Winner to be Unveiled at a Nov. 20 Press Conference

LOS  ANGELES, Oct. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Green Car Journal's Top 5 for 2009(TM) -- the year's best-of-the-best 'green' vehicles -- have been identified by the magazine's editors. These vehicles are the five finalists competing for the Green Car Journal's 2009 Green Car of the Year(R) award: the BMW 335d, Ford Fusion Hybrid, Saturn Vue 2-Mode Hybrid, smart fortwo and Volkswagen Jetta TDI. The 2009 Green Car of the Year will be unveiled at a morning press conference on Nov. 20 during Press Days at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

The five models are important milestones for their manufacturers. The VW and BMW clean diesels are leading edge models signaling the advent of highly efficient, advanced diesel sedans that meet emissions certification in all 50 states. Ford's Fusion Hybrid, a full hybrid, is this automaker's first hybrid sedan. Saturn's Vue 2-Mode is GM's first application of its two mode hybrid system in a V-6 front-drive platform. The smart fortwo is a new-for-the-U.S., fuel efficient micro car with a small eco footprint.

"This is an exciting year for 'green' cars because of the many innovative and advanced models now emerging," said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of the Green Car Journal and editor of GreenCar.com. "In fact, this year's selection of nominees was more challenging than in years past because of the auto industry's greater emphasis on greener vehicles and the number of potential vehicles to consider. For the first time, we've also seen a pair of clean diesels and a small gasoline model giving hybrids serious competition."

Green Car Journal's Green Car of the Year program focuses on recognizing new model vehicles that provide real answers for new car buyers looking for a personal stake in lessening environmental impact. This may be through substantial improvement in fuel efficiency, lower emissions, use of an alternative fuel, or an overall lower environmental load.

Green Car Journal editors perform an exhaustive review of vehicle models to identify those that merit consideration for the Green Car of the Year program. Vehicles using all types of technologies, fuels, and powerplants are eligible. To qualify for consideration as a nominee in the 2009 Green Car of the Year program, a vehicle must exhibit characteristics that substantially raise the bar in environmental performance and be in production by January 1 of the award year. Plus, a potential nominee must be driven by Green Car Journal to allow first-hand evaluation of driving dynamics.

The 2009 Green Car of the Year will be selected by a jury comprised of nine jurors. These include Carl Pope, executive director of the Sierra Club; Frances Beinecke, president of the Natural Resources Defense Council; Jean-Michel Cousteau, president of Ocean Futures Society; automotive expert and "Tonight Show" host Jay Leno; and automotive icon Carroll Shelby. Four Green Car Journal editors round out the jury.

About Green Car of the Year(R)

The Green Car of the Year(R) award is an important part of Green Car Journal's mission to showcase environmental progress in the auto industry. Since 1992, Green Car Journal has focused on the intersection of automobiles, energy, and environment, first with an industry newsletter and then with an award-winning auto enthusiast magazine. Today, the magazine is considered the premier source of information on high fuel efficiency, low emission, advanced technology, and alternative fuel vehicles. Green Car of the Year(R) is a registered trademark of Green Car Journal and RJ Cogan Specialty Publications Group, Inc.

About the Los Angeles Auto Show

For the third year in a row, the Los Angeles Auto Show will be held in the fall. Green Car Journal has been unveiling the Green Car of the Year(R) winner at the Los Angeles Auto Show every year since it initiated the annual award in 2005. The show opens for media only Nov. 19-20. Media registration is now open and the deadline to register online and still receive credentials in the mail is Oct. 31. Online registration will remain open until Nov. 6 but credentials must be picked-up on site. Public days run from Nov. 21-30. For general information visit www.LAautoshow.com.

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060612/LAM005LOGO Video: http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/laautoshow/35664/

Source: Los Angeles Auto Show

Ford's SmartGauge with EcoGuide Coaches Drivers to Maximize Fuel Efficiency on New Fusion Hybrid

DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Pushing a vehicle to the limit takes on a new meaning in the new 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids, thanks to Ford's (NYSE:F) SmartGauge with EcoGuide - an innovative new instrument cluster that provides real-time information to help drivers maximum fuel efficiency.

"SmartGauge with EcoGuide gives the customer real-world feedback to make the most of their hybrids," said Gil Portalatin, Hybrid Applications Manager. "Unique to Ford and Mercury hybrid sedans, this instrument cluster acts as a good 'coach,' engaging drivers real-time to help them achieve maximum fuel economy."

Ford collaborated with IDEO and Smart Design, two world leaders in helping consumers connect with technology, to develop the instrument cluster. Job One was properly integrating the driver with the cluster's science and technology.

"The main question hybrid drivers had was, 'How do I know I'm getting the most out of my hybrid?'" said Jeff Greenberg, Ford senior technical leader. "We needed to create a system that better communicates with drivers and gives them the tools to maximize fuel efficiency. That's what SmartGauge with EcoGuide does."

The driver is immediately engaged by the SmartGauge displays, on either side of the center-mounted analog speedometer, with a special greeting that combines illumination and graphics.

EcoGuide then uses a multi-layered approach to coach the driver to maximum fuel efficiency. A tutorial mode built into the display that helps the driver learn about the instrument cluster and the hybrid in a whimsical way that does not overpower.

For instance, drivers can choose one of four data screens to choose the information level displayed during their drives:

-- Inform: Fuel level and battery charge status
-- Enlighten: Adds electric vehicle mode indicator and tachometer
-- Engage: Adds engine output power and battery output power
-- Empower: Adds power to wheels, engine pull-up threshold and accessory power consumption

Four Hybrids

The Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids join the already successful Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner hybrids - the most fuel-efficient SUVs on the planet. With the addition of the two new hybrid sedans, Ford will double its annual hybrid volume and be the largest domestic producer of full hybrid vehicles in North America.

Source: Ford Motor Company

2010 Ford Fusion, Fusion Hybrid Offer Leading Fuel Efficiency, Smart New Technologies

DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- -- For 2010, the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan will offer Ford's all-new Duratec 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that is expected to deliver at least 3 mpg better on the highway than the Honda Accord and 2 mpg better than the Toyota Camry

-- Ford's next-generation hybrid system debuts in the new 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids. The more efficient system delivers a more seamless driving experience and is expected to achieve class-leading fuel economy, besting the Toyota Camry hybrid by at least 5 mpg city

-- Ford's SmartGauge(TM) with EcoGuide is a new instrument cluster execution that gives hybrid owners a more connected, fuel-efficient driving experience by coaching them on how to optimize performance of the 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids

-- With the Fusion and Milan Hybrids and the Escape and the Mariner Hybrids, Ford has doubled the size and volume of its hybrid lineup, making Ford the largest domestic producer of full hybrid vehicles in North America

Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) announced today that the new 2010 Ford Fusion will offer consumers a more fuel-efficient powertrain lineup, including an all-new hybrid model that is expected to achieve class-leading fuel economy.

The new Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrid models also offer owners a more connected driving experience, thanks to SmartGauge with EcoGuide, a unique new instrument cluster execution that helps coach drivers to improve fuel efficiency.

"Offering consumers more fuel-efficient vehicle choices, including maximizing the efficiency of our gasoline-powered engines, improving and increasing our hybrid vehicle offerings and increasing our use of fuel saving technologies such as six-speed transmissions, is part of Ford's plan to deliver technology solutions for affordable fuel economy for millions," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president for Global Product Development.

Improved gas engines

For 2010, Fusion and Milan will offer Ford's all-new Duratec 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 175 horsepower; an enhanced 3.0-liter V-6 with 19 more horsepower than its predecessor; and a 3.5-liter V-6 that pumps out 263 horsepower on the Fusion Sport model.

Fusion models equipped with the 2.5-liter I-4 engine are expected to deliver at least 3 mpg better on the highway than the Honda Accord and 2 mpg better than the Toyota Camry.

All are paired with six-speed transmissions for up to a 10 percent fuel economy improvement and a host of other industry-first technologies aimed at improving performance while gaining fuel economy.

Next-generation hybrid system

Ford's next-generation hybrid propulsion system builds upon the proven success of the Escape and Mariner hybrids, delivering class-leading fuel economy for the all-new 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids that debut later this year.

With the new arrivals, Ford will be the producer of the most fuel-efficient mid-size sedans and SUVs in America -- and the Fusion Hybrid is expected to perform at least 5 mpg better on the highway than the Toyota Camry hybrid.

The overall system upgrade allows the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids to operate longer at higher speeds in electric mode. The hybrid vehicles can operate up to 47 mph in pure electric mode, about twice as fast as some competitors. Plus, the city driving range on a single tank of gas is expected to be more than 700 miles.

"With the new Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids, we are now able to offer even better range of travel on battery power at a greater speed, thanks to a more efficient, seamless transition between the battery-powered motor and gasoline-driven engine," Kuzak said. "These new hybrids will exceed expectations on all fronts -- fuel efficiency, comfort, convenience and overall drivability."

With the addition of the two new hybrid sedans, Ford will be the largest domestic producer of hybrid vehicles in North America. All Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan models will be built at Ford's Hermosillo (Mexico) Stamping and Assembly Plant.

SmartGauge with EcoGuide

Ford's SmartGauge with EcoGuide, an innovative new instrument cluster, provides real-time information to help drivers maximum fuel efficiency.

Ford collaborated with IDEO and Smart Design, two world leaders in helping consumers connect with technology, to develop the instrument cluster. Job One was properly integrating the driver with the cluster's science and technology.

The driver is immediately engaged by the SmartGauge liquid crystal display (LCD) screens, on either side of the center-mounted analog speedometer, with a special greeting that combines illumination and graphics.

EcoGuide then uses a multi-layered approach to coach the driver to maximum fuel efficiency. A tutorial mode is built into the display and helps the driver learn about the instrument cluster and the hybrid in a whimsical way that does not overpower.

For instance, drivers can choose one of four data screens to choose the information level displayed during their drives. They are:

-- Inform: Fuel level and battery charge status
-- Enlighten: Adds electric vehicle mode indicator and tachometer
-- Engage: Adds engine output power and battery output power
-- Empower: Adds power to wheels, engine pull-up threshold and accessory
power consumption

All levels can show instant fuel economy, fuel economy history, odometer, engine coolant temperature, what gear the car is in and trip data, including trip fuel economy, time-elapsed fuel economy and miles to empty.

Source: Ford Motor Company

Zero Motorcycles Announces Faster, Stronger, 2009 Zero X Electric Motorcycle

- New Upgraded Zero X is Now Available to Consumers -

SANTA CRUZ, Calif., Oct. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Zero Motorcycles, the leading electric motorcycle manufacturer, today announced the company's all-new 2009 Zero X electric motorcycle is now available for purchase at the Zero Motorcycles website. Modifications to the 09 model have made the bike faster, stronger and more durable for the most demanding terrain. Upgraded elements include the drivetrain, frame, suspension, brakes, wheels and tires. With the overwhelming success of the sold-out 2008 model, the more powerful 09 Zero X is arriving just in time.

The Zero X electric motorcycle is a high performance, zero-compromise electric dirt bike that utilizes a proprietary lithium-ion power pack, and a handmade aircraft grade aluminum frame to deliver surprising power and explosive acceleration. With a 23 horsepower electric motor and a total weight of 151 pounds, the Zero X can keep pace with conventional gas off-road motorcycles - without the related noise and pollution problems. Built from the ground up using the ultimate electric motorcycle technology and boasting 50 ft-lbs of torque, twice that of its competition, this stealthy motorcycle races up hills, flies over jumps, and splashes through streams. And it can all be done without disturbing nature or neighbors.

"After years of designing electric motorcycles we're still innovating to go faster and further. The 09 Zero X is another evolutionary leap forward. We've made several key changes based on suggestions from both pro riders and our current customers," said Neal Saiki, inventor and founder of Zero Motorcycles. "We are definitely the leader in electric motorcycle technology and we intend to remain out front."

The 3rd generation of the Zero X is designed to easily tackle the most challenging off-road environments. Improvements start with a beefier drivetrain and work their way out from there. For a complete list of features for the 09 Zero X, please visit: http://www.zeromotorcycles.com/zero-x

Exceeding all expectations with the 08 model, Zero is ramping up production and delivery on the 09 version to accommodate the more than 100 units on its waiting list by Christmas. New orders received by the end of November will ship by year end.

The 2009 Zero X is priced at $7750, with an introductory price of $7450 through December 31, 2008.

Zero Motorcycles is the next step in motorcycle evolution and represents the ultimate electric motorcycle technology. Unencumbered by conventional thinking about how they design, manufacture, and sell high performance electric motorcycles, Zero is on a mission to turn heads and revolutionize our industry by combining the best aspects of a traditional motorcycle with today's most advanced technology. The result is an electric motorcycle line that's insanely fast, and environmentally friendly.

For information on Zero Motorcycles: http://www.zeromotorcycles.com/

For media information, please contact Ashley Garing, DRIVEN Media Communications www.drivenontheweb.com, 951-587-9465 or media@zeromotorcycles.com

Source: Zero Motorcycles

Consumer Reports' 2008 Annual Car Reliability Survey: Gas-Saving Models Lead in Reliability

Also, some domestic models are comparable to top Japanese; luxury European automakers improve

YONKERS, N.Y., Oct. 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Fuel-efficient vehicles are a very reliable segment overall, European cars are improving, and, on average, Ford continues to build the most reliable American cars. Those are some of the results of Consumer Reports' 2008 Annual Car Reliability Survey announced today at an Automotive Press Association luncheon in Detroit.

More details, and a list of models with the best and worst predicted-reliability Ratings, will appear first on www.ConsumerReports.org. The reliability report will also appear in the December issue of Consumer Reports, on sale November 4 and in the latest Consumer Reports Cars publication, Best & Worst for '09, which also includes predicted-reliability ratings for more than 350 models.

A total of nine hybrid models for which Consumer Reports has sufficient data rated above average in predicted reliability, most from Japanese automakers. From the Family Cars category, the Toyota Prius, the Toyota Camry Hybrid, and the Nissan Altima Hybrid, as well as the luxury Lexus GS450h Hybrid sedan are all among the most reliable. The Lexus RX400h and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid are among the most reliable in midsized SUVs, while the Ford Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid small SUVs rated above average in predicted reliability. The Honda Civic Hybrid is also above average. In addition, conventional gas sippers such as the Honda Fit, Scion xD, Smart ForTwo, and Toyota Yaris had few problems.

Ford's three nameplates - Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury - lead the domestic automakers and continue to pull away from the rest of Detroit. Except for some truck-based vehicles, almost all Ford products are now average or better. Excluding those, Ford's reliability is now on par with good Japanese automakers. The Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan continued to rank among the most reliable family cars. The freshened Ford Focus sedan rated above average, a vast improvement from when the new model debuted in 2000 with below-average reliability.

European automakers, particularly Mercedes-Benz, showed signs of a comeback. Six Mercedes models, including the redesigned C-Class and E-Class (V6) sedans and the ML350 SUV have improved to average reliability and are now recommended. Last year, no Mercedes models had average or better reliability and so could not be recommended by Consumer Reports.

Still, Japanese cars are the most reliable overall, leading 15 of 16 categories in Consumer Reports' predicted reliability ratings. The Scion xD has the best predicted reliability score for all new cars with about 80% fewer problems than the average model.

European, Japanese Brands Rebound; Korean Brands Excel; Chrysler Struggles

Though Mercedes-Benz has shown improvement, a third of its models still have reliability problems, and no models scored above average. Overall, the brand moved up five places, from last year's 32 to this year's 27, in Consumer Reports survey. Audi and BMW also continue to improve. Two-thirds of Audi's lineup scored average or better, while most versions of the BMW 3 Series and some 5 Series are average or better. Volvo also improved leaving only the redesigned XC70 wagon rated below average in reliability.

Last year Consumer Reports called out three Toyota models that slipped to below average: the Camry V6, Tundra V8 4WD, and the Lexus GS AWD. But Toyota seems to have rectified some of the problems since all 42 of the Toyota, Lexus, and Scion models in the survey scored average or better. The three models noted above scored average.

Nissan showed striking improvements, with the troublesome Armada SUV, Titan pickup, and Infiniti QX56 SUV finally gaining average reliability. The new Nissan Rogue and Infiniti EX have started out above average. Nissan moved up in the Makes Rankings six places to fourteenth, while Infiniti moved up one spot, to sixth place when compared to last year's results.

The two closely related South Korean nameplates, Hyundai and Kia, rank right up there with the better Japanese makers. Most models scored above average or better.

General Motors is a mixed bag. Among the bright spots is the redesigned Chevrolet Malibu with above-average reliability for the 4-cylinder model and average for the V6. The Buick Lucerne V8 and four-cylinder Pontiac G6 are both above average. The Chevrolet Avalanche is now average. But a quarter of GM models are still well below average. Newer designs that did well in our testing, like the highly rated Cadillac CTS and Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, and Saturn Outlook SUV triplets, were below average in reliability.

Chrysler trails the pack. Though the Dodge Caliber hatchback and Jeep Patriot SUV are above average, almost two-thirds of its products rate below average. The new Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans earned low scores, as did the Chrysler Sebring V6 and Dodge Avenger sedans and Jeep Liberty SUV. The Sebring convertible had the worst predicted reliability score: 283% worse than average.

Full reliability history charts and predicted reliability on hundreds of 2009 models, plus a list of what's up and what's down, best and worst models, and a comparison chart of brands can be found online at www.ConsumerReports.org and in the latest Consumer Reports Cars publication, Best & Worst for '09 ($5.99 U.S./$6.99 Canada), on sale November 11, 2008 everywhere magazines are sold.

Findings are based on responses on more than 1.4 million vehicles owned or leased by subscribers to Consumer Reports or its web site, www.ConsumerReports.org, the biggest response in the Annual Car Reliability Survey's history. The survey was conducted in the spring of 2008 by Consumer Reports' National Survey Research Center and covered model years 1999 to 2008.

Consumer Reports' expert team of statisticians and automotive engineers used the survey data to predict reliability of new 2009 models. Predicted reliability is CR's forecast of how well models currently on sale are likely to hold up. To calculate predicted-reliability ratings, CR averages the overall reliability scores (used car verdicts) for the most recent three model years, provided that the model remained unchanged in that period and also didn't substantially change for 2009. If a model was new or redesigned in the past couple of years, one or two years' data may be used, or if that's all that's available.

Consumer Reports Annual Car Reliability Survey is used in determining which makes and models are recommended to consumers by CR. Consumer Reports recommends only models that have performed well in tests conducted at its 327-acre Auto Test Center in Connecticut, and that have average or better predicted reliability based on its annual survey. In addition, vehicles must perform well in government or insurance-industry crash and rollover tests, if tested, in order to be recommended. Occasionally, Consumer Reports may recommend a redesigned model too new to have compiled a reliability record if the previous generation, and the manufacturer's reliability track record has been consistently outstanding, and if the model meets the other criteria.

Consumer Reports is one of the most trusted sources for information and advice on consumer products and services. CR has the most comprehensive auto-test program of any American magazine or web site; CR's auto experts have decades of experience in driving, testing, and reporting on cars.

2008 CR CAR RELIABILITY SURVEY - APA

The material above is intended for legitimate news entities only; it may not be used for commercial or promotional purposes. Consumer Reports(R) is published by Consumers Union, an expert, independent nonprofit organization whose mission is to work for a fair, just, and safe marketplace for all consumers and to empower consumers to protect themselves. To achieve this mission, we test, inform, and protect. To maintain our independence and impartiality, CU accepts no outside advertising, no free test samples, and has no agenda other than the interests of consumers. CU supports itself through the sale of our information products and services, individual contributions, and a few noncommercial grants.

Source: Consumer Reports

CONTACT: Russell Datz, +1-516-594-0062, rdatz@brandwaregroup.com, for
Consumer Reports; or Douglas Love of Consumer Reports, +1-914-378-2437,
dlove@consumer.org Web Site: http://www.consumerreports.org/

Alex Severinsky 2008 Clark School Innovation Hall of Fame Inductee

COLLEGE PARK, Md., Oct. 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Most people would be surprised to learn that the inventor of the advanced hybrid technology used in the Toyota Prius and other vehicles is an American. After all, American car companies have been slow to adopt hybrid technologies.

In fact, he is an engineer and entrepreneur who emigrated to the U.S. from the Soviet Union and launched his inventions at the A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland in College Park.

This month, the spotlight will finally shine on Alex J. Severinsky, who designed the Hyperdrive power-amplified internal combustion engine power train. He will be inducted into the Clark School's Innovation Hall of Fame on October 30.

Soon after Severinsky arrived in America as a refugee in 1978 -- in the middle of the national oil crisis of that era -- he recognized a major problem he believed he could help solve.

"I'd just come from bread lines and now I was in gas lines," says Severinsky. He decided to tackle the problem of gasoline consumption.

Severinsky has a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from Moscow's Institute for Precision Measurements in Radioelectronics and Physics. He set about analyzing the Periodic Table, searching for practical alternatives to internal combustion.

He concluded that a fully-electric vehicle would never be practical, but an electric/internal combustion hybrid could work. He took a job in power electronic engineering, where he could immerse himself in the field of high-voltage semiconductors that was crucial to his ideas for a hybrid.

Looking for support for his newly-founded company, Viteq, in 1986, Severinsky connected with the Technology Advancement Program, a venture incubator in the Clark School's Maryland Technology Enterprise Institute (Mtech) that helps regional entrepreneurs build their early-stage companies.

Through Viteq, he developed uninterruptible power supplies for computer systems; later the company was sold to a Texas-based firm. With the help of then Clark School Assistant Dean Herbert Rabin, Severinsky formed yet another company, Power-Assisted Internal Combustion Engine (PAICE), to create a hybrid power train.

Starting in 1992, Severinsky began filing numerous patents for the Hyperdrive power train system. He received additional help from Mtech in arranging a meeting with staff from the National Institutes of Standards and Technology, the U.S. Department of Commerce, and Lockheed Martin.

He made a physical prototype of his technology and, on October 14, 1999, demonstrated the PAICE system in Detroit. Severinsky proved that the system could effectively reduce the gas consumption of a Cadillac Coup de Ville by half in city driving while retaining its driving performance.

Engineers at U.S. and Japanese automakers were interested in Severinsky's invention, but top management resisted. A staff engineer at Toyota later developed the same idea as Severinsky for hybrids. When the Toyota Prius was introduced, Severinsky fought to protect his patent rights. After a protracted legal battle with Toyota, he won the civil case in 2005. (Additional litigation is in progress.)

Severinsky is satisfied with the turn of events.

"I bought my car from Toyota," he said, with a smile. "My wife loves it. It uses several of my inventions."

He credits Toyota for creating an unusual working environment in which in-house competition of ideas is fostered.

With his new company, Fuelcor, he has returned to an old interest that is even more relevant today: using electronics to improve oil production. The idea behind Fuelcor, launched in 2005, is to "make fuel instead of hunting for it" by synthetically manufacturing hydrocarbon compounds from their ultimate products of decomposition -- carbon dioxide and water. Fuelcor is already in the early stages of commercialization on two continents.

"This is the ultimate technology in transportation fuels," he says.

Alex Severinsky will be inducted into the Innovation Hall of Fame at a Clark School ceremony on October 30, 2008. The ceremony will be immediately followed by the Charles and Helen White Symposium on Engineering Innovation, "Intellectual Property: How Well Does the System Protect the Individual Innovator?"

About the Clark School Innovation Hall of Fame

To recognize great engineering feats associated with the Clark School, and to inspire young engineering students and the public, Stanford W. Berman, B.S. '50, developed and provided funding for the Clark School's Innovation Hall of Fame more than 20 years ago.

The hall, located in the north corridor of the Kim Engineering Building, features Clark School innovators and their technological advances spanning many disciplines and eras, including pulse Doppler radar, the universal product code, flexible coronary artery stents, the automatic parachute, satellite surveillance, the maser (precursor of the laser), and retractable airplane landing gear.

These technologies enhance everyday life for millions of people around the world. Each year, nominations are submitted to a selection committee that evaluates the inventors and technologies described and chooses one for induction. Nominees may be:

-- Clark School alumni
-- Clark School faculty whose innovations were developed primarily at the
Clark School
-- Alumni of other University of Maryland schools, and other associates
who have a meaningful relationship with the Clark School.

Innovations are selected on the basis of their positive impact on society and may be:

-- A working product, system or design.
-- A comprehensive body of technical work that has advanced the
understanding of the engineering profession.

The engineering work featured in the Innovation Hall of Fame serves to inspire Clark School students and the many visitors who pass through the hall each year.

For more information, see www.eng.umd.edu/ihof/new.html.

Source: A. James Clark School of Engineering

CONTACT: Missy Corley of A. James Clark School of Engineering,
+1-301-405-6501, +1-804-398-8652 (cell), mcorley@umd.edu

Web Site: http://www.eng.umd.edu/

Special Town Hall Broadcast Set for Rural America

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Oct. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- T. Boone Pickens will bring his message addressing the energy crisis to farmers, ranchers, and rural landowners with a special edition RFD-TV "LIVE" television broadcast, which will originate from RFD-TV's Nashville studios on Wednesday evening, October 29th, beginning at 8pm ET/7pm CT.

National and local media are invited to attend, as Mr. Pickens will also hold a press conference at the NorthStar/RFD-TV studios beginning at 6:45pm ET/5:45 pm CT.

Mr. Pickens will discuss details of the Pickens Plan with RFD-TV host Orion Samuelson, and take questions from RFD-TV's national television audience along with special guests in the Nashville studio made up of rural youth, including Tennessee FFA and 4-H members. The special prime-time broadcast is scheduled to last for 90 minutes.

"With the national election right around the corner, this special Town Hall broadcast could not be more timely," stated Patrick Gottsch, Founder & President of RFD-TV. "Rural America is key to solving the energy crisis, and for our audience to hear from and get their questions answered directly by Mr. Pickens at this time is a tremendous opportunity that is truly appreciated by all."

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