Experts Discuss Hybrid Vehicles and Fuel Cells at L.A. Auto Show
17 November 1998
Experts Discuss Hybrid Vehicles and Fuel Cells at L.A. Auto Show Automobiles And the Environment Conference
Noted Visionary Amory Lovins to Deliver Keynote Address; Toyota Prius Hybrids
Available for Ride and Drive
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 16 -- The escalating debate surrounding the
future alternative fuel of choice may become a little clearer as keynote
speaker Amory Lovins and a panel of distinguished experts examine hybrid
vehicles and fuel cell technology at the Automobiles and the Environment
conference. The discussion will be held on Tuesday afternoon, December 29,
which is the first of two Media Days at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show.
Presenting this year's keynote address will be Amory B. Lovins, vice
president, CFO and director of research for the Rocky Mountain Institute.
Lovins is a notable visionary in hybrid electric vehicles and is highly
respected in the automotive, environmental and energy fields. He is a
frequent consultant within the automobile industry and recently drew accolades
worldwide from his study on high-efficiency hypercars. In its "Centennial
Issue," The Wall Street Journal named Lovins among 28 people worldwide who is
most likely to change the course of business in the 1990s.
Following Lovins' opening address, panelists from the major automobile
manufacturers are expected to go beyond what is being reported now and delve
into the interesting areas that have an impact on the marketability of these
two developing technologies, as well as exploring some of the more complex
issues. The discussion focus will provide audience members with greater
insight into what the industry and consumers will and can expect in the near
future.
In keeping with the conference theme, Toyota will afford journalists an
opportunity to drive the world's first production hybrid vehicle -- the Toyota
Prius sedan -- throughout the day on December 29. Already on sale in Japan,
Toyota plans to bring the Prius into the U.S. market for consumer sale in late
2000. The stylish sedan incorporates a 1.5-liter gasoline engine with an
electric motor that allows it to operate on electricity at low speeds before
switching automatically to the gasoline engine at higher speeds.
"There is a considerable amount of attention being directed towards
developing hybrid and fuel cell vehicles," comments Ron Cogan, conference
director and editor and publisher of Green Car Journal, a leading industry
publication. "Mr. Lovins' insight and subsequent panel discussion affords
journalists, scientists, engineers and industry executives with an insiders
perspective to what could possibly become the most important automotive
environmental advancement ever -- one with far-reaching implications."
The Automobiles and the Environment conference is part of the L.A. Auto
Show's continuing involvement with advanced environmental vehicles which dates
back to 1990 with the Worldwide introduction of the General Motors Impact.
Since that time, automakers have capitalized on the L.A. Auto Show as an
important venue for debuting their newest environmental and technological
advancements to members of the media.
Media Days for the 1999 Greater Los Angeles Auto Show will be held
December 29 and 30, 1998, and the Show will be open to the public
January 2 through 10, 1999. For additional information on the L.A. Auto Show
and the Automobiles and the Environment conference, please contact VL
Communications Group at 916-362-3400 or by e-mail at vlcomm@aol.com.