These are the drivers behind rechargeable battery research around the world today, notes industrial market research publisher SBI in the brand-new report, “Advanced Rechargeable Battery Market: Emerging Worldwide Trends and Opportunities.” Rechargeable batteries, also known as storage batteries, are a continuing strong market, with worldwide sales of $36 billion in 2008. SBI forecasts that the rechargeable battery market will rise to $51 billion by 2013.

Lithium-ion is the battery chemistry of choice for future generations of portable electronics and hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. In 2008, lithium-ion battery research had more funding than all other battery technologies combined. The portable rechargeable battery market, of which lithium-ion has a 75% share, is the fastest growing segment of the rechargeable battery market, showing world market growth of 20% in 2008.

The next five years will see rechargeable batteries continue to be the energy storage system of choice for portable electronics and power tools, as well as expand into new markets in motor vehicles and large scale renewable energy systems. “Lithium-ion is the battery chemistry blazing the trail for the reality of electric cars on the road — rather than concept cars on the showroom floor,” said Shelley Carr, SBI associate publisher.

“Advanced Rechargeable Battery Market: Emerging Technologies and Trends Worldwide” contains comprehensive data on the U.S. and world market for storage batteries, including historical (2002-2008) and forecast (2009-2013) market size data. The report identifies key factors driving battery research, trends affecting the marketplace and market growth, and profiles major marketers and consumer demographics. For further information visit: http://www.sbireports.com/Advanced-Rechargeable-Battery-1933124/

About SBI

SBI (Specialists in Business Information) publishes research reports in the industrial, energy, building/construction, automotive/transportation and packaging markets. SBI also offers a full range of custom research services. For more information visit http://www.sbireports.com, or contact Don Montuori at (240) 747-3028 or dmontuori@marketresearch.com.

- With unsurpassed quality, best-in-class fuel economy and significant residual value improvement, the 2010 Fusion delivers the key attributes that mid-size sedan buyers want

- A dynamic ad campaign, titled “We Speak Car,” debuts Tuesday, March 3 during the hit television show American Idol, highlighting the segment-exclusive Ford SYNC(TM) technology and delivering the claim of Fusion being America’s most fuel-efficient mid-size sedan

DEARBORN, Mich., March 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — The new 2010 Ford Fusion and Fusion Hybrid launch this month with an aggressive, multi-faceted marketing campaign, making clear Ford’s intention to expand its share of the mid-size sedan market, as well as setting an aggressive tone in communicating the brand’s strengthening car portfolio.

The U.S. mid-size sedan market is one of the largest segments in the automotive industry, second only to the small cars. In 2008, industry-wide sales of mid-size cars totaled more than 2 million units.

“Fusion established a toe-hold in this important segment when it was first introduced in 2005, with design and driving dynamics unexpected for a mid-size sedan, and we believe the new Fusion will take it to an even higher level,” said Ford Sales Analyst George Pipas. “The quality, fuel economy and strong residual value, together with segment-exclusive features, give us a strong opportunity to increase our position in the mid-size car market.”

And Fusion has what it takes to get the job done.

According to Automotive Leasing Guide (ALG), the residual value of the Ford Fusion has improved dramatically - a total of six points - from introduction to the new 2010 model, a jump that Pipas says is significant.

“For the consumer, stronger residual values mean higher trade-in values,” he said. “It reduces a customer’s cost of ownership.”

In addition, the 2010 Fusion features bolder styling, smart technologies and the title of being America’s most fuel-efficient mid-size sedan. The vehicle achieves 23 mpg city and 34 mpg highway, beating both the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. The all-new Fusion Hybrid achieves a class-leading 41 mpg rating in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, topping the Toyota Camry Hybrid by 8 mpg in the city and 2 mpg on the highway.

“With the Fusion ad campaign, our goal is to get the facts out to challenge consumers’ perceptions and shake up beliefs about what the best choice is among mid-size sedans,” said Chantel Lenard, Ford group marketing manager, Global Small and Medium Cars.

“The new Fusion delivers on all the rational considerations that are important to mid-size car customers - as the most fuel-efficient mid-size sedan in America, with quality on par with Camry and Accord, excellent resale value and low cost of ownership,” she said. “Add to that the unique attributes that only Fusion delivers - bold styling; a fun, engaging drive experience and smart technology and you have to ask, ‘Why wouldn’t you buy a Fusion?’”

“We Speak Car”

Dynamic new television ads for the 2010 Fusion and Fusion Hybrid will debut Tuesday, March 3, 2009, during the top-rated television series American Idol, which airs at 8 p.m. EST on FOX.

The ads, titled “We Speak Car,” are fresh and energetic, communicating three key messages: the 2010 Ford Fusion is the most fuel-efficient mid-size car in America; the new Fusion Hybrid provides best-in-class 41 mpg in the city; and both models offer smart, class-exclusive technology that customers want, such as SYNC.

“We want car customers to know that we speak their language,” said Ford Advertising Manager David Sanabria. “We understand their needs, and we’re delivering what they want with the new Ford Fusion.”

What consumers want, says Sanabria, is a stylish car that is both engaging to drive and fuel-efficient.

“Fusion has the goods, but we also bring the emotional elements,” he explained. “Car customers really are keying in on this marriage of fuel economy with ‘fun-to-drive,’ and no other car delivers as well on both.”

The look, tone and feel of the “We Speak Car” campaign is modern and sophisticated. The television ads feature the Fusion against a crisp white backdrop, interacting with colorful computer-generated imagery and bold graphics.

“The ads are fresh and energetic,” said Sanabria. “Rather than simply illustrate features and make claims, the graphics visually amplify the message that ‘We Speak Car,’ and we can say things that other vehicles can’t.”

The television ad campaign includes three spots. One focuses on the unsurpassed fuel economy of the four-cylinder gas-powered Fusion sedan. Another spotlights the advanced hybrid-electric technology available in the new Fusion Hybrid, which delivers 41 mpg city and a range up to 700 miles on a single tank of gas. And the third ad focuses on the smart, voice-activated SYNC technology, which is available on all Fusion models.

Print and out-of-home ads mirror the television spots in their presentation.

Digital, Experiential Campaign Elements

A significant element of the launch itself is the most integrated marketing Ford has done yet with American Idol, which includes an exciting, season-long consumer promotion, the “Fusion Music Video Challenge,” consistent and meaningful product integration, and consumer events, all designed to get our consumers closer to the new 2010 Fusion.

The “Fusion Music Video Challenge” consumer promotion, featuring the 2010 Fusion, will be highlighted weekly on the show throughout the season. For the challenge, customers will be directed to the Web to answer trivia about the latest Ford Music Video, where they will be entered for a chance to hang with the Idols and see a video filmed live, plus win a limited edition American Idol 2010 Fusion. As the promotion and American Idol season goes on, additional opportunities will be provided for customers to experience the 2010 Fusion firsthand while enjoying American Idol at the grassroots level.

A digital campaign also will launch to draw consumers to find out more about the 2010 Fusion. Reinforcing “We Speak Car,” the campaign will use the 2010 Fusion fuel economy facts and the American Idol promotion to draw customers to the www.fordvehicles.com website. There they will experience the product proof “We Speak Car” as well as third party accolades, showing that “They Speak Car”, too.

According to Sanabria, people who already have experienced the Fusion share a strong loyalty and passion for the vehicle, which is evidenced by the more than 50,000 enthusiasts who post their thoughts on a variety of social networks on the Internet.

“Customers on Facebook are saying, ‘Fusion rocks,’” he said. “That speaks for itself.”

The ultimate goal of the “We Speak Car” Fusion ad campaign is to motivate people to get out and drive one, says Sanabria.

Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F), a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 213,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company’s wholly owned brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.

SOURCE Ford Motor Company

• Kbb.com editors praised the 2009 Escape Hybrid’s improved - more powerful and more efficient - gas-electric powertrain and its fuel economy rating of 34 mpg in the city.

• In addition to five-passenger seating and plenty of cargo storage, the 2009 Escape Hybrid offers families a host of safe, smart and green technologies.

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Editors of Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com today named the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid one of its “2009 Best New Family Vehicles.”"After undergoing a major overhaul for the 2008 model year, the Ford Escape Hybrid is improved again for 2009 with a more powerful and more efficient gas-electric powertrain,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com. “Its fuel economy rating of 34 miles per gallon in the city is even better than that of the Toyota Camry Hybrid.”

According to Nerad, the kbb.com editors considered factors such as resale value, capability and kid-friendliness when choosing this year’s list of the top 10 best cars for families, but extra emphasis was placed on fuel economy.

“Gas prices have dropped sharply from their record highs, but the sluggish economy is now dictating smart spending with a focus on overall value,” he said. “Given the current state of the economy, parents want to get even greater value for their money while buying a new vehicle that also will accommodate their family’s lifestyle and needs.”

Not only is the Ford Escape Hybrid the most fuel-efficient SUV on the planet, it also offers families the perfect combination of value and versatility, says Ford Hybrid Marketing Manager David Finnegan.

“The Escape Hybrid offers the convenience and flexibility that many families need in an ultra fuel-efficient vehicle,” he said. “You can fit five passengers plus a lot of cargo, such as sporting and camping equipment. It’s a fully functional SUV that happens to be a hybrid as well.”

Safety - an important consideration for families - comes standard on the Escape Hybrid.

All vehicles are equipped with AdvanceTrac(R) with Roll Stability Control(R); Safety Canopy(TM) side air curtain technology which offers protection for the first and second seating rows; Personal Safety System(R), which includes new dual-stage front air bags for the driver and front-seat passenger, side air bags and a front passenger sensor system; tire pressure monitoring system; and the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system for rear seating positions.

“Entertainment and connectivity also are important factors for families to consider,” said Finnegan.

Along with SYNC, the Escape Hybrid offers features such as SIRIUS(R) Satellite Radio and Voice-Activated Navigation with SIRIUS(R) Travel Link(TM).

In addition to being kid-friendly, the Escape Hybrid is environmentally friendly, meeting strict Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV II) and Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) standards.

The 2009 model features new comfort-designed seats with soy-based foam that substitutes for petroleum-based products to conserve limited resources and reduce CO2 emissions. Eco-friendly seat fabrics made from post-industrial 100 percent recycled materials also are offered on the

Escape.

“Customers can be environmentally responsible and still have a vehicle that provides the utility of an SUV and is fun to drive,” said Finnegan.

Earning a spot on kbb.com’s exclusive list of “2009 Best New Family Vehicles” is not the only accolade the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid has received. Ward’s Automotive Group named Ford’s redesigned Escape Hybrid engine to its “2009 10 Best Engines” list. The vehicle also was recognized as “Best Crossover/SUV Value Under $28,000″ by Intellichoice.com, a leading source for automotive ownership cost and value analysis.

Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F), a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 213,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company’s wholly owned brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.

Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com)

Since 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource(R), has provided vehicle buyers and sellers with the new and used vehicle information they need to accomplish their goals with confidence. The company’s top-rated Web site, www.kbb.com, provides the most up-to-date pricing and values, including the New Car Blue Book(R) Value, which reveals what people actually are paying for new cars. The company also reports vehicle pricing and values via products and services, including software products and the famous Blue Book(R) Official Guide. According to the C.A. Walker Research Solutions, Inc. - 2008 Spring Automotive Web Site Usefulness Study, kbb.com is the most useful automotive information Web site among new and used vehicle shoppers, and half of online shoppers visit kbb.com. Kbb.com is a leading provider of new car prices, car reviews and news, used car blue book values, auto classifieds and car dealer locations. No other medium reaches more in-market vehicle shoppers than kbb.com.

While electric DC motors have long since raised the comfort levels for front seat passengers, there are signs that such motors are appearing in the rear seats too. Imtiyaz Syed, vice president, engineering, Intier Automotive Seating, told us: “Power is definitely coming to the rear seats as well. For example, rear seat heating systems are fairly common in premium cars. There are also powered stow systems in the third row whereby just pressing a button, the whole articulation takes places so that the seat folds and stows into the floor automatically. We have also developed the ability to power removable seats. With our design, the seat is automatically connected and powered when installed in the vehicle and disconnected when removed without the consumer having to [physically] disconnect the seat before removing it.”

“That is in production on the Chrysler minivan Swivel Seats,” added Randy Koenigsknecht, vice president, sales and marketing, Intier Automotive Seating. “We had to make it very robust and almost invisible to the customer so that they do not even realise that the connection/disconnection is being made and, of course, they do not experience any error in that connection.”

“But it doesn’t stop there,” said Syed. “The Lincoln MKX and Ford Edge feature powered seat back fold down on their rear seats. I think that the power growth trend for the rear seat will continue for some time to come.”

Guido Wolfs, senior product business manager, JCI, told us: “We are not a manufacturer of DC electric motors, only a user of them. In our products, we use electric motors produced by various international manufacturers. In the case of customer orders, the motor chosen depends on the actual specifications of the automaker concerned. In the case of new product developments that are independent of any OEM, a decision is reached based on the required performance and cost-effectiveness of the motor for the individual project.”

Electric motors can adjust seats and headlights, power side windows and mirrors, assist braking and steering, and are found in anything that has an electrical movement or solenoid function. With as many as 120 electric motors stuffed into a luxury car, manufacturers are finding some novel ways in which to package them. As electric motors proliferate around the car, manufacturers have developed lighter and more compact units. Manufacturers are also working on ways to reduce the size of automotive electric motors while retaining or improving existing performance. Overall, the main drivers of electric motor development are power density, size, weight, noise and functionality.

This report provides a global review of the market for automotive electric motors, providing top level market fitment, volume and value forecasts through 2014. Our forecasts are not extrapolative but dependent on the underlying drivers of supply and demand. Our forecasts are largely based on interviews with the author’s extensive international network of industry contacts. This allows us to consider and explain the meaning and implications of industry events, rather than offer simple description based on incomplete data. All forecast data in this report has been conducted using recent interviews, therefore taking into account the recent economic downturn.

Key Topics Covered:

* Chapter 1 Introduction
* Chapter 2 The market
* Chapter 3 Manufacturers
* List of figures
* List of tables

Companies Mentioned:

* ArvinMeritor
* Bosch
* Denso
* Globe Motors
* Johnson Electric
* Mitsuba
* Nidec

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/26a8b0/global_market_revi

TORRANCE, CA UNITED STATES

TORRANCE, Calif., Jan. 20 /PRNewswire/ — In an effort to attract new buyers to the hybrid market, Toyota today launched the all-new Toyota Certified Used Hybrid (TCUH) program, an extension of the Toyota Certified Used Vehicles (TCUV) brand which provides added inspection and warranty coverage on certified used Toyota hybrids.

“The program is a great way to increase awareness of certified used hybrid vehicles,” said TCUV Marketing Manager, Steve Gallagher. “As more hybrids enter the used vehicle marketplace, Toyota Certified Hybrids offer high-quality options to customers interested in purchasing these fuel-efficient vehicles.”

As the industry’s first dedicated certified pre-owned program for hybrid vehicles, TCUH was designed to drive sales of certified used hybrids while expanding Toyota’s customer base for these types of vehicles.

Customers benefit from additional inspection and warranty coverage on Toyota hybrids within the program. Each vehicle comes with the three-month/3,000-mile comprehensive warranty, seven-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty and roadside assistance plan offered on traditional TCUV models. The program also brings added awareness to a pre-existing eight-year/100,000-mile factory hybrid battery warranty. The TCUH quality insurance inspection also includes 14 additional inspection points beyond the current TCUV 160-point quality assurance inspection. This expanded 174-point Toyota Certified Hybrid inspection includes examination of key hybrid components, such as the hybrid transaxle, control modules and battery.

The Toyota Certified program combines the confidence of purchasing a new vehicle with the value of a used vehicle to provide a “like new” ownership experience. Toyota certified used vehicles offer consumers a smart alternative to traditional used car options and give them the peace of mind they seek when purchasing a used vehicle.

About Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. is the marketing, sales, distribution and customer service arm of Toyota, Lexus and Scion. Established in 1957, TMS markets products and services through a network of more than 1,400 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealers. Toyota directly employs over 36,000 people in the U.S. and sold more than 2.2 million vehicles in 2008. For more information about our company, please visit http://www.toyota.com.

DETROIT, MI–(Marketwire - January 15, 2009) - An estimated 14 million electric and hybrid cars may be sold in 2020 in the world’s four largest automotive markets — Western Europe, North America, Japan, and China — up from some 400,000 in 2008, according to a report by The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) published today. But despite growing pressure on the automotive industry to produce cars with lower carbon dioxide emissions, the world’s automotive markets will remain dominated by cars powered by the next generations of traditional internal-combustion engines (ICEs) unless governments intervene with incentives for car manufacturers, power companies, and consumers.

The electric car, which was first marketed in the early 1900s and then revived unsuccessfully in the 1990s, has long been hailed as the answer to the problem of how to cut the car industry’s contribution to CO2 emissions. In Europe, electric cars are able to generate around 60 percent less in CO2 emissions, calculated on a well-to-wheel basis, than those powered by ICEs.

But in its Focus report “The Comeback of the Electric Car? How Real, How Soon, and What Must Happen Next,” BCG says the costs of creating an automotive market dominated by electric and hybrid cars are prohibitively high, at least in the foreseeable future. In Europe alone, BCG calculates that in 2020, a staggering $49 billion will be needed to cover the new propulsion-technology mix. Investments totaling an additional $21 billion will be needed for battery-charging infrastructure (stations near homes, hotels, and shopping centers).

In the study, BCG analyzed possible markets in 2020 for electric, hybrid, and ICE-based cars under different scenarios. In the most likely, the steady-pace scenario — which assumes that fears of climate change are high, the price of a barrel of oil is around $150, and governments enforce existing regulations for reducing CO2 emissions — some 1.5 million fully electric cars and some 1.5 million range-extended electric vehicles would be sold in 2020, as well as 11 million hybrid cars.

These vehicles, together with those powered by compressed natural gas, would constitute 28 percent of the cars sold in the major markets. The number of cars powered by alternative fuels — for instance, second-generation biofuels and hydrogen — would be insignificant, even though they actually offer the highest potential for reducing CO2 emissions, cutting them by up to 90 percent.

Western Europe would develop the biggest appetite for fully electric cars in 2020 — some 600,000, more than one-third of the total sold. North America would be the biggest market for hybrid cars, accounting for 5.4 million of the 11 million sold in the major markets. In terms of market segments, the city car segment would see the highest proportion of fully electric cars — around 18 percent. In the small- and large-car segments, hybrids would command between 18 and 26 percent of the market.

But the BCG report says that gasoline-based cars, with a 2020 market share of 58 percent, and diesel-based cars, with 14 percent, would continue to dominate the automotive market. Georg Sticher, a coauthor of the report and a senior partner and managing director in BCG’s Munich office, said, “To reduce CO2 emissions, all automotive manufacturers need to include electric cars in their fleets. But they cannot do this alone. Unless governments act promptly to provide adequate incentives for consumers to purchase electric and hybrid cars and for power companies and private investors to provide the necessary infrastructure at affordable prices, the electric car may be off to another false start.”

Some governments — notably those of Denmark, France, and Israel — are establishing attractive incentive schemes for electric vehicles. Xavier Mosquet, a coauthor of the report and a senior partner and managing director in BCG’s Detroit office, said that until such schemes are more widespread, “advanced ICE technologies will be the most cost-effective way to reduce CO2 emissions on a broad scale.” A combination of advanced technologies can boost the fuel efficiency of a gasoline-based ICE by 20 percent at a cost increase of some $2,100 per engine, translating into corresponding reductions in CO2 emissions.

“We’re pleased that Ward’s has recognized our advanced 2.0-liter clean diesel engine as one of their 2009 10 Best Engines,” said Stefan Jacoby, CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. “The all-new 2.0L turbodiesel engine is not only the first of its kind to be emissions-compliant in all 50 states, but perhaps the most technically refined powerplant of its kind in the world.”

As the pioneering entry in the new era of clean diesel in North America, the new TDI engine technology in the Jetta sedan and SportWagen meets the United States most stringent emissions control standard — California’s Tier II/Bin 5 — without the use of urea injection. Additionally, the technology enables 20- to 40-percent better fuel efficiency than gasoline engines with comparable acceleration and significantly better torque.

When compared with gasoline/electric hybrid applications, the new clean diesel TDI enables comparable fuel efficiency with better performance and proven long-term durability. In terms of cost, the clean diesel TDI-equipped Jetta sedan — which went on sale in September of 2008 in the U.S. — has a starting price that’s significantly less than the most popular similar-sized gas/electric hybrids sold, and there are no batteries to replace over the life of the vehicle.

“The TDI clean diesel technology truly enables a no compromises alternative fuel driving experience,” said Jacoby. “They’re clean, efficient, quiet and affordable without sacrificing what every driver wants: performance that makes motoring flat-out fun.

“The joy of driving — along with affordable technology — has always been part of the Volkswagen promise, and these new clean diesel TDIs are just the latest example of how we’ll continue to fulfill that promise.”

In response to the U.S. federal mandate for Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD), Volkswagen has been able to greatly reduce nitrous oxide (NOx) and particulate emissions on its clean diesel TDI engines through use of three key technologies: a common rail direct injection system; piezo fuel injectors; and an advanced exhaust system aftertreatment system. The result is a reduction of NOx and particulate emissions by up to 90-percent; exceptional noise and vibration harshness performance; and fuel efficiency on par with more complex and expensive gas/electric hybrid systems.

Unlike other clean diesel engines which use a urea injection system to convert NOx to nitrogen and water, the TDI Clean Diesel uses a NOx-storage catalyst, which is basically a reservoir that temporarily holds the noxious emissions, like a particulate filter, until they can be burned off during one of the engine cycles. A common-rail direct-injection system — used instead of a traditional mechanical system — incorporates piezoelectric fuel injectors. Combined, this technology permits higher injection pressures, which better atomize the fuel and make it easier to control pollution with a leaner, more efficient burn within the combustion chamber.

The piezoelectric injectors also enable a quick on/off feature that enables engineers greater leeway in spray timing and density, which in turn greatly reduces noise and vibration — e.g. “knock” — commonly associated with diesel engines of the last century.

Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Eos, Rabbit, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, GLI, Passat, Passat wagon, CC, Tiguan, Touareg 2 and Routan through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. All 2009 Volkswagens come standard-equipped with Electronic Stabilization Program. This is important because the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has called ESC the most effective new vehicle safety technology since the safety belt. Visit Volkswagen of America online at vw.com or www.media.vw.com to learn more.

SOURCE Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Chicago, Jan. 8 /PRNewswire/ — One of the nation’s largest private fleets of alternative-fuel vehicles just got greener. ComEd has added 50 new Toyota Prius hybrids and plug-in electric hybrids to a fleet that now numbers more than 2,100 green vehicles.

ComEd meter readers in Chicago and the company’s Maywood office will drive the 50 new Priuses, including 10 Priuses that have been specially converted into electric plug-in hybrids. The plug-in conversion is expected to significantly increase fuel-efficiency by providing greater electric-drive capability.

Plug-in electric vehicles and smart charging technology are enabled by building the Smart Grid of the future, an initiative ComEd is actively working on in collaboration with the Illinois Commerce Commission and other stakeholders.

“These new vehicles not only use electricity to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions but may eventually be used as back-up power sources,” said Terence Donnelly, ComEd senior vice president of Transmission and Distribution. “Deploying advanced metering and other Smart Grid technologies will help us understand and manage impacts to the grid from plug-in electric vehicles but more importantly will improve reliability and enable customers to make more efficient choices about their electric usage.”

Traditional hybrids run on a combination of gasoline and electricity. Compared to an average subcompact, the Prius hybrid and plug-in electric version consume about 30 and 65 percent less fuel, respectively. ComEd estimates this will reduce its gasoline use in 2009 by 6,500 gallons and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 60 metric tons.

“Most major vehicle manufacturers have committed to bringing plug-in electric vehicles to the market in the next two to five years,” said Rita Stols, ComEd vice president of Strategic and Support Services. “By adding these vehicles now, we can study their performance and effects on the electric grid to prepare for wide-scale consumer adoption.”

Currently, 63 percent of the ComEd fleet uses a fuel source other than 100 percent gasoline. This includes 1,774 trucks that use biodiesel fuel (20% soybean oil, 80% diesel); 250 E85 flex-fuel vehicles that use ethanol; 91 hybrid Ford Escape SUVs; one biodiesel-electric hybrid bucket truck; one liquid petroleum gas (LPG) bucket truck; and the 50 new Prius vehicles. Compared to a non-green fleet, these vehicles emit 1,400 fewer metric tons of carbon dioxide annually. This is the equivalent of removing about 320 cars from the road for a full year.

ComEd’s green fleet is one of many environmental initiatives that support Exelon 2020, a comprehensive strategy announced earlier this year by Exelon, ComEd’s parent company. The goal of Exelon 2020 is to reduce, offset or displace more than 15 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emitted by its family of companies and customers. This includes ComEd’s efforts to reduce its energy consumption by 25 percent by 2012.

“ComEd’s green fleet is an extension of our commitment to being a leader in applying and promoting environmentally friendly and energy-efficient practices,” Donnelly said. “We hope our example spurs all customers - business and residential - to explore the many ways they can reduce their impact on the environment and use energy more efficiently.”

Business and residential customers can learn of these ideas through the Smart Ideas program by ComEd. The program includes incentives, information, tips, and tools for customers to reduce energy costs and minimize environmental effects. For more information about Smart Ideas, visit www.ComEd.com or call 888-806-2273.

Commonwealth Edison Company (ComEd) is a unit of Chicago-based Exelon Corporation (NYSE: EXC), one of the nation’s largest electric utilities with approximately 5.4 million customers. ComEd provides service to approximately 3.8 million customers across Northern Illinois, or 70 percent of the state’s population.

SOURCE ComEd

LOS ANGELES, CA–(Marketwire - December 26, 2008) - Hydrogen Hybrid, Corp. (PINKSHEETS: HYDB), www.HydrogenHybridCorp.com, announced today that in conjunction with The Queen Mary of Long Beach, CA, a class 8 semi truck modified with an 8x Mega Fuel Cell System will be on display for the media. The viewing will take place December 30, 2008 from noon to 4 p.m. and Wednesday, December 31, 2008 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in The Queen Mary parking lot.

The 8x Mega Fuel Cell System can be installed on any class 8 semi truck and produces enough Hydrogen on board to cut the semi truck’s emissions by 30-95%, increase its fuel mileage from 30-50%, and extend its engine’s life.

The 8x Mega Fuel Cell System measures 24×18x18 inches and works with the semi truck’s engine to produce over 2,500 liters of hydrogen per hour. The 8x Mega Fuel Cell System was tested over several thousand miles on a new Series 60 Detroit, 14 liter engine, running 65 miles per hour in routes from Ohio to Texas, Texas to New Mexico, New Mexico to California and back to Ohio. The system converts water into a hydrogen fuel using an unordinary method of resonant electrolysis. The engine is treated with patented, SEMA certified coating which reduces friction and thermo-heat loss, and eliminates hydrogen embrittlement. The system also utilizes patented fuel additives to increase engine lubrication, resulting in reduced engine pits and performance loss. A series of heat exchangers raises the diesel fuel to maximize compression combustion in the engine. The average miles per gallon increased from 5.45 mpg to 8.9 mpg on the best run. The minimum increase was 5.45 mpg to 8.17 mpg. Idle gallons per hour were decreased from 1 gallon per hour to .1 gallons per hour. Owner operators and large trucking companies have an opportunity to increase annual profits by as much as 50%, lower maintenance cost by 70%, decrease pollution and assist in lowering the dependency on foreign oil.

Hydrogen Hybrid, Corp. also manufactures the Hydrogen Hybrid Fuel Cell System which can increase a vehicle’s fuel efficiency by 30-100%. This cost-effective and environmentally-conscious technology can be installed on most diesel, gas, and off-road vehicles and promises to simultaneously increase gas mileage and decrease emissions. For more information, please visit www.HydrogenHybridCorp.com.

About Hydrogen Hybrid Fuel Cell Corp.

Hydrogen Hybrid Fuel Cell Corp. is a subsidiary of a publicly traded company Hydrogen Hybrid Corp. (PINKSHEETS: HYDB) and focuses on the trillion dollar energy sector. The company builds and distributes Hydrogen Hybrid Fuel Cell Systems for semi trucks and smaller gas diesel vehicles. The company is aggressively expanding with its patented products worldwide and its energy saving solutions.

Safe Harbor Statement - Under The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: The statements in the press release that relate to the company’s expectations with regard to the future impact on the company’s results from new products in development are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The results anticipated by any or all of these forward-looking statements may not occur. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions to these forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes in the Company’s plans or expectations.

Plug-In Hybrid or PHEV Offers Lower Emissions and Doubles the Efficiency to over 100 Miles Per Gallon

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jungle Motors, Orange County’s largest electric vehicle conversion facility, is now offering a new Plug-In Hybrid conversion for the Toyota Prius.

Jungle Motors, which has been converting gasoline-powered Porsche 911s and Chrysler PT Cruisers into clean, green commuter cars, is now offering its latest conversion: a Plug-In Hybrid modification for the Toyota Prius.

“We convert the 2004 to 2009 standard Toyota Prius by adding batteries and hardware to dramatically improve its performance,” states Director Brad Sachs. “When we complete the conversion, the driver has 3 (three) options for motive power. Normal Prius Mode, Enhanced Prius Mode and Battery-only Mode. In the Normal Mode, the vehicle performs like a stock Prius getting over 40 miles per gallon (mpg). In a blend of Enhanced and Battery-only Modes, the car delivers over 100 mpg. And in the Battery-only Mode it becomes an Electric Vehicle (EV) and gets infinite mpg as the gas engine is totally bypassed. All the user has to do is plug in the vehicle at night to recharge the batteries.”

The current version from Jungle Motors utilizes Lead Acid batteries and offers over 10 miles of 100% pure electric range. The next version, due out in February 2009, will use the latest generation of battery technology, Lithium Iron Phosphate, or LifePO4. With the LifePO4 batteries, the Prius will deliver over 40 miles of engineless range that will enable over 70% of drivers in the United States to drive every day without ever turning their gas engine on. The company also has plans to offer a similar conversion kit for the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and other hybrid vehicles as they become available in the near future.

Prices for the conversion kit start at only $4,995.00 and installation is available. For further info, call Jungle Motors at (949) 833-8100 or visit our site at www.junglemotors.com.

Jungle Motors is fully committed to saving our planet. We convert polluting gas guzzlers into green, earth-friendly commuters.