Federal Mogul at its world headquarters in Southfield, MI hosted a Society of Automotive Analysts (SAA) Networking Breakfast on March 28, 2013. The Society of Automotive Analysts is an organization committed to a platform of “auto thought leadership” and providing ongoing access to key information.
At the forefront of this networking forum are environmental and sustainability issues in the area of future fuels and powertrains—internal fuel combustions.
R. James Woolsey, Former CIA Director and Co-Founder of the U.S. Security Council spoke regarding café standards alone are insufficient to significantly reduce the United States dependency on oil. Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFÉ) is regulations first enacted by Congress in 1975 in response to the energy crisis of the oil embargo of 1973-1974. Woolsey presented the case for the American driver to decide on the choice of fuels; similarly this strategy is an option for Brazil and China. He made the case that a global economy, ever increasing in the demand for oil, requires a response from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) to provide the ability of choice in the type of fuel used in automobiles. Electric vehicles are not cost effective and practical choices for many families. Woolsey made the case that methanol is a low carbon fuel which is half the price of gasoline and can make an impact on reducing greenhouse gases.
Beginning the discussion on Woolsey’s call to action and serve as a reality check, panelists from the automotive industry executives gave concrete information on the directions they are vetting in regards to fuel and powertrains. Sandy Stojkovski, President, Scenaria; 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; and Daniel Frakes, Manager, Vehicle Fuels & Advance Technology Policy, General Motors comprised the panel.
The information provided by the panel informs suppliers of glitches and how they can contribute to making the system more efficient. Scenaria analyzes fuel and manufacturing cost, technology, capacity, and payback specializing in assisting OEMs and suppliers plan future technology investments. Various participants are separate entities but work as a team with the source client. SAA provides the ability for participants to recommend where to invest and thereby maintain Michigan manufacturing base to compete in the global economy.
Author: Michelle Abd’Elaziz, Reporter on Urban Planning, representing GreeningDetroit.com