Michigan's Governor Says US Should Invest More in R&D For Auto-related Alternative Energy Technology

EAST LANSING, Mich. January 13, 2009; The AP reported that Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm says the federal government needs to invest more in research and development for auto-related alternative energy technologies such as the batteries for electric cars.

The Democrat discussed the need Tuesday morning from East Lansing on CNBC's "Squawk Box" and MSNBC's "Morning Joe" as the third day of press previews began at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Granholm says it will help the industry "compete in a global economy." She says tax credits for people who buy electric cars also would help.

South Korea's LG Chem Ltd. on Monday was named as the lithium-ion battery supplier for General Motors Corp.'s Chevrolet Volt. Granholm says LG has benefited from its government's commitment to research.