GM leased the EV-1 plug-in electrical car to the California and Arizona public in the 1990's in response to a California bill that mandated 2% of all vehicles sold in the state had to have zero emissions. The owners loved the cars and wanted to buy them or extend the lease.

However, in late 2003, GM pulled all the EV-1 cars offthe road, much to the dismay of the owners. Demonstrations followed, but GM shredded the vehicles.

Point is, GM had the opportunity to lead the world in emissions free cars, but chose instead to work with the oil companies to kill environmental bills, at great expense. GM has suffered 8 years of losses, swamped by Toyota, supplying vehicles people actually want.

Our government wasn't much help, offering a $4000 tax credit for the EV-1, and for the Hummer - $100,000 tax credit.