High-tech hybrid vehicle on show at university

20 April 2001

The future of the car will be on display at the University of Wollongong on Monday 23 April.

The two-seater vehicle represents the most likely form of transport technology to be used in the 'near' future as fuel availability and price becomes more problematic, and emission requirements more stringent. It is the first of its type to be made available for purchase in Australia, expected to hit the market at the end of the year.

It combines a very efficient petrol engine motor (1000 cc, 3 cylinders) with a compact electric motor (around 10 kw) and battery pack, resulting in around 1/3 the fuel consumption of conventional vehicles.

Made available by local Honda dealer, Wollongong City Honda, the vehicle will be inspected by fourth-year Mechanical Engineering students studying Sustainable Transport and Engine Technologies.

Dr Oliver Kennedy, Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Wollongong, said the visit was a good opportunity for students to examine the latest in transport technology.

"Sustainable energy and engineering technology is a field of growing importance. The Mechanical Engineering discipline has been developing a specialisation that allows students to focus on this area as part of their engineering studies," he said.

Time and place: The vehicle will be available for photo/filming at 1.30pm on Monday 23 April, in the area between Building 7 and Building 8.

For further information contact Dr Oliver Kennedy on 4221 3357.