Nation's Premier Heavy-Duty Vehicle Conference to Assess Industry Position in 2007; Emerging Challenges for 2010 and Beyond

PASADENA, Calif.--The 2007 engine and fuel regulations are finally here and the impacts of their implementation are reverberating throughout the heavy duty vehicle industry. Yet even as it reaches this milestone, additional challenges – health effects, further emission reductions, emerging global warming requirements, increases in efficiency, global harmonization – lie ahead for the industry in 2010 and beyond.

WestStart-CALSTART’s Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicle Conference 2007 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 13-15 at the Hilton Universal City in Los Angeles, 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 need for, challenges of and solutions to provide cleaner and more efficient vehicles.

Organized by WestStart-CALSTART, the U.S. Army National Automotive Center (NAC), and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the 2007 conference both assesses the industry’s implementation of the 2007 emission regulations, hearing from truck and engine manufacturers, as well as identifies the emission and efficiency requirements that are emerging in the next few years. It will feature industry experts from North America, Europe and Asia describing the latest technology and emerging 2010 regulations for heavy-duty vehicles, including California’s recently enacted global warming laws. The conference also features provocative speakers who provide both a “gut-check” to our assumptions, and timely status reports on the latest technologies, fuels, and policies necessary to reduce our energy consumption. To view a preliminary agenda go to: http://www.calstart.org/programs/chdvc/2007CHDV/2007CHDVAgenda.php

“The world transportation market is rapidly changing, faster than even a few years ago,” said WestStart-CALSTART President and CEO John Boesel. “Alternative fuels, advanced combustion and emission controls, hybrids and other technologies are being driven by energy security, emissions and efficiency concerns, making the Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicle Conference 2007 a critical yearly event.”

The conference also features a technology and vehicle exhibition 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 available by contacting Monica Alcaraz at 626.744.5655 or malcaraz@weststart.org.

Exhibit information is also available at: www.calstart.org/programs/chdvc/2007CHDV/2007chdvExhibitInfo.php

“People attend the Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicle Conference not only to see what’s current, but to see what’s coming next,” noted Boesel. “Keeping up with change and its requirements is critical for makers and users of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles.”

Sponsorship opportunities continue for those organizations and companies wishing to participate and show their support and leadership in clean transportation technologies and fuels. Early conference sponsors include: South Coast Air Quality Management District, UTC Power, Sempra Utilities/Southern California Gas Company, FedEx Express, UQM Technologies, Ebus, Bosch-Rexroth, AVL Powertrain Engineering, Westport Innovations, California Air Resources Board, California Energy Commission, Bay Area Air Quality Management District, Diesel Technology Forum, Oshkosh Trucks, Trillium USA, Armor Holding, METRO Magazine. Sponsorship opportunities can be viewed at: www.calstart.org/programs/chdvc/2007CHDV/2007chdvc_sponsor_opps.php

Early registration discounts are available for the Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicle Conference 2007, but the early benefits only last until January 12, 2007. Of course, registration continues through the conference. Register today at: http://www.calstart.org/programs/chdvc/2007CHDV/2007_CHDV_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 130 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.cleanheavyduty.com for more information.