USA, Las Vegas
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Institute (AFVi) recognized outstanding leadership in the alternative fuels and vehicles industry as part of the opening day of the 14th Alternative Fuels & Vehicles Conference + Expo 2008. The awards honor excellence in individuals and/or organizations that have advanced the use of alternative fuels, vehicles or advanced technologies resulting in clean alternatives to petroleum. The AFVi 2008 award winners include the following:
USA
Gunnar Lindstrom, who has spearheaded Honda’s NGV program in the USA the past several years, has opted for early retirement. February 1st was his last day at Honda. Gunnar joined American Honda in 1978, working first in Motorcycle and later with the Automobile Service division as a technical trouble-shooting Engineer. He joined Honda R&D and the newly formed Electrical Vehicle team in 1990 where he was responsible for the initial US strategy and coordination of Honda North American EV activities. He also worked to develop EV recharging infrastructure standards jointly with the Electric Utility industry. Today, his department is responsible for the Honda Civic GX, developing the launch strategy and business plan for the FuelMaker “Phill” home refueling appliance and the launch of the Honda FCX. For the past three years, Gunnar also has served as the vice-chair of NGVAmerica. Gunnar has been a stronger advocate and effective spokesman for light-duty NGVs. NGVAmerica and the entire NGV industry will miss his leadership and guidance.
USA
NGVAmerica Recognizes Mario Pirraglia for Marketing Role
US industry association NGVAmerica has recognized FuelMaker Corporation’s Senior VP of Sales and Marketing, Mario Pirraglia, for his term as Chairman of the Marketing Advisory Committee (MAC) from 2004-2006. Special recognition was given to Mario during the National NGV Conference Summit in Reno, Nevada for accomplishments the MAC achieved during his term as Chairman. Stephe Yborra, Director of Marketing and Communications at NGV America praised Mario for bringing a true marketing focus to the committee; “Mario helped us focus our efforts on finding and reaching the true end user decision makers of natural gas fleet vehicles, most notably transit officials, school transportation managers, and city fleet managers” .
Belgium, Brussels
Dr Jeffrey M. Seisler, the founding Executive Director of the European Natural Gas Vehicle Association (ENGVA) is opening a Brussels-based consultancy, Clean Fuels Consulting “to foster a more proactive advocacy effort with the European institutions, focusing on natural gas vehicles (NGVs), renewable biomethane, hydrogen and other clean fuels”.
We regret to inform readers of NGV Global that Carlos Lugones passed away on April 30th at the age of 70 years after a long illness. Carlos was the fourth President of IANGV, 1992 – 1994. He presided over a significant period of development and growth of the association during which the numbers of NGVs around the world rose from 500,000 to over 800,000.
Much to the surprise and thanks of the IANGV Council, he offered to hold the second conference NGV90 in Buenos Aires at a time when the NGV industry in Argentina was nowhere near as strong as it is now. He put the resources of his not so large company behind the organization of the conference which was a most successful event. He enlisted his daughter Marina to get her friends to assist with registration, etc and add great colour to the event. With characteristic flair, he arranged the exhibition and opening ceremony to be held in an enormous marquee erected on the median strip of Avenida 9 Julio, the huge main avenue in central Buenos Aires.
Canada, Vancouver
Westport Innovations Inc. has appointed Nicholas Sonntag as President
of Westport Asia. In his role, Mr. Sonntag will be responsible for the
growth and development of Westport’s emerging businesses and
opportunities in China and will also play an integral role in
Westport’s other Asian market opportunities.
Canada, Calgary
Dr Christian Rasche, incoming President & CEO of Dynetek
The Board of Canadian cylinder and storage system manufacturer Dynetek,
has appointed Dr. Christian Rasche as the new President and CEO of
Dynetek effective January 1, 2007. Dr Rasche’s appointment follows the
resignation of Robb Thompson from the roles, effective December 31,
2006, though Thompson will stay on as a Director of Dynetek.
USA, Washington DC
Gil Sperling, moving on from NGVAmerica
NGVAmerica has announced a changing of the guard for their Director of
Regulatory Affairs and General Counsel. Long time appointee, Gil
Sperling has left the position to take up a role with the Pipeline
Research Council International (PRCI) and will be replaced by Jeff
Clarke, who used to work with NGVAmerica in its previous incarnation,
the NGV Coalition.
The Netherlands, Amsterdam (WGC2006)
The
President of Asia Pacific NGV Association (ANGVA) Abdul Datuk Rahim Hj
Hashim has been elected Vice President of the International Gas Union
(IGU) at the Word Gas Conference, held last week in Amsterdam. Datuk
Rahim is a Vice President of Gas Business for Malaysian energy giant,
Petronas, and is Chairman of the company’s natural gas vehicle
subsidiary, Petronas NGV.
USA, Texas
Conversion equipment supplier BAF Technologies has appointed Dave Loper to the position of Regional Sales Manager. Loper joins BAF from Hybrid Fuel Systems (now US Energy Initiatives), where he served as Senior Account Manager. He was responsible for initiating the conversion project of a Sterling truck with a Detroit Series 60 powered diesel engine to dual fuel (CNG / Diesel) for SWACO at their Columbus, OH facility.
USA, California
Dr. Michael Gallagher, President and COO of Westport Innovations,
(Vancouver, Canada), has been appointed to the WestStart-CALSTART Board
of Directors. WestStart-CALSTART a leading North American
advanced transportation technologies consortium.
WestStart-CALSTART is a participant-supported organization of
approximately 120 firms and organizations worldwide, dedicated to
expanding and supporting a high-tech transportation industry that
cleans the air, creates jobs and improves energy efficiency. More
information www.weststart.org.
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