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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 Conference

                 Successful 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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