We Do Live in Interesting Times

Major national publications and organizations are placing hybrids at the top of their lists of technical milestones and achievement. Recognition for the emissions and energy-saving benefits of gasoline-electric hybrids is widespread. And my publishing alma mater, Motor Trend, has named the 2004 gasoline-electric Prius hybrid its Car of the Year, an industry first.

It is an interesting turn of events. Clearly, this kind of sustained and high-profile exposure will direct much greater attention toward these advanced technology vehicles and help drive hybrid sales at the showroom. It will also help motivate automakers beyond Honda and Toyota to bring their full hybrid vehicles to market sooner. In a speech given nearly four decades ago, Robert F. Kennedy said, "There is a Chinese curse which says, 'May he live in interesting times'. Like it or not, we live in interesting times..."

This quote, which has since evolved into a slightly more user-friendly version, "May you live in interesting times," has been widely attributed as an ancient Chinese proverb, curse, or saying. More likely, it's of fairly modern American origin since scholars can't seem to find the phrase in Chinese literature but can find references here.

No matter. What's significant is the somewhat obscure melding of American and Chinese perception in a phrase addressing turbulent times, something that seems especially fitting today. Why? Air quality issues are a worldwide problem, and in the midst of this China has made the stunning decision to adopt strict vehicle emissions requirements surpassing those of the U.S., which has historically set the pace in auto emissions standards. A melding of two cultures and philosophies—in an important and environmentally positive way.

The importance of this can't be overstated. At a time when auto manufacturers are grappling with product plans and cost/benefit analyses for new models that could include highly-efficient hybrid or, ultimately, fuel cell power, a huge new potential market has emerged for these vehicles and technologies. That could be a game changer because the economies of scale increase exponentially, as do profits.

While the decision may have been made half-a-world away, it has potential major impact here, to the advanced vehicles we'll be driving in America just a few short years down the road. Now, automakers have even more reason to invest in developing and building advanced technology vehicles and powerplants because there's greater long-term profitability in it.

Suddenly, the time we live in has become infinitely more interesting.