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Technology Stocks : Energy Conversion Devices -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Don Devlin who wrote (2824)	12/29/1998 11:29:00 AM
From: WALT REISCH	Respond to of 8393

UPS to Test Hybrid Electric Vehicle; Interest in HEV Technology Heightened by GM, Honda Announcements December 29, 1998 11:02 ATLANTA, Dec. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- UPS plans to test a new generation of electric vehicle technology. Called the Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), the test vehicle combines two familiar technologies -- conventional engines and electric motors. The same technology is the basis for a report in yesterday's Wall Street Journal regarding General Motors' announcement that it will develop hybrid diesel-electric transit buses, with testing to begin next year in New York. Honda also announced plans recently to sell a hybrid-power passenger car in the U.S., according to the report. Developed by Navistar International Corporation (NYSE: NAV), Chicago, Ill., and Lockheed Martin Controls Systems (NYSE: LMT), Johnson City, NY, the HEV engine turns a generator to provide electrical energy for 23 batteries and the drive motor, which propels the vehicle. A process called regenerative braking uses the motor as a brake and recaptures the vehicle's energy that is then stored in the batteries for future use. "HEV technology is of particular interest to UPS because of its potential to reduce vehicle emissions, economize on fuel in stop-and-go situations and reduce maintenance requirements to the drivetrain," said Mike Eskew, UPS senior vice president of engineering. The HEV provides higher fuel economy and with its reduced emissions can meet the EPA's certification as a Ultra-Low Vehicle Emissions (ULEV) vehicle using current diesel technology. Moreover, the HEV's sealed electric motor and long-life batteries require no maintenance. Since the 1930's, UPS has been researching and testing alternative fuels to reduce vehicle fuel emissions, the dependency on fossil fuels and operating costs. Currently, UPS has the largest private fleet of compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles in the United States, with more than 900 package delivery vehicles that operate in 16 cities. The Navistar/Lockheed Martin concept vehicle design uses an International(R) medium truck chassis with an International(R) T444E diesel engine by Navistar. The HybriDrive(TM) optimized control systems were developed by Lockheed Martin. UPS will test the vehicle over an 18-month period in UPS test trials in three different climatic and environmental areas -- Johnson City, NY, Atlanta, GA and Los Angeles, CA. Beginning early in 1999, the tests will solicit driver feedback, measure emissions, and examine fuel conservation, maintenance issues, speed, acceleration and grade performances. "Navistar is a leader in creating innovative trucking technologies that respond to the needs of our customers," said Jay Hacker, vice president of medium truck business and product development. "Lockheed Martin is a technological leader in electric control systems. We joined with UPS to conduct the tests because UPS also is an industry leader known for its use of innovative technologies." UPS continues its tradition of seeking environment-friendly technologies that increase efficiency and decrease emissions. UPS environmental initiatives include the re-engineering of its air fleet to reduce aircraft noise and improve fuel-efficiency; development of a powerful computer network that efficiently dispatches its vehicles; and, creation of reusable express envelopes. UPS is the world's largest express carrier and package delivery company, offering an unmatched array of products and services. With headquarters in Atlanta, the company operates in more than 200 countries and territories and has been named by Fortune magazine as the most admired company in the transportation industry for 15 consecutive years, as well as the world's most admired mail, package and freight delivery company. UPS has received two Computerworld Smithsonian Awards for technology leadership. SOURCE United Parcel Service /CONTACT: Paula Fulford of United Parcel Service, 404-828-4242 or Marty Richter for United Parcel Service, 314-982-1787/ /Web site: ups.com (NAV LMT)

To: Don Devlin who wrote (2824)	12/30/1998 11:21:00 AM
From: Tom Hoff	Read Replies (3) \| Respond to of 8393

When they talk about the low damand for the EV1 due to the range, why can't they talk about how they have addressed it with NIMH batteries? Hybrid Cars May End Typical Engine By MICHAEL WHITE .c The Associated Press LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Is the internal combustion engine dead? Not yet. But scientists and engineers attending the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show on Tuesday believe its days are numbered. Auto industry representatives are talking seriously about alternative vehicles expected someday to replace today's gasoline-powered models. ''In order to survive as a company, it is absolutely essential that you provide alternative power, power other than the internal combustion engine,'' said Frank Pereira, brand manager for General Motors Advanced Technology Vehicles. He said he believes the internal combustion engine will be phased out as a matter of necessity in developing countries, regions considered growth markets by the auto industry. Governments and consumers are looking for vehicles that will pollute less and use less expensive fuel. Likewise, North American and European governments are pushing hard for low-polluting vehicles. Among the alternatives showed off here was Toyota's RAV-4 electric sport utility vehicle and its gasoline-electric hybrid Prius sedan. The RAV-4 is currently available in the United States. The Prius is on sale in Japan but won't be on the U.S. market until 2000. Next month at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Honda plans to display its new hybrid model that will go on sale in the United States later in 1999. A General Motors display featured a small van outfitted with a fuel cell power train. GM also plans to use a diesel-electric bus to haul commuters through New York City early next year. Hybrid engine technology involves combining two fuel systems to power a vehicle, typically electricity and a conventional fossil fuel. The GM bus is expected to slice fuel consumption by 40 percent while cutting down on pollution. The automaker introduced its EV1 electric car at the Los Angeles show three years ago, but demand has been weak in large part because the car has limited range before its batteries need recharging. In two years GM has sold only 600 versions of its EV1 electric coupe. Other manufacturers of electric cars have had similarly disappointing results. But Pereira likened the new cars to other consumer technologies such as the cellular telephone and microwave oven. Both, he said, were unreliable and slow to catch on at first. AP-NY-12-30-98 0120EST