DNCC NAMES GENERAL MOTORS AS OFFICIAL VEHICLE PROVIDER FOR 2008 DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION
In Convention First, Entire Fleet of Vehicles to Use Highest Fuel Efficiencies and Technologies, Including Flex Fuel and Hybrid Vehicles
DENVER - The Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) today named General Motors Corporation (GM) as the official vehicle provider for the 2008 Democratic National Convention, to be held August 25-28 in Denver. In keeping with the DNCC's commitment to making this the most sustainably-produced political Convention in history, the DNCC will be working closely with GM to select a fleet of vehicles designed to maximize fuel efficiencies and take advantage of new flex fuel and hybrid vehicle technologies.
"As the country's largest manufacturer, GM has a long history with the American people and with the Democratic National Convention," said Leah D. Daughtry, CEO of the DNCC. "We're proud to welcome them back to the team for 2008. GM has an established track record that demonstrates the company's commitment to supporting technological innovation and improving the fuel economy of all GM vehicles. GM's leadership in this area will play a critical role in our event - helping us make this the 'greenest' political Convention our country has ever seen, while providing our guests with yet another convenient option for getting around Denver."
As the Convention's official vehicle provider, GM will provide the DNCC with a mix of vehicles offering high fuel efficiency, biofuel capabilities and hybrid technology. According to GM, when measured against other automakers, GM offers more vehicles that achieve 30 mpg on the highway, more flex fuel vehicles that can run on E85 and groundbreaking technology such as GM's two-mode hybrid system found in its full-size light trucks. GM alone has produced more than 2.5 million E-85 capable vehicles to date--more than any other automaker. The company's flex fuel vehicles, using 85 percent ethanol fuel derived from corn, represent a move toward easing the country's dependence on foreign oil, helping to build the domestic infrastructure needed for new energy technologies and supporting America's farmers.
GM is also releasing an average of one new hybrid model every three months for the next two years, including the Saturn Vue, the Aura Green Line and the Chevrolet Malibu - just several of the models of fuel efficient vehicles GM will be providing to the DNCC. This year, GM introduced the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon two-mode hybrid - both models included in the DNCC fleet - that get a 50 percent improvement in city mileage over gas versions.
GM employs more than 130,000 people in the United States at its more than 75 plants and facilities throughout the country.
"The Democratic National Convention provides an important showcase for GM's technological innovation and our substantial contribution to America's economy and manufacturing competitiveness," said Ken Cole GM vice president for global public policy and government relations.
DNCC officials and staff will use a select number of vehicles for events and other Convention business during the coming months. The full fleet will be used during Convention week as part of the DNCC's official transportation and shuttle system for delegates, members of the Democratic family and other guests. The DNCC's transportation team estimates needing 3,000 volunteers, including 500 local drivers, for the four-day event.
GM has been selected as the official vehicle provider for every Democratic National Convention since 1980.
The 2008 Democratic National Convention is expected to pump an estimated $160 million into the Denver area's economy and draw approximately 35,000 visitors to the region.
