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Diesel Technology Forum to Unite Automotive Industry, Legislators, Media

--Diesel Technology Forum:

Who:

The Diesel Technology Forum (DTF), an association of companies that manufacture diesel engines, components, fuel and emissions control systems.

What:

An event -- The Clean Diesel Technology Tour, the largest-ever gathering of clean diesel executives, vehicles and technologies. Environmentalists, manufacturers and legislators will all come together at this groundbreaking event.

Where:

Hall B

Sacramento Convention Center

1030 15th Street

Sacramento, CA 95814

When:

Thursday, April 19

  • Press conference with Allen Schaeffer (DTF Executive Director) and executives from member companies -- 9 am
  • Individual member company presentations -- 9:30 am - 2:00 pm
  • Luncheon, including keynote addresses by Sen. Alan Lowenthal (D-Long Beach) and Dan Skopec (undersecretary of California EPA), 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
  • Ride and drive -- 8:30 am - 3:00 pm, J Street outside Convention Center

Why:

On Sept. 1, 2006, ultra low sulfur diesel (clean diesel) was rolled out across the state of California. On Oct. 15, 2006, clean diesel became available nationwide. Come see for yourself the power of clean diesel and how ULSD is being embraced by companies, government and consumers alike.

Clean diesel technology continues to take the automobile industry by storm. Diesel yields up to 40 percent more miles per gallon than unleaded gasoline, a crucial benefit with todays high gas prices. The new diesel engines powering large trucks and construction equipment and are up to 90 percent cleaner than the previous generation of engines.

Light-duty diesels are on the rise, according to a recent survey by J.D. Power and Associates, and are more cost-effective than hybrids. Diesels are expected to occupy 15% of the U.S. market by 2015, up from less than 4% now and far more than hybrids.

Details:

Keynote speakers:

  • Sen. Alan Lowenthal (D-Long Beach) -- A primary advocate for port emissions reduction
  • Dan Skopec, undersecretary of the California EPA and Gov. Schwarzeneggers point person on the states low-carbon fuel initiative, will discuss the Governors views on climate change issues that the industry must address

Member Company Presenters:

  • Douglas Oberhelman -- Group President, Caterpillar
  • Edward Pence -- Vice President, Engine Business, Cummins
  • Jean Giles -- Senior Vice President, John Deere Powersystems
  • Dr. Rudy Thom -- DaimlerChrysler
  • And more!

Demos:

  • Audi A6 (ride-and-drive)
  • BMW 535d (ride-and-drive)
  • Smart Car (ride-and-drive)
  • Caterpillar 2007 truck (display)
  • Cummins retrofitted municipal truck (display)
  • Dodge Ram with Bluetec technology powered by Cummins (ride-and-drive)
  • John Deere Tier III 8230 tractor (display)
  • Mercedes E320 CDI with Bluetec (ride-and-drive)
  • And more!

Clean Diesel Impact Survey/Results

  • NEW survey results to be announced at event will illustrate Californians attitudes towards diesel technology

About DTF:

The Diesel Technology Forum (DTF), an association of companies that manufacture diesel engines, components, fuel and emissions control systems. The DTF brings together the diesel industry, the broad diesel user community, civic and public interest leaders, government regulators, academics, scientists, the petroleum industry and public health researchers to encourage the exchange of information, ideas, scientific findings and points-of-view to current and future uses of diesel power technology. DTF's website is www.dieselforum.org.