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Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr John C Tsang, at the launching ceremony of the Trial on Electric Vehicle at the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department Headquarters today (May 12) (English only):
Mr (Masao) Omichi, Mr (Peter) Goh, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good afternoon.
It is my great pleasure to join you today for the launching ceremony of the electric vehicle trial.
Trials on Mitsubishi's new electric vehicle - the i MiEV - mark another giant step towards our goal to build a cleaner and more energy-efficient Hong Kong.
This collaboration between the Government, Mitsubishi Motors and Universal Cars was ignited back in February. In my Budget on February 25, I underlined the importance of promoting the use of electric vehicles in Hong Kong. A day later, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding to test the i MiEV.
Over the past couple of months, the parties concerned have been working hard to turn this agreement into reality. I am pleased that Hong Kong has become the first city in Asia, after Japan, to give this new type of electric vehicle a trial.
The trial highlights our determination to lead by example in adopting more environmentally friendly transport in the region. A number of Government departments with different operating requirements will take part in the trial. The experience will provide us with useful information on the technical aspects of electric vehicles, and the requirements for the supporting charging infrastructure. At the same time, it will raise public awareness about this new mode of transport as a viable alternative.
We anticipate that commercial scale production and worldwide distribution of electric vehicles by major manufacturers will commence within two to three years. With the support of Mitsubishi Motors and Universal Cars, the Government has secured a supply of i MiEVs from the first batch of a limited production in the very near future.
This will enable larger scale testing by both the Government and the private sector. The wider community will also have an opportunity experience driving electric vehicles. I am confident that this will lead to the successful adoption of electric vehicles in Hong Kong once mass production begins.
Earlier this afternoon, I chaired the first meeting of the Steering Committee on the Promotion of Electric Vehicles. I was encouraged by the enthusiasm, professional knowledge and strategic thinking of the members. The wise counsel of the steering committee will help us map out our strategy to bring electric vehicles to our community and identify business opportunities for the private sector.
Ladies and gentlemen, I am delighted that you are all part of this exciting journey in bringing electric vehicles to our city.
I wish this trial every success, and I look forward to a green future with the use of even more environmentally friendly transport in Hong Kong.
Thank you.
Ends/Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Issued at HKT 16:17
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