Shad Balch an Environmental Energy Specialist spoke to us about the new GM which has been in business for just 3 months. The new GM has only four brands Chevy, Buick, GMC and Cadillac. He said that GM understands it has been given 2 chances (TARP and the reorganization from bankruptcy) GM knows there is no third chance (or third strike). They have reduced their model nameplate offerings from 50 to 34. They are phasing out 1,200 dealers to be much more streamlined and cost efficient.

GM is focused on high economy and high miles per gallon for its cars They are trying new advanced technology combustion engines. Ones that are hybrid, ethanol and battery. The newest technology evolving will be the Volt car model which will be launched in 2010. It is expect to have 230 mpg in city driving and 100 composite along all Volt models. The Volt will be priced at about $40,000 but will have about $8,000 in governmental energy credits.

The next technology that GM is in Research and Development is hydrogen fuel cells. It may be about 5 years away. Hydrogen will have no harmful emissions, as it will emit only water vapor.

Shad said the new GM is committed to build better cars that fit into the environment and that are better than any of its competitors. Only time will tell if it will be a hit or a third strike.