Support for Advanced Technology Vehicles Needs to be Balanced

Groups question Governor’s approach to fuel cell research

For Immediate Release:
January 23, 2002

Contact:
Lana Pollack or James Clift
(517) 487-9539

LANSING - In his State of the State message today, the Governor is expected to call for Michigan to be active in developing hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles. Environmental groups and experts in the field think the state would be better served by putting priority support on the various alternatives already available.

“There is an immediate need to market vehicles that get better gas mileage and reduce our dependence on foreign sources of oil. It’s important both for the environment and because it will make our nation more secure,” said Lana Pollack, president of the Michigan Environmental Council. “But fuel cell research should not distract the state from pursuing a more balanced policy that would reduce dependence on foreign oil now.”

Critics of the Governor’s plan also point out that a fuel cell automobile won’t be ready for at least 10 to 20 years.In the meantime Michigan needs to protect our jobs by staying competitive with foreign automakers that have been rolling out fuel-efficient gas/electric hybrid cars like the Toyota Prius for several years.

“The technology available today will dominate the advanced technology automobile market for the next 10 to 20 years,” said James Clift, MEC Policy Director

“We need to balance long-range goals, like fuel cell research, with continued advancements in gas/electric hybrid technology. Otherwise, Michigan’s auto industry will suffer as we continue to lose market share to the producers of advanced fuel-efficient automobiles.”

Facts About Gasoline/Electric Hybrid Vehicle Sales

  • While fuel cells are 10-20 years away, higher fuel economy vehicles are available now. Foreign automakers have already introduced
    hybrid gas/electric vehicles that achieve between 50 and 60 mpg.

  • Toyota sold 15,556 of its compact hybrid Prius sedans last year and expects to increase sales to between 17,000 and 18,000 in 2002.

  • Honda has said it expects to sell 25,000 to 30,000 Civic Hybrids annually in the United States.

Submitted by:

James Clift
Michigan Environmental Council
119 Pere Marquette, Ste 2A
Lansing, MI 48912
(517) 487-9539
jamesmec@voyager.net

 

Copyright 2002 Michigan Environmental Council