plus 3, Boston-Power adds EV-1 executive Robert Purcell to Board - autoblog

Boston-Power adds EV-1 executive Robert Purcell to Board - autoblog
2010 Toyota Tundra – Bottom Line - TheCarConnection.com
Good Sports and GEICO to Boost Nativity School’s Intramurals - PR Inside
Good Sports and GEICO to Boost Nativity School's Intramurals - Newsblaze.com

Boston-Power adds EV-1 executive Robert Purcell to Board - autoblog

Posted: 22 Feb 2010 07:59 AM PST

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Q & A

1. You've been pioneering the electric vehicle since the 1990s. What drives that dedication?
My passion for affordable electric vehicles that will have minimal environmental impact, and will be fun to drive, is what motivates me. The world is increasingly becoming urban-centered, with roughly 50% of the world's population living in major urban centers today. That percentage is expected to increase to 65% in the next 15 to 20 years; and at the same time, the demand for energy continues to increase. New solutions for personal transportation need to emerge, reducing our dependence on fossil fuel. I truly believe that electric drive is a solution. It is far more efficient and much cleaner than any of today's technologies.

2. What's fueling the demand for hybrid and electric vehicles today?
It is a combination of customer expectations and regulatory requirements. The industry has moved significantly since the mid-1990s when I led the team that brought the GM EV-1 to production. Most of the world's major automakers now embrace the technology and see the merits in the future of electric drive. Governments have also largely moved to a cooperative approach, rather than the "command and control" mandates of the past. I really believe that a critical mass is now coming into play that bodes well for large-scale application of the technology.

3. You've been quoted as saying you've been looking for a battery like Boston-Power's for 20 years. What's so compelling about it?
I believe Boston-Power has done the best job of "systems engineering" an advanced battery technology for automotive applications of any battery company that I have been exposed to in nearly 20 years in the sector. Their solution offers outstanding energy density, long cycle life, quick recharge time, low cost, redundant safety, and environmental accreditations in both Europe and China. I believe the Boston-Power battery has the potential to create the new industry standard.

4. You talk about "green cars deserve green batteries." What does that mean to you and to automobile manufacturers?
To me, when I say "green cars deserve green batteries," I mean that the total statement for these electric vehicles needs to be green. We need a green battery that fulfills the requirements for clean technology, as well as the vehicle itself. Boston-Power is one company that is uniquely positioned with an environmentally-accredited advanced lithium-ion battery. As buyers of "green vehicles," we should demand that they be equipped with green batteries. And to automobile manufacturers, they now have access to a green battery solution.

5. Are electric cars safe?
Yes, electric cars are safe because the new advanced batteries are designed to prevent overcharging, overheating and damage in the event of an accident. Advanced batteries are high-energy density systems. These high energy storage systems need to be designed with safety in mind. I believe Boston-Power has done the best job in the industry of designing a safe, reliable high energy storage solution, because they have approached this from a systems perspective, building safety into the process from the individual cell all the way up to the complete battery pack, and in every step along the way.

6. Do you envision a day when consumers rank the battery at the top of the list of considerations when buying cars, trucks and other forms of transportation?
Yes, as electric drive becomes more commonplace in the industry, I believe consumers will consider their battery system as a key variable in the purchase decision. Electrical energy storage will be fundamental in the operation of their vehicle. And I believe they will demand a battery system that meets

PRESS RELEASE

Boston-Power Names Former General Motors Senior Executive Robert Purcell to Board of Directors

30-Year Auto Industry Veteran Spearheaded Launch of GM's Electric Vehicles

Most Recently Served as General Manager for Group Overseeing Multibillion Dollar Component Sales and Technology Licensing

WESTBOROUGH, Mass. – February 22, 2010 – Boston-Power®, Inc., the rapidly growing provider of next-generation lithium-ion batteries, today announced that internationally respected automobile industry executive Robert C. Purcell, Jr. has joined its board of directors. Working closely with Boston-Power's executive team and fellow board members, Purcell is applying his expertise in battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) to help drive the deployment of Boston-Power's batteries throughout the transportation sector.

Motivated by a love for cars since he was a teenager, Purcell, 57, embarked on his career by serving as a certified mechanic for luxury models and high performance sports cars. During the next three decades, his vision for the future of transportation and the role that electric vehicles could play led him to a series of progressively more strategic and influential roles within General Motors (GM).

"Boston-Power is bringing to the transportation industry a game-changing lithium-ion battery that delivers unmatched levels of high energy density, safety, low cost, fast charge and environmental sustainability," said Boston-Power Founder and CEO Dr. Christina Lampe-Onnerud. "As a pioneer in the electrification of transportation, Bob Purcell brings a perfect combination of invaluable insights, real-world experiences, and an established, international executive network to our company. We're thrilled to add him to our team."

From 1994 to 2002, Purcell led the GM Advanced Technology Vehicles Group (GM ATV). GM ATV was responsible for the development and production of the GM EV-1, the world's first modern electric vehicle, which went into production in 1996. His organization also developed and produced the S-10 Electric Truck and developed the GM Precept Hybrid Vehicle, which was part of President Clinton's Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles program. Many of the
technologies pioneered at GM ATV are still widely used today throughout the industry in electric, hybrid and fuel cell vehicles. In addition to his responsibilities at GM ATV, he also served as chairman of the GM-Ovonic Advanced Battery Joint Venture.

Prior to completing his career at GM in 2008, Purcell served as vice president of global planning, sales and strategic alliances for the General Motors Powertrain Group. In that position, he was responsible for global business and technology planning for GM's engine and transmission operations. His organization also managed Powertrain's $2 billion annual direct component sales and $1 billion technology licensing activities.

"I've been looking for a battery like Boston-Power's for 20 years," Purcell said. "I knew immediately upon meeting the team and reviewing the technology platform that I wanted to play a role within the company. In addition to being in mass production and embodying the right combination of capabilities in terms of extended range, weight and space, safety, cost and quick recharge, Boston-Power's batteries are the only ones to earn stringent certifications for environmental sustainability. They're already being well received by the auto industry and I'm confident they will be adopted for a range of vehicles by manufacturers around the world."

Purcell currently serves as founder and president of Purcell & Associates, LLC, a senior advisory group specializing in advanced automotive and alternative energy investment projects. His clients have included companies ranging from MidAmerican Energy Holdings, a Berkshire Hathaway Company, to EDC Automotive, an emerging leader in automotive thermal management systems.

Boston-Power's products have earned the company worldwide recognition. Last month, the company earned a prestigious Technology Pioneer Award from the World Economic Forum. Proving that a commitment to environmental sustainability can complement sought-after, competitively differentiated products and world-class mass manufacturing, Boston-Power counts HP among its customers – making it the first U.S.-based firm ever to provide battery technology to a global notebook PC vendor. Boston-Power is the first and only battery provider whose rechargeable lithium-ion battery cells have earned the prestigious Nordic Ecolabel accreditation. The company's products have also earned a similar industry-first certification from the China Environmental United Certification Center (CEC).

About Boston-Power
Boston-Power, Inc. is an award-winning provider of next-generation lithium-ion battery technology. Designed to fuel a wide range of applications, its flagship offering, Sonata®, serves as the foundation for HP's new brand of longer lasting notebook batteries that also help the environment – the HP Long Life Battery. The company's Swing™ product delivers unmatched capabilities for Plug-In Hybrid and Battery Electric Vehicles (PHEV/BEV). Founded in 2005 and with more than 100 patents filed, Boston-Power is led by founder and CEO Dr. Christina Lampe-Önnerud, an internationally recognized innovator, entrepreneur and technology advisor with regard to portable power, energy storage and climate change. To date, the company has raised $125 million in venture funding from Foundation Asset Management, Oak Investment Partners, Venrock, GGV Capital and Gabriel Venture Partners. Boston-Power is headquartered in Westborough, Massachusetts, and has Six Sigma-level mass manufacturing operations in Asia.

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2010 Toyota Tundra – Bottom Line - TheCarConnection.com

Posted: 22 Feb 2010 04:24 AM PST

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The Toyota Tundra was last redesigned in 2007, when Toyota asserted itself by supersizing this full-size pickup—making the Tundra every bit as massive as the largest versions of the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado. It gets a very minor refresh for 2010, with a new grille design for some trims and a new taillight design for the entire lineup. Safety features are improved, new options are added, and others are grouped into a couple of large value packages.

"Imposing" is probably the best way to sum up the Tundra's appearance. From the front, the prominent, upright grille is flanked by nicely detailed headlamps, while alongside the Tundra gets bulging side sills that make it seem even taller, while it keeps a smooth appearance with flared wheel wells. And at the back, the taillights keep the same basic shape as before but gain a more detailed look. Inside, the 2010 Tundra has an interior that's a little too plasticky for some work-related tastes, with large swaths of matte-metallic plastic curving through the gauges and down the very wide center console at an angle.

The base engine on the 2010 Toyota Tundra is a 236-horsepower, 4.0-liter V-6; it provides plenty of might to move this big truck, but most buyers who plan to take advantage of its towing and hauling capability will want one of the V-8s. This year, a new 4.6-liter V-8 replaces last year's 4.7-liter; compared to the previous engine, it's both stronger and more fuel-efficient, with ratings of up to 15 mpg city, 20 highway and rear-wheel drive. At the top of the line is the 381-horsepower, 5.7-liter iForce V-8. This engine makes it an extreme gas guzzler—with fuel economy as low as 13 mpg city, 17 highway—but it has mammoth torque available just off idle and plenty of passing power on the highway, even when towing. Both V-8s now get a responsive, smooth six-speed automatic, while the V-6 comes with a five-speed auto. When properly equipped, the Tundra can tow up to 10,800 pounds.

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Good Sports and GEICO to Boost Nativity School’s Intramurals - PR Inside

Posted: 22 Feb 2010 03:27 AM PST

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2010-02-22 12:26:06 -

Good Sports : and GEICO : will become big boosters for the Nativity School of Worcester's intramural athletics by donating equipment for a new floor hockey program. The donation of sticks, balls, goalie equipment and safety goggles is the third equipment donation supported by GEICO to help support youth sports and healthy lifestyle choices for

teens.

"GEICO is very pleased to be a part of this partnership with Good Sports," said Rynthia Rost, vice president of public affairs for GEICO.

"Youth athletics is such an important part of a well-rounded education; it helps students develop their leadership skills, it encourages teamwork and helps them learn how to make healthy lifestyle decisions."

Good Sports is a non-profit organization that distributes sports equipment to community organizations offering programs to youth. Good Sports and GEICO chose to support the Nativity School (a tuition-free, independent middle school) when a lack of funds precluded the school from expanding its program.

"Here at Good Sports, it's our goal to teach crucial life skills that can be applied both inside and outside of the classroom. We want to help youth learn how to lay the foundation for a healthy, active lifestyle," said Christy Keswick, Chief Operating Officer of Good Sports.

"Partnering with companies like GEICO is a great help when trying to reach out to students."

About Good Sports

Good Sports is a non-profit organization that strives to increase the physical activity of disadvantaged youth helping to lay the foundation for healthy active lifestyles. Through its unique program that is focused on high poverty communities, Good Sports promotes sports and fitness participation among disadvantaged youth because it believes that access to physical activity is critical to the healthy social, physical and emotional development of children.

Due to generous partners in the sporting goods industry, Good Sports has impacted over 180,000 kids and distributed more than $3.8 million worth of equipment to youth sports and fitness programs since 2003.

About GEICO

GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) – as part of Berkshire Hathaway – is the third-largest private passenger auto insurer : in the United States*. GEICO provides auto insurance coverage : for 9 million policyholders and insures more than 16 million vehicles.

In addition to auto insurance, GEICO offers customers insurance products : for their motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), boats, homes, apartments and mobile homes. Commercial auto insurance and personal umbrella protection and life insurance are also available.

As a member of the Berkshire Hathaway group of companies, GEICO is rated A++ for financial strength by A.M. Best Company and ranks at the top of several national customer satisfaction surveys. For more information, go to geico.com.

*A.M. Best 2008 market share data

GEICO Communications301-986-3271

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Good Sports and GEICO to Boost Nativity School's Intramurals - Newsblaze.com

Posted: 22 Feb 2010 03:05 AM PST

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BOSTON - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Good Sports and GEICO will become big boosters for the Nativity School of Worcester's intramural athletics by donating equipment for a new floor hockey program. The donation of sticks, balls, goalie equipment and safety goggles is the third equipment donation supported by GEICO to help support youth sports and healthy lifestyle choices for teens.

"GEICO is very pleased to be a part of this partnership with Good Sports," said Rynthia Rost, vice president of public affairs for GEICO. "Youth athletics is such an important part of a well-rounded education; it helps students develop their leadership skills, it encourages teamwork and helps them learn how to make healthy lifestyle decisions."

About Good Sports

About GEICO

GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) - as part of Berkshire Hathaway - is the third-largest private passenger auto insurer in the United States*. GEICO provides auto insurance coverage for 9 million policyholders and insures more than 16 million vehicles.

In addition to auto insurance, GEICO offers customers insurance products for their motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), boats, homes, apartments and mobile homes. Commercial auto insurance and personal umbrella protection and life insurance are also available.

*A.M. Best 2008 market share data