| Abstract |
The Big Three (Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors), eight federal agencies, and several government national defense, energy, and weapons laboratories have jointed in the Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles (PNGV). It is intended to strengthen U.S. auto industry competitiveness and develop technologies that provide cleaner and more efficient cars. The 1994 PNGV Program Plan calls for a "concept vehicle" to be ready in about six years, and a "production prototype" to be ready in about ten years. Research and development goals for industry and government engineering teams have been launched in three categories: Advanced manufacturing techniques that help get new product ideas more quickly into the marketplace; technologies that can lead to near-term improvements in automobile efficiency, safety, and emissions; and research that could lead to production prototypes of vehicles capable of up to 80 miles per gallon -- three times greater fuel efficiency than the average car today. Debate over the federal role in PNGV is reflected in differences between Congressional and Administration budget marks and the uncertain future of the Department of Commerce. The level of federal funding, in turn, is expected to affect program goal attainment. Also, the 1994 peer review by the National Research Council points to issues concerning PNGV's program planning, management, and budget process simplification. This article gives an overview of the program, Congressional issues focusing on federal funding, and competing programs in Japan and Europe. |
