Distinguished Energy Lecturer Series - The Future of the Automobile

Thursday, January 21, 2010 - 1:00 a.m. to Friday, January 22, 2010 - 1:55 a.m.
The Henry Samueli School of Engineering Distinguished Energy Lecturer Series

Featuring Bill Reinert
National Manager
Advanced Technology Vehicle Group
Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Location:  Engineering Hall Auditorium
Reception to follow at the National Fuel Cell Research Center (Building 323, UC Irvine Campus)


Free and open to the public
Parking is available in the Anteater Parking Structure at the intersection of Anteater Drive and East Peltason, Irvine, California  92697. 

Please R.S.V.P. to Jana Santiago at js@apep.uci.edu with your name and affiliation by noon on Jan. 20th.

Abstract:

The automobile plays a major role in the world's energy equation, and because of the remarkable mobility provided by the evolution and use of liquid petroleum-derived fuels, automobiles also represent a major and growing factor in world geopolitics. A variety of pressures are creating a dramatic change in the engine that will power the automobile in the future, the fuel that will be used to power the engine, and the design of the power train. The environment, the scarcity of petroleum supplies, and fuel independence are among the major drivers for this change - as are public health and safety, and the world economy. Interest in the automobile is exploding in countries such as India and China.

Join us as Toyota's Bill Reinert shares his perspective on the evolution of vehicle design, concepts that are likely to shape vehicle development for decades to come, and questions regarding the nexus between energy and human mobility. Find out why current discussions and debate regarding automobile design and alternatives to the automobile are unparalleled in modern history.

About the Speaker:

Bill Reinert is national manager, advanced technology vehicle group for Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc.

Reinert is responsible for the long-range product planning for all alternative fueled Toyota vehicles. His responsibilities include product planning for hybrid vehicles, including the second-generation Prius, and cross car line hybrid issues; fuel cell vehicles using both direct hydrogen and fuel reformation designs; full-featured electric vehicles; city electric vehicles and sustainable transportation systems.

Reinert also works with the World Wildlife Fund in the Galapagos Islands to establish a global model for cleaner energy use in developing economies.

Among other projects, Reinert and his group launched the first hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles in the U.S.  Part of this effort included working closely with state and local regional code officials, as well as emergency response providers to develop codes, standards, and procedures for handling a new automotive propulsion system.  In addition, Reinert oversaw development of the world’s first multi-vehicle hydrogen-by-electrolysis station powered by renewable electricity.

Prior to his current role, Reinert was project director for Project Perseus, a Toyota initiative to investigate markets for distributed power devices including micro-turbines and stationary fuel cells.

Prior to joining Toyota in 1990, Reinert developed advanced neural network applications and advanced energy systems for Hewlett Packard.  In addition, he developed alternative energy solutions for Bell Labs.

Reinert has a master’s degree in energy engineering from the University of Colorado, Boulder and did his undergraduate work in biopsychology with the University of Missouri at Kansas City.

Sponsored by: The Henry Samueli School of Engineering and the New Majority California Energy Task Force