International Automakers to Participate in Hearings Outlining Plans for Single National Greenhouse Gas and Fuel Economy Program

Express support for harmonized effort by EPA and NHTSA

ARLINGTON, Va., Oct. 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Association of International Automobile Manufacturers, Inc. (AIAM) today expressed its ongoing support for a comprehensive, national approach to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while improving fuel economy standards for cars and light trucks.

The first of three joint hearings is to be held today in Detroit, Mich., by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on proposed harmonized rulemaking for GHG emissions and Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) for model years 2012 through 2016 vehicles.

"Today's joint hearing marks the next important step in the process of aligning EPA, NHTSA and California regulations in an effort to help curb global climate change and improve energy security through the reduction of oil consumption," said Michael J. Stanton, AIAM's President and CEO.

"We believe that the successful implementation of a single national program will help preserve the widest range of choice in new vehicle purchases for American consumers and allow sufficient lead time for manufacturers to thoroughly engineer and test next-generation vehicles for timely introduction to the market," Stanton continued. "We are grateful that EPA and NHTSA are working together to seek harmonization of their two regulatory programs despite the significant structural differences of their enabling statutes. We will continue to offer our cooperation in support of this ongoing effort."

Mr. Stanton will serve as a witness on behalf of AIAM at the EPA/NHTSA joint hearing scheduled for October 27 in Los Angeles where his full testimony will be available.

About AIAM -- The Association of International Automobile Manufacturers, Inc. (AIAM) is a trade association representing 13 international motor vehicle manufacturers who account for 40 percent of all passenger cars and light trucks sold annually in the United States. AIAM provides members with information, analysis and advocacy on a wide variety of legislative and regulatory issues impacting the auto sector. The Association is dedicated to the promotion of free trade and to policies that enhance motor vehicle safety and the protection of the environment. Member companies include Aston Martin, Ferrari, Maserati, Honda, Hyundai, Isuzu, Kia, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Peugeot, Subaru, Suzuki and Toyota. For more information, visit our website at www.aiam.org.

NOTE: Mr. Stanton will be available to media today and tomorrow morning
to comment on the joint EPA/NHTSA hearings. Please call Kim Custer at
703.247.2110 or send an e-mail to kcuster@aiam.org to schedule an interview.
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