Move over, Prius

There hasn’t been much competition in the way of hybrids—in China, that is—til now. A recent news report from Automotive News states that General Motors has announced plans to produce a hybrid car in China in 2008. And while we don’t yet have details on the model, price or launch date, we do know that the mystery hybrid is slated to be unveiled at the Beijing Olympics in August.

While current demand for hybrids in China is miniscule, GM certainly is planning ahead. After all, only 2,000 Priuses were sold there in 2006, but GM is ready to begin struttin’ their stuff by adding hybrid technology to the four-cylinder Ecotec engine that is already produced in China. The cost? It adds about $2,000 per car.

Although we haven’t reviewed an Ectotec-engine vehicle yet, we have had the opportunity to drive a couple in rental cars—a Saturn Ion and a Chevrolet Malibu—and we give ‘em the thumbs up. The Ecotec is very spunky with decent torque. Best of all, it gets incredible highway fuel mileage. On a highway trip to OH this summer, at an average of 65 mph, we achieved 37 mpg easily. Yep, pair that Ecotec up with a hybrid system, and we say GM has a winner.

And just in case you're thinkin' of a hybrid purchase as the year ends (as the tax credit season ties up), take a look at these '08 hybrid models.

2008 Ecotec 2.4L I4 VVT (LAT) - photo © General Motors