From the Office of the Executive Director

Dear Friends,

Spring always brings new energy and the same is true for this year! The NAFTC has a lot of new and exciting projects underway and you will find information on many of them, as well as key industry updates, in this edition of the NAFTC eNews.

While the automotive business has faced some difficult times over the last few months, we are hopeful with the surge in governmental support that we will see this industry return in an even stronger way. With the plan of our new Administration to invest in alternative and renewable energy, the future of the alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicle industry may finally get the adequate support and funding to put in place the much needed infrastructure to see this industry succeed. You can read more on this support in the eNews article titled The Economic Stimulus Plan – What it means for Alternative Fuel and Advanced Technology Vehicles.

One of the NAFTC’s strongest allies, the U.S. DOE Clean Cities program, celebrated its fifteen-year anniversary on March 4th with a formal gathering at the U.S. DOE national headquarters in Washington, D.C. Clean Cities Coordinators, program staff, past and present, and industry and government stakeholders and representatives gathered to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of the program. Congratulations, Clean Cities, on fifteen years of outstanding accomplishments. We applaud each of you for your hard work and dedication to advancing the industry! (The full story can be read at U.S. DOE Clean Cities Program Celebrates 15th Year Anniversary.)

The NAFTC has rolled out a new membership structure, forging new partnerships to provide education and outreach for alternative fuels, alternative fuel vehicles and advanced technology vehicles. The revised structure encourages new categories of organizations to take advantage of the services, products and benefits of the NAFTC. In addition, the NAFTC has added to its program line-up a new state-of-the-art Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Propulsion Systems training program. More information on both of these topics can be found in the Consortium Updates section of this edition of the eNews.

As always, we are never too busy to help you if our assistance is needed, so please do not hesitate to contact us!

Sincerely,

Al Ebron,
NAFTC Executive Director

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NAFTC's National Headquarters, Morgantown, WV NAFTC photo