GM Chairman And CEO To Receive MRI Trustee Citation Award For Visionary Leadership in Sustainable Transportation

Midwest Research Institute (MRI) will hand out its high-status Trustee Citation Award to General Motors Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner on June 10, 2008 for his futurist management in mounting sustainable transportation by insistently driving a remarkable approach for energy diversity in markets all throughout the world.

According to the Auto Channel, MRI's Trustee Citation Award is presented every year during its yearly dinner assembly to an individual who epitomizes superb leadership in science, commerce, academic world or the arts. Previous recipients of MRI's Trustee Citation Award have integrated notable personas such as Henry Ford II, Margaret Thatcher, Larry Bossidy, Dean Kamen and Dr. Michael Nobel.

"Energy is no doubt one of the single most important and challenging issues around the world today and MRI is proud to honor Rick Wagoner for his long-term dedication and commitment to lead General Motors in producing more alternative fuel vehicles and significantly expanding the research and development for electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles," said James L. Spigarelli, MRI's President and CEO. "Through Rick's leadership, GM is pushing the advancement of technology solutions into present day vehicles and has created the world's largest test fleet of vehicles with hydrogen fuel cell propulsion technology on the road today. His commitment to sustainable transportation is protecting the environment, reducing dependence on petroleum and bringing the future of new fuel sources closer to reality," added Spigarelli.

MRI covers a wide-ranging account in research and development for energy efficiency and renewable energy and having dealt with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) for the U.S. Department of Energy that was established back in 1977. The Institute completely distinguishes the important responsibility that the automotive industry takes part in the joint endeavor with government, academic world and other businesses in expanding and modifying innovative technologies for alternative fuel source intended for vehicles with ground-breaking car parts.

GM is aiming to design and tentatively attest a hydrogen fuel cell system that will eventually vie on performance, stability and price with engine systems at present. GM has spent more than $1 billion next to the research and development efforts of more than 700 GM scientists and engineers across the world to accomplish their ultimate dream of a hydrogen economy and hydrogen fuel cell-based transportation with innovative car parts.

"GM's commitment to aggressively advance hydrogen technology is important not only to the industry but to society overall," Spigarelli added. "By way of the MRI Trustee Citation Award, we wish to publicly recognize and applaud Rick Wagoner for his leadership in this significant and revolutionary undertaking."

Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.