Detroit War Efforts Applauded by Army

DETROIT, Jan. 8 -- The Army's senior automotive technology director applauded the automotive industry leadership for their wartime support of efforts to accelerate the introduction of technology into military vehicles during media preview activities of the North American International Auto Show at Cobo Center in Detroit.

Standing in front of the Army's latest anti-terrorist SmarTruck -- a specially modified electronic showcase of capabilities, Dennis Wend, director of the U.S. Army's National Automotive Center told the audience, ``SmarTruck also provides us the opportunity to enhance homeland security.''

Wend introduced the exhibit to reporters saying, ``We're pleased to have this opportunity to give you a glimpse of some of our latest technology developments underway with Ford, General Motors and DaimlerChrysler.''

``In effect, the NAC is the fourth leg of automotive technology development, and we have the unique role of working on dual-use technologies which have both military as well as commercial use,'' Wend remarked. ``By exploiting the innovations in dual-use technologies, we're leveraging American automotive know-how while saving tax payer dollars.''

``Today, America's auto industry is helping transform the Army into a lighter, quicker, more lethal and more mobile force. We are moving faster and further than ever in this endeavor in the nation's history and fielding technology for our military right now that wasn't even thought of five or six years ago.''

``We are particularly proud of this display, our first ever exhibit at the show. We've selected four very special areas of innovation,'' Wend added. Joining Wend in unveiling the display was Col. R. Bruce Harrison, Chief-of-Staff for the U.S. Army's Tank-automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM), in Warren.

TACOM is responsible for the Army's ground vehicle research, procurement and development, overseeing the acquisition of the close to $10 billion in equipment and services for the military.

``America's Army -- the finest Army in the world -- is poised to continue to support this nation's goals both at home and around the globe, and is proud of its rich heritage with the Automotive Industry,'' Harrison said.

``The displays here today are just a sample of the hundreds of technology innovations under development in cooperation with industry and academia,'' Harrison continued.

``To meet the demands for this innovation,'' said Harrison, ``we have the best and brightest scientists and research individuals working with us across the country in hundreds of companies and universities. We need this level of commitment because America's Army is transitioning to a new era of mobility and operating efficiency that mandates the goals of improving our 250,000 vehicle fleet's fuel economy by 300 percent and taking our current 70 ton tanks to 20 tons with new lightweight innovative designs.''

The vehicles on display at the Army exhibit are part of the Army's 21st Century Truck Program and represent contributions to that effort by DaimlerChrysler, Ford, and General Motors. The showcase includes an example of the next generation of electric architecture being developed by the Army and DaimlerChrysler for commercial and military applications that will reduce warranty costs and improve readiness. The Ford IMPACT incorporates a number of interesting applications of efficient, lightweight designs for high volume truck platforms improving fuel economy. GM is featuring their Allison Hybrid Electric Drives E System that promises major improvements in fuel economy for buses and military vehicles.

A subordinate activity of the U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM), NAC serves as the Army's agent for advancing the development of dual-use automotive technologies by industry, academia, and the military services. By cultivating relationships and forming cost-shared partnerships, the NAC accelerates the exchange and implementation of automotive technologies creating developmental savings that are shared by all participants. For additional information call the TACOM Public Affairs office at 810-574-5663.