GM, Ford await China hybrid policy; Automakers move gingerly to debut green technology.(News)

Byline: Alysha Webb

Facing uncertainty about government policy, General Motors and Ford Motor Co. are proceeding cautiously to introduce green technology in China.

China's new auto policy favors hybrids, but diesels and fuel cells are supported, too.

GM is pursuing a modest hybrid bus project. Ford is taking a wait-and-see approach.

"The Chinese government is using a very broad-based approach and actively pushing all technologies,'' says Philip Murtaugh, CEO of General Motors China.

But the government seems to favor hybrid technology. The policy, released July 1, says: "The state will undertake necessary measures, including …