UM team places at annual FutureTruck competition

On June 19, David Holloway, professor of mechanical engineering, and a team of undergraduate and graduate students competed in the annual FutureTruck competition in Michigan. Competing against 15 national universities, the University of Maryland won first place in Best Regulated Emissions, first place in Trailer Towing Capability, and third overall. The U.S. Department of Energy, General Motors Corporation and Yahoo! sponsor FutureTruck.

Each team starts with a model-year 2000 Chevrolet Suburban SUV and ten thousand dollars in seed money donated by General Motors with the primary objective to modify the existing power train to increase fuel economy as measured by the total greenhouse gas impact of the vehicle without compromising its safety, convenience and performance. For their efforts, the University of Maryland team received $6,000 in award money.

Recognized at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. last Wednesday, this team's accomplishments will also be the subject of a future feature article in the Baltimore Sun. Also see the ME website.

Published June 20, 2001