GM’s retiring VP of research warns company may have to curtail cutting-edge hydrogen fuel-cell development

Needs another $50M to $70M from government, Larry Burns says

GM maintained hydrogen research program intact through bankruptcy

Even through fuel-cell vehicles still years away from going on sale

Seeking direct or indirect federal dollars comes at sensitive time for GM

Already approved for $49.4B in government bailout funds, but has not had direct grants for hydrogen program

GM confirms it’s in talks with government and private entities about grants or partnerships in hydrogen vehicle research

Under Burns, GM has become known for its fuel-cell work

Burns decided to retire to give GM fresh leadership under Alan Taub who will continue in same direction

Besides creating fuel-cell prototypes, GM conducting field test of 115 Chevrolet Equinox hydrogen SUVs

Test shows how far technology has come, says Patrick Serfass of National Hydrogen Association

Burns says GM must continue hydrogen funding to stay ahead of Japanese, South Korean and German automakers that have their own programs

"The design we're working on right now would just knock your socks off," says Larry Burns, GM’s retiring vice president of research.