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ignored the technology and continued to make ICEs (internal combustion engines) with powerful engines with lots of horsepower. Wouldn't it have been advantageous to develop hydrogen technology or other efficient technology such as electric cars back then when we were talking green machines? The technology was available but not developed by US automakers.

Tesla Motors has produced an electric car that has a range of 220 miles before recharging with a top speed of 125 mph. Tesla says it provides100 percent torque at all times, something traditional ICEs cannot deliver. The problem: the Tesla Motors car is costly and electricity costs are expected to skyrocket with the cap and trade bill since coal produces about 48 percent of electricity in the US. The costs will be handed down to consumers until coal is replace with energy alternatives.

To date, hybrid cars made by the big three automakers do not compete as well as Toyota and other foreign hybrids. None come close to the air compressed car by Negre.

The future of the US automakers should be questioned. How long will it be before our nation catches up with the latest technology and how long will it be before we can compete in the market on a global scale? The good news is, the technology is available and it is up to the auto industries to mass produce cars that the market will bear.

Can US automakers rise to the challenges of cost and technology? It would be logical to entertain the thought that there are designs on the drawing board that will allow the US to produce a car that is affordable and has the best features in mpg, driving range, and safety. These factors will determine the future of the US auto industry. As of today, those questions remain.

Learn more about this author, Mona Gallagher.
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