Tony Posawatz Named Co-Chairman of the Electric Drive Transportation Association

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6, 2009 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of the Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA) has elected General Motors' Tony Posawatz, Vehicle Line Director for the Chevy Volt, as Co-Chairman of the Board. He replaces Edward B. Cohen, Vice President of Government and Industry Relations for American Honda Motor Company, who has served as Co-Chairman since early 2004. Mr. Cohen remains on the EDTA Board.

EDTA is the trade association accelerating battery, hybrid, plug-in, and fuel cell electric drive technologies and infrastructure. Its diverse membership includes automotive and other equipment manufacturers, energy companies, technology developers and component suppliers.

Mr. Posawatz will serve alongside Co-Chairman John Bryson, Retired Chairman & CEO, Southern California Edison, and Senior Advisor for Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.

EDTA President Brian Wynne says, "Tony brings unique expertise to this Board leadership role. In this new era of electric drive, he will be a great asset in EDTA's work in Washington to speed the nation toward true energy security."

"General Motors is a founding Board member of EDTA and I am pleased to lead the association during this time of tremendous advances in the electric drive industry," says Tony Posawatz. "EDTA's members represent all facets of the industry, and I look forward to working with them to advance electrification throughout the transportation sector."

About Mr. Posawatz:

As Vehicle Line Director for the Chevrolet VOLT and GM's E-Flex Systems, Mr. Posawatz has led the development of the highly-acclaimed VOLT, and continues to help lead the development of the 2011 production model. He has served as a GM Vehicle Line Director for the past eleven years. In this capacity, Tony and his product development teams have compiled an impressive record of successful, award-winning and innovative products. Tony's teams have amassed seven General Motors Chairman's Honors Program awards for excellence and have overseen the development of cars and trucks from concept initiation to production and market launch in four different countries.

About EDTA:

The Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA) is the trade association representing battery, plug-in, hybrid and fuel cell electric drive technologies and infrastructure. EDTA conducts public policy advocacy, education, industry networking, and international conferences. EDTA's membership includes automotive and other equipment manufacturers, energy companies, technology developers, component suppliers, and government agencies. For more information about EDTA and its members, visit www.electricdrive.org.