Global Automakers Stress the Importance of Infrastructure to Promote the Adoption of Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles in California

SACRAMENTO, Calif., May 21, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Association of Global Automakers (Global Automakers) and its member companies are meeting with California lawmakers today to discuss the auto industry's impact in the state and to emphasize support for hydrogen fueling infrastructure.

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"Our members continue to invest in technologies to reduce the environmental footprint of their vehicles, but that is only one part of the equation," said Global Automakers' Director of State Relations Gordon Fry. "To get consumers to buy green vehicles, they need to have the refueling infrastructure necessary to support their purchases."

Global Automakers and its members are pushing for the passage of the two bills, SB 11 and AB 8, which provide additional funding for the build-out of a hydrogen fueling infrastructure in California. Currently the bills are pending in both the Assembly and the Senate, while discussions continue between legislators and manufacturers on the legislation.  

Global Automakers' member companies are demonstrating advancements in green automotive technologies with a vehicle exhibit for lawmakers at Chops Restaurant. Vehicles on display include the Honda FCX Clarity, Hyundai Tucson ix Fuel Cell, Kia Optima Hybrid, Nissan LEAF, and Toyota Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicle. The Association's members have long led the industry in the development and deployment of fuel-efficient vehicles. These companies brought the first hybrids to American consumers in 1999 and our members account for 78 percent of the U.S. hybrid market today.

"Fuel cells are just one of the many technologies our members are aggressively pursuing to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in order to protect the environment and lessen our nation's reliance on fossil fuels," said Fry. "Consumers need the reassurance that the infrastructure will be there to support these green technologies."

The Association of Global Automakers represents international motor vehicle manufacturers, original equipment suppliers, and other automotive-related trade associations. Our members include American Honda Motor Co., Aston Martin Lagonda of North America, Inc., Ferrari North America, Inc., Hyundai Motor America, Isuzu Motors America, Inc., Kia Motors America, Inc., Maserati North America, Inc., McLaren Automotive Ltd., Nissan North America, Inc. Peugeot Motors of America, Subaru of America, Suzuki Motor of America, Inc., and Toyota Motor North America, Inc.  We work with industry leaders, legislators, regulators, and other stakeholders in the United States to create public policies that improve motor vehicle safety, encourage technological innovation and protect 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. Global Automakers' members' invested $3.8 billion in California through 2012 and directly employ more than 10,000 Californians. For more information, visit www.globalautomakers.org.

Contact: Annemarie Pender
202.650.5548 | [email protected]

SOURCE Global Automakers