ANN ARBOR, Mich., Sept. 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- This October, The Business of Plugging In(SM) conference returns to Detroit hosting a diverse lineup of leaders from a number of different industries. Representing sectors key to the success of wide-scale plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) deployment, this year's event will unite automotive, utility, technology, finance and policy leaders to continue the intelligent discussion surrounding the global PEV market.

Speakers confirmed for the 2010 conference include:

• Michael Brylawski, Executive Vice President, Corporate Strategy, Bright Automotive
• Jay Chmelauskas, President, Western Lithium
• Tony Earley, Chairman & CEO, DTE Energy
• Jason Forcier, VP of Automotive Solutions, A123 Systems
• Nancy Gioia, Director, Global Electrification, Ford Motor Company
• Jon Hykawy, Clean Technologies & Materials Analyst, Byron Capital Markets
• George Pataki, Counsel, Chadbourne & Parke LLP and Former Governor, State of New York
• Chris Preuss, President, OnStar
• Dan Reicher, Director, Climate Change and Energy Initiative, Google
• Mark Reuss, President, General Motors North America
• Dipender Saluja, Managing Partner, Capricorn Investment Group
• Tom Stephens, Vice Chairman, Global Product Operations, General Motors
• Mary Ann Wright, Vice President, Global Technology and Innovation Accelerators, Johnson Controls Power Solutions
• Yibing Wu, President, CITIC Private Equity Funds Management Company, Ltd.

The three-day conference will feature programming covering all aspects of the PEV industry, from the "Discovering the Lithium Trail" session on involving the lithium value chain, to "We're Building Them—So, Who's Going to Buy Them?," a panel dedicated to the successful adaptation of PEVs into today's market. Panels, sessions and workshops will shape the agenda of the conference, taking place at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center.

A ride-and-drive event exclusive to The Business of Plugging In attendees will also take place at the conference, featuring the following highly anticipated vehicles:

• 2011 Chevrolet Volt
• 2011 Ford Transit Connect EV
• 2011 Nissan LEAF
• 2011 Mercedes-Benz Smart fortwo Electric Drive
• Ford F-150 Converted Hybrid Pickup

Registration for The Business of Plugging In conference 2010 is open. Join the PEV discussion and help to ensure the present and future success of plug-in electric vehicles.

For more information on registration, exhibition and sponsorship for The Business of Plugging In, visit www.bpiconference.com.

About The Business of Plugging In(SM)

The Business of Plugging In first took place in 2009 in Detroit, the center of global automotive technology leadership, to cultivate discussion among key stakeholders about developing a business model and infrastructure that will support the introduction and future growth of plug-in electric vehicles. Presenting Sponsors for 2010 are General Motors (www.gm.com) and DTE Energy (www.dteenergy.com). The Center for Automotive Research, based in Ann Arbor, Mich. manages the conference.

SOURCE Center for Automotive Research

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