The Costa Rican Government received from the Government of Japan a donation of 60 hybrid and electric cars that will allow Costa Rica to continue to strengthen the actions of 13 public institutions while at the same time reducing the national impact in global warming.

The vehicles offer modern technology that will limit contamination and reduce gas emissions. The donation is equivalent to close to 300 million Japanese yens ($2.8 million USD).

“We appreciate the consideration and support of the Japanese nation towards Costa Rica. These vehicles will be used by institutions to continue strengthening the their work and programs in different areas that allow the country to continue potentiating the development, solidarity and well being of our communities; this is the best tribute to show our appreciation to Japan. It also allows us to continue complying with our national and international commitments in the area of environmental protection”, stated President Luis Guillermo Solis.

Yoshiaki Ito Japanese Ambassador to Costa Rica commented “this donation it done in the frame of Japanese political assistance for countries in development in the area of climate change. The Japanese Government through its technology continues to support Costa Rica, a country that is leading the global efforts in the field of environment protection, with the objective of reaching the goal set of being Carbon Neutral by 2021”.

The cars donated are: 6 Toyota Prius (hybrid), 5 Toyota Camry (hybrid), 20 Mitsubishi Outlanders (Electic-Hybrid) and 29 Mitsubishi i-MiEV (Electric).

The 13 institutions that will benefit from this donation are: Ministry of Envionment (17), Presidency (13), Health Ministry (8), Labor Ministry (4), Ministry of Planning (3), and the following will receive 2 cars each: Foreign Affairs, Women National Institute (INAMU), Ministries of Housing, Agriculture, Economy, Justice and Peace, Culture, and the University of Costa Rica will receive one.