WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) yesterday hosted its fourth Ride and Drive event for members of Congress and congressional staff. This year’s event took place at the base of the U.S. Capitol, in conjunction with MEMA’s annual Legislative Summit.
 
“The Ride & Drive is a great way for elected officials and their staff to get hands-on experience with the technology that is making vehicles safer and more fuel-efficient,” said Bob McKenna, MEMA’s president and CEO. “We are very grateful to our participating companies Bosch, Cooper Standard Automotive and Valeo; as well as our association partner in this event, the American Trucking Associations (ATA).”
 
Technologies demonstrated included:
 
• Bosch: Prototype car with Start/Stop System; Ford Flex with iBolt Occupant Classification System; and a 2010 VW Golf, a 2010 Green Car of the Year nominee;
 
• Cooper Standard Automotive: Ford Escape with Vehicle Sealing Systems, Anti-Vibration Systems, Thermal Management System; as well as fuel, brake and emissions technology. The vehicle features Cooper Standard’s Safe Seal technology, a PACE award-winning technology;
 
• Valeo: Park4U semi-automatic parking system; other low-speed maneuvering systems and iStARS micro-hybrid stop-start system; and
 
• American Trucking Associations: ATA high-tech show trailer with interactive safety displays, truck simulator and an opportunity to sit in the cab of the tractor-trailer.