The SAE Bus Stops at Navy Pier

WARRENDALE, Pa., Nov. 7 -- Chicago's Navy Pier is this year's venue for the SAE International Truck and Bus Meeting & Exposition, November 12 - 14, 2001. The meeting's program is hosted by Navistar International Corporation, the parent company of International Truck and Engine Corporation.

Chicago Mayor, the Honorable Richard M. Daley, is scheduled to be on hand for the ribbon cutting ceremony at 8:30 AM on Monday, November 12th. This will put in gear three full days of informative programs focused on commercial vehicle technology and will highlight the latest in engineering accomplishments.

Topics, including Safety, Diesel Emissions, Hybrid Vehicles, Fuel Cell Technology, and New Ideas in Commercial Vehicle Development, will be addressed along with sessions focused on several new vehicles such as the 2002 Jeep Liberty, 2002 Dodge Ram pickup, and International medium-duty trucks.

Over 150 companies, which include commercial vehicle manufacturers and suppliers, will participate in the exposition. A convoy of trucks, busses, and commercial vehicle components will be on display.

The exposition will include Ford's ``Red Bus,'' a vehicle that has been equipped with an engine that runs on alternative, clean-burning fuels such as natural gas. The Red Bus program is currently utilized by National Parks Service and is a dynamic example of engineering for environmental stewardship.

The event will also include the SAE Micro-Baja, a collegiate competition in which students construct small pre-programmed vehicles that must successfully navigate a rugged indoor course. The competition, organized by the SAE Chicago Section, will include several local colleges and will be held Tuesday, November 13th, from 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM. Awards will follow.