This article was published in the February 2020 edition of NTEA News.
Sean Waters, vice president of product compliance and regulatory affairs for Daimler Trucks North America, will give the keynote address at Green Truck Summit on Tuesday, March 3.
Held in conjunction with The Work Truck Show® 2020 as part of Work Truck Week, Green Truck Summit provides a look into the latest productivity options, alternative fuel and technology solutions for vocational trucks. Work Truck Week runs March 3–6 at Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. Green Truck Summit, Manufacturer and Distributor Innovation Conference, and educational sessions begin March 3. The Work Truck Show exhibit hall opens March 4 and runs through noon on March 6.
Waters oversees vehicle and engine certification, production compliance and regulations related to Daimler Trucks North America products. He is also responsible for supporting development of smart emission and transportation policies by directly encouraging research into numerous areas affecting heavy-duty commercial products.
He recently worked with regulatory agency leadership on heavy-duty engine and vehicle greenhouse gas standards. His expertise extends into other heavy-duty industry regulations, such as for criteria emissions, onboard diagnostics, fuel quality and safety.
Waters serves as chair of Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA), where he provides advice, counsel, and recommendations on scientific and technical aspects of programs related to commercial truck emissions control strategies and safety technologies.
“Sean’s deep knowledge of vehicle emissions and greenhouse gas standards makes him an ideal keynote speaker for Green Truck Summit,” said Doyle Sumrall, NTEA managing director. “We look forward to learning more about how regulatory standards affect what strategies and technologies companies are using on the path toward zero emissions.”
Prior to his current position at Daimler Trucks North America, Waters served as the company’s
director of product compliance and regulatory affairs. He earned a bachelor’s degree in science from Willamette University and a law degree from University of Oregon.
Green Truck Summit begins March 3 at 8:30 a.m. with opening remarks, followed by Waters’ keynote address at 8:45 a.m. After the keynote, attendees can participate in a variety of general sessions (topics follow). Lunch is included with conference registration, as is a reception from 5–6 p.m. John Davis, creator, host and executive producer of MotorWeek, returns as event emcee.
How Truck Technology Advances Will Impact Industry Practices
During this session, industry leaders will share a forward look at work truck automation and autonomy, highlighting advanced technologies currently in development and future possibilities. Presenters include Bill Combs, director, connected fleet at Penske Truck Leasing; Michelle Moody, marketing director for Ford Commercial Solutions; Nick Rini, director of engineering at FCCC; and Rick Sapienza, director, clean transportation program for NC Clean Energy Technology Center.
Meeting Program Sustainability Targets: Successes and Challenges of New Equipment Offerings
As support builds for improved sustainability, learn the opportunities and obstacles to success. Todd Carlson, principal manager – fleet asset management for Southern California Edison; and Bill Van Amburg, executive vice president of CALSTART, will share fleet management strategies to help achieve a more sustainable transportation profile.
Achieving Legacy Fleet Sustainability
Legacy fleet equipment is one of the most challenging elements of a sustainability evolution, which involves powerplants and sustainable fuels. Learn strategies to help overcome obstacles, such as fluctuations in OEM offerings and support, to successfully transition your legacy fleet. Speakers include Erin Gilchrist, director, fleet for Safelite; and Joseph Moser II, fleet manager at Commonwealth Edison.
Alt Fuels and Technology: Evolution Toward Zero Emissions
With the introduction of renewable diesel, CNG and propane, as well as reductions in exhaust emissions from conventional power offerings, fleet operators can take advantage of unprecedented potential for continuous improvement. Discover how these elements, along with batteries, fuel cells and fundamental truck designs, are driving industry change during this session presented by Dave Howell, deputy director, Vehicle Technologies Office at U.S. Department of Energy; Michael McDonald, director, sustainability and government affairs at UPS; and Tucker Perkins, president and CEO of PERC.
Powering Electric Drive: Batteries or Fuel Cells?
With increasing interest in electric drive medium- and heavy-duty trucks, the top sources for onboard energy are fuel cells and batteries. Hear the pros and cons of each as Tim Campbell, managing director, Campbells Consultancy; Elizabeth Fretheim, head of business development at Nikola Motor Company; and Abas Goodarzi, president and CEO of US Hybrid, share their views on these alternatives.
Learn more
In addition to Green Truck Summit general sessions, attendees can choose from dozens of concurrent sessions March 3–5 covering topics such as vehicle weight management, building better vehicle spec’s, maximizing the value of aftermarket tires, OEM chassis updates, and more. Registration for Green Truck Summit includes full access to the Work Truck Show exhibit hall March 4–6, as well as Work Truck Show Ride-and-Drive where attendees can test-drive or ride in the newest work trucks featuring the latest clean vehicle solutions and alternative fuel applications March 4–5.
Visit worktruckshow.com/greentrucksummit for more details.