The opening ceremony was attended
by Ing. Maria Julia Alsogaray, Argentina's Environment Minister,
the British Ambassador to Argentina, His Excellency William Marsden,
and over 150 guests including government ministers, members of
parliament and senior automobile industry executives.
Speaking at the opening ceremony,
David Davies, Chairman and Chief Executive of Johnson Matthey
said:
"I am particularly encouraged
by the progressive approach taken by the government of Argentina
and the other nations of Mercosur, in agreeing and implementing
emissions legislation for vehicles, and in their determination
to utilise technology to improve local air quality.
"We estimate that, in the UK
by the year 2000, Johnson Matthey autocatalysts alone will reduce
carbon monoxide emissions by 1.4 million tonnes per year, nitrogen
oxides by 300,000 tonnes per year and hydrocarbons by 180,000
tonnes per year. This demonstrates the real difference that such
a progressive approach can make to improving the air that we
breathe every day."
