09-18-2007: AltWheels Festival Gets "Popping" With Chevrolet

Chevy to Bring Gas-Friendly and Gas-Free Vehicles to Largest East Coast Alt Fuels Festival on September 28 & 29th

BOSTON – It won’t just be the tantalizing smells of freshly popping corn that will attract attention at the 2007 AltWheels-Alternative Transportation & Energy Festival, but the array of environmentally friendly Chevrolets-some of which can run on a blend of ethanol distilled from corn or other renewable biomass.

A first-time sponsor of AltWheels, Chevrolet will present a dynamic display that will include hybrids and technology that allows current models to reach EPA highway estimates of 30 mpg or better. Other models present at the festival will run on any combination of gasoline and E85, so named because it is a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. Visitors can also peer into the near future, in which, fuel cells turn hydrogen into electricity to propel Chevrolet Equinox SUVs.

Visitors to the Chevy display can also enjoy freshly popped corn, talk to specialists, pick up literature on its many gas-friendly and gas-free transportation options, climb in and out of vehicles and pick up a free gift.

"Chevrolet is focused on offering consumers fuel efficiency with a choice," said John Konkel, Chevrolet Regional Divisional Marketing Manager for GM’s NorthEast region. "Chevy has, and continues to bring a number of fuel solutions to market, and we look forward to sharing a number of these at AltWheels-Alternative Transportation & Energy Festival."

For 2007, Chevy offers eight models with 30 mpg highway or better, including the Cobalt, HHR and Aveo which will be on display at Alternative Transportation & Energy Festival.

The popcorn machine celebrates the presence of a Chevy Impala and Avalanche, two vehicles that can run on either gasoline or E85. E85 is a cleaner-burning, mostly renewable fuel source made from U.S.-grown biomaterial. It helps reduce greenhouse gases and can enhance the nation’s economy and energy independence.

Those visiting AltWheels-Alternative Transportation & Energy Festival can also catch a first glimpse of America’s first full-size hybrid SUV – the 2008 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid. Available in two- or four-wheel drive, it provides the power and capability one expects from a utility vehicle while also delivering surprising fuel efficiency in both highway and city driving.

Chevy’s other "first look" opportunities at the festival include the 2008 Malibu Hybrid. This first-ever Chevy Malibu Hybrid will deliver an EPA rating of 24 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. Beginning production in October, the Malibu Hybrid offer customers an affordable hybrid choice packaged in a refined, midsize sedan.

"Chevrolet is committed to bringing the public driveable and practical vehicles that decrease our energy dependence and reduce our emissions," said Konkel.

The Chevy Equinox Fuel Cell is a real-world vehicle: It is one of the first of a fleet of more than 100 that will be driven by real drivers during a two-year pilot that begins this autumn. It is yet another stop in the electrification of the automobile; instead of batteries, electricity is created by fuel cells, and it emits only water vapor.

AltWheels will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, September 28, and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, September 29. For more information on the AltWheels -Alternative Transportation & Energy Festival, please visit www.altwheels.org