Past Events
2002
On April 11, 2002, 20 NAFTC National Training
Centers, 19 Clean Cities Coalitions, and 12 other
like-minded organizations in 31 states came together at
51 locations nationwide to celebrate National AFV Day
Odyssey. Each site shared Odyssey's unified message yet
provided uniquely tailored programs to accommodate
regional needs.
Overall, 638 local governmental agencies, industry, educational institutions, and other organizations across the country joined the cause to share timely information and to build excitement and enthusiasm for use of AFVs. Host sites reported Odyssey strengthened their "AFV" relationships and helped build new partnerships in their local area.
Nationally, Odyssey's "spark of an idea" caught the attention of industry, trade organizations, and government agencies. The U.S. EPA Office of Transportation and Air Quality was an important partner supplying base funds by supporting Odyssey through its Cooperative Agreement with West Virginia University on behalf of the NAFTC. Our Congressional leaders also showed their support. For many years, members of Congress have been concerned about energy and environmental issues and have backed the development and use of AFVs. They again demonstrated that support by passing Senate Resolution 241 which designated April 11, 2002 as National Alternative Fuels Vehicle Day.
To view the entire Odyssey 2002 Executive Summary, click here.
2004
Odyssey 2004 shattered all records from the inaugural event with 54 sites in 34 U.S. states and in 2 Canadian provinces. More than 24,000 people attended Odyssey events, and for every person who participated, at least 1,000 more heard, saw or learned about Odyssey through some form of media. 15,486,200 listeners were reached through nationally distributed Public Service Announcements featuring Dennis Weaver. In addition to this, many other outlets were pursued from worldwide trade publications to radio shows to the internet. The 2004 Odyssey media blitz resulted in a total of more than 24 million individuals who heard the National AFV Day Odyssey message.
Adding to the media triumph of Odyssey 2004 are site survey results which show that National AFV Day Odyssey is extraordinarily effective in meeting its goals-Odyssey events increase awareness of AFVs, and they successfully demonstrate to consumers that alternative fuel vehicles are a smart choice environmentally and economically. Of the sites reporting, 91% of Odyssey survey respondents said they would test-drive an AFV before purchasing their next car. This reflects an increase of 49% over those who would have test-driven an AFV prior to Odyssey. Another 89% of those surveyed indicated a positive change in their attitude toward future ownership of an AFV. These results prove the value of National AFV Day Odyssey.
To view the entire Odyssey 2004 Executive Summary, click here.
2006
Odyssey’s message of alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicle education and adoption reached a total of 31,608,094 individuals through national and local media coverage. Print media reached 4,857,477 readers, and 24,401,093 individuals learned about Odyssey through Internet and e-mail. Television and radio broadcasted the mission of energy independence and clean air to 2,349,524 individuals. The vast number of participants proves that Americans are seeking knowledge of alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles so that they can endorse this technology in an effort to reduce our nation’s energy dependence and to improve our air quality.
Sixty sites hosted Odyssey 2006 celebrations, which included vehicle and informational displays; educational workshops and seminars; guest speakers; panel discussions; ride-and-drive opportunities; Q&A sessions; demonstrations; games/drawings; live radio remote broadcasts; awards ceremonies; press conferences; and breakfasts, lunches, and other refreshments. In addition, many unique events were held such as: an E-85 station event with more than 200 flex-fuel vehicles filling up in 5 hours (3,700 gallons of ethanol) at the Twin Cities Clean Cities Coalition and the American Lung Association of Minnesota’s event; kid-friendly education stations at James Madison University’s event in Virginia; and a rock concert and crowning of Miss Ethanol 2006 in conjunction with Ethanol Power Days in Bavaria, Germany.
To view the entire Odyssey 2006 Executive Summary, click here.
2008
On October 3, 2008, the NAFTC and hundreds of groups and organizations joined together to conduct the fourth National AFV Day Odyssey, with unimaginable success. With events taking place from Delaware to Hawaii, and into Canada, the impact of the 2008 National AFV Day Odyssey was beyond measure. Not only were there nearly 200,000 direct attendees, but over 50 million individuals were made aware of the important role these vehicles play in our nation's energy security and cleaner environment, through media outlets.
The 2008 Odyssey was the fourth installment and was organized in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy's Clean Cities Program. The event was honored with a national resolution to designate October 3, 2008 as National Alternative Fuel Vehicle Day. The resolution was spearheaded by U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd, and was supported by 22 other U.S. Senators. Many of the 2008 Odyssey events were held in collaboration with other industry events, providing the opportunity to get Odyssey's message in front of thousands of additional consumers.
To view the entire Odyssey 2008 Executive Summary, click here.