Alliance Praises President Bush's Call For Fuel Cell Research Funding

    WASHINGTON, Jan. 29 -- The Alliance of Automobile
Manufacturers today praised President Bush's State of the Union address pledge
to fund $1.2 billion in fuel cell "research funding so that America can lead
the world in developing clean, hydrogen-powered automobiles."
    Fuel cells hold great promise for greater fuel efficiency and cleaner
emissions, generating twice the fuel economy of conventional engines. The only
emissions they produce are water vapor.
    But fuel cells are still in the research and development stages, with auto
manufacturers racing to make them commercially viable, cost effective and
appealing to consumers. Additionally, an infrastructure of hydrogen fueling
stations will have to be in place across the United States in order to
encourage broad marketplace acceptance.
    The Alliance believes the President's commitment to research funding will
quicken the development of fuel cell automobiles.
    "Automakers commend President Bush's dedication to forging a government-
industry partnership to develop fuel cells," said Alliance President & CEO
Josephine S. Cooper. "Fueling infrastructure is one of the major challenges
for making fuel cell vehicles commercially available, especially delivery of
hydrogen. Proper government and consumer incentives will be needed to initiate
this infrastructure. For environmental gains to be realized, consumers must be
convinced that the new technologies will deliver the performance, function,
safety and utility they desire."
    Automakers have already made great strides in reducing emissions. Starting
in 2004, U.S. cars and light trucks will run 99 percent cleaner than their
counterparts in the 1960s. The fuel cell will help to drive that number even
higher.

    The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers is a trade association of 10 car
and light truck manufacturers who account for more than 90 percent of U.S.
vehicle sales. Member companies include BMW Group, DaimlerChrysler, Ford Motor
Company, General Motors, Mazda, Mitsubishi Motors, Nissan, Porsche, Toyota and
Volkswagen, and employ nearly 620,000 Americans at 250 facilities in 35
states. For more information, visit the Alliance website at
http://www.autoalliance.org .