2008 Inaugural NextCruise(TM) Brings Environmentally Friendly and Future-Looking...

2008 Inaugural NextCruise(TM) Brings Environmentally Friendly and
Future-Looking Dimension to Woodward Dream Cruise
Nine Auto Manufacturers - and Two 'Green' Motorsport Series - To Display
Technologies and Provide Public Ride and Drives

PLEASANT RIDGE, Mich., July 23 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2008 Inaugural
NextCruise(TM), to take place on August 15-16, is a new event - new in both
concept and content. Staged in the City of Pleasant Ridge, NextCruise(TM)
introduces an environmentally friendly and future-looking dimension to the
Woodward Dream Cruise, widely viewed as the world's largest automotive
spectator and participation event.
Nine of the world's largest automakers are supporting NextCruise(TM), by
providing the public with multiple opportunities to check out - and drive -
the latest in "Green Machines" (including hybrids, clean diesels and those
with other, new super-high-mileage and ultra-low-emission technologies).
"NextCruise(TM) marks a number of important firsts," said Paul Eisenstein,
Event Chairman." It's the first-ever public event that brings together such a
large array of leading automakers, specifically to display environmental
vehicles and technologies; the first-ever event where the public has the
chance to drive such a wide assortment of clean, high-economy cars, trucks and
crossovers; and it's the first-ever official Woodward Dream Cruise event that
is specifically future-focused.
"NextCruise(TM) helps expand the relevance of the Woodward Dream Cruise
from what is primarily a retrospective into a celebration of the automobile,
past, present and future," Eisenstein added.
NextCruise(TM) will also feature displays of even more advanced green
concepts and technologies, such as fuel cells and hydrogen-powered internal
combustion engines, together with experts to provide insight into how those
developments can reach production in the not-too-distant future.
"As Pleasant Ridge has the longest stretch of green space on the entire
Woodward Corridor, it's highly fitting that the City should be the host of
this "Green" event as part of the Woodward Dream Cruise," said George Lenko,
Pleasant Ridge Commissioner and NextCruise(TM) organizer. NextCruise(TM) will
be based in Memorial Park, immediately adjacent to Pleasant Ridge City Hall.
"Today's and tomorrow's Green Machines challenge the stereotype that
environmentally-friendly automobiles require customers to make significant
sacrifices: in size, features, comfort and, especially, performance," said
Eisenstein. "NextCruise(TM) provides a venue for manufacturers to display
current and future Green technologies and engage the public in understanding
that the newest Green Machines are roomy, well-equipped and, in keeping with
the spirit of the Dream Cruise, able to deliver surprising performance and
fun."
NextCruise(TM) also will include a look at the next generation of "green"
motorsports, including the ethanol-fueled IndyCar Series, and the American Le
Mans Series (ALMS), which features a unique Green Racing Challenge this
season. The Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix - which takes place on Labor Day
weekend - includes both IndyCar and ALMS races. The motorsport display will
include race cars and appearances by key IndyCar and ALMS drivers.
"Because of the press of competition, motorsport has traditionally
developed technologies that have found their way to production cars,"
Eisenstein stated. "Motorsport can be exciting, competitive and
environmentally friendly, all at the same time.
"NextCruise(TM), put simply, is lean, mean ... and green."
NextCruise(TM) will be held in Pleasant Ridge's Memorial Park along
Woodward Avenue, north of Nine Mile Road. There will be a public preview on
the evening of August 15. NextCruise(TM) itself takes place concurrent with
the Woodward Dream Cruise on August 16. Major auto manufacturers supporting
include General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, Nissan, BMW, Mercedes-Benz,
Audi and Volkswagen. Other sponsors and exhibitors include Bridgestone,
Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix, IndyCar Series, American Le Mans Series, PR
Newswire, G-2 Communications and ESI. For information go to
www.nextcruise2008.com or email nextcruise2008@aol.com.
Pleasant Ridge is known for its historic homes, tree-lined streets and
active citizens who dedicate their time for the betterment of the community. A
long tradition of community pride is reflected in the City's beautiful parks
along Woodward Avenue and its pristine neighborhoods. Many of the houses in
Pleasant Ridge are part of a nationally-recognized historic district and all
the homes reflect the care and attention which assures that Pleasant Ridge
will remain a beautiful community for generations to come. A strong sense of
community, dedication to historic preservation and ideal location makes
Pleasant Ridge the perfect city for all ages, interests and lifestyles. Go to
www.cityofpleasantridge.org .
SOURCE NextCruise

Rex Greenslade, Cell, +1-248-346-6242, or Paul Eisenstein, Cell,
+1-248-613-8700, both of NextCruise