International Automakers Dismiss California Greenhouse Gas Emissions Lawsuits

ARLINGTON, VA - April 6, 2010: The Association of International Automobile Manufacturers (AIAM) issued the following statement by its President and CEO, Michael J. Stanton, regarding lawsuits challenging California's motor vehicle greenhouse gas emission standards.

"Today, AIAM and the rest of the auto industry have cause to celebrate. After five years, AIAM and other auto industry parties are voluntarily dismissing their lawsuits challenging California's motor vehicle greenhouse gas emissions standards. The litigation was initiated to prevent the creation of a disjointed patchwork of federal and state greenhouse gas and fuel economy regulations across the country. We are voluntarily dismissing these lawsuits because the auto industry has achieved its goal. On April 1, 2010, the Obama Administration issued its final regulations establishing a unified national program to substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve fuel economy from light-duty vehicles for model years 2012-2016. At the same time, California issued its amended greenhouse gas regulations which provide that compliance with the national program will be deemed compliance with the California standards. The auto industry worked over the last year in close cooperation with California, thirteen other States and the Obama Administration to establish this unified national program for setting coordinated fuel economy and GHG emissions levels from light-duty vehicles. AIAM believes this type of cooperative and constructive engagement results in better public policy than protracted and adversarial litigation. We look forward to working closely with all stakeholders to develop a similar program post 2016 to ensure that the auto industry will continue to play a key role in addressing climate change."

About AIAM
The Association of International Automobile Manufacturers, Inc. (AIAM) is a trade association representing 15 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, Honda, Hyundai, Isuzu, Kia, Mahindra, Maserati, McLaren Automotive, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Peugeot, Subaru, Suzuki and Toyota.