HKPC Presents Hybrid and Electric Drive Technologies for Automotive Sectors

More than 150 representatives from the local automotive and business sectors today (14 May 2007) attended a seminar organized by the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) for the latest update on the development and applications of hybrid and electric drive technologies.

The "Seminar on Hybrid and Electric Drive Technologies for Automobile" featured presentations from technology experts from research institutes, representatives from the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) of the HKSAR Government and HKPC, as well as suppliers of hybrid and electric vehicles. A range of these vehicles, including bus, motor cycle, light duty truck and passenger cars, was also on display.

The opening ceremony was officiated by Mr W C Mok, Principal Environmental Protection Officer, EPD, HKSAR Government, and Dr Stephen Lee, Director (Product Productivity) of HKPC.

Addressing the Seminar, Dr Lee said, "Leading automobile manufacturers have been exploring new technologies to reduce vehicular exhaust in order to improve air quality and increase fuel economy. Both hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) and electric vehicle (EV) systems are being recognized as viable technologies to achieve these goals."

"The HEV system has proven that it is capable of saving fuel by at least 30% and reducing vehicular emission by 60% as compared to conventional vehicles running on combustion engines. Equally, applications of EV technologies in short-range urban transit systems have helped to alleviate air pollution problems in the city," he said.

Highlighting HKPC's initiatives in promoting environmental automotive technologies, Dr Lee said, "In collaboration with industry partners, HKPC has developed a price-competitive HEV system. Field tests of the prototype are now underway. We are also fine-tuning the development of another technology, which can effectively reduce particulates and emission of harmful gases. In addition, the Hong Kong Automotive Parts and Accessory Systems R&D Centre, hosted by HKPC, is working closely with industry on the development of a range of hybrid, electric drive and environmental technologies."

For further information on HKPC's hybrid electric vehicle project, please contact Mr Kenny Wong at tel. (852) 2788 5647 or e-mail: kenny@hkpc.org.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Ms Betty Lee
General Manager
Corporate Communications
Tel: (852) 2788 5895
Fax: (852) 2788 5056
E-mail: justina@hkpc.org
Website: www.hkpc.org

14 May 2007