AMP Advances to Knockout Qualifying Stage of the $10 Million Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE
AMP advanced to the Knockout Qualifying Stage by passing the on-track performance shakedown tests conducted at Michigan International Speedway (MIS) in late April. Tests included: 0 to 60 acceleration, braking, durability, as well as a collision avoidance safety test.
Steve Burns, CEO of AMP, stated, "We were pleased that Consumer Reports participated in the qualification of these vehicles during the Shakedown Stage – such intense scrutiny can only serve to further validate these vehicles as safe, reliable and highway capable. “
When the competition started in February 2009, 111 teams from 11 countries applied for entry. In order to advance, teams first qualified by passing a design review and the scrutiny of the X PRIZE judging panel, which includes some of the country’s leading engineers. With the Shakedown Stage complete, AMP is one of 22 teams to advance to the Knockout Qualifying Stage of the competition.
Mr. Burns continued, “Our 100% electric conversions of both the well-engineered GM Saturn Sky and full-size the 2010 GM Chevy Equinox are exactly what consumers are wanting to buy - viable super-efficient vehicles that are ideal for everyday use.”
The Knockout Stage will commence June 20th at MIS. In order to pass this stage and advance to the Finals Stage of the competition event, AMP must demonstrate that its racer can achieve at least two-thirds of the stated 100 MPGe (miles per gallon or energy equivalent) goal while also meeting expectations for range, emissions, and real world performance. Achieving the emissions thresholds should prove to be a significant hurdle for teams at this stage of the competition.
"The teams remaining at this stage of the event truly capture the entrepreneurial, scientific and technical spirit of the competition. What they bring to the table is nothing short of remarkable - ultra-efficient vehicles that should be readily embraced by consumers," said Dr. Peter H. Diamandis, chairman and CEO, X PRIZE Foundation. "We are at a pivotal moment when promising new technologies, growing consumer demand and global politics make it the ideal time for a radical breakthrough in the cars we drive."
About Advanced Mechanical Products, Inc.
AMP was founded in 2007 by automotive industry veterans who have created several hi-tech companies. Currently, the AMP team is comprised of top engineers and business executives, as well as two key pioneers of GM’s EV1 project. AMP's first conversions to all-electric are the GM Saturn Sky and the Pontiac Solstice, and most recently, the Chevrolet Equinox. Since its inception last year, the AMP converted all-electric Saturn Sky has proven itself to be an idea that has generated an extreme amount of interest, with inquiries coming from around the world. AMP will be converting a wide range of GM vehicles to all-electric, and expects to announce new model conversions in 2010. The Company expects its patent-pending vehicle conversion technology will provide new solutions to America's energy demands.
Source: AMP Advances to Knockout Qualifying Stage of the $10 Million Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE
