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Alternative Fuel Expo Lets Consumers Drive the Future

10 June 1998

Alternative Fuel Expo Lets Consumers Drive the Future

    YPSILANTI, Mich., June 10 -- They are in the media almost
every day -- but most consumers have not actually driven one.  But that's
about to change when the 6th Annual Environmental Vehicles & Alternative Fuels
Conference and Exposition (EnV'98) opens next week and Michigan consumers get
their first chance ever to drive vehicles powered by electricity and other
alternative fuels, including ethanol, natural gas and propane.
    Recognizing the growing mainstream appeal of alternative fuel vehicles,
this year's EnV'98 will be held at the Marriott at Eagle Crest in Ypsilanti
June 14-17 and includes a public day scheduled specifically to allow the
public to drive the world's most technologically-advanced and environmentally-
friendly vehicles.
    EnV'98 will bring together top alternative fuel experts from around the
world to discuss automotive design and technological advancements,
infrastructure development and solutions to commercialization issues.
    "If you have never driven an electric vehicle, you cannot imagine the
sensation of quietly beating every car next to you off the start line," says
Ross Witschonke, EnV'98 co-chair and president of the new electric drive
company established as a joint venture with Ford, Daimler-Benz and Ballard
Power Systems.  "Electric and alternative fuel vehicles are clean, high
performance vehicles but best of all, they're fun to drive."

    Largest public AFV ride and drive in Michigan
    For the first time in Michigan, public admission to EnV'98 will allow
consumers to test drive state-of-the-art alternative fuel vehicles from the
world's automakers.  Cars and trucks will be available for visitors to indulge
their curiosity.  Among the companies participating in the public ride and
drive are Chrysler, Ford, GM, Honda, Nissan and Toyota.
    "We consider this a market research opportunity for automakers," says Jim
Seaba, Honda R&D North America and co-chair of EnV'98.  "People will get the
thrill of driving an electric vehicle and we will get the feedback from their
experience with it."
    To test drive a vehicle, drivers must hold a valid driver's license and be
a minimum of eighteen years old.  The public ride and drive takes place
Sunday, June 14, 1-4 p.m. at the Marriott at Eagle Crest in Ypsilanti,
Michigan.
    EnV'98 is sponsored by The Engineering Society (ESD).  ESD is the largest
multi-disciplinary engineering and scientific society of its kind with members
throughout the Great Lakes Region.  ESD unites engineers, scientists and those
in related technical fields in a growing financially stable organization to
enhance professional development, advance technology and promote the
engineering and scientific professions, thereby enabling their positive
contributions to society.