The real world application of Triax is clear in Purcell's view. ''We see the day when we'll have a stock of common vehicle parts and three propulsion units to draw from. The customer places an order that includes his or her choice of body style, vehicle color, features and the propulsion system. It's almost like ordering a computer today: built completely to the customer's unique specifications ? and delivered nearly as fast."
As yet there are no plans to make the ''urban utility" Triax available in North America because it is generally too small for consumer tastes here, it's not outside the realm of possibility in the future.
In Triax, the front third of the modular chassis holds the electric motor in the electric and hybrid-electric versions. The rear third of the vehicle holds the internal combustion engine in the engine-only and hybrid-electric versions, and the middle third houses the vehicle's energy storage, gasoline for the engine and batteries for the electric motors.
Space for occupants and cargo would vary with the type of propulsion system picked, Purcell explained, since the package is further shaped to take advantage of the space not being used by a propulsion system.
"Our goal was to create a 'no compromise' urban utility," Purcell said. "No compromise for the customer in terms of performance or cost, and no compromise on the part of the business to achieve a return on investment. This is how GM intends to lead in developing the next generation of vehicles."