Dear Friends:

The NAFTC is pleased to deliver the exciting news that the date for the next National AFV Day Odyssey has been set for October 12, 2006. This nationwide event has seen tremendous success in its previous two outings, and we are working to make the 2006 experience even bigger and better.

The inaugural Odyssey, held in 2002 as a brainchild of the NAFTC, was an effort to make the country aware of alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) and the technology that makes them a smart choice in transportation. This groundbreaking event drew crowds from California to Connecticut with 51 sites in 31 states nationwide.

In 2004, 54 sites in 34 states/provinces throughout North America hosted a variety of activities such as educational fairs or conferences, networking breakfasts/luncheons, information on AFV training opportunities, and AFV ride-and-drive demonstrations for policymakers, students, fleet managers, and the general public to promote alternative fuels and technology. Acclaimed actor and conservationist Dennis Weaver served as Odyssey’s national spokesperson. Plans for Odyssey 2006 are underway to make the event even bigger and better than the previous years’ efforts.

In addition to the exciting news on Odyssey 2006, this month’s eNews again includes a variety of top stories in our industry news section including how a hybrid grass could be a new source of alternative fuel and another story on new innovations with a hybrid’s transaxle. Please also explore the consortium news section to read about our fall business meeting and other news on activities of the NAFTC.

More details on Odyssey 2006 will be announced as they become available, but be sure to mark your calendars now for October 12, 2006! Please contact us at 304-293-7882, or e-mail me at al.ebron@mail.wvu.edu, if you would like more information on becoming an Odyssey 2006 site coordinator or sponsor or if we can be of service to you in any way.

Sincerely,

Al Ebron
NAFTC Executive Director

The National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium is a pioneer and a national leader in promoting programs and activities that will lead to energy independence and the greater use of cleaner transportation. The NAFTC is the only nationwide alternative fuel vehicle and advanced technology vehicle training organization in the U.S.!

Our mission is to provide the training infrastructure for implementing the widespread use of alternative fuels, alternative fuel vehicles and advanced technology vehicles. Our effort to increase our nation’s energy security, as well as improve our air quality by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, is embodied in our motto “Because Clean Air and Energy Independence Matter.”

Founded in 1992, the NAFTC is headquartered at West Virginia University and presently consists of 25 National Training Centers (NTCs) spanning the country from New York to California. Each center provides Training with Impact through its experienced instructors and real-world shop facilities. Approximately 60 Affiliate and Associate members also support the NAFTC’s mission.

Click on the blue dots for more information.

NAFTC's National Headquarters, Morgantown, WV