AIAM Member Companies Update California Legislators on Green Technologies, Economic Contributions to the California

SACRAMENTO, CA, May 19 (MARKET WIRE) --
Representatives of the Association of International Automobile
Manufacturers (AIAM) and its member companies are meeting today with
California state legislators and members of Governor Schwarzenegger's
staff to highlight the leadership provided by AIAM members in producing
cleaner, greener, more fuel-efficient vehicles, while contributing to the
California economy.

"AIAM members are the leading producers of environmentally friendly,
fuel-efficient vehicles, some of which are manufactured right here in
California," said Michael Stanton, President and CEO of AIAM. "We are in
Sacramento today to remind lawmakers that our member companies continue to
invest in advanced, innovative vehicle technologies that are helping move
the automobile industry forward, to the benefit of national and local
economies, consumers and the environment."

AIAM executives and member company representatives will be providing
updates to state lawmakers about the positive impact of AIAM member
companies on California's economy, as well as the advanced technologies
under development or currently available to consumers in dealer showrooms.
In addition to today's meetings, electric, hybrid electric, compressed
natural gas (CNG), and fuel cell vehicles -- all built by AIAM members --
are on display for lawmakers to learn about, including Mitsubishi's zero
emissions electric i-MieV, Honda's third generation Insight hybrid and
Toyota's third generation Prius hybrid.

In California, AIAM members:

-- Directly employ approximately 19,000 Californians and maintain a total
annual payroll of more than $1.3 billion (source: AIAM member survey).

-- Have invested over $4 billion and operate 89 separate facilities,
including three manufacturing facilities, eight headquarters offices,
seventeen R&D centers, and eight financial service operations (AIAM member
survey).

-- Accounted for 53 percent of the 1,391,440 new cars and light trucks
registrations in 2008, sold by 676 dealerships across the state (R.L.
Polk). These dealerships employ about 57,000 workers and have a payroll of
$3.2 billion in new-vehicle-related sales and service activities (AIAM
estimate based on NADA data).

-- Accounted for 84,137 hybrid vehicles or approximately 92 percent of all
new hybrids registered in California last year (R.L Polk). The Golden
State held 24 percent of the U.S. hybrid market in 2008 (according to
hybridcars.com), with two of the top ten metro markets for hybrids located
in California: Los Angeles (#1) and San Francisco (#2) (California New Car
Dealers Association).

About AIAM -- The Association of International Automobile Manufacturers,
Inc. (AIAM) is a trade association representing 13 international motor
vehicle manufacturers who account for 43 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. AIAM 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.

Contact:
Kim Custer
703-247-2110
Email Contact

Jennifer Baskerville
202-683-3145
Email Contact

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