Southwest Research Institute Wins $26 Million, 3-Year EPA Contract

22 August 2000

Southwest Research Institute Wins $26 Million, 3-Year EPA Contract

    SAN ANTONIO--Aug. 22, 2000--The Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") has awarded Southwest Research Institute(tm) ("SwRI")(tm) a three-year contract worth up to $26 million to provide engineering support in reducing automotive emissions and improving fuel efficiency.
    As part of the Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles ("PNGV") initiative, a private and public partnership between the U.S. government and three major automotive manufacturers, the EPA is examining the role of hybrid vehicle technologies. The Institute will provide support to areas that apply to hybrid vehicles, but the work may also play a role on vehicles in general.
    "The primary focus of this contract will be design, development, and test and evaluation projects for the EPA," Gary Stecklein, director of SwRI's Vehicle Systems Department said. "We will evaluate current and advanced technologies for fuel efficiency improvements and emission reductions. Tests will include emissions, efficiency, performance, and reliability evaluations of engines and vehicles."
    Since 1994, SwRI's Department of Vehicle Systems Research has been working with the EPA on the research and development of improved vehicle and engine designs. This marks the sixth consecutive year of work with the EPA in this area.
    "This contract illustrates SwRI's commitment to quality and excellence in our work," said Nigel Gale, Vice President of SwRI's Engine and Vehicle Research Division. "The Institute continues its leadership role in engine and vehicle research and development."
    SwRI is an independent, nonprofit, applied engineering and physical sciences research and development organization with a staff of 2,700 and an annual research volume of $300 million.