AIAM Member Companies Highlight Contributions to State Economy and
Leadership in Advanced Technology Vehicles
SACRAMENTO, Calif., May 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Association
of International Automobile Manufacturers, Inc. (AIAM) and several of its
member company representatives met with lawmakers of the California
Legislature and the Governor's Office today to highlight their
contributions to the state's economy and demonstrate the leadership roles
they are taking in the area of advanced technology vehicles.
In California, AIAM members directly employ 18,000 people and operate
76 separate facilities, including four manufacturing facilities, seven
headquarters offices, nineteen R&D centers, and seven financial service
operations. AIAM members also account for 50 percent of the more than 2
million new passenger cars and light trucks registered in the state last
year.
"Our theme today is 'Driving Clean Technologies in California: The
Companies of AIAM,'" said Paul D. Ryan, AIAM's director of government
affairs. "Many do not realize the significant presence AIAM members have in
California, so it is important that we make an effort to educate state
officials about all the work being done in their backyard to bring advanced
technology vehicles to the marketplace."
In a daylong effort, AIAM and its member companies visited state
lawmakers to talk about their impact on California's economy, as well as
types of advanced technologies currently in auto showrooms and under
development. Several gasoline-electric hybrid, compressed natural gas, and
fuel cell vehicles -- all manufactured by AIAM members -- were on display
for lawmakers to learn about. California leads the country in hybrid
vehicle purchases, accounting for 26.5 percent of the more than 250,000
hybrid vehicles sold in the United States in 2006. AIAM members account for
over 75 percent of all hybrid sales nationwide.
The Association of International Automobile Manufacturers, Inc. (AIAM)
represents 14 international motor vehicle manufacturers who account for 31
percent of all light duty motor vehicles produced in the United States and
nearly 38 percent of all vehicles sold in the United States. Fifty-four
percent of all vehicles sold in America by AIAM members are produced in the
United States. Nationwide, international automakers have invested $35.5
billion in U.S.-based production facilities and other operations, have a
combined domestic production capacity of 4.1 million vehicles, directly
employ 92.5 thousand Americans, and generate well over 500,000 thousand
U.S. jobs in dealerships and suppliers nationwide. AIAM is dedicated to the
promotion of free trade and to policies that enhance motor vehicle safety
and the protection of the environment. AIAM member companies include
American Honda Motor Co., American Suzuki Motor Corp., Aston Martin Lagonda
of North America, Inc., Ferrari North America, Inc., Hyundai Motor America,
Isuzu Motors America, Inc., Kia Motors America, Inc., Maserati North
America, Inc., Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., Nissan North America,
Inc. Peugeot Motors of America, Renault, SA, Subaru of America, and Toyota
Motor North America, Inc. AIAM also represents original equipment suppliers
and other automotive-related trade associations.
Contact:
Jennifer Stoltz
(202) 448-3145
jstoltz@qorvis.com
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