New babies clean up GM’s act...

14th August 2009

It's back to basics for General Motors! The American firm has unveiled a range of efficient concepts to challenge its image as a producer of gas-guzzlers.

The Bare Necessity project so far includes designs for two small four-seaters and a clever pick-up. All three are stripped out to maximise fuel returns, in a bid to create cars with “the lowest cost per mile of any four-seater on the road”, according to GM’s Eco Initiative.

Even the cabin is scaled back. As with the Lotus electric city car, the stereo has been ditched in favour of a wireless link with occupants’ multimedia devices, while the heater and fan will have only two settings.

The pick-up has a sliding bulkhead that allows the cabin to switch from a four-seater to a space with a big bed, and aims to achieve 40mpg. All three new cars will come with a choice of electric power or a traditional combustion engine.

...As huge eBay sale is launched

As GM looks to a fuel-efficient future, it’s selling off brand new cars on eBay!

US motorists can log on to a special area of the auction site, where new cars are offered at a discounted ‘Buy it Now’ price or via a traditional auction.

We spotted a Chevrolet Corvette LT for £3,200 cheaper than list price, but buyers can also hit the Make Offer button. GM UK is watching with interest, and a spokesman said: “If it works, we might consider it.”

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