The National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (NAFTC) is pleased to announce that National AFV Day Odyssey 2006 will be held October 12, 2006!. This third biennial exciting event will continue its mission to promote important alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) and advanced technology vehicle innovations and awareness.

When Odyssey was last held in 2004, participating sites offered educational fairs or conferences, networking breakfasts/luncheons, information on AFV training opportunities, or AFV ride-and-drive demonstrations for policymakers, students, fleet managers, and the general public. Acclaimed actor and conservationist Dennis Weaver served as Odyssey’s national spokesperson. Weaver spoke at the national media kick-off event in Palm Desert, California, and also recorded Odyssey promotional segments that aired on radio stations throughout the country. Odyssey attendance was more than 24,000, and the event was covered by local and national media.

Although Odyssey’s focus has expanded to be international in its scope and impact, every individual event is tailored to its own community’s needs and interests. Each host site chooses its own format and activities to reflect its audience while still meeting the overall objectives of creating a greater awareness of AFVs and promoting their use. Participation in Odyssey 2006 will showcase organization and group involvement in educating the community on this hot topic.

Given the recent focus of abnormally high gas prices due to the damaging hurricane season and current, cutting-edge technological developments, there is a growing interest in energy-efficient and environmentally friendly AFVs and advanced technology vehicles. Based on the tremendous success of the last two Odyssey events and because NAFTC plays a prominent role in the alternative fuels industry, Odyssey 2006 promises to be even bigger and better! NAFTC will provide more details about Odyssey 2006 as they become available.

Please contact the NAFTC at 304-293-7882 or judy.moore@mail.wvu.edu for information on becoming an Odyssey 2006 site coordinator or sponsor.