With volatile gasoline prices, tightening emission standards and heightened environmental consciousness, the interest in next-generation vehicles is peaking. Automobile companies are engaged in overall design and production of new cars and trucks, and Michigan suppliers are busy developing the high efficiency parts needed to produce the vehicles.
The diversity of next-generation transportation companies includes large automobile manufacturers like Ford Motor Company and General Motors, as well as Michigan suppliers in various sizes and at various stages. For instance, Azure Dynamics Corp., headquartered in Oak Park, MI., is a world leader in the development and production of hybrid electric an electric components along with powertrain systems for commercial vehicles, while Accelerate Michigan winner ENRG Power Systems LLC (EPS LLC) is an up-and-comer that will be welcoming its first customers this year.
EPS LLC provides an innovative replacement ignition coil system that increases vehicle fuel economy with an easy-to-retrofit technology for gasoline and other non-diesel engines, says Milton Raye, president and CEO. “This plasma ignition system reduces fuel use and operating costs, while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions, providing much of the benefit of new hybrid vehicles to vehicles already on the road and in service, at a much lower cost.” For V-8 engines, he says fuel economy improvements range from 14-21 percent, while reductions of greenhouse gas emissions extend from 15-55 percent. The company’s primary target is the thousands of rear-wheel-drive truck and van fleet vehicles.
Raye says “Michigan is a perfect location for the company. ” Michigan has the automotive talent to help us keep evolving our product; the entrepreneurial and mentor structures such as the Michigan Small Business Technology and Development Center and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which will enable EPS LLC to reach out to the angel and venture capital investing communities.
“Michigan is changing and evolving in real time, ” says Raye, ” and we are part of its renaissance.”
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Source: Automation Alley
