| Press Release |
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| November 19, 2008 |
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Governor, Nissan & PGE Partner to Promote Zero-Emission Vehicles
Governor announces first of its kind agreement with Nissan, test drives Nissan’s electric vehicle prototype in Japan
(Japan) – Governor Ted Kulongoski today announced Nissan’s commitment to make available a supply of electric vehicles to the state’s government vehicle fleet in 2010, the year Nissan’s electric vehicle will be ready for the commercial market. Nissan also committed to work with the state, in partnership with Portland General Electric, toward the development of an electric vehicle charging network to promote the use of zero-emission vehicles.
Governor Kulongoski made the announcement after meeting with Nissan executives overseas as part of the state’s business mission to Japan and China.
“Today’s announcement shows that a state can create economic opportunity from its commitment to a greener future and the fight against global warming,” Governor Kulongoski said. “Oregon welcomes Nissan and is pleased to help lead the way in the transition to new, greener vehicle technologies. Soon Oregonians will be able to plug-in instead of fuel up at the pump.”
Carlos Ghosn, president and CEO of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., and Renault SA, also announced the partnership today during an address at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The partnership is part of Nissan’s commitment to be a global leader in zero-emission vehicles.
"This partnership represents a major step toward reliable zero-emission mobility in the state of Oregon," Mr. Ghosn said. "Together, we are creating conditions that will encourage consumers to consider an electric vehicle as an attractive choice that is also good for the environment."
PGE is a partner in the agreement because the company is developing a model charging stations infrastructure through its plug-in vehicle initiative. PGE has already installed six EV charging stations in the Portland-metro area and Salem with plans for six more to total 12.
"PGE is committed to playing a leadership role to bring this zero-emission transportation option to Oregon residents and businesses," said Peggy Fowler, CEO and president, PGE. "We look forward to sharing technical and educational information in the coming months as we grow our network of stations across the region."
Encouraging the use of electric vehicles is part of Governor Kulongoski’s climate change and transportation agendas for the 2009 legislative session. The Governor has proposed shifting the state’s tax credit from hybrids to plug-in hybrids and all electric vehicles.
The tax credit proposal and the Governor’s work with the private sector to build a network of alternative fuel stations by October 2010 make Oregon attractive to car companies such as Nissan.
“Our reliance on foreign oil and our emissions of greenhouse gases come from dependence on gasoline powered vehicles. Government can help consumers transition by working with the private sector to create the necessary infrastructure and demand for new, cleaner vehicles,” the Governor said. “By partnering with Nissan and Portland General Electric, we can work together to build a consistent and reliable infrastructure so consumers can make the switch seamlessly to electric vehicles.”
Click here to watch Governor Kulongoski test drive Nissan’s electric vehicle prototype.
Contact:
Anna Richter Taylor, 503-378-6169
Rem Nivens, 503-378-6496
Jillian Schoene, 503-378-5040
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