GM's Jon Lauckner to Talk about Volt Plug-in Hybrid at TechKnow Forum 2008
Toyota Prius and Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrids on Display
Ann Arbor, MI -- October 20, 2008 -- TechKnow Forum announces that Jon J. Lauckner, Vice President, Global Program Management, General Motors Corporation, will be part of the Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle panel at the event on October 23rd. Mr. Lauckner is leading GM's effort to launch the Chevrolet Volt, arguably the most high-profile plug-in hybrid, scheduled for release in November 2010.
In addition, the TechKnow event, ReCharging Michigan: Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) and the Smart Grid, will include two PHEVs on display at the Power Center. A Toyota Prius and a Ford Escape, both established hybrids, will show their recent plug-in models that enable charging in a standard electrical outlet, providing 20-40 miles of electrical grid-sourced driving.
There has been considerable consumer interest in PHEVs, as they offer up to triple the fuel mileage and potential lower cost per mile for battery-sourced driving. In addition, power sourced from the new Smart Grid should reduce both our dependence on oil and reduce carbon emissions. The TechKnow Smart Grid panel will address these issues as well as consumer adoption predictions. TechKnow Forum 2008 will feature industry, academic and government policy experts addressing these two topics of national importance: Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles and the Smart Grid.
The presentations and discussions will target the impact on the domestic auto industry, our Michigan economy and the goals of energy independence and energy security. Other TechKnow Forum speakers include: John Denniston, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Partner and Greentech founder, Justin Ward, Toyota Motors, Advanced Powertrain; Nancy Gioia, Ford Motor Company, Hybrid Vehicles; John DeCicco, Environmental Defense Fund; David Kiley, BusinessWeek special correspondent; David E. Cole, Chairman Center for Automotive Research and many other energy research, industry and policy experts. With interactive participation of virtual and online audiences, the Forum's objective will be to chart a path to recharge Michigan with universities, government and businesses as partners.
Partnering with MPowered, a student entrepreneurial organization at the University of Michigan, TechKnow Forum 2008 will donate $5 from every paid admittance to a student internship at a Michigan-based energy technology company.
The cost is $35.00 and $10.00 with a student ID at the door. Event from 2 to 7 pm on October 23rd at the Power Center You can also register online to save $5.00 off of registration. Or call 734.763.0614.
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For more information call 734.763.0614 or visit www.techknowforum.org
TechKnow is sponsored by; The University of Michigan, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Google, Michigan Business Review, DTE Energy, the City of Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County Government, Washtenaw Economic Club, Ann Arbor SPARK and Dickinson-Wright.
Since 2003 TechKnow Forum has collaborated with businesses, researchers, government, and community stakeholders including the University of Michigan to enhance the technology business climate in greater Ann Arbor and Southeast Michigan.