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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Vice President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 23, 1997

                      VICE PRESIDENT GORE ANNOUNCES 
                   JOINT INDUSTRY-GOVERNMENT RESEARCH 
              PLAN TO PRODUCE THE WORLD'S CLEANEST DIESELS

WASHINGTON -- Vice President Al Gore announced today (7/23) a research plan, developed jointly by the Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles (PNGV) government and industry technical teams. The plan, which was announced during the Sixth Automotive Technical Symposium for the PNGV hosted by the Vice President, is intended to produce the world's cleanest diesel engines.

The Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles has as its primary goal the development of vehicles that are three times as fuel efficient as today's vehicles without sacrificing affordability, comfort, safety or emissions control. If these goals are achieved, it will mean significant progress towards addressing climate change. There has not yet been a final decision about the kinds of technologies that will be used in these vehicles. Options include various advanced internal combustion engines, fuel cells, gas turbines, or stirling engines.

The Vice President today confirmed that these fuel economy achievements will not be made at the expense of clean air. The research plan he announced is intended to clean up both the diesels currently on the road and any diesel engines that are used in the PNGV vehicles.

"This emissions research will be the primary focus of the government's diesel research funding," said Vice President Gore. "As with all research projects, this plan will evolve, and we urge all those with interest in the area to work with us to refine the project selection and solve this problem in the most cost effective way."

The Vice President also reiterated the Administration's commitment to continued government investment into long-term research for advanced automotive technologies. The focus on longer range, higher risk technologies will continue beyond 1997 when the first technology selections for the PNGV vehicles will be made. The Vice President made clear that he and President Clinton are committed to the development of super efficient vehicles that ensure both clean air and improved fuel efficiency.