Global Automakers Says Educating Consumers and Developing Necessary Infrastructure is Essential to Successful Commercialization of Green Vehicles

WASHINGTON--January 25, 2012: Global Automakers' President and CEO Michael J. Stanton today said that automakers were doing their part to meet the new fuel economy/greenhouse gas (GHG) standards program being developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Transportation (DOT), and the California Air Resource Board (CARB).

“Driving Innovation - The Role of the Auto Industry in the Green Economy.”

"Our members continue to invest in technologies to reduce the environmental footprint of their vehicles and to meet or exceed government regulations, but we are only one part of the equation," said Stanton. "To get consumers to buy green vehicles, they need to recognize the value of fuel efficiency and have the refueling infrastructure necessary to support their purchase."

Stanton's comments were made during the National Journal Live Policy Summit "Driving Innovation - The Role of the Auto Industry in the Green Economy." The Summit featured a multi-panel conversation on restoring strength to the auto industry through sustainable strategies.

Global Automakers, which represents 15 international automobile manufacturers, has always endorsed a comprehensive and harmonized national approach to reducing GHG emissions and improving fuel economy. The Association has been working with the EPA, DOT and CARB to create national standards for vehicles and light duty trucks for model years 2017-2025. The goal of the program is to help meet the national environmental and energy objectives while providing manufacturers the flexibility and necessary lead-time to design and build a wide variety of advanced technology vehicles.

"Our members are displaying all types of advance technology vehicles, from fuel cells to plug-in hybrids to all-electric vehicles, at the Washington Auto Show this week to demonstrate their efforts to both reduce the environmental impact of their fleets and satisfy consumers' appetite for a full range of product choices," said Stanton. "Automakers and policymakers need to continue working together in order to bring affordable advance technology vehicles to the market that meets consumers' needs."

Global Automakers' members have long led the industry in the development and deployment of green technologies. These companies brought the first hybrids to American consumers in 1999 and today account for nearly 90 percent of the U.S. hybrid market. The Washington Auto Show will showcase some of the latest green innovations automakers have developed.

The Association of Global Automakers represents international motor vehicle manufacturers, original equipment suppliers, and other automotive-related trade associations. Our members' market share of both U.S. sales and production is nearly 40 percent and growing. We work with industry leaders, legislators, regulators, and other stakeholders in the United States to create public policy that improves motor vehicle safety, encourages technological innovation and protects our planet. Our goal is to foster an open and competitive automotive marketplace that encourages investment, job growth, and development of vehicles that can enhance Americans' quality of life. For more information, visit Global Automakers.