Fuel Efficiency, New EPA Regs and EVs Focus of New Conference

Car-based crossover vehicles are taking over the world. Consumers love them for their utility, but their popularity is creating a big problem for automakers. They are taller, heavier and much less fuel efficient than the cars they are replacing, making it more difficult to meet future fuel economy and emissions standards.

Electric vehicles are part of the answer, but they need to become lighter and more aerodynamic as well if they are to achieve driving ranges competitive with conventional cars and trucks.

WardsAuto is hosting a half-day afternoon conference Dec. 13 at the Townsend Hotel in Birmingham, MI that will explore specific, holistic answers to these challenges.

The afternoon will start with Michael Hartrick, Director of Fuel Economy & Climate, Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers explaining the implications of the EPA’s Safer Affordable Fuel Efficient (SAFE) Vehicles proposed rule for model years 2021-2026.

Erin Sunde, Industry Analyst, Fuel Economy with Wards Intelligence will provide a detailed analysis of how the product mix is changing, how weight and aerodynamics are hurting the efficiency of car-based utilities and the future impact on corporate average fuel economy.

After defining the underlying issues, the rest of the afternoon will be filled with presentations and panel discussions covering a variety of solutions from major materials and component suppliers, including:

·         How Suppliers Can Help Automakers Meet Efficiency, Weight and Cost Targets

·         Aerodynamic Solutions for Improving Fuel Efficiency

·         New Ideas for Reducing Weight and Improving Safety in EVs

·         Unique assets for lightweighting in Detroit: IACMI and LIFT Manufacturing USA Institutes

For registration and agenda information go to: https://wardsauto.informa.com/focus-home/