DETROIT, April 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Germany is leading the
effort to make automotive transportation environmentally sustainable. This
initiative, supported by both industry and government, was the topic of
discussion at Invest in Germany's (IiG) executive breakfast held today in
Detroit.
The German automotive industry is following an integrated approach
working not only to optimize conventional engines and develop new engine
technologies, but also considering lightweight construction technologies
and alternative fuel solutions. According to Wolfgang Tiefensee, Germany's
Federal Minister for Transport, in an interview earlier this month, the
share of biofuels in Germany is now almost four percent. "This figure puts
Germany at the top of the European league table," said Tiefensee
Tobias Schenck, Senior Manager of IiG said, "It is our responsibility
to share knowledge of technologies for environmental improvement going on
in the German auto industry. Climate change is a problem of international
dimensions." As Minister Tiefensee commented, "Germany views itself as
playing an active part in the European and international decision-making
processes. We want to expand our collaborative programs in this field,
especially with American partners. Initial talks are already underway."
Gerhard Buschmann, Executive Vice President Diesel Engines, Powertrain
Mechatronics of IAV GmbH, one of Germany's leading vehicle engineering
companies, presented the current and future trends in powertrain
development. "In the short term, the highest potential for traffic CO2
emission reductions will be offered by clean diesel and efficient SI (spark
ignition) engine technologies. The future will bring the best of two
worlds. We will see more similar diesel and SI engines," said Buschmann.
The German government is actively supporting the automotive industry.
The National Programme of Innovation for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology
will provide 500 million euros funding. Tiefensee: "We aim to have hydrogen
and fuel cell applications ready for commercialization within the next ten
years."
"There is not one silver bullet propulsion solution," said Dr. Andreas
Truckenbrodt. Executive Director, Hybrid Development Center,
DaimlerChrysler. "In the end, the customer decides about the success of new
technologies."
David Andrea, Vice President Industry Analysis and Economics, OESA
(Original Equipment Suppliers Association) said, "While consumer demands
will still drive local powertrain offerings, global concern over greenhouse
gas emissions appears to be driving vehicle manufacturers in every region
to have a heightened priority on vehicle fuel consumption efficiency. On
one hand, this opens a whole new set of market opportunities for suppliers.
On the other hand, it expands market and technology risks. This makes the
industry that much more dynamic and meetings such as this that much more
important."
Invest in Germany (IiG) is the official investment promotion agency of
Germany. Our mandate is to assist and consult international companies about
investment opportunities in Germany. A new IiG was formed in January 2007,
following the merger of the Industrial Investment Council (IIC) and Invest
in Germany. For more information visit http://www.invest-in-germany.de .
Contact
Tobias Schenck
Invest in Germany
Phone Number: +1-248-250-2762
Email Address: schenck@iic.de
SOURCE Invest in Germany
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Related links:
http://www.invest-in-germany.de
CONTACT:
Tobias Schenck of Invest in Germany,
+1-248-250-2762, schenck@iic.de
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