> ![](media/image1.wmf)

**[EDTA Applauds Electric Drive Success at North American International
Auto Show]{.underline}**

**The Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA) applauds the
strong showing and recognition of electric drive technologies by
automakers.** In particular, EDTA congratulates Toyota for winning the
"North American Car of the Year" award for its 2004 Prius hybrid
electric vehicle. This prestigious award is given by a group of 49
automotive journalists from the United States and Canada.

The North American Car and Truck of the Year awards are designed to
honor vehicles that set new standards in their class. Entries are judged
in several categories including design, safety, fuel economy,
performance, functionality, technical innovation and value for the
dollar. This year's competition included 17 cars and 13 trucks.

**[Additional Electric Drive Announcements from the North American
International Auto Show:]{.underline}**

**Toyota** unveiled its Highlander hybrid SUV, which will be available
in early 2005. The Highlander hybrid features a new version of Toyota's
Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain, offering the fuel economy of a compact
sedan. Its estimated driving range will be over 600 miles on a single
tank of gas, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will rate it
as a super ultra low emission vehicle (SULEV).

**Honda** announced plans to introduce a hybrid Accord V6 in 2004, which
will feature Honda's new Integrated Motor Assist technology and Variable
Cylinder Management, offering the fuel economy of a 4-cylinder compact
Civic.

**Ford's** Escape hybrid SUV is set for a 2004 release, and is expected
to achieve 35-40 miles per gallon in city driving, with the performance
of a V6.

**Lexus** introduced the RX 400h hybrid electric luxury SUV, which will
go on sale in late 2004. The RX 400h features a full hybrid system, and
operates in separate electric and gas modes, or in combination. It will
be classified as a SULEV, and Lexus estimates fuel economy similar to
that of a passenger car.

**Mercedes-Benz** showcased the Vision Grand Sports Tourer concept car,
a SUV/minivan crossover vehicle with a diesel electric hybrid powertrain
that features a 250 horsepower V8 diesel engine with a 50kW electric
motor, providing 20% better fuel efficiency.

In addition, **Mitsubishi Motors** showcased a hybrid electric Eclipse
Concept-E prototype which features a 150kW electric motor powered by
lithium-ion batteries. Finally, **Subaru** promoted two electric drive
concept vehicles: the B9SC hybrid electric roadster, and the
pure-electric, zero-emission R1e.

EDTA Co-Chairman Eugene Zeltmann, President and CEO of New York Power
Authority, praises the auto industry for its commitment to bringing
clean and efficient electric drive technologies into the marketplace.
"Hybrids have certainly taken center stage at the world's largest auto
show, which proves that the technology is ready, the public is eager,
and as more models are brought to market, electric drive will continue
to make a significant impact."

\##

*EDTA is an international association representing the development,
production and use of battery, hybrid and fuel cell electric drive
technologies and supporting infrastructure. EDTA serves as the central
source of information on all of the technical, market and policy issues
surrounding the emergence of electric drive, and serves as the
representative of the Americas to the World Electric Vehicle Association
(WEVA). For more information about EDTA, visit
[www.electricdrive.org](http://www.electricdrive.org/) or call
202.408.0774.*

Contact: Jennifer Watts at 202-408-0774 / jwatts@electricdrive.org