Inaugural NextCruise(TM) a Huge Success; Environmentally Themed Event Will Reprise...

Inaugural NextCruise(TM) a Huge Success; Environmentally Themed Event Will
Reprise in 2009
Hundreds of public drives of dozens of manufacturer-supplied Green Machines
yield interesting survey data

PLEASANT RIDGE, Mich., Aug. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Organizers of
NextCruise(TM) announced that the inaugural event held in association with the
Woodward Dream Cruise on August 15-16 in the City of Pleasant Ridge had been
such a success that the event will reprise in 2009 (August 14-15).
The public got unprecedented opportunities to check out -- and drive --
the latest in environmentally friendly vehicles (including hybrids, clean
diesels and those with other, new super-high-mileage and ultra-low-emission
technologies) at the innovative event. More than 30 of the latest "Green
Machines" were provided by nine major auto manufacturers, as well as rides in
a street-legal two-seat IndyCar and displays from two "Green" race series.
"Our objective was to establish this as a venue at which auto
manufacturers could display and the public learn about and drive the latest
Green Machines," said Paul Eisenstein, NextCruise(TM) Chairman. "We
successfully demonstrated that these current and future environmentally
friendly vehicles are remarkable fun to drive -- in keeping with the spirit of
the Woodward Dream Cruise -- Lean, Mean ... And Green."
A small survey of more than 100 ride and drive participants produced
interesting data. "A high 85.3 percent of respondents said they were delighted
or very delighted with the power of the Green Machines they experienced,
clearly indicating that fun and green can go together," Eisenstein stated.
"Moreover, nearly 87 percent of respondents said they would consider
purchasing a green vehicle and of those nearly half (44.8 percent) said they
would do so within two years," said Eisenstein. "Almost as many (40.2 percent)
said they weren't sure when -- some indication of the opportunity existing for
auto manufacturers to capitalize on this green car interest."
NextCruise(TM) marked a number of important firsts. It was the first-ever
public event that brought together such a large array of leading automakers,
specifically to display environmental vehicles and technologies; the
first-ever event where the public had the chance to drive such a wide
assortment of clean, high-economy cars, trucks and crossovers; and it was the
first-ever official Woodward Dream Cruise event to be specifically
future-focused.
Major auto manufacturers supporting NextCruise(TM) included General
Motors, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, Nissan, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and
Volkswagen. NextCruise(TM) also included a look at the next generation of
"green" motorsports, with a display from the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix
including the ethanol-fueled IndyCar Series and the American Le Mans Series
(ALMS). Other sponsors and exhibitors included Bridgestone, 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, its pristine neighborhoods and its houses, many of
which are part of a nationally-recognized historic district. Go to
www.cityofpleasantridge.org .
SOURCE NextCruise

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