The Center for Automotive Research Announces The Business of Plugging In, A Plug-in Electric Vehicle Conference, Oct. 11-13, 2011

Registration is now open for the fall plug-in vehicle conference

ANN ARBOR, MI--July 13, 2011: Last year's introduction of mass market plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) marked a significant milestone for the automotive industry and electric utility sector. How will the two industries move forward from early adoption to mass market acceptance? The Business of Plugging In(SM) 2011 conference (www.bpiconference.com)--now in its third year--will explore the future of this changing market as industry leaders and stakeholders gather October 11-13 at the Hyatt Regency in Dearborn, Mich. This conference fosters collaboration throughout the PEV industry to address the global challenges of today's--and tomorrow's--electrified mobility.

The three-day event will gather representatives from utilities, automotive manufacturers and suppliers, investors, regulators, researchers and more. PEV industry stakeholders will discuss global strategy for the long-term growth and continued success of the market. Highlights of this year's event include:

• Panels and workshops featuring industry experts focused on the future of PEVs
• An exclusive ride-and-drive highlighting the newest plug-in vehicles
• Cross-industry networking opportunities, including an evening reception and a gala dinner at The Henry Ford

"Following last year's launch of the Chevy Volt and Nissan Leaf, there is now a need for the industry to examine the successes and failures of PEVs and uncover what lies on the road ahead," said Brett Smith, conference chair, Center for Automotive Research, host of the event. "The collaborative environment of The Business of Plugging In allows industry leaders to acquire market intelligence for the world's developing electrified mobility sector, and gain insight into the opportunities and challenges that impact the wide-scale adoption of PEVs."

About The Business of Plugging In(SM)

The Business of Plugging In (BPI) was launched in 2009 with a grant from the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). It took place in Detroit, Mich., the center of global automotive technology leadership, to cultivate discussion among key stakeholders about developing a business model and infrastructure to support the introduction and future growth of plug-in electric vehicles. BPI is a Center for Automotive Research (CAR) conference. CAR's mission is to conduct research on significant issues related to the future direction of the global automotive industry, as well as organize and conduct forums of value to the automotive community