Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicle Conference Showcases Latest Technology and Research; Attendees Can Drive Vehicles, Hear from Industry Leaders
PASADENA, Calif.--Jan. 31, 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 |
Fuel price volatility and global fuel supply insecurity coupled with demands for reducing vehicle emissions and increasing engine fuel efficiency are driving a sea-change in the heavy-duty vehicle market while spurring the demand for clean technology and fuel solutions. These issues and others will be the focus of debate and discussion by policy makers and industry experts at WestStart's Clean Heavy Duty Vehicle Conference 2005 scheduled for February 22-24 at the La Quinta Resort in La Quinta, California. In addition to sessions devoted to discussing potential solutions to critical heavy-duty industry challenges, the conference also will offer demonstrations of an array of leading edge technologies and vehicles.
Congresswoman Mary Bono (R-Palm Springs) will headline an agenda of leading experts and policy makers at the conference which brings together industry, government and non-governmental agency representatives to tackle critical national issues of energy security, petroleum reduction, vehicle efficiency and reduced emissions. Congresswoman Bono, an influential member of the House Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality and a supporter of advanced transportation, will kick-off the event with an address to conference attendees on Tuesday evening, February 22nd.
The conference also will give attendees a rare opportunity to hear about the latest advances in clean heavy-duty vehicle technology and drive advanced vehicles powered by diesel-electric hybrid systems, fuel cells and natural gas as well as visit SunLine Transit, a local transit agency that is already employing several advanced technology and alternative fuel vehicles. The technologies showcased at the conference are on the leading edge of changes in the heavy-duty vehicle sector as it drives toward national goals of reduced imported petroleum use, increased vehicle efficiency and reduced vehicle emissions. A full list of vehicles is listed at www.weststart.org.
Other nationally known speakers include Paul Roberts, author of "The End of Oil"; CalEPA Secretary Dr. Alan Lloyd, whose agency is tasked with regulating and providing incentives toward cleaner heavy-duty vehicles; Dr. Robin Keesee, US Army Research, Development and Engineering Command; Barbara Sisson, associate administrator of research, demonstration, and innovation at the Federal Transit Administration (FTA); industry leaders from Detroit Diesel, International Truck and Engine, Volvo Powertrain, ISE Corporation and Oshkosh Truck Corp., and representatives from fuel providers including BP and Sasol Chevron.
Along with vehicles from FedEx Express, ISE Corporation, Caterpillar, GM/Allison Transmission, SunLine Transit Agency and John Deere, a variety of companies and government agencies are scheduled to have displays at the conference, highlighting virtually all of the areas of new developments in clean heavy-duty vehicle technologies. Among those exhibiting are: Delco Remy Heavy Duty Systems, Delphi, US Army National Automotive Center (NAC), Silvatech, Applied LNG Technologies, E.J. Ward Inc., South Coast Air Quality Management District, Trillium USA, California Air Resources Board, Collier Technologies, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Engine Control Systems, Cobasys, Permo-Drive, UTC Fuel Cells, Emissions Technology Inc., Extengine Transport Systems, Valley Power Systems, Clean Air and the US DOE FreedomCar & Vehicle Technologies Program.
On the conference's first day, Feb. 22, 2005, SunLine Transit Agency will offer a tour of its industry-leading clean fuel facility. The agency has already deployed several advanced technology vehicles -- including having a 100 percent natural gas bus fleet -- and set up a refueling infrastructure in its location.
Scheduled for worldwide release at the conference is a new study from Natural Resources Canada that promises to give insight into the challenges and the path on which clean vehicles can be deployed in transit systems. The agency will release its latest study: "Transforming the Future: Moving Towards Fuel Cell-Powered Fleets in Canadian Urban Transit Systems."
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 (for information or to register on-line, follow the links at: http://www.calstart.org/programs/chdvc/CHDV05/2005CHDV_REG_FORM.php).
For a full listing of speakers and the agenda, please visit: http://www.calstart.org/programs/chdvc/CHDV05/2005CHDVAgenda.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.