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Former CIA Director to Keynote Auto Industry Conference Focused on Alternative Fuels and Achieving MPG Goals


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SOUTHFIELD, MI--March 26, 2013: R. James Woolsey, former director of the Central Intelligence Agency and co-founder of the US Energy Security Council, will lead off a panel discussion with executives from Ford, GM, Toyota and Chrysler at a meeting in Southfield, MI March 28 that will focus on how the automotive industry plans to achieve the EPA-mandated CAFE equivalent of 54.5 mpg by 2025 and reduce CO2 emissions.

The meeting is sponsored by the Society of Automotive Analysts and is themed "Future Fuels and Powertrains: A Reality Check." It will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Federal-Mogul Corp. headquarters in Southfield, Mich.

Knowing that America is heading for a crisis because of U.S. dependence on petroleum in the face of exploding global demand, Woolsey co-founded the U.S. Energy Security Council to do something about it.

Joining Woolsey will be:

  • Sandy Stojkovski , president, Scenaria, Inc.
  • Gregg Black , senior manager, Advanced Engine Systems Development, Chrysler
  • John Viera , global director, Sustainability & Vehicle Environmental Matters, Ford
  • Justin Ward , general manager, Powertrain System Control Group, Toyota
  • Daniel Frakes , manager, Vehicle Fuels & Advance Technology Policy, General Motors

"Seldom in the history of auto industry has there been such agreement as we now find on achieving the twin goals of national energy security and CO2 reduction," said SAA President Anthony Pratt. "Read any automaker's annual Corporate Sustainability Report; it's there in black and white. The auto industry is spending billions to reach those goals. We will examine how we are doing as a nation and as an industry in our attempt to reach those goals."

"Automakers are exploring all alternatives -- battery power, hybrids, fuel cells, clean diesels, and IC engines with further improvements -- along with a variety of alternative fuels and vehicle weight reduction," Pratt added. "But which approaches are showing the most promise? Which technologies are being hamstrung by lack of infrastructure or fuel type and quality? Are oil companies actively involved supporting change?"

For registration and to view the complete agenda, go to SAA Auto Leaders .