DETROIT, MI - General Motors intends to create a new auto division as part of its plan to avoid Chapter 11 bankruptcy, according to sources inside the company. The division will focus on the production of wind hybrids - a new, yet unproven technology that combines wind power, battery operated electrical motors and conventional gasoline engines. Executives believe the move will satisfy consumer demand for environmentally friendly cars and fulfill government requirements for continued public funding.
"We think this is just what the American people have been waiting for." said new GM chairman Kent Kresa. "A car that uses hardly any gas and comes with a huge tax credit."
The concept is based on the same basic design as regular hybrids - with the addition of a power-generating wind turbine. As the car is driven, the air passing through the turbine generates electricity, which is stored in batteries. The batteries power electrical motors that take over for the gasoline engines from time to time. When not being driven, the car can plug into any household socket and provide free electricity to the home. "You can get a tax credit for that, too." said Kresa.
The Venti - named after the Roman goddess of wind - will be manufactured in plants currently producing profitable SUV's, which are widely unpopular with the new federally appointed board members. Any plant conversion, however, faces an intensive environmental assessment review that could take up to three days.
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