ADVISORY/California Fuel Cell Partnership Opens Its Doors; Site Will House the World's Largest Assembly of Fuel Cell Vehicles

31 October 2000

ADVISORY/California Fuel Cell Partnership Opens Its Doors; Site Will House the World's Largest Assembly of Fuel Cell Vehicles

    SACRAMENTO, Calif.--Oct. 31, 2000--The California Fuel Cell Partnership will open the doors to its newly constructed fuel cell vehicle headquarters facility in West Sacramento this Wednesday, November 1, 2000. A Grand Opening ceremony will get underway at 10:00 a.m., followed by a ride 'n drive and roundtable discussion.
    The ceremony will feature the Partnership debut of seven fuel cell electric vehicles -- the first time in history that all of these cars will be brought together; a hydrogen refueling station demonstration; and six winners of a student essay and art contest (who will be the first to ride in the cars). There will also be tours of the headquarters facility.
    Partnership representatives will be available for interviews after the ceremony. Additionally, a media ride 'n drive will take place in the afternoon for the cars and fuel cell-powered buses. And the partners will conduct a public roundtable discussion on the goals of the Partnership and future prospects for fuel cells.
    The dramatic 55,000 square-foot facility, which houses fuel cell cars and a hydrogen fueling station, will serve as an operations base for executing the Partnership's goals of demonstrating fuel cell vehicle technology and exploring an alternative fuel infrastructure.

    Note to TV media: Live satellite feeds of the ceremony will be available along with a VNR. Satellite coordinates are available via PacSat (916-446-7890) or by visiting the Partnership's website (www.fuelcellpartnership.org - Grand Opening Details). B-roll tape of cars and buses, fuel cells, and the hydrogen fueling facility will be available as well.



WHAT:  Grand Opening Ceremony - West Sacramento 
       Fuel Cell Vehicle and Fueling Facility; 
       First Look at World's Largest Collection of  Fuel Cell Cars;
       Ride 'n Drive;
       Roundtable Discussion

WHO:   Partnership Executives (see website for complete listing)
       Invited Guests
       Six Winners of the "Drivers of the Future" Student Contest

WHEN:  Wednesday, November 1, 2000
       10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. -- Official Ceremonies, Interviews
       12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.  -- Media Ride 'n Drive
       12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.  -- Roundtable Discussion by 
                                  Partnership Executives

WHERE: 3300 Industrial Blvd., West Sacramento

From the State Capitol, take Business Route I-80 toward San Francisco; exit Harbor Blvd. At the end of the off-ramp, turn right over freeway toward the Port of Sacramento. Turn right on Industrial Blvd. The site is approximately 1/2 mile on the right.
From the Bay Area, take I-80 towards Sacramento; exit Harbor Blvd. and turn left (south) toward Port of Sacramento. Turn right on Industrial Blvd. The site is approximately 1/2 mile on the right.