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The new 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty delivers the most heavy-duty truck horsepower. Top torque. Industry-best towing capability and payload. Fuel economy leadership. In short, the new Super Duty delivers leadership in every feature that matters to heavy-duty truck customers.

With Ford-built diesel and gas powertrains, the all-new Ford Super Duty dominates the competition in payload, conventional towing, fifth-wheel towing and gross combined weight rating in both pickups and chassis cabs. Diesel engines account for 65 percent of the Super Duty sales, with gas engines making up the remaining 35 percent.

The new 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbocharged diesel – designed, engineered and built by Ford – delivers class-leading fuel economy as well as best-in-class 390 horsepower and 735 ft.-lb. of torque – that’s 75 ft.-lb. more than its nearest competitor in the market today. Plus, the new Super Duty fuel economy improvement averages 18 percent better for pickup models and up to 25 percent for chassis cab versus the outgoing Super Duty.

Significantly improved torque – 85 ft.-lb. more than the current 6.4-liter Power Stroke diesel – is good news for the nearly 97 percent of Super Duty customers who tow and helps the 2011 Super Duty deliver class-leading towing capability of 26,400 pounds with the F-550 chassis cab. The 2011 Super Duty also has class-leading payload capability of 6,520 pounds.

“Having best-in-class numbers is powerful, but the real payoff is how those numbers deliver for our customers,” said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. “For 33 years, F-Series has been the No. 1-seller in America because we listen to our customers. With Super Duty, they’ve told us how they use their trucks to tow, and on the new truck, we focused on delivering best-in-class towing capability for them with new powertrains that deliver best-in-class power and best-in-class fuel economy.”

Built to last, just the way customers like

During the Super Duty’s development, engineers put more than 10.3 million equivalent test miles on the new diesel engine, including extreme road and weather conditions. The new Power Stroke diesel is the most-tested Power Stroke ever, incorporating the most rigorous engine tests found in Ford globally.

Extensive CAD (computer-aided design) and CAE (computer-aided engineering) work was completed to identify any potential challenges before hardware was created, which not only is time-efficient but also helps ensure quality at the outset.

Customer data, including driving styles, road types and vehicle usage (towing and payload), also played a key role in developing the testing program that best replicated Super Duty use.

Components were tested in the laboratory with a regimen designed to exceed what even the most extreme-use customer might dish out. Engines literally ran continuously for hundreds of hours. Engines were started in below-zero temperatures more than 2,600 times. Plus, laboratory tests simulated 10 years of use in arctic conditions.

B20 compatibility added for 2011 model year

The strict testing work also ensured the new engine is B20 compatible, which allows customers another fueling option that uses blends of up to 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent petroleum diesel. Because biodiesel fuel varies in quality in the U.S. and Canada, durability testing cycles were run on multiple blends of the fuel to ensure the robustness of the system. This is especially important to the agricultural industry, where biodiesel is often the preferred fuel.

“These tests give us the full spectrum of Super Duty customers – from those who run their trucks at maximum power with a maximum load for long periods to those who use them more in a start-stop mode,” said Ed Waszczenko, lead engine durability engineer.

Finally, a battery of in-vehicle, real-world tests validated the work done in the laboratories. The 2011 F-450 Super Duty, for example, can tow a 24,400-pound trailer up a 6 percent grade at 47 mph, which is more than 50 percent faster than the outgoing product. The F-450 and F-550 have no competitors in the marketplace.

“That’s the difference between trucks passing you, or you passing trucks,” said Chris Brewer, Super Duty chief engineer.

Class-leading capability

Growing Super Duty’s heavy-truck leadership legacy, the 2011 F-250 and F-350 pickup trucks have best-in-class conventional towing and payload capability. The F-250 and F-350 single-rear-wheel model can tow up to 14,000 pounds with payloads of 4,050 pounds and 4,600 pounds, respectively.

In addition, the F-350 dual-rear-wheel model delivers best-in-class conventional towing of 16,000 pounds and fifth-wheel towing of 21,600 pounds as well as best-in-class payload of 6,520 pounds. With chassis cab sales accounting for up to 25 percent of the Super Duty mix, the leadership towing capability of the F-550 fifth-wheel hitch is notable: 26,400 pounds.

The improved torque also enables the driver to hold a higher gear longer, which helps with highway fuel economy. “This prevents transmission ‘gear hunting,’ and lets you stay in gear longer before downshifting, ultimately saving fuel,” Brewer said.

Quietest Power Stroke ever

In addition to its capability, the new 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 has the lowest NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) in the class with a notably quieter, more refined sound than ever. Improvements to the combustion system, structural integrity of the compacted graphite iron block and the single turbocharger mounted to the engine block account for many of the NVH improvements.

Specific design upgrades were made to both the piston and the piston bowl to optimize the combustion process, which features a two-stage combustion event instead of a single-injection event. Single-injection events can cause harsh, sudden and loud combustion. On the 2011 Super Duty, a starter or pilot injection of fuel begins the combustion process before the main injection.

The result is smoother combustion and a more refined sound for the customer. When at idle, two pilot injection events are used to make the firing process even smoother and aid in quietness.

The “ticking” of the high-speed injectors also is quieted by specially designed covers on the engine. Mounting the turbocharger from the center housing directly to the block provided several advantages as well in terms of NVH.

“When turbochargers vibrate, it can lead to other parts of the vehicle, such as the exhaust system, vibrating,” said Adam Gryglak, chief diesel engineering manager. “So when the turbocharger vibrates a lot, the exhaust system vibrates too, and that’s disturbing to the customer. Bolting the turbocharger directly to the block eliminates that concern.”

Using one turbocharger, instead of two operating in series or sequentially, helped resolve some NVH challenges as well. The single turbocharger eliminates air-handling noises – the whooshes – typically heard when the engine switches from one turbo to the next. Also, the single turbocharger has ball bearings that pilot the shaft in the turbo, eliminating the potential for the shaft of the turbocharger to gyrate in its housing, another potential NVH issue.

Other improvements include the addition of two resonators in the intake system as well as a third resonator near the air cleaner. These additions made it possible to tune the diesel intake system to the desired sound.

New gas engine leads in torque, horsepower and fuel economy

The 2011 Super Duty features a new, more powerful and efficient standard gasoline engine that also delivers class-leading numbers. The new 6.2-liter V-8 gasoline engine produces 405 ft.-lb. of torque (at 4,500 rpm) and 385 horsepower (at 5,500 rpm) on regular gasoline. These numbers represent an increase of 40 ft.-lb. of torque and 85 horsepower versus the current 5.4-liter V-8. The new engine also is E85 compatible.

Already cementing its ‘Built Ford Tough’ status

Nearly all the components of the 2011 Super Duty 6.2-liter V-8 are shared with the 6.2-liter V-8 engine found in the 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor, a purpose-built, high-performance off-road truck versatile enough to take on the most challenging desert adventures as well as daily commutes.

In November 2008, the 6.2-liter Raptor R not only survived its first grueling Baja 1000, it earned a podium finish.

Testing on the 6.2-liter V-8 included running multiple engines for more than 500 hours at peak torque and peak horsepower as well as customer-correlated 1,000-hour road load tests to ensure dependability for even the toughest Ford F-Series Super Duty customer.

“Having two outstanding powertrains to choose from is a real win-win for Super Duty customers,” said Doug Scott, truck group marketing manager. “Both Ford’s new diesel and new gasoline engines deliver the ‘and solution’ – best-in-class horsepower, torque and fuel economy.

“Leadership in areas that matter most to customers will help ensure the 2011 Super Duty will continue to be the undisputed leader in full-size pickup towing, payload and capability.”

Subaru of America, Inc. is showcasing the Legacy GTk, a concept for a track-ready sport wagon, at the 2009 Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Nov. 3-6. A unique design and “added bonus” in the cargo area make the Legacy GTk the perfect car for a family day at the track.

If a turbocharged, lowered, beefed-up Subaru sport wagon sounds like a great car for taking to the track for some autocross action, then wait until you open the rear liftgate. In the generously sized cargo area, you’ll find a Coyote Motorsports XP kart (the “k” in GTk), also ready for track duty — in this case, SCCA Solo autocross. The Subaru Legacy GTk is a car you can drive to the autocross track, and then compete against your kart-driving teenager in a handicapped point system on the same track — with no trailer necessary.

The one-of-a-kind Legacy GTk, constructed to Subaru’s specifications by Specialized Vehicles, Inc. (SVI), probes the outer limits of what a sport wagon can be. The GTk Concept combines the power and presence of a performance-tuned Legacy with the cargo capacity of the all-new 2010 Outback. The cargo area is large enough to haul a complete race kart, which weighs about 160 lbs. with engine and ready to race.

SVI worked with other suppliers to integrate individual sub-systems and components. Developed by JAC Products with input from Subaru, the roof cargo management hardware on the Legacy GTk wagon provides a sleek profile while offering a fully functional cross bar system. The liftgate spoiler, midgate spoiler and blackout-style HID headlights were sourced from the Japanese domestic market (JDM) Legacy. SVI applied its own custom parts, including a front air dam with fog lights; lateral hood vents; custom window tint, and, at the rear, smoked tail lights and a diffuser. The final touch from SVI is a custom black-over-red paint scheme.

Subaru Turbo Boosted to 300 HP

The Legacy GTk powertrain, including the new 6-speed manual transmission, is borrowed from a 2010 Legacy 2.5GT Sedan. With a modified exhaust system and reprogrammed ECU — but no bolt-on performance parts — the 2.5-liter turbocharged and intercooled engine produces 300 hp and 350 lb.-ft. of torque, up from the stock model’s 265 hp and 258 lb.-ft.

The Legacy GTk draws from the Subaru Performance Tuning (SPT) and STI catalogs. An SPT short-throw shifter with STI shift knob controls the 6-speed. The Continuous version of the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system uses a viscous coupling locking center differential. The system splits the torque 50:50 and can transfer more power to the wheels with the best traction.

SVI built a custom quad-tipped exhaust system for the Legacy GTk, giving the Subaru Boxer growl a track-inspired tone. Under the hood, the engine compartment is dressed out with braided stainless hoses and brake lines and SPT anodized aluminum parts.

Track-ified Chassis

Bolt-on chassis mods make the Legacy GTk is track-ready, starting up front with an SPT strut tower brace. Suspension is lowered using Bilstein® struts and suspension calibration, along with STI “pink” springs. A full Brembo® brake upgrade uses 6-piston monobloc calipers in front with 355 x 32 mm 2-piece floating cross-drilled discs and billet aluminum hats. The rear setup is the same, but with 4-piston calipers. Getting the power to the pavement are BF Goodrich P245/50 R19 Force-KDW 2 tires mounted to HRE custom 19-inch Comp wheels.

Custom Interior and “Garage” are Enviro-friendly

Driving a track car is no cause to forgo comfort, convenience and onboard entertainment. The Legacy GTk interior combines fun and functional. Coming under the “functional” banner is the custom-made “kart friendly” cargo area with rubber decking, tie-down points, and LED lighting. Under the “comfort” column, there is a full custom Ultrasuede® and leather trimmed interior, including Recaro® Sportster custom front seats and custom matching rear seats.

The maker of Ultrasuede, Toray, employed its latest EcoDesign(TM) product to comply with Subaru of America’s policy to minimize waste. (The Subaru of Indiana Automotive plant that builds Legacy, Outback and Tribeca models has achieved Zero Landfill status.) The EcoDesign product is made using 100-percent recycled Ultra Microfibers; the base material comes from the manufacturer’s post industrial-sourced polyester film.

The Legacy GTk instrument panel and doors feature carbon fiber patterned trim. Custom boost, temperature and oil pressure gauges provide vital engine information, and STI aluminum pedals add a rally car feel. The harman/kardon® custom surround-sound audio system drives 18 speakers with an 11-channel high efficiency GreenEdge processor/amplifier. Compared to conventional mobile audio systems, harman/kardon GreenEdge components are lighter and consume less power to produce even higher acoustic output levels. The system is controlled by a harman/kardon AM/FM/XM/single-CD head unit with a 7-inch touch-screen display.

The Kart: Fully Functional, Ready to Race

Subaru designed the Legacy GTk as a fully functional vehicle. The idea was to build a car that would facilitate family racing fun. In this case, the GTk also highlights a motorsport that enables a parent to compete against his/her teenager in the same venue — a rarity in any sport.

Since no trailer would be used, Subaru chose a kart that would not only fit into the cargo area, but would be suitable for a child old enough to ride in the front seat, in compliance with child seating laws. The SCCA Junior Driver kart program offered just that opportunity, its Formula Junior A class specifically intended for the 12-15 age bracket. Built by Coyote Motorsports in Spencerport, N.Y., the XP kart is powered by a Yamaha KT-100 two-stroke engine and can reach up to 50 mph in SCCA Solo racing and up to 120 mph in road racing.

Source: Subaru of America, Inc.

The market for solar technologies is still limited to advanced roof solutions that use solar cells to ventilate vehicle interiors, but technological advancements will soon shift the focus from comfort and convenience to powertrain applications and similar domains. In tandem with expanding applications, solar cell costs are expected to fall, meaning that more average customers can look forward to a ‘greener,’ less-polluting vehicle.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Executive Analysis of the Market for Solar Technology Applications in the European Automotive Industry, finds that a sunroof panel with solar cells can generate sufficient power to ventilate the vehicle interior. The technologies covered in this research service are polysilicon solar cells, thin-film solar cells and third-generation solar cells.

The automotive industry is undergoing an evolution wherein traditional internal combustion (IC) engines are ceding the way to battery-powered motors. Growing interest in zero-emission vehicles, increased government spending on electric vehicles (EVs), and the numerous vehicle prototypes already in the pipeline point irrefutably towards a future dominated by EVs.

Nevertheless, EVs face lingering criticism regarding increased energy consumption. One compelling solution is to run EVs on power generated by renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. EVs of the future could be powered by electricity from a grid generated by solar power, or else at solar charging stations. Currently, solar cells are not preferred because of their high cost to power ratio. However, this ratio is likely to lessen as a result of technological advancements, rendering it more affordable for vehicle manufacturers.

“Solar cells are poised to achieve grid parity in the coming years,” says Frost & Sullivan Industry Analyst Roshan Devadoss. “Subsequently, solar cells costs will plummet, making them affordable for automotive applications.” Grid parity occurs when the cost of electricity generated using solar cells equals the cost of that generated using fossil or nuclear fuels. Upon reaching grid parity, solar cells will cease to be cost-intensive, leading to inexpensive automotive solutions.

One of the biggest restraints for the use of solar panels in automotive applications is added weight. Polysilicon solar panels are heavy and exert a drag on the vehicle, reducing the range and life of the battery in electric or hybrid vehicles and decreasing the fuel-efficiency in conventional cars. “Polysilicon solar panels increase vehicle weight, resulting in higher operational costs,” explains Devadoss.

Apart from polysilicon cells, the only other commercially available solution is thin-film solar cells, which have caught the attention of vehicle manufacturers’ owing to their flexibility and light-weightiness. Vehicle manufacturers have developed concept vehicles with this technology and some of them are working towards production models.

One disadvantage of this technology is its low efficiency. However, mounting the thin-film solar cells is not design intensive due to its flexibility and can be used to cover larger surface areas to compensate for the drop in efficiency. “R & D has led to lighter, more flexible and robust thin film technologies and third generation solar cells, however they are less efficient than polysilicon solar cells,” concludes Devadoss.

Vehicle manufactures are already investigating the use of thin-film technologies that are commercially available for advanced roof solutions and have developed concept vehicles using them. Third-generation solar cells are currently under development and will likely be deployed in the interior of the vehicle as well as on the roofs, doors and windows.

Executive Analysis of the Market for Solar Technology Applications in the European Automotive Industry is part of the Automotive & Transportation Growth Partnership Services programme, which also includes research in the following markets: European Market Analysis for Low Speed Driver Assistance Applications, Strategic Analysis of European Automotive Interior Lighting Market, Strategic Analysis of European Automotive Exterior Lighting Market, and European Automotive Original Equipment DAS, ESP, Passive Safety and Rain Sensors Market. All research services included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends that have been evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants.

Source: Frost & Sullivan

Media to Test Drive the Latest Clean Diesel, Electric, Hydrogen Fuel Cell and Hybrid Vehicles

The Los Angeles Auto Show will host a unique opportunity for journalists to drive some of the most advanced green cars on Dec. 3 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Green Cars/LA Auto Show Ride & Drive will enable journalists to experience back-to-back comparison drives of exciting, new and experimental models that offer high fuel efficiency, low environmental impact or run on a variety of alternative fuels. The Ride & Drive is sponsored by Southern California Edison (SCE) and the American Chemistry Council’s Plastics Make it Possible(SM) campaign.

As the first major North American auto show of the season, the LA Auto Show has developed a strong reputation as a key show for emerging green trends and vehicles. During the show’s second Press Day, multiple vehicles from ten manufacturers representing North American, European and Asian automakers will be on hand to test drive on the streets of L.A.

Some participating vehicles are so new or in such limited quantity that previous test drive opportunities have been very rare or simply unavailable, such as the Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid, Porsche Cayenne Hybrid, Porsche Cayenne Diesel and the electric Volkswagen E-Up!. Other green vehicles available to test drive include the BMW 335d, Chevy Equinox Fuel Cell, Honda FCX Clarity, MINI-E, Mitsubishi i-MiEV, Mitsubishi i car, Volkswagen Euro Polo Blue Motion and Touareg TDI, plus others. Three 2010 Green Car of the Year® finalists are featured as well, including the Audi A3 TDI, Honda Insight and the Volkswagen Golf TDI.

“Today’s sharper focus on efficiency, CO2 reduction and better overall environmental performance has brought greater momentum to all types of ‘green’ vehicles, whether they’re powered by advanced gasoline and diesel engines or alternatives like electricity, hydrogen or biofuels,” says Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of the Green Car Journal, editor of GreenCar.com and organizer of the Ride & Drive. “The ride and drive enables journalists attending the LA Auto Show to get behind the wheel of these innovative vehicles and put them through their paces on city streets.”

The Ride & Drive will be accompanied by displays from Southern California Edison and Plastics Make it Possible(SM). Auto show participants who visit SCE’s exhibit will get an early view of what they need to do to get their homes plug-in and electric vehicle ready. SCE experts will provide answers to frequently asked questions about electricity rates, charging equipment, installation options and when to call the electric utility. Plastics Make it Possible(SM) is a new campaign sponsored by the American Chemistry Council that highlights innovative uses of plastics. Within the automotive industry, plastics are helping improve vehicles through safety, performance and style. When it comes to the latest “green” vehicles, plastics allow manufacturers to make cars lighter and more fuel efficient, reducing green house gas emissions. Over the past decade, recycled plastics have been increasingly used in vehicle interiors and upholstery, allowing plastics to live a second life in automobiles.

Source: Greater Los Angeles Auto Show

That’s just one of many questions The Business of Plugging In(SM) will address October 19-21

The first of billions of dollars from the federal government are making their way to local companies working on plug-in electric vehicles, which could help retain tens of thousands of U.S. jobs. The implications of plug-in electric vehicles for automakers, utilities, component suppliers, and national energy policy are some of the themes being addressed by The Business of Plugging In(SM) – presented by DTE Energy and Dow Kokam – taking place October 19-21 at the Motor City Hotel and Conference Center.

“With Michigan at a crucial crossroad in preparing for the future, plug-in electric vehicles present an incredible opportunity to address climate change, create jobs and capitalize on the new electric automotive industry,” said Knut Simonsen, senior vice president of DTE Energy Resources. “This conference will foster a dialogue among utilities, automakers, venture capitalists, regulators, policy makers, universities and other stakeholders to identify and begin to address the many challenges in bringing plug-in electric vehicles to the market.”

Former New York Gov. George E. Pataki, who oversaw the earliest stages of preparation for electric vehicles while in office, will moderate the opening keynote discussion, examining the critical relationship between government, utilities and automakers in bringing about the electrification of the automobile.

Peter Darbee, Chief Executive Officer of Pacific Gas and Electric Co., and Jon Lauckner, Vice President, Global Program Management, General Motors Company will bring the utility and automotive perspectives.

“This really is a three-legged stool,” Lauckner said. “There are three key players that have to come together to make plug-ins a success in the eyes of the customer. We can only be successful if we know and listen to each other’s issues and challenges and find solutions together.”

Wednesday’s opening session, “When We Build it, Will They Come?” moderated by Dr. David Cole, Chairman, Center for Automotive Research, addresses the challenges of introducing new technologies into the market and how consumers will adopt and accept them. Joining Cole in the opening keynote discussion are Anthony Earley, Jr., Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of DTE Energy and Chairman of the Edison Electric Institute; William Ford, Jr., Executive Chairman, Ford Motor Co.; Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm and Ray Lane, Managing Partner, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers.

DTE Energy will host an entrepreneurs’ venture capital workshop on Monday, bringing together leading venture capital investors and entrepreneurs to share their views on venture investing and specific trends in plug-in electric vehicles, components and related infrastructure. Local entrepreneurs are welcome to register for the workshop, which is separate from the conference registration.

On Monday and Tuesday, conference attendees will have the opportunity to drive electric vehicles from Think, Bright Automotive, Myers Automotive, Miles Electric, Current Motors, and DTE Energy. This event is sponsored by DTE Energy.

General Motors is hosting a free public day from 1-5 p.m. on Wednesday to give area students and others interested in electric vehicles an opportunity to learn about the industry through a Passport to Knowledge. Space is limited and advanced registration is required.

For complete program details and to register, visit www.pev2009.com.

Source: Center for Automotive Research

Keynote speakers: Volkswagen’s Stefan Jacoby and energy activist T. Boone Pickens, NADA’s John McEleney and Ed Tonkin, AutoNation’s Mike Jackson and adventurer Alison Levine

Industry leaders will discuss the future of auto retailing at the National Automobile Dealers Association’s 93rd annual Convention & Expo in Orlando, Feb. 13-15, 2010. Other topics include vehicle innovation and sustainable mobility.

“Each of our speakers brings a unique perspective on auto retailing and in particular how energy issues are shaping the vehicles that will be built and sold,” says Brian Hamilton, chairman of NADA’s convention committee. “As the industry begins to slowly come back from a very challenging year, we can all benefit from hearing what these innovative leaders have to say about the future of the auto industry.”

Stefan Jacoby, president and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, will deliver the keynote address on Saturday, Feb. 13, following opening remarks by 2009 NADA Chairman John McEleney. McEleney has worked tirelessly to protect dealers’ interests in the areas of credit, franchise rights and fuel economy regulation. Before passing the gavel to 2010 Chairman Ed Tonkin, McEleney will reflect on his historic term and shed some light on what may lay ahead for auto retailing. Later, industry speaker Mike Jackson, chairman and CEO of AutoNation, the country’s largest auto retailer, will share his insights on energy and the future of auto retailing.

“We have to accelerate our efforts to achieve sustainable mobility,” says Jacoby, whose company defied industry trends in 2008 by increasing market share and sales globally despite the worldwide economic downturn. “For Volkswagen, our commitment to sustainable mobility covers the entire lifespan of a car–from the manufacturing process to the recycling yard.”

Jacoby says Volkswagen is taking both long- and short-term approaches to fuels (including all-synthetic diesel fuels and biofuels) with a goal to develop carbon-neutral and zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell and electric cars that greatly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In the short-term, the automaker is maximizing the efficiency of its gasoline and “clean” diesel engines.

AutoNation’s Jackson, who operates nearly 300 new vehicle franchises in 15 states, is an advocate for reformed energy policy and flex fuels and a leading voice for the development of cleaner, more efficient vehicles, such as plug-in hybrids. He supports the consideration of increasing the gas tax to generate revenue for vehicle innovation while reducing the number of miles driven.

“Where does the auto industry go from here?” Jackson asks. “There’s an energy movement in America that’s forever reshaping the future of auto manufacturing and retailing.”

After NADA Vice Chairman Ed Tonkin delivers his inaugural speech on Monday, Feb. 15 as the new chairman, oil tycoon turned energy activist T. Boone Pickens will discuss his energy plan aimed at creating renewable forms of electricity and reducing the nation’s dependence on imported oil.

“We should continue to pursue the promise of electric or hydrogen powered vehicles, but America needs to address transportation fuel today,” says Pickens, the founder and chairman of BP Capital Management, which is valued at more than $4 billion. “Fortunately, we are blessed with an abundance of clean, cheap, domestic natural gas.”

Pickens says that domestic natural gas is primarily being used today to generate electricity, but it’s not the only use of natural gas resources.

“By aggressively moving to shift America’s car, light duty and heavy truck fleets from imported gasoline and diesel to domestic natural gas, we can lower our need for foreign oil,” Pickens says.

Adventurer Alison Levine, team captain of the first American Women’s Everest Expedition, who also skied across the Arctic Circle to the North Pole, will speak at the inspirational service on Sunday, Feb. 14.

Levine is currently an adjunct professor at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Over two decades, her professional career has encompassed healthcare, technology and finance. She holds an MBA from Duke University. Whether discussing the unpredictable environments in the mountains or business world, Levine motivates and entertains audiences with lessons learned from the harshest and most remote places on earth.

Source: National Automobile Dealers Association