pluginaustin

Automakers Responding

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
December 7, 2006
Contact:
Matt Watson 512-970-2043
Mayor Will Wynn’s office
Lisa Braithwaite 512-322-6210
Plug-In Partners Campaign


Automakers Responding to Push for Plug-In Hybrids

(Austin, TX) Less than one year after the launch of a nationwide grassroots campaign to promote the mass production of plug-in hybrid vehicles -- carmakers are responding. GM, Toyota and Nissan have all signaled their intentions to explore the production of plug-in hybrids with indications that prototype vehicles could possibly show up during January car shows.

Almost 500 entities have joined the Plug-In Partners National initiative, led by Austin, Texas. This includes a number of the nation’s largest cities including Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, Memphis, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Francisco, Portland and Seattle. The campaign has also produced more than 8,000 "soft" fleet orders for plug-ins when they become available.

"Cities and local governments often see solutions more quickly and clearly," says Austin Mayor Will Wynn. "Plug-in hybrids represent an exciting near-term solution to America’s over dependence on foreign oil, and will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help Americans deal with volatile gasoline prices."

The Plug-In Partners campaign and a coalition of allied groups are now working with members of Congress and the Senate on plug-in hybrid legislation. Bills will be introduced in the new session of Congress early next year. The focus of the bills will be on demonstration projects, incentives for consumers, and battery research.

GM was the latest automaker to announce they are working on plug-in hybrids. They were also the first to name a specific model, saying they will build a plug-in version of their Saturn VUE SUV. No date was announced.

Mayor Wynn praised GM saying, "GM officials should be congratulated on their vision in moving towards plug-in hybrids. We hope that they will follow through and the vehicles will be for sale soon."

Also, Toyota North America president Jim Press told the Electric Drive Transportation Association last week: "The next frontier will be the plug-in hybrid." Press and other Toyota officials have previously said that Toyota is working on plug-in hybrids. Nissan has also announced that it will build a plug-in hybrid.

posted by AE @ 11:32 AM