September 7, 2005

LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today issued the following statement on the announcement by the BMW Group, DaimlerChrysler AG, and General Motors Corporation that they have signed a “memorandum of understanding” to form an alliance of equals for the joint development of hybrid drive systems.
 
The three global automakers are cooperating in order to pool their expertise for the accelerated and efficient development of hybrid drive systems.  It is expected to result in hundreds of new, high-tech jobs in Michigan.
 
“This is terrific news for Michigan!” Granholm said. “Shared hybrid technology will provide hundreds of new economy jobs for Michigan – exactly the type of diversification we want for our economy. 
 
“Given the long-term economic challenges that energy is presenting today, this announcement comes as welcome news.  Importantly, it puts Michigan on the hub of a global alliance to advance hybrid technology across a broad range of vehicles, with the potential to save millions of gallons of oil and gasoline.  It proves that the auto industry has the will, talent, and technology to rise to the energy challenges facing the global community.  Michigan will continue to support and foster an economic environment for advanced technologies to keep our manufacturing base strong. 

“Congratulations to the alliance and to the employees who will be hired to move our state in the new direction of alternative energies,” Granholm added.

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