GM Hybrid Goes To China

General Motors Corp will sell its first gas-electric hybrid cars in China in July, introducing a model created in part by GM's Shanghai design center. The Buick LaCrosse will be the second hybrid to enter the Chinese automobile market following Toyota Motor Corp's Prius in early 2006.

Hybrids improve fuel efficiency and cut emissions by generating extra power from the brakes as a vehicle tops. But they also cost more because they require both gasoline and electric motors.

GM says the LaCrosse will be the first hybrid made in China. The Prius is assembled from imported parts.