Description
GM’s research into hybrid electric power for transportation began in 1934 when the corporation purchased the Winton Engine and Electro-Motive Companies and asked C.F. Kettering to lead the development of lightweight 2 stroke diesel technology. The GM Pavilion at the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair was partially powered by an experimental version of the new engine. When Ralph Budd, then president of the Burlington Railroad, saw the engine, he immediately realized that it would be ideal to power his revolutionary, stainless steel steamliner, the pioneer Zephyr.
