U.S. automaker General Motors says it will build its first hybrid bus in China with its Shanghai partner, to promote cleaner, more fuel efficient vehicles.

GM will work with the Shanghai Automotive Industrial Corporation to develop and market the new bus.

China's Ministry of Science and Technology has listed the development of the hybrid bus as a national research task, as car emissions are choking China's cities.

The hybrid bus has been in commercial use in the US and it has been proven that this type of bus, which runs mainly on diesel and electricity, can reduce emissions up to ninety percent.

The bus, which cost less to maintain, will also reduce noise and be more comfortable inside.

(CRI.com October 12, 2004)