Sept 10, 2007 Wall street Journal. Bob Lutz said that GM will beat Toyota to market with lithium-ion batteries by several months, maybe even a year! Toyota is having problems with their battery over heating, and Bob says "we are 100% confident we won't have heat issues" with their batteries. Oh, smack! I can't wait to hear what Toyota has to say about that one.

However, Bob adds, "Toyota will get this technology, too. ... Everybody will. ... If this stuff is going to work, everybody's going to have it." Couldn't get an exclusive contract, Bob? Anyway, Toyota has tried to downplay being the loser in the lithium-ion battery technology race. The delay of the lithium-ion Prius did not help Toyota's case for being battery technology leaders. Toyota senior vice president Don Esmond bet $100 that they will have the first lithium-ion vehicle on the market. Wow, times sure do change fast.
Read full Article

September 12, 2007; Page A3 Wall street Journal
GM Vice Chairman Robert Lutz said yesterday that the company hopes to launch a family of electric vehicles that would share many parts with GM's mainstream models. GM still needs suppliers to develop the batteries required for electric vehicles, and it isn't yet certain the suppliers will come through. GM already is mapping out plans to produce a wide range of electric models beyond the Chevrolet Volt, which it has vowed to launch in three years or so.

Interview on CBS Morning Show
Read Full Article in Wall Street Journal