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Published online 9 June 2009 | Nature | doi:10.1038/news.2009.557
News: Briefing
Automotive bailout may affect research
US bankruptcies could influence industry collaborations with universities.
The US automobile industry is in the midst of an historic makeover as the Obama administration ushers General Motors (GM) and Chrysler, two of the erstwhile 'big three' car manufacturers, through bankruptcy. Here, Nature News takes a look at the implications for corporate research and development (R&D), including the future of electric transport.
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At $40,000, the Chevy Volt would fail the Market Test. The purpose of producing "green" vehicles is to reduce resource expenditures and save energy. There's no way that a $40,000 vehicle will gain enough market share to allow its increased fuel efficiency to offset the resources needed to build the factories, batteries, mechanical parts, and assembly. An electric vehicle would have to cost $25,000 if they expect it to replace internal combustion engines to a significant degree.