|
Press Release
Secretary for the Environment meets Japanese car manufacturers
The Secretary for the Environment, Mr Edward Yau, fostered further collaboration with key Japanese car manufacturers in Tokyo today (April 24) on the promotion of electric vehicles (EVs) in Hong Kong.
During Mr Yau's visit to Tokyo today, the Government secured the allocation of mass production units of Mitsubishi's EV (iMiEV) to Hong Kong in the near future and concluded a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nissan Motor Co Ltd on the promotion of EVs.
After meeting the President of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Mr Osamu Masuko, Mr Yau said, "I want to thank President Masuko for the mass production units of iMiEV to Hong Kong. This is a significant accomplishment as Hong Kong has been competing against other countries for a limited quota during the first year's production.
"Securing the provision of iMiEVs in the immediate future is crucial for Hong Kong's next phase of larger scale testing, as the iMiEVs will not only be used and tested by the Government, but also by business enterprises in Hong Kong. This would also help expose a wider section of the community to EV driving experience," Mr Yau said.
Mr Yau also presided over the signing of the MoU between the Government and Nissan which sets the scene for future collaboration. "We are glad to have Nissan as our partner for the promotion of EVs in Hong Kong. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding signifies closer collaboration between the two parties," Mr Yau said.
Under the MoU, a working team of representatives from the Government and Nissan will be set up to identify potential areas of co-operation on expanding the use of EVs in Hong Kong.
Mr Yau also visited Toyota Motor Corporation to explore opportunities in promoting the wider adoption of more environmentally friendly vehicles in Hong Kong.
The Financial Secretary identified in this year's Budget the promotion of EVs as one of the key measures to promote a green economy. A high-level steering committee has been set up under the Financial Secretary’s leadership to map out strategies and specific measures for this cause. The Government has also announced a host of measures to promote the wider adoption of EVs in Hong Kong.
Earlier, Mr Yau spoke at a luncheon seminar on how the Government was working towards a Pearl River Delta quality living area.
Ends/Friday, April 24, 2009
|
