Fall Classic 2008: Future Fuel and Propulsion Systems



    The second annual Western Automotive Journalists’ "Fall Classic: Future Fuels and Propulsion Systems" program will take place Wednesday, October 15 at the Basque Cultural Center, 599 Railroad Avenue, South San Francisco, CA 94080.

    The production plug-in Chevy Volt has been revealed, Chrysler is selling hybrid and battery-powered Daimler Smart cars are running around London. We are in what may be seen as the period of the greatest change since the automobile first appeared on the scene. This program is focused on a deeper dive into that transformation – presented by those who are most involved in it.

    We are still finalizing the details, but you can expect a panel of experts talking about near- and long-term prospects as well as ride-and-drive opportunities to sample current and future technology.

    We look for an afternoon start of 3 p.m. allowing enough time for drive the assembled vehicles with the panel discussion starting at 5:30 followed by dinner at 7 p.m.

    Last year we saw everything form clean diesels and hybrids to fuel cell cars and plug-in hybrids, so mark your calendar and be sure to join us for a look at one of the most important issues facing the automotive world today.

    More details, including the menu, will be forthcoming. Watch this website for updates.

    We are anticipating another large group so don't be left out! RSVP now by emailing Jon Rosner. Manufacturers interested in participating can contact Michael Coates for more details.

    From last year's event:

    On October 10, 2007, WAJ inaugurated what the organization plans to become an annual event, the "Future Fuels and Propulsion" program.

    The goal of the event is to bring together future technology and technologists to present vehicles and technology to WAJ members. The kick-off event was a success on all fronts with clean diesel, gasoline-electric hybrids, plug-in hybrids and fuel cell vehicles available for an afternoon ride-and-drive.

    Speakers at the event were Jon Bereisa from General Motors, Chris Qualters from Robert Bosch, Efrain Ornelas from PG&E and Larry Rinek from Frost & Sullivan, enlightening WAJ members and guests as well as responding to a broad range of audience questions.

    The program was augmented by presentations from Tom Matano's Academy of Art students, who were working on a project dealing with the same future propulsion issues, and the guest appearance of Vijay Vaitheeswar an of The Economist, coauthor of "Zoom: The Global Race to Fuel the Car of the Future," who brought copies of his book for attendees.