An Industry Leader, Don Runkle Brings Decades of Experience to Pursuit of Clean and Efficient Propulsion Systems

TROY, Mich., September 14, 2009 – EcoMotors International announced today it has named seasoned industry executive Donald L. Runkle as its CEO. Runkle brings automotive OEM, supplier, and private-equity experience to his new position at EcoMotors – an innovative, Michigan-based company developing clean, efficient and lightweight propulsion systems.

On March 10, 2009 EcoMotors was honored at the 2009 Always On Going Green East conference as the category winner for Green Automobiles and Transportation in the GoingGreen East 50 awards. This is EcoMotors' second award from the Always On group, solidifying Ecomotors reputation as a leading company in the arena of cleantech. The company was selected for its innovative technology and the idea that growth in the automotive segment is going to come not in the form of new vehicles but in improving engine performance.

Prof. Peter Hofbauer, EcoMotors CEO, provides a brief overview on the genesis of EcoMotors and the OPOC™ powertrain.

Prof. Peter Hofbauer, EcoMotors CEO, describes the OPOC™ powertrain and some of its key components.

In a joint announcement with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), and EcoMotors, Governor Jennifer Granholm heralded EcoMotors and their plans to begin development of the next generation of diesel engines. Highlights from the press release are included below and the full text is available at the official state of Michigan website.

May 20, 2008 LANSING

On September 16, 2008 EcoMotors was honored at the 2008 Always On Going Green conference as the category winner for Green Automobiles and Transportation in the GoingGreen 100 awards. This award recognizes leading private companies in the arena of cleantech. EcoMotors was selected for its innovative technology and the idea that growth in the automotive segment is going to come not in the form of new vehicles but in improving engine performance.

Both EcoMotors CEO, Dr. Peter Hofbauer and EcoMotors investor Vinod Khosla were featured speakers at the event.

An animation clip of the EcoMotors engine showing the complete cycle of the opposed piston configuration.

This development in turbocharger technology incorporates an electric motor into the turbo assembly. In essence, it provides a supercharger, driven by the electric motor, as an adjunct to the exhaust-driven turbocharger. Boost pressure can be created by the electric motor, the turbocharger, or both. The ECT effectively eliminates turbo lag because the electric motor provides much faster turbine response, and also provides boost when there is low energy from the exhaust flow. The motor is actuated by an electronic controller, which can be integrated with the engine control unit. When it is being spun by the turbocharger, the electric motor acts as generator, producing electricity.

The EM100 benchtesting on the dynomometer.