NHTSA Administrator David Strickland to Keynote Green Truck Summit

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., Feb. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- David Strickland, who as head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) sets policy for motor vehicle safety and fuel economy standards, will give the keynote address at the 2011 Green Truck Summit on Monday, March 7. The Green Truck Summit is held March 7-8 in conjunction with The Work Truck Show 2011 and 47th Annual National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) Convention at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. The Work Truck Show runs March 8-10, and includes a Green Truck Ride-and-Drive with a record number of hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles available.

The Green Truck Summit is considered the industry's foremost educational forum. This year's event, jointly produced by the NTEA and CALSTART, features 26 sessions on alternative fuels, hybrid vehicle technology, real-world fleet experiences, and the latest product and technology developments.

Strickland will discuss the importance of alternative fuels and advanced technologies in the work truck industry. With groundbreaking regulations on fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas emission reduction currently under review by NHTSA and the EPA, Strickland can provide critical insights on issues that will have a direct impact on companies that manufacture and use work trucks.  

"It is vital to learn all we can about NHTSA's vision for the future of work trucks," says Jim Carney, NTEA executive director. "We are so pleased to provide this rare opportunity to hear firsthand from Mr. Strickland about safety and fuel economy initiatives relating to the work truck industry. This can only help to better prepare us for what is to come."

Strickland has been NHTSA Administrator since January 2010, and his background and expertise in fuel economy standards and reforms is extensive.  Prior to his appointment, he served for eight years on the staff of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. During that time, he was lead negotiator on the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) section of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007.

"The proposed regulations by NHTSA and the EPA will certainly continue to accelerate the movement to cleaner truck technologies and fuels," says John Boesel, president and CEO of CALSTART, North America's leading clean transportation organization. "This is a great opportunity to hear Mr. Strickland's personal perspective on these planned changes, and how manufacturers, suppliers and fleets can be ready to work with them."

Green Truck Summit registration includes admission to The Work Truck Show, North America's largest work truck event, and its free Green Truck Ride-and-Drive. This year's Ride-and-Drive on Tuesday, March 8, and Wednesday, March 9, will be the largest in the event's history, with 22 hybrid, alternative fuel, and high-efficiency diesel work trucks available.

To register for the Green Truck Summit, visit www.ntea.com or call 1-800-441-NTEA (6832).

About the NTEA

Established in 1964, the NTEA is the leading association supporting the work truck industry. The Association maintains its administrative headquarters in suburban Detroit and a government relations office in Washington, D.C.

About CALSTART

CALSTART is the only organization working nationally to foster the rapid growth of the entire clean transportation technology industry. It serves 130 member companies and consulting clients. For more information, visit www.calstart.org.

NOTE TO EDITORS: For a photo of Strickland, please visit www.ntea.com/worktruckshow/photoslogos/.

SOURCE National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA)