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Detroit Edison Expands Electric Vehicle and Supplier Diversity Programs

18 November 1997

Detroit Edison Expands Electric Vehicle and Supplier Diversity Programs

    DETROIT, Nov. 18 -- Detroit Edison, with the help of
Woodhaven-based Rodgers Chevrolet Geo-Olds Inc., will put 15 new
environmentally clean electric vehicles on the road.  The utility today
officially accepted the vehicles it purchased from Rodgers Chevrolet -- one of
only two dealerships in the state selling the 1998 Chevrolet S-10 electric
pickup trucks.
    Pamela Rodgers, president and owner of the dealership, turned over the
vehicles to Detroit Edison today during a brief ceremony at the utility's
downtown headquarters.  Detroit Edison purchased the Chevy S-10 pickup trucks
for use in security, power plant, service center and other internal fleet
applications.
    "This partnership with Rodgers Chevrolet is clearly a win-win-win
situation," said Norman S. Littles, Detroit Edison minority business
administrator.  "Detroit Edison purchases electric vehicles from a respected
and dependable dealership, while helping to improve the local economy by
creating growth opportunities for a valued Southeastern Michigan supplier."
    During negotiations with General Motors to purchase the lead acid-battery
electric vehicles, Detroit Edison requested that a minority-owned supplier be
selected as one of two dealerships participating in the electric vehicle fleet
sales program.
    "The contract to purchase vehicles from Rodgers Chevrolet is a natural
extension of Detroit Edison's long and successful relationship with the
dealership," Littles said.  The utility also purchases conventional vehicles
from Rodgers Chevrolet.
    Rodgers, a General Motors dealer for five years, said that the partnership
with Detroit Edison will help make Rodgers Chevrolet more competitive.
    "I am excited about getting an early start in what will surely be a highly
competitive niche market," Rodgers said.  "Our contract with Detroit Edison
will help Rodgers Chevrolet establish itself as a premier fleet supplier for
both electric and conventional vehicles."
    In addition to selling the new vehicles, Rodgers provided specialized
electric vehicle maintenance and repair training for her service department
technicians.
    Littles added that the agreement reinforces the economic and societal
benefits of Detroit Edison's Supplier Diversity Program -- for both the
utility as well as a wide range of minority- and women-owned businesses in the
community.  The program helps minority suppliers develop into non-traditional
business areas that can serve the utility.
    Detroit Edison is expected to spend $35 million this year with minority
suppliers, which would represent an increase of more than 20 percent over last
year, and a spending increase of greater than 50 percent from 1994.

SOURCE  Detroit Edison