a less perfect hybrid
that they can sell now using proven batteries. When the GM perfect-car
becomes available, the less-perfect Toyota hybrid will be much cheaper,
yet good enough. Who do you think will win this battle?
This approach has been applied repeatedly with the same outcome. For
example, during the cold war, Russia made simple and cheap reactors that
powered their satellites. We, on the other hand, tried to make a
"perfect" reactor that totally failed. As a result, we were forced to
use solar panels that even today make the satellites easy targets.
These are the kinds of decisions that eventually lead to failure even
though our arrogance make them look good at the time. You can see the
same attitude being applied to the Iraq situation. We never learn.
Ed
Terry Blanton wrote:
http://www.startribune.com/business/19199614.html
Toyota building $192 million plant in Japan to produce batteries for
gas-electric hybrid vehicles
By YURI KAGEYAMA , Associated Press
TOKYO - Toyota is building a $192 million plant in Japan to produce
batteries for gas-electric hybrid vehicles, as it seeks to keep its
lead in an intensifying race for green cars among the world's
automakers.
Toyota's joint venture with Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., which
makes Panasonic brand products, is building the plant in Shizuoka
prefecture, in central Japan, Toyota spokesman Paul Nolasco said
Friday. He declined to give more details.
The plant will produce nickel-metal hydride batteries, now in the
company's hit Prius hybrid.
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