28 December 1998 General Motors Corporation announced it plans
to develop a hybrid diesel-electric transit bus. GM will deliver
a test hybrid bus to New York City's transit system next year.
GM's Allison Transmission Division plans to begin making more
such vehicles with its bus making partners in 2000. Automakers
are coming under increasing pressure from regulatory agencies to
develop less polluting engines and powertrains. Hybrid diesel-
electric buses have the potential of running much cleaner than
conventional diesels or natural gas engines. Hybrid electric
buses are also characterized by unsurpassed fuel economy. They
are designed to recover a significant part of the vehicle's
braking energy. As a result, a urban diesel-electric bus can use
up to 40% less fuel than a conventional diesel bus. GM said it
would concentrate their hybrid electric vehicle development on
markets for buses, garbage trucks and postal vehicles. These
commercial vehicles provide stronger profits than passenger
cars. GM has sold just