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GM Official: Carmakers Bracing For Movement To Ban Internal Combustion Engines

Cars on Lansing area highway
WKAR-MSU

US carmakers are preparing for an emerging worldwide movement to outlaw the internal combustion engine.

As we hear from Capital Bureau Chief Rick Pluta, carmakers say this reality fits into their plans for developing autonomous electric vehicles.

More than a dozen cities and countries, as well as the state of California are talking about an eventual phase-out of gas or diesel cars and trucks.

Britta Gross with General Motors appeared before a state House committee.

She says the efforts may not result in many actual bans on internal combustion engines. But she says the auto industry needs to pay attention to the fact that people are talking about it.

“It’s really important because this dialogue’s out there." Says Gross. "And we plan to be there with all the right solutions.”

But Gross says states and local governments need to help create the network of electric charging stations that will be part of the future of the auto industry.

Rick Pluta is Senior Capitol Correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network. He has been covering Michigan’s Capitol, government, and politics since 1987. His journalism background includes stints with UPI, The Elizabeth (NJ) Daily Journal, The (Pontiac, MI) Oakland Press, and WJR. He is also a lifelong public radio listener.
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