When Scott Kirsner visited General Motors, he found its executives dismissive of Japanese automakers’ focus on hybrids.  GM vice chairman of product development Bob Lutz said the decision not to make a hybrid “was a mistake from one aspect, and that’s public relations and catering to the environmental movement.”

GM believes that hybrids are but a temporary stepping stone on the road to a bright, shiny, World’s Fair-esque future of hydrogen-powered cars. Meanwhile, Toyota and Honda get farther and farther ahead in the hybrid market.

Kirsner thinks Detroit is making a mistake, and makes a good case in Salon.com.