Hybridfest 2008 to Focus on Rising Fuel Prices

3rd Annual Hybrid and Alternative-Fuel Vehicle Show Will Bring Consumers Solutions to High Fuel Costs

MADISON, Wis., June 24, 2008; As consumers continue to see the effects of rising fuel costs in many aspects of their lives, often the most visible is in their transportation costs. They are frustrated with what they can do, and are looking for options to save money.

Hybridfest 2008 held as part of the Dane County Fair, July 19-20, 2008 will offer the largest selection of clean and sustainable vehicles all in one venue, including hybrids, plug-in hybrids, biodiesel, electric, propane, compressed natural gas and other experimental vehicles. In addition to highlighting new and future vehicle options, Hybridfest 2008's speaker lineup includes people who will share fuel-saving driving tips. Hybridfest 2008 visitors will learn how to save from 35 cents to $1 per gallon in fuel costs -- or more -- by adding fuel-efficient driving habits. Hybridfest 2008 is the one place for consumers to stop and look not only for a fuel-sipping new vehicle, but also for ways to save money with the one they currently drive.

After two years of growing crowds and nationwide publicity, Hybridfest continues to amaze the skeptics who thought that a grassroots event, organized by volunteers, and held in Madison, Wisconsin, would never succeed. The more than 12,000 people who visited Hybridfest 2007 would disagree. One of this nation's largest events dedicated to clean and sustainable transportation will once again be held as part of the Dane County Fair, July 19-20, 2008. Free public admission to Hybridfest 2008 will be included with the purchase of every Dane County Fair ticket, and parking at the fair is free. Most Hybridfest events are scheduled for the air-conditioned comfort of the Alliant Energy Center.

This year's show will include displays by manufacturers, dealers, environmental groups, vendors and exhibitors, as well as vehicle test drives. Toyota Motor Company, the world's largest auto manufacturer and maker of more hybrid vehicles than any other, is proud to again be Hybridfest 2008's Diamond Sponsor. Felix Kramer, founder of CalCars, will join a varied lineup of speakers on a wide assortment of topics including current and future vehicles, as well as various environmental, fuel-efficient driving and other technology issues.

Hybridfest 2008 will again be the "home" for hybrid owners from around North America. Owners travel from all across the country and Canada, many hypermiling to Madison, to meet, teach and learn with other hybrid and fuel-economy enthusiasts like themselves. Visitors will have the unique chance to see incredible vehicles in the Hybridfest Owners' Vehicle Showcase, and to talk with the owners about their real-life driving experiences. Hybridfest 2008 will also feature the nation's premier fuel economy competition, the MPG Challenge, which will again test some of the world's best hypermilers to achieve the best fuel economy over an open-road course. Last year, MPG Challenge winners achieved from 60 to 168 MPG in various vehicle classes.

Hybridfest promotes awareness and understanding of hybrid electric vehicles and other fuel-efficient vehicles and their positive environmental impact. Hybridfest also empowers drivers to improve their driving habits to achieve better fuel efficiency in whatever vehicle they currently drive. Hybridfest is run with volunteers and powered by Powers Productions, LLC.

Hybridfest sponsors for this year's show include: DIAMOND SPONSOR: Toyota Motor Company RUBY SPONSOR: General Motors GOLD SPONSOR: Madison Gas & Electric SILVER SPONSORS: CleanMPG.com, Quaker Steak and Lube, Wisconsin Public Power, Inc.