PPG Industries recently joined the roster of participating companies, which includes Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC, BorgWarner Inc., Delphi Corporation, Gates Corp., Gentex Corporation, Magna International of America Inc., Meritor WABCO Vehicle Control Systems, Robert Bosch LLC, SABIC Innovative Plastics, Valeo Inc. and Webasto Product North America Inc.
Members of Congress, federal agency officials, congressional staff, and the media will have the opportunity to test drive vehicles and see displays relating to vehicle safety and fuel efficiency, according to Bob McKenna, MEMA president and CEO. "With Washington's increased interest in fuel economy and reducing emissions, this event will allow the people making policy to get behind the wheel and experience the technology for themselves."
The motor vehicle parts supplier industry — which comprises the largest manufacturing sector in the United States — accounts for 40 percent of total automotive research and development investment, according to Ann Wilson, MEMA vice president, government affairs.
The event will include active passenger car and heavy-duty vehicle demonstrations as well as several detailed static displays. Energy demonstrations and displays will include clean diesel, direct injection, electro-mechanical drive, engine heating and cooling, flex fuel, hydraulic hybrid, idle reduction, liquid hydrogen, solar/heat reflective glass, stop start, and other fuel-efficient technologies.
Safety demonstrations and displays will include adaptive cruise control, blind zone management, cross traffic warning, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, on-demand all-wheel drive, parking assist, side alert, stability control, and other vehicle safety technologies. Company executives and engineers will be on-site to provide information on each of the technologies represented.
