FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 20, 2008

CONTACTS:
Angela Walker, 650-766-2748
Nick Magel, 419-283-2728
*Interviews available

Campaign Statement Says: "The United States is ushering in a new era of combating climate change and creating a green economy. The auto industry is a day late and a dollar, or billions, short in producing zero emission, oil free automobiles that people now see are a necessary reality."

SAN FRANCISCO— Global Exchange Campaign Director Nick Magel today released the following statement in response to the auto industry's pleas for the United States' taxpayers to provide a $25 billion industry bailout package:

"It's time for the Auto industry to put up, shut up, or go belly up. President-elect Obama calls for bold action to combat climate change. Ford, GM, and Chrysler have shown a questionable boldness by asking Americans for $25 billion while polluting our air and driving climate change. Instead, they should commit to produce the most fuel efficient fleets on the planet."

"This is a watershed moment for the economy and the climate. $25 billion to continue business as usual is not an option. It is imperative the US use this opportunity to push for climate solutions by retooling the auto industry to produce zero emission vehicles, and jumpstart a clean, green energy economy."

"The big three have banked on pedaling gas-guzzling SUVs and trucks for too long. Taxpayers are surely disheartened to hear no commitments attached to the $25 billion towards zero emission technologies, plug-in electric hybrids, or other climate initiatives from Ford, GM, and Chrysler CEOs."

"The auto industry's claim that curbing emissions would make vehicles unaffordable and unsafe is baseless. In fact, what is unaffordable is the allocation of $25 billion dollars to an industry that is refusing to transition from gas-guzzlers to zero emission vehicles."
"It's simple, show us commitments to unprecedented clean car technology and production, and we'll show unprecedented enthusiasm and support towards an industry that will once again be viewed as a cornerstone of American ingenuity." For more information, visit www.globalexchange.org.

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Global Exchange's Freedom from Oil campaign is working to end America's oil dependence, reduce oil related conflicts, and stop global climate change by convincing the auto industry to dramatically improve fuel efficiency and eliminate vehicle greenhouse gas emissions.