California Air Resources Board

BREA, Calif. - The California Air Resources Board's "Drive Clean California Campaign" and vehicle manufacturers showcased yesterday the latest efficient, clean technology vehicles at Brea Mall.

The newest hybrid, compressed natural gas and super-clean gasoline vehicles were on display. Consumers were able to consult with experts about vehicle smog and global warming scores, fuel economy, and state, federal and local incentives.

"California continues to lead the nation in setting automotive emissions standards in order to protect public health and the environment from poor air quality and global warming emissions," said ARB Chairman Mary Nichols. "The vehicles displayed today are examples of the state's 40-year commitment to get clean vehicle technology on the road."

Starting in 2009, new Environmental Performance Labels will be required on all new cars sold in California. The label displays a smog score and global warming score on a scale of 1-10, with the highest scores indicate the cleanest vehicles.

All vehicles on display at the mall carried a smog score of 8 or better and a global warming score of 6 or better, with a score of 10 being cleanest. The four vehicle makes and models showcased at the event included:

• 2009 Nissan Altima: hybrid-electric (smog score: 9 / global warming score: 9)
• 2008 Toyota Highlander: hybrid-electric (smog score: 8 / global warming score: 8)
• 2008 Volkswagen Convertible Beetle: clean gasoline (smog score: 9 / global warming score: 6)
• 2008 Honda Civic GX: compressed natural gas (smog score: 9 / global warming score: 9)

"Consumers can directly impact air quality and global warming when purchasing a new vehicle," said ARB Chairman Mary Nichols. "Today we are able to enjoy a wide variety of clean technology vehicle makes and models in varying price ranges that are often more efficient than traditional cars and trucks."

To learn more about clean, advanced technology vehicles available today, visit www.DRIVECLEAN.ca.gov.