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Nation's Premier Heavy-Duty Vehicle Conference Targets Newest Challenges Facing Industry: Energy Security, Efficiency and Emissions

PASADENA, Calif.--Jan. 10, 2005--

  Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicle Conference 2005 Set for Feb. 22-24, 2005 in Palm Springs Region - Brings Industry, Military and Regulatory Leaders Together, Highlights Emerging Technologies and Solutions  



Energy security and vehicle efficiency are emerging as the newest issues that, combined with emission regulations, are causing the next round of change in the heavy-duty vehicle industry.

WestStart-CALSTART's Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicle Conference 2005 will explore, debate and clarify these emerging challenges, as well as highlight the new technologies, fuels and products that can provide solutions. Set for February 22-24 in La Quinta, California, the Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Conference is acknowledged as the nation's premier gathering of heavy-duty vehicle industry, military and regulatory leaders focused on the challenges of and solutions to cleaner and more efficient vehicles (for information or to register on-line, follow the links at: www.weststart.org).

Organized by WestStart-CALSTART and the U.S. Army National Automotive Center (NAC), with major support from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the 2005 conference makes the connection between emissions, efficiency and energy security. It will feature industry experts from Europe and Asia describing the latest technology and emerging regulations for heavy-duty vehicles, as well as provocative speakers who provide both a "gut-check" to our assumptions, and timely status reports on the latest technologies, policies and fuels. Engage in discussions and debate with:

-- Keynote speaker Paul Roberts, author of "The End of Oil," who warns about impending supply and security concerns for petroleum;

-- CalEPA Secretary Dr. Alan Lloyd, Dr. Chung Lui of South Coast Air Quality Management District, Jack Kitowski of the California Air Resources Board and Chet France, director of assessment and standards for U.S. EPA, who provide a regulatory perspective;

-- Truck industry leaders, including Tim Tindall of Detroit Diesel, Patrick Charbonneau of International Truck and Engine, Anthony Grenszler of Volvo, Mike Simon of ISE and Don Verhoff of Oshkosh, who discuss the status of cleaner and more efficient drive systems in heavy-duty vehicles;

-- Dr. Robin Keesee, Deputy to the Commander, U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, who will outline the military's critical advanced transportation needs and drivers;

-- Jorgen Henningson of the European Commission's Directorate General of Transport and Energy, and Dr. Takao Mizoguchi of the Japan Construction Equipment Manufacturers Association, who provide a global perspective;

-- Transit leaders, including Barbara Sisson, associate administrator of the FTA, Arno Kerkhoff of the International Union of Public Transport, and several transit operators, discussing hybrids and other new technologies;

-- Leaders in conventional and alternative fuel, infrastructure, advanced technology and vehicles operations.

For a full listing of speakers and the agenda, please visit: http://www.calstart.org/programs/chdvc/CHDV05/2005CHDVAgenda.php.

"The rapid pace of change in medium- and heavy-duty vehicles makes this conference a critical yearly event," said WestStart-CALSTART President and CEO John Boesel. "Alternative fuels, advanced combustion and emission controls, hybrids and other technologies are being driven by this connection between energy security, emissions and efficiency. The Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicle Conference 2005 puts attendees on the leading edge of this change."

The conference also features a technology and vehicle exhibition and ride and drive with some of the newest products coming to market and latest vehicles in service. This is a premier venue for influencing industry decision makers (Display space is still available; contact Monica Alcaraz at 626.744.5655).

The 2005 sponsors reflect the diversity and breadth of the conference's support, and its role in identifying what's coming next in heavy-duty vehicles. Sponsors include: National Automotive Center (NAC); Federal Transit Administration (FTA); South Coast Air Quality Management District; Southern California Gas Co.; UTC Fuel Cells; Trillium USA; U.S. EPA; ISE Corporation; ICRC; Oshkosh; Southwest Research Institute; Stewart & Stevenson; EMP; California Air Resources Board; California Energy Commission; San Joaquin Air Pollution Control District; Bay Area Air Quality Management District.

"People attend the Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicle Conference not only to see what's current, but to see what's coming next," noted Boesel. "It's their early warning system for change."

Early registration discounts are still available for the Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicle Conference 2005, but the early benefits only last until Jan. 14, 2005. Of course, registration continues through the conference. Register today at: http://www.calstart.org/programs/chdvc/CHDV05/2005CHDV_REG_FORM.php

WestStart-CALSTART is North America's leading advanced transportation technologies consortium. It is a fuel neutral, participant-supported organization of more than 120 companies and agencies, dedicated to expanding and supporting a high-tech transportation industry that cleans the air, creates jobs and improves energy efficiency. WestStart-CALSTART is playing a leading national role in facilitating the development of advanced propulsion systems and alternative fuels in the transit and heavy-duty vehicle industry, and in new systems for personal mobility. The California operating division does business as CALSTART. Visit www.weststart.org for more information.