The Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles: Status and Issues (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
Jan. 22, 2003 |
| Report Number |
RS20852 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Brent D. Yacobucci, Resources, Science, and Industry Division |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
The Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles (PNGV) was a cooperative research program
between the federal government and the "big three" American automakers, Ford, DaimlerChrysler,
and General Motors. It was financed by private contributions and the re-channeling of research
funds for ongoing federal programs. Partners agreed to share research responsibilities and
achievements. The goals of the program were to improve domestic manufacturing capabilities and
to develop prototypes of a mid-sized family car with three times the fuel economy of a comparable
1994 model. All three manufacturers developed concept cars, but there were problems with the
development of production prototypes. The partnership was criticized for several reasons, and in
the second session of the 106th Congress, the House of Representatives voted to eliminate funding
for the program, although this funding was later reinstated. Under the George W. Bush
Administration, the program was cancelled and funding for this research was redirected to a new
program, the "Freedom CAR" program, which will focus on fuel cell vehicles and the related support
infrastructure. This report provides background information on the PNGV program and discusses
the program's accomplishments. In addition, it discusses some of the key issues which surrounded
the program.
