FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(October 29, 2009)
Contact: Della Domingo
909-396-0289, ext. 130
dellad@sema.org
DURING 2009 SEMA SHOW
First and Only Hybrid to Compete in American Le Mans Series; Introduction of the World’s First Production Electric Superbike and Finalists of the $10 Million Progressive Insurance Automotive X Prize Competition to Highlight SEMA Making Green Cool Zone Press Conference
DIAMOND BAR, Calif. (Oct. 29, 2009) – One of the fastest growing segments in the specialty equipment industry, Green Performance, will take center stage at the SEMA Show’s ‘Making Green Cool’ Press Conference on Tues., November 3, 2009 from 1:00 – 1:35 p.m. on the Upper Level of the South Hall (#34245). Long considered the birthplace of American automotive customization, this year’s SEMA Show is no exception as the next generation of muscle cars and hot rods equipped with clean diesels, advanced hybrid powertrains, extended range and pure electric motors share the stage.
During the press conference, the world’s first production electric superbike will be unveiled by the Isle of Man Minister for Local Government and Environment, the Hon. John Shimmin. Also being showcased will be the world’s first and only hybrid competing in the American Le Mans Series powered by a 70-pound lithium-ion battery that aims to win by increasing fuel efficiency to cut down on pit stops. The team finalists of the Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE, a multimillion dollar competition to create viable and super fuel-efficient vehicles will also be on hand with their vehicles that are now moving into the performance and safety testing phase of the competition.
“No industry is tied to technology more than the auto industry. This is truly one of the most exciting times to be in the auto industry – we haven’t seen this much change since it began 100 years ago,” said John Waraniak, SEMA’s vice president, vehicle technology. “This is what SEMA is all about – making vehicles go faster, go further and most importantly, cooler. The new generation of clean diesels, GDI, hybrid and battery electric vehicles are leading the reinvention of the automobile and creating exciting opportunities for SEMA member companies and bold new OEMs. This is a new day and a new game with new rules and new players.”
“It’s great to have the only car of its type in the world that really proves to people that Green is cool – it’s fast, it saves gas and it is just plain sexy or as the Wall Street Journal called it “the baddest hybrid on the planet” said Steve Pruitt, owner of the GZ09-SH, the only hybrid in the American Le Mans Series. “As the future of green performance makes its way into mainstream America, we’re focused on transforming many forms of racing by demonstrating that hybrid technology can compete on a world-class level.”
“The Mavizen TTX02 is produced by TTXGP’s manufacturing arm, Mavizen. TTXGP founder, Azhar Hussain said, “We proved we could do it when we delivered a world’s first for the Isle of Man and the world. The SEMA Show is the natural choice to unveil our next world’s first and showcase the motorsport platform of the future. The TTX02 demonstrates the potential for a startup specialty equipment manufacturer to make a meaningful commercial difference within the green technology space. We see the SEMA Show as a milestone event for us, our industry, our customers, and ultimately the world in accelerating the development of green technology that can make a difference.”
“We’re pleased to be able to showcase the work of these teams and the impact their vehicles will have on the automotive marketplace at the SEMA Show,” said Dr. Peter Diamandis, X Prize CEO and Chairman. “They represent the future of this industry and I believe that as their designs advance through this competition, it will move us even closer to the ultimate goal of making super fuel efficient vehicles a viable choice for consumers.”
“We are honored to have this caliber of professionals, entrepreneurs and innovators select the SEMA Show to unveil and display their revolutionary green vehicles, technologies and products. They represent the future of this industry and exemplify everything SEMA is about – performance, passion, innovation and creativity,” added Waraniak.
The ‘Making Green Cool’ Press Conference will be held directly following SEMA’s Vehicle Technology Briefing Seminar, ‘Driving Green: MPH + MPGe.’ Many of the green technologies and vehicles discussed at the ‘Driving Green’ technology briefing are featured in the ‘Making Green Cool Zone’ exhibit in the South Hall and will be showcased during the press conference.
Several of the industry’s most talented innovators, customizers and leading supporters will take part in the press conference, including:
- Justin Ward, Advanced Powertrain Program Manager, Toyota Technical Center
- Dan Kapp, Director of Advanced Powertrain, Ford Motor Company
- Johnathan Goodwin, Founder, H-Line Conversions and Goodwin-Young
- Beau Boeckmann, President and Founder, Galpin Auto Sports (GAS)
- Ric Fulop, Co-Founder and Vice President of Marketing at A123 Systems
- Dean Tomazic, Vice President, Performance and Emissions, FEV, Inc.
- Gale Banks, President, Banks Power
- Azhar Hussain, Founder, TTXGP GrandPrix
- Eric Cahill, Senior Director, Progressive Insurance Automotive X Prize
“There will be fewer giants, more start-ups, and infinite opportunities for those companies and entrepreneurs that don’t want to waste this crisis and are finding innovative ways to leverage this once-in-a-career convergence,” stated Waraniak. “Hot Rod Hybrods and Muscle Eelctric represent blank canvases and SEMA member companies are uniquely positioned to demonstrate that horsepower and green power can coexist without sacrificing performance or the cool factor.”
The ‘Making Green Cool Zone’ at this year’s SEMA Show was designed to showcase those companies and enthusiasts whose creativity and innovation in the development, deployment and marketing of green vehicle technologies and sustainability prove that being environmentally friendly is still cool.
About SEMA
SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association founded in 1963, represents the $31.85 billion specialty automotive industry of 7,144 member-companies. It is the authoritative source for research, data, trends and market growth information for the specialty auto parts industry. The industry provides appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and technology products for passenger and recreational vehicles. For more information, contact SEMA at 1575 S. Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA 91765, tel: 909/396-0289, or visit www.sema.org or www.enjoythedrive.com.
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