Engineering Now .: Volume 4 - Edition 5 .: February 2008

Sunstang impresses a various events including the Canadian International Autoshow

The Sunstang team had a busy February, participating in numerous events, including the high profile Canadian International Autoshow in Toronto between February 15 - 24, 2008.

The autoshow had an estimated attendance of 250,000 people. Western Engineering's Sunstang team was one of five university car teams given space in this prestigious event. U of T, Waterloo, MacMaster and UOIT were also on-hand with either solar cars or Formula SAE cars.

The Sunstang team used this opportunity to promote a variety of messages and ideas, including the many "green" technologies that are possible in the future for the automotive industry. Team member Anthony LaTorre noted that the autoshow had a decidedly progressive look this year, with many of the major car manufacturers showcasing concept hybrid, hydrogen fuel, and cell/plug-in electric vehicles. With such a focus on environmentally-friendly vehicles, the Sunstang team was well-received and they had lot of interest in their solar car. Many visitors had an appreciation for Sunstang's eco-friendly outlook. The team felt like this show represented a step in the right direction for the automotive industry.

The team also took the opportunity at the autoshow to promote The University of Western Ontario and Western Engineering. And finally, they were busy raising awareness of the next big race for the Sunstang team - the North American Solar Challenge.

This year the North American Solar Challenge (NASC) will take place from July 13 - 22, 2008. The race will span the 3860 km between Dallas, Texas, and Calgary, Alberta. To find out more about this exciting event, please visit: http://www.americansolarchallenge.org/.

The team was also busy in the early part of February, attending two events. They were at the Intent to Register fair held on February 6. Hundreds of students attended the fair, and had the chance to see the car on display.

Sunstang also hosted their own event on February 7, when they invited media and sponsors out for a post-race presentation about their recent trip to Australia. They provided a photo opportunity with the car, and then gave a multi-media presentation that took visitors through the highs and lows of their Australian adventure during the World Solar Challenge back in October, 2007. They also took the time to introduce each member of the team, and were available for questions and discussion.

A job well done to the Sunstang team for continuing to be so active in the community!

Photos

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Contact

.: Becky Blue
Spencer Engineering Building, Room 2074
Telephone: (519) 850-2917 Fax: (519) 661-3808
contactwe@eng.uwo.ca