Partners4Automotive 2008 is being organised in cooperation with the Institute of Automotive and Manufacturing Advanced Practice (AMAP) at the University of Sunderland to create an international business led forum that will investigate the future challenges and potential business opportunities that are associated with the development and usage of low carbon and alternative fuel technologies for various types of vehicles and transportation systems.  

The 2 day event will provide directors and managers of not only local but also national and international engineering companies with a powerful insight into the needs and future issues that are surrounding the development and growth of this key market.  

At the heart of the event will be a number of presentations by key regional and international figures who are leaders in their field. The presentations will be followed by information on future funding sources such as the European Union’s FP7 programme which might be available to local business to get them involved in this exciting new future market.  

Alternative fuels are derrived from resources other than petroleum. Some are produced domestically, reducing our dependence on imported oil, and some are derived from renewable sources. Often, they produce less pollution than gasoline or diesel.  

The main types of alternative fuel are ...

	Hydrogen can be produced domestically from fossil fuels (such as coal), nuclear power, or renewable resources, such as hydropower. Fuel cell vehicles powered by pure hydrogen emit no harmful air pollutants.
	Ethanol is produced from corn and other crops and produces less greenhouse gas emissions than conventional fuels.
	Biodiesel is derived from vegetable oils and animal fats. It usually produces less air pollutants than petroleum-based diesel.
	Natural gas is a fossil fuel that generates less air pollutants and greenhouse gases.
	Propane, also called liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), is an abundant fossil fuel that generates less harmful air pollutants and greenhouse gases.

To make the exchange of information and experience available to all delegates the organisers are providing a number of workshop sessions on key areas such as 

           ·         refuelling, 

           ·         storage, 

           ·         movement, 
           ·         engine development, 
           ·         maintenance and 
           ·         key environmental issues.  

The event will also encourage all event delegates to take part in a ‘partner search’ networking session where the event organisers will facilitate a number of 1-2-1 meetings between all of the event delegates.  This session will provide a great ‘forum’ for the event delegates to make new face to face contacts and develop future business opportunities together. 

If you would like to find out more and to be involved in this key business event for 2008, then please register your business details on line by clicking on the box below.