PRESS RELEASE
TDM, CARB, DARPA to Introduce New Alternative Fuel Vehicle Platforms At Advanced Vehicle Technologies Conference
9 April 1997
TDM, CARB, DARPA to Introduce New Alternative Fuel Vehicle Platforms At Advanced Vehicle Technologies ConferenceSuccessful Government, Private Collaboration May Save OEMs Millions in Development Costs DETROIT, April 8 -- Transportation Design & Manufacturing (TDM), the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), are set to introduce two new electric vehicle (EV) platforms. Named the Zero Emission World Vehicle (Ze/WEV) and the Zero Emission Utility Electric Vehicle (Ze/UEV), the introductions will mark the successful fulfillment of a joint federal, state and private sector- funded project. Representatives from TDM, CARB, DARPA, AEG, Northrop Grumman, Grumman Olson, and the New York Energy Authority are expected to be present when the new vehicle platforms are unveiled at 8:15 a.m. at The United New Generation Vehicle Conference & Exposition at The Westin Hotel in downtown Detroit. The vehicles will be available to the media, with the Ze/UEV displayed as a "cutaway" for greater detail and technical observation. Utilizing unique advanced composites and a Sodium Nickel Chloride battery system developed by AEG, the Ze/WEV and Ze/UEV can provide increased range over current production EVs. The adaptable vehicle platforms are designed for multiple applications and will serve as a launching platform for other developing alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) technologies such as Hydrogen fuel cells and hybrids. "This Advanced Composite Electric Vehicle program is the first successful project funded through both taxpayer and private sector dollars that offers a broad spectrum of consumer applications," said Doug Mann, TDM vice president of sales and marketing. "The Ze/WEV is not a taxpayer-funded electric golf cart," added Dave Polletta, TDM vice president of engineering. "These adaptable platforms incorporate state-of-the-art technologies that can be utilized by any number of manufacturers to create greater economic growth in the United States." The platforms are currently being considered for production by several manufacturers including Grumman Olson and the Global Transportation Institute (GTI) for postal, utility, taxi, and physically challenged vehicle applications. "This program gives OEMs the opportunity to see advanced technology at work prior to investing millions of dollars," said Juan Osborn, project engineer at CARB. "These adaptable platforms are also specifically designed with future AFV technologies in mind, such as fuel cells, hybrids, and those yet to be developed." A number of government agencies and corporations contributed funds and technologies to this project including: TDM, CARB, DARPA, AEG, the South Coast Air Quality Management District, and Northrop Grumman among others. TDM is a program facilitator that specializes in the development of purpose-built, niche-market, and low volume vehicles. Manufacturers, often facing millions of dollars for expansion into emerging and changing markets, utilize TDM's full-service capabilities until production/market volumes justify major manufacturing and capital commitments. Founded in 1978, Livonia, Michigan-based TDM is a full-service design, engineering and manufacturing support company to OEMs worldwide. TDM is also a registered and recognized "Manufacturer of Origin." The company has the ability to style, design, engineer, tool, certify, and governmentally validate vehicles. With more than one million square feet of facilities nationwide, TDM is one of the world leaders in the development of alternative fuel vehicles and related technologies. SOURCE Transportation Design & Manufacturing
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