Jan 23, 2008

X PRIZE Designed to Spur Highly Efficient Vehicles

The Automotive X PRIZE, a competition designed to inspire a new generation of viable, super-efficient vehicles, is seeking American cities interested in hosting a stage of the 2009-2010 race competition. The event, which was created to help break the world's addiction to oil and stem the effects of climate change, is an independent and technology-neutral competition, open to teams from around the world who can design, build and bring to market 100-miles-per-gallon-equivalent vehicles that people want to buy and that meet market needs for price, size, capability, safety and performance.

More than 50 teams from seven countries have already signed letters of intent to compete, and the organizers continue to solicit additional teams to enter the competition. The window of opportunity for interested teams to register will remain open for at least the next 60 days.

Once the competition launches later this year, those that qualify will embark on a rigorous cross country race that combines speed, distance, urban driving and overall performance. The racing segment of the event is expected to travel through 10 U.S. cities while being broadcast to a global audience, building consumer demand for vehicles in the competition and demonstrating many practical, clean and affordable vehicle options. The winners will need to exceed 100-mpg-equivalent fuel economy, fall under strict emissions caps and finish in the fastest time.

"The Automotive X PRIZE has the potential to revolutionize the auto industry," said Don Foley, executive director of the organization. "Competitors and U.S. cities have a unique opportunity to help bring about tangible, positive change: lower fuel costs, reduced carbon emissions, and an invigorated market."