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Having passed this first wave of judging, these teams now move one step closer to competing for their share of a $10 million prize purse that will be awarded to teams that win a rigorous long distance stage competition and can exceed 100 MPG equivalent fuel economy (MPGe).
The teams, which collectively represent 136 vehicle entries with 14 different fuel sources, include diverse groups from 25 U.S. states and 11 countries. Established automakers, emerging start-ups, universities and inventors are among those represented. Six of the Registered Teams remain confidential.
In the coming months, Registered Teams will undergo Design Judging based on a detailed Data Submission package, which will provide information on their vehicle's features, production capability, safety and business plans. Those that pass Design Judging will move into the performance testing phase and partake in a series of competition events that will begin as early as May 2010. Winners will be announced in 2010.
The competition start date, the number of venues, and the geographic distribution of venues will be determined prior to July 2009.
"We are thrilled with the wide variety of teams and technologies from around the world that are joining us in this competition," said Dr. Peter H. Diamandis, Chairman and CEO, The X PRIZE Foundation. Being accepted as a Registered Team is a major milestone. This is also an exciting step for the Foundation as we move closer to our goal of inspiring a new generation of real, clean, safe and super fuel-efficient vehicles."
"The level of American innovation and entrepreneurship we're seeing in the Automotive X PRIZE is encouraging," said Senator Jeff Bingaman, Chairman of the Senate Energy Committee. "It's also a positive response to many of the challenges confronting the U.S. auto industry. I applaud these teams for the important work they're doing for our nation's energy future."
Winners will be selected from two classes in the Competition Division -- Mainstream and Alternative. A complete list of Registered Teams, listed by the category in which they will compete and their proposed fuel type will be available on April 8 at www.progressiveautoxprize.org.
Earlier this year, the competition announced details of a Demonstration Division designed specifically for large, established automobile manufacturers to showcase their latest fuel efficient vehicles. Entrance into this Division will remain open until the summer.
About the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE Competition:
The goal of the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE is to inspire a new generation of viable, super-efficient vehicles to offer consumers more choices and make their lives better as a result. The competition will place a major focus on affordability, safety, and the environment. It is about developing real, production-capable cars that consumers want to buy, not science projects or concept cars. For more information about the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE, please visit www.progressiveautoxprize.org or email Email Contact. For related educational resources, please visit www.FuelOurFutureNow.com.
About Progressive:
Progressive, founded in 1937, is a leading insurer of cars, motorcycles, recreation vehicles, boats and commercial vehicles. The Company offers competitive rates and innovative products and services that meet drivers' needs throughout their lifetimes as well as 24/7 online and in-person customer and claims service.
One of Progressive's Core Values is Excellence. To the Company's more than 26,000 people, it simply means seeking constant improvement. Over time, this has meant introducing revolutionary ideas that make car insurance easier to shop for, buy and use. It's this same innovative spirit that's behind the Company's sponsorship of the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE. The Progressive Automotive X PRIZE will inspire innovation that will produce more fuel efficient vehicle choices, helping to make a difference in people's lives.
Progressive's products and services are available locally through more than 30,000 independent insurance agencies in the U.S., online at www.progressive.com and by phone at 1-800-PROGRESSIVE (1-800-776-4737).
About the X PRIZE Foundation
The X PRIZE Foundation is an educational nonprofit prize institute whose mission is to create "radical breakthroughs for the benefit of humanity." In 2004, the Foundation captured the world's attention when the Burt Rutan-led team, backed by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, built and flew the world's first private spaceship to win the $10 million Ansari X PRIZE for suborbital spaceflight. The Foundation has since launched the $10 million Archon X PRIZE for Genomics, the $30 million Google Lunar X PRIZE and the $10 million Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE. The Foundation, with the support of its partner, BT Global Services, is creating prizes in Space and Ocean Exploration, Life Sciences, Energy and Environment, Education and Global Development. The Foundation is widely recognized as a leader in fostering innovation through competition. For more information, please visit www.xprize.org.
Web site: http://www.progressiveautoxprize.org/
