 Brazil's (and Latin America's) first electric car was introduced in late 1974; it received the name "Itaipu" in honor of the project.On October 14, 1978, the Paraná River had its route changed, which allowed a section of the riverbed to dry so the dam could be built there.An important diplomatic settlement was reached with the signing of the "Acordo Tripartite" by Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina, on October 19, 1979.