USCAR Representative Speaks at Vice President's Symposium
23 July 1997
USCAR Representative Speaks at Vice President's Symposium
WASHINGTON, July 23 -- The following is a statement by
William F. Powers, Vice President - Research, Ford Motor Company, on behalf of
the United States Council for Automotive Research. USCAR is the umbrella
organization created by Chrysler Corp. , Ford Motor Co. and
General Motors Corp. to coordinate their joint, pre-competitive
research efforts. These comments were made at Vice President Gore's Technical
Symposium on Automotive Four-Stroke, Direct Injection Engines:
"Mr. Vice President, I'm delighted to represent the USCAR partners --
Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors -- this morning. Our three companies are
very enthusiastic about the progress of PNGV and its ultimate benefits to the
nation's consumers, environment, energy security, and economic leadership.
"We strongly believe in the merits of research conducted under
collaborative, government-industry programs such as PNGV, and we are committed
to maintaining a meaningful level of effort and resources. Our support for
PNGV is further demonstrated by several company announcements made earlier
this year regarding various advanced technology programs we are pursuing
individually to complement our collaborative efforts.
"Your Technical Symposium on Automotive Four-Stroke, Direct-Injection
(4SDI) Engines is an important step in the PNGV technical effort. It builds
upon a strong foundation of research and allows for a valuable exchange of
views by leading experts on the subject.
"Fuel cells, gas turbines, and 4SDI engines are among the most promising
propulsion systems under development today around the world. U.S. industry,
government researchers and the National Academy of Sciences' Peer Review
Committee agree that the compression-ignition, direct-injection (CIDI) engine
is a leading candidate to help us achieve PNGV goals. Complementing today's
standard gasoline, spark-ignition engine with a CIDI engine could move us well
on our way to achieving an affordable, midsize family sedan that gets
up-to-three-times the fuel efficiency of today's comparable vehicles.
"We recognize that emissions reduction and customer-oriented attributes
such as reduced noise and improved performance are key challenges for CIDI
technology. For example, one objective of PNGV is to meet Tier II and ULEV
emissions standards, and important progress has been demonstrated. We are
attacking each of these technical challenges from a full systems perspective,
including the engine, fuel, and after-treatment devices.
"This is a milestone year for PNGV because we are prioritizing
technologies for near-term application. It is important to note that we are
structuring the PNGV program to develop both near-term and long-term
solutions. Our industry has always believed in clear goals and aggressive
timelines. Although we made a commitment to develop an initial set of
production prototypes by 2004, we recognize there are many other promising
technologies such as fuel cells and gas turbines that will require a longer
development period.
"So it's important to recognize that the PNGV 2004 prototypes do not
represent the end at our technical efforts. The scientific research and
commercial applications that result provide both nearer-term product
opportunities and are stepping stones to the next breakthrough in technology.
"We continue to be pleased with the level of teamwork and genuine
cooperation that drive our technical efforts. We had an excellent day
yesterday discussing advanced engine alternatives and after-treatment devices
such as catalytic converters. Today, we look forward to the discussion of
global considerations and alternative fuels.
"Mr. Vice President, in this room, we have some of the world's leading
experts because these technologies impact the world's environment -- not just
America's. Your support helps to attract world-class technical talent, and we
would like to thank you for this unique opportunity. Thanks again for your
continued leadership and support of PNGV."
SOURCE United States Council for Automotive Research