General Motors will develop hybrid and fuel cell vehicles with its Chinese automotive partner, taking the lead in making energy efficient and environmentally friendly cars in China.

GM Chairman Rick Wagoner said at the signing of an a two-year fuel cell agreement with Shanghai Automotive, that China will become a developed nation driven by a hydrogen-based economy.

Analysts believe with China's population of 1.3 billion people，and more dollar millionaires than America，China is a strong potential market for the automotive industry.

However environmentalists say increasing numbers of cars on China's roads are creating more pollution and putting pressure on China's energy supplies.

Shanghai's leaders want to adopt the fuel cell technology to deal with environmental problems caused by the increase in car ownership in the city.

(CRI.com November 9, 2004)