The World's First Comprehensive Alternative Fuel Vehicle Showcase Now Open in San Diego

SAN DIEGO--Aug. 1, 20031, 2003--

Regional Transportation Center Fuels, Services, Rents, Sells and Educates People on the Benefits of Alternative Fuel Vehicles

The Regional Transportation Center (RTC), the world's first, most advanced and most comprehensive showcase of alternative fuels and the vehicles that use them, has opened in San Diego at 4001 El Cajon Blvd., at the intersection of El Cajon Blvd. and the I-15, according to Mike Lewis, general manager of the RTC.

The $15 million, 92,000-square-foot facility reflects a high-tech feel of the 21st century, while its subtle design elements recall the golden age of motoring in the 1950s. The state-of-the-art facility features the RTC Fuel Depot, offering an unprecedented nine types of fuel (six alternative), an Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Sales Showroom, Service Center and Rental Center as well as the RTC Education Center, run by the non-profit San Diego Environmental Foundation and designed to educate people about the benefits of AFVs and a clean environment. In addition, the RTC is the first Southern California dealership for the Segway(TM) Human Transporter, the world's first self-balancing, electric-powered transportation device.

"With its San Diego opening, the RTC has assumed the leadership role in the effort to educate our youth, and the public at large about innovative ways to improve our environment through the use of alternative fuels, AFVs and other innovative transportation options," said Lewis. "Today, with a single visit to the RTC, people can learn about alternative fuels and AFVs, rent an AFV and later purchase, fuel and service their AFV, all in one convenient location."

Designed to efficiently accommodate the fueling requirements of both AFVs and conventional automobiles, Pearson Ford's RTC Fuel Depot offers motorists an unprecedented nine types of fuel, including six to power AFVs. Alternative fuel depot "firsts" include: Liquefied Propane Gas (LPG) -- the first public underground tank in the U.S. for automobile fueling; Ethanol (E-85) -- the only tank on the West Coast and the first to feature fuel made from a domestic cheese waste product; Biodiesel -- the first tank in San Diego with fuel made from recycled French fry grease; Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) -- San Diego's first 3,600 psi fueling station; Electricity -- the largest electrical charging station in San Diego; and Ultra Low-Sulfur Diesel -- which will be the California standard in 2006. Three standard grades of gasoline are also available for bi-fuel, flex-fuel and conventional automobiles.

Many of the fuels are dispensed from futuristic, 10-foot-tall "Eclipse" pumps, which also make their San Diego debut at RTC Fuel Depot. In addition, motorists get the "white glove" full service treatment at no charge from service attendants dressed in 1950's era uniforms and eager to assist with air, water and window cleaning services. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the RTC Fuel Depot accepts all major credit, debit and Voyager cards, as well as another first for alternative fuels ... cash.

The RTC's signature structure is the AFV Sales Showroom, a stunning example of modern, state-of-the-art automobile showroom design -- efficient, comfortable and high-tech. The showroom floor showcases Ford Motor Company's complete line of AFVs. The showroom is managed and operated by Pearson Ford, a family-owned Ford dealership, which has been serving San Diegans for more than 60 years.

Complementing the showroom is the AFV Rental Center, which demonstrates to the general motoring public to the advantages of new fuel technologies by allowing them to drive and experience the new vehicles.

The AFV Service Center provides AFV and conventional automobile owners with a convenient location for vehicle repairs. The Service Center has multiple service bays equipped to service various types of AFVs, both from Ford and other manufacturers, as well as traditional vehicles.

The RTC is also the first Segway HT dealership in Southern California. The Segway HT is the first self-balancing, electric transportation device designed for short-distance travel. California is one of 40 states (and the District of Columbia) that have enacted legislation to allow use of the Segway HT on sidewalks and bike paths. Since it first became available to the public just six months ago, owners have been integrating it into their daily routines, using the device to commute, run errands and replace short car trips. San Diegans can now experience the Segway HT first hand, purchase machines and participate in product orientation at the RTC's AFV Sales Showroom. Adults and students alike can also learn about the Segway HT at the RTC Education Center.

Funded in part by a $1.4 million donation from Ford Motor Company and underwritten by Pearson Ford, the RTC Education Center is designed to educate middle and high school students about innovative technologies that will improve the environment. The Center's curriculum, developed in partnership with the San Diego County Office of Education, will focus its lessons on alternative fuels and other energy efficient technologies. The non-profit San Diego Environmental Foundation operates the RTC Education Center.

The RTC has received financial support from Pearson Ford, Ford Motor Company, U.S. Department of Energy, County of San Diego, California Air Resources Board, City of San Diego via a HUD grant, Mutual Propane and Clean Energy. Lusardi Construction was the general contractor for the RTC and the GTB Company of El Cajon built the fuel station. The RTC has been under development since 1997 and construction began July of last year. Located on 1.65 acres, the RTC serves as a gateway project for the City Heights Redevelopment Area. The RTC also features 18,000 square-feet of office space for lease to businesses.

For more information on the Regional Transportation Center, visit the RTC at 4001 El Cajon Boulevard, at www.rtc4afv.com or call 619-521-2469.