GM, Chrysler Pass On LA, Ford Brings Two New Hybrids

GM and Chrysler will not be introducing new hybrid vehicles at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show. The LA show is one of the premiere events on the calendar and gives automakers a chance to display new products ahead of the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January.

GM recently canceled a scheduled press conference during the show and is declining to send any senior executives to the event. Instead, GM is concentrating on lobbying Congress to approve an emergency aid package for the company. GM chairman Rick Wagoner says that the company's new technology programs are all on track and will not experience any delays in release. Conventional vehicle programs, however, have not fared as well. The company has already announced that it is delaying redesigns and product introductions due to the company's faltering cash flow.

Wagoner says that GM will be out of cash by the end of the year. The impact of a major shutdown would be felt around the country, including places like California. A shutdown would impact not only GM but also thousands of suppliers around the country who depend upon the automakers for a large share of their business. Suppliers often work with more than one auto manufacturer, so supplier shutdowns could have a ripple effect across most major manufacturers. GM announced yesterday that it will delay November incentive payments to dealers by two weeks.

Ford Motor Company plans to make a big showing at the LA event. The company will introduce two new hybrid vehicles, including the new Ford Fusion hybrid, which the company hopes will provide stiff competition for the Toyota Camry hybrid. The EPA recently assigned mileage estimates to the new Ford products that indicate the Fusion/Milan vehicles will outperform both the Camry and Honda Civic hybrids, two hybrid vehicles already in the same class as the Fusion/MIlan.

In addition, Ford will begin introducing its Eco-Boost engine technology in certain model lines. The company has said that it intends to roll out the new engine in other models in the next few years. According to Ford, the Eco-Boost engine can cut fuel consumption by as much as 30 percent.

The 2008 LA Auto Show press previews begin November 19, and the show opens to the public on November 21.