Automakers Unite to Advance Electric Car Use

The ‘Drive Change. Drive Electric.’ campaign is designed to focus attention on the availability of a growing variety of desirable electric models, tax and purchase incentives, a rapidly-expanding network of charging stations and economic benefits – including fuel price savings – for current and next generation drivers. The campaign will showcase the performance benefits and affordability of these vehicles that are easy to maintain and come in a range of models that fit the needs of any lifestyle. The ‘Drive Change. Drive Electric.’ campaign will encourage the public to test drive an electric car.

“Automakers offer over 40 high-quality electric cars in almost every vehicle segment and many more are coming over the next few years. However, transforming mobility requires more than large numbers of high-quality cars. Customers must be aware of and comfortable with the new technology and understand how it benefits them and their family. Automakers alone cannot drive this awareness, so the partnership in the ‘Drive Change. Drive Electric.’ campaign offers a perfect avenue to collectively fuel consumer knowledge of electric cars and their benefits,” said Mitch Bainwol, president and CEO of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, an automotive trade association representing 12 automakers.

“Electric cars are a growing segment of the Northeast car market, but far too many drivers remain unfamiliar with the benefits of driving electric. Increasing sales of electric cars will deliver critical environmental and economic benefits across the region,” said Arthur Marin, Executive Director of the Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management (NESCAUM) on behalf of the state campaign partners. “The Northeast has long teamed with the automobile industry in pioneering the development of advanced technology vehicles, and electric drive is the ultimate in clean, efficient and high performance personal transportation. The unique partnership behind this campaign will promote market transformation that benefits consumers and industry alike, and also provides significant air quality benefits across the region. Together we can help more drivers see themselves in electric cars.”

The ‘Drive Change. Drive Electric.’ campaign will initially focus in the Northeast region. Elements of the program include a newly-launched website, advertising, social media, strategic partnerships, events and other content efforts.