GM's Volt line director, Tony Posawatz, becomes new EDTA co-chairman
Remember how we were all excited when the picture above first appeared? It was our first official (if leaked) look at the production version of the Chevy Volt, and I bet a lot of people were saying to themselves, "Man, if that dude in the picture would just get out of the frakking way, we'd be able to see the car more." Well, that guy there is Tony Posawatz, the vehicle line director for the Chevy Volt, and he was just named co-chairman of the Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA). Posawatz replaces Honda's Ed Cohen, who was co-chair since early 2004; Cohen is still a part of the board. The other co-chair is John Bryson, the retired chairman & CEO of Southern California Edison. More details after the jump.
[Source: EDTA]
PRESS RELEASE:
Tony Posawatz Named Co-Chairman of the Electric Drive Transportation Association
Washington, DC-February 6, 2009-The Board of Directors of the Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA) has elected General Motors' Tony Posawatz, Vehicle Line Director for the Chevy Volt, as Co-Chairman of the Board. He replaces Edward B. Cohen, Vice President of Government and Industry Relations for American Honda Motor Company, who has served as Co-Chairman since early 2004. Mr. Cohen remains on the EDTA Board.
EDTA is the trade association accelerating battery, hybrid, plug-in, and fuel cell electric drive technologies and infrastructure. Its diverse membership includes automotive and other equipment manufacturers, energy companies, technology developers and component suppliers.
Mr. Posawatz will serve alongside Co-Chairman John Bryson, Retired Chairman & CEO, Southern California Edison, and Senior Advisor for Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.
EDTA President Brian Wynne says, "Tony brings unique expertise to this Board leadership role. In this new era of electric drive, he will be a great asset in EDTA's work in Washington to speed the nation toward true energy security."
"General Motors is a founding Board member of EDTA and I am pleased to lead the association during this time of tremendous advances in the electric drive industry," says Tony Posawatz. "EDTA's members represent all facets of the industry, and I look forward to working with them to advance electrification throughout the transportation sector."
About Mr. Posawatz:
As Vehicle Line Director for the Chevrolet VOLT and GM's E-Flex Systems, Mr. Posawatz has led the development of the highly-acclaimed VOLT, and continues to help lead the development of the 2011 production model. He has served as a GM Vehicle Line Director for the past eleven years. In this capacity, Tony and his product development teams have compiled an impressive record of successful, award-winning and innovative products. Tony's teams have amassed seven General Motors Chairman's Honors Program awards for excellence and have overseen the development of cars and trucks from concept initiation to production and market launch in four different countries.
About EDTA:
The Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA) is the trade association representing battery, plug-in, hybrid and fuel cell electric drive technologies and infrastructure. EDTA conducts public policy advocacy, education, industry networking, and international conferences. EDTA's membership includes automotive and other equipment manufacturers, energy companies, technology developers, component suppliers, and government agencies. For more information about EDTA and its members, visit www.electricdrive.org.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
smog 3:51PM (2/08/2009)
knowing how business is made in the US, I would put 10$ on the table that the real agenda of EDTA is to find any reason to make us believe the electric car is not ready for the masses.
as if they want us to forget the Toyota RAV4 EV that had reasonable range and speed 10 years ago using mid 90s technology. (I won't talk about the ev1 or the small honda EV from that era)
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jharlan 12:07PM (2/08/2009)
I don't know what everyone else thinks, but Chevy is a great brand, and has been for many decades. The gold bow tie however, is hideous, it just looks cheap, and it conflicts with the beauty of the cars. not everyone will agree, but if we could persuade Chevy to to come up with an attractive badge it would certainly be in their best interest. I would even rather have Chevrolet in big letters on the front of the car, anything would be an improvement. Agree or disagree, I'm just trying to help, and I would like to know what you think. I don't want to see Chevy go the way of Oldsmobile.
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jpm 1:56PM (2/08/2009)
Yep GM is great. They were especially great when they canceled the EV1 and started the hummer line. They also made a lot of other great SUVs since then. I'm sure the Volt will be another great vehicle from GM.
Mark 7:55PM (2/08/2009)
I don't trust this move at all. GM lead the great 'EV-massacre' of the late 90's, when it killed the EV-1, other companies bailed on their EV brands.
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Luke 10:17PM (2/08/2009)
Other than post #1, this tread demonstrates that crack is still the drug of chioce amone the computer literate.
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Snoopy 11:13PM (2/08/2009)
While Luke has a point, I am actually wondering if Posawatz's new position isn't some form of a conflict of interest. I don't know about the whole thing "smog" was talking about has any merit, but I could see him using his position to give some kind of advantage to the GM line of electric or ER-EV products.
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Herm 12:07AM (2/09/2009)
gas was $1 a gallon, no one was going to buy the stupid car.
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