Odyssey to Shoreline

Odyssey to Shoreline
Hybrid vehicles are proliferating on roads and highways around Puget Sound — and for good reason.
These new gas-electric hybrids promise much-improved gas mileage and, consequently, cleaner air. Nationwide, they represent only about 1 percent of new car registrations. But our region is a leader: With 5,833 new 2005 registrations, Seattle was seventh among all metropolitan cities, according to R.L. Polk & Co. Washington state, with 6,970 registrations, was seventh among states. The rankings would likely be higher if population were considered.
As consumers choose hybrids more often, the Puget Sound area is in a good position to ensure owners are apt to get good and qualified service for their vehicles, thanks to Shoreline Community College.
In 2005, the college — which already had a signature automotive-training department — was selected by the nonprofit National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium as the site for a national center training workers in hybrid and alternative-fuel systems, such as hydrogen and biodiesel.

Shoreline has the only center in the state.
As a member of the consortium, the college is a sponsor this weekend of one of dozens of events around the United States, Germany and Canada to promote the use of alternative fuel vehicles.
National AFV Day Odyssey runs from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday and Saturday. It features a variety of speakers on alternative fuel vehicles as well as exhibits of some vehicles with the latest technology. The event is free and open to the public. For more information see the agenda at www.shoreline.edu/odyssey