RELEASE No. 7
Alternative Fuel, Hybrid and Fuel Efficient
Vehicles
Featured At San Francisco Chronicle|SFGate.com
50th Annual International Auto Show
SAN FRANCISCO, CA (November 19, 2007) – In these days of environmental
consciousness, dwindling fuel supplies and increasingly high gasoline prices,
it is only fitting that the San Francisco Chronicle|SFGate.com 50th Annual
International Auto Show provides visitors with an opportunity to see and
learn more about the many alternative fuel, hybrid and fuel efficient vehicles
currently available.
Since the 1970’s great strides in improving the overall cleanliness
and efficiency of the automobile have been made. In the almost forty years
since regulations were implemented, U. S. emissions have dropped by an astounding
90%. Unfortunately, these improvements have been offset by an increase
in the number of vehicles on America’s roads and the greater distances
they travel.
In an effort to offset these increases, individuals and carmakers are working
to attain "greener," and "gas-less," cars. One such
innovation is the so-called "commuter car." These vehicles tend
to be smaller and are designed mostly with city driving in mind. Then there’s
the Tango. Touting itself as the "world’s fastest urban car,"
the Tango combines the speed and agility of a motorcycle with the security
and comfort of a high-performance sports car. Given the car’s size,
the Tango can park perpendicular to the curb and with over 1,000 pounds
of torque, it can go from zero to 60 mph in about four seconds and finishes
a standing quarter-mile in about twelve seconds at over 100 mph. Small but
mighty, the Tango runs on lead-acid batteries -- the same batteries that
can pull a 100-car freight train.
General Motors, the company that gave the world the first mass-produced
electric car has reentered the alternative fuel and hybrid market in force.
This year’s International Auto Show will showcase GM’s "Green
Kit," a collection of the automaker’s newest and most fuel efficient
cars, trucks and SUV’s. At present, GM is an industry leader in developing
alternative fuel sources offering consumers Active Fuel Management systems
that enable a car to shift from eight to four cylinders as needed, hybrid
cars, electric, fuel cell and their E85 models. The E85 vehicles can run
on either gasoline or an ethanol/gasoline blend. This fuel mixture is a
cleaner burning energy source made from mostly domestically grown biomaterials
such as corn or grain. The E85 reduces greenhouse gases, enhances the economy
and lessens the nation’s dependence on foreign fuel. Among the GM
alternative fuel vehicles on display at this year’s show are the Equinox
Fuel Cell, Malibu and Tahoe Hybrids and Silverado ½-ton truck with
Active Fuel Management.
Toyota’s Highway of the Future: Mobile Hybrid Experience, will also
be visiting the International Auto Show, allowing visitors to experience
automotive hybrid technology with interactive exhibits and a simulated driving
experience. The exhibit will feature four learning areas. Fueling the
Future, which identifies the differences
between various alternative fuels and how they are produced; Small Steps,
Big Difference, shows visitors how they can participate in making a difference
in improving the environment; The Prius Driving Experience
simulates the current Hybrid Synergy Drive technology while on-screen instructions
offer energy saving driving tips; Not All Hybrids Are Created Equal exhibit
explains how different hybrid technology options might be preferable to
others and outlines benefits to the consumer and the environment. Also on
display will be Toyota’s hybrid fleet that includes the Prius, Camery
and hybrid Highlander.
This year’s show will also include the AAA Greenlight Initiative Showcase.
With dependence on foreign oil continuing to grow the need to find alternative
sources has never been greater and to address this, AAA of Northern California
will be bringing six alternative fuel vehicles. Four of the vehicles on
display are "regular" cars that have been converted by their owners
to run on alternative fuels such as vegetable oil, natural gas, and electricity.
Also included will be a plug-in hybrid that gets up to 100 mpg and a hydrogen
fuel cell car. The AAA Greenlight Initiative Showcase highlights the latest
in alternative fuel technology and puts the spotlight on what one can expect
to see on the roads in the years to come.
Zero emissions vehicles for those who prefer two-wheel modes of transportation
will also be on display in the form of The Vectrix Scooter. The Vectrix
focuses on achieving extended range and high performance through weight
reduction, digital circuitry, low aerodynamic drag, and minimal friction.
The Vectrix scooter incorporates relatively few parts (250 vs. 2,500 for
a gas scooter), resulting in reduced production costs and minimal maintenance.
It is fast, topping out at 62 mph, possesses rapid acceleration -- 0-50
mph in 6.8 seconds and has an extended range of up to 68 miles on a single
charge. The patented throttle-activated regenerative braking system (DAaRT™)
helps to extend range by up to 12% by redirecting energy back into the battery
during braking. Most attractive is the Vectrix scooter is the only 100%
electric, zero emissions vehicle of any kind approved for highway use by
the California Department of Transportation.
Presented by AutoTrader.com and supported by the California Motor Car
Dealers Association, the International Auto Show is the premier auto exposition
in northern California and the only auto show held regionally that lures
the dazzling high-tech displays from the world’s major manufacturers.
The Show, which opens on Thanksgiving, November 22 and runs through Sunday,
December 2, 2007 at the Moscone Convention Center, will provide Bay Area
residents their first opportunity to see the new 2008 model cars, SUV’s,
trucks and vans from over 40 manufacturers…nearly 800 vehicles in all.
It will fill the 1.2 million sq. ft. Moscone Center and is expected to
draw approximately 400,000 spectators making it the largest exhibition of
any kind in the greater Bay Area and the second largest auto show in the
western United States .
In addition to the alternative fuel, hybrid and fuel efficient vehicles
plus the 2008 model vehicles, the International Auto Show will provide entertainment
for the entire family. Special exhibits include the Extreme Autofest Automotive
Lifestyle Show, an exhibit full of tricked-out imports, domestics, luxury,
and exotic vehicles; classic hot rods from Dominator Street Rods and racecars
from Infineon Raceway and Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. The Show will also
have an extensive auto accessory booth area with aftermarket products, interactive
exhibits and much more.
Show hours are:
Thursday, November 22 – Sunday, November 25: 10:00 a.m. – 10:00
p.m.
Monday, November 26 – Thursday, November 29: 11:00 a.m. – 9:00
p.m.
Friday, November 30 and Saturday, December 1: 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 2: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Admission is $8 for adults with children 12-years and under free when
accompanied by an adult. Tickets can be purchased at the door. For more
information visit www.sfautoshow.com
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