Ford Motor Company sponsors advanced technology exhibit at Detroit Science Center

DETROIT, November 6, 1999 – Today, Ford Motor Company and the Detroit Science Center opened a new exhibit of advanced automotive technologies. The exhibit features several concept vehicles as well as fuel cell, recycling and alternative fuel displays. The exhibit continues through the months of November and December at the Detroit Science Center's newly expanded exhibition space.

The Ford advanced automotive technologies exhibit is the first in a series of exhibits being presented by the Detroit Science Center and partner companies to showcase current and future technologies being developed in Southeastern Michigan. In addition, the expanded exhibit space will house traveling science exhibits and interactive displays on loan from other science museums.

"The Detroit Science Center is honored to have Ford Motor Company involved in the creation of our temporary exhibit program. Our changing exhibit laboratory will be dedicated to showcasing all of the science, technology and engineering achievements happening in Metro Detroit and around the world." said Mel Drumm, President of the Detroit Science Center. "We can’t think of a better way to inspire Detroit area children and their families to discover and appreciate science, technology and engineering". The exhibit includes a Ford fuel cell concept car that uses hydrogen to power the vehicle, and its only emission is water vapor. Other cars on display include the Libre concept car, a four-door convertible powered by a small 1.25-liter fuel efficient gasoline engine, and a lightweight, aerodynamic sport utility vehicle concept

Other displays show how lightweight materials can be used to make cars more fuel efficient; how household materials are now being recycled for use in vehicle parts, and how alternative fuels such as propane, natural gas and ethanol, may be used to power the next generation of automobiles.

"We're excited to be taking part in this premier event with the Detroit Science Center," said Vince Fazio, Ford director for the Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles. "The Detroit Science Center plays a huge role in the education of Detroit area students. We want them to see these cars up-close, because they are the generation that will be driving them."

The Ford technology display is part of a renewed commitment by the Detroit Science Center and its partners and sponsors to have a world-class facility in Detroit. As part of an ambitious expansion program, the Detroit Science Center is more than doubling in size – adding 65,000 square feet of new construction to its current 45,000 square foot facility. With this additional space, the Detroit Science Center will have the capacity to serve over 500,000 visitors each year. The total cost of the Detroit Science Center's expansion and renovation project is $25 million.

The Detroit Science Center is located at 5020 John R at Warren in Detroit's University Cultural Center. Admissions to the Exhibit Hall is only $3 for adults, or $2 for ages 2-17 and 60 or over. Admission to the IMAX® Dome Theater is an additional $4 per person. Ages 2 and under are free.

(If you attend, please send Electrifying Times some pictures. Remy C. ed)