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Follow the jump for the organizer’s views and plans for NextCruise. The press conference was held in a park in Pleasant Ridge, with some vehicles on display and representatives from GM, Ford, Chrysler LLC, and the Detroit Grand Prix on hand.

NextCruise can be great way to get new technology in front of people who don’t think about it much, or maybe don’t even know it’s out there. And looking to the future is just as relevant as honoring the past. But the Dream Cruisers are often people looking to simply while away a typically muggy August Saturday.
Case in point: During the press conference, a couple of teenage girls wandered through the park. They made a beeline for the green E85-fueled Pace Car Corvette, hamming it up for a couple of photos. They didn’t stick around to hear about its E85 capability, or give the hybrid SUVs or even the IndyCar a second glance. A couple of pictures with a cool car, and they were outta there.

2008 Inaugural NextCruise(tm) Brings Environmentally Friendly and Future-Looking Dimension to Woodward Dream Cruise
Nine Auto Manufacturers – And Two “Green’ Motorsport Series – To Display Technologies And Provide Public Ride And Drives
Pleasant Ridge, Mich., July 23 – The 2008 Inaugural NextCruise(tm), to take place on August 15-16, is a new event – new in both concept and content. Staged in the City of Pleasant Ridge, NextCruise(tm) introduces an environmentally friendly and future-looking dimension to the Woodward Dream Cruise, widely viewed as the world’s largest automotive spectator and participation event.
Nine of the world’s largest automakers are supporting NextCruise(tm), by providing the public with multiple opportunities to check out – and drive – the latest in “Green Machines” (including hybrids, clean diesels and those with other, new super-high-mileage and ultra-low-emission technologies).
“NextCruise(tm) marks a number of important firsts,” said Paul Eisenstein, Event Chairman. ” It’s the first-ever public event that brings together such a large array of leading automakers, specifically to display environmental vehicles and technologies; the first-ever event where the public has the chance to drive such a wide assortment of clean, high-economy cars, trucks and crossovers; and it’s the first-ever official Woodward Dream Cruise event that is specifically future-focused.
“NextCruise(tm) helps expand the relevance of the Woodward Dream Cruise from what is primarily a retrospective into a celebration of the automobile, past, present and future,” Eisenstein added.
NextCruise(tm) will also feature displays of even more advanced green concepts and technologies, such as fuel cells and hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines, together with experts to provide insight into how those developments can reach production in the not-too-distant future.
“As Pleasant Ridge has the longest stretch of green space on the entire Woodward Corridor, it’s highly fitting that the City should be the host of this “Green” event as part of the Woodward Dream Cruise,” said George Lenko, Pleasant Ridge Commissioner and NextCruise(tm) organizer. NextCruise(tm) will be based in Memorial Park, immediately adjacent to Pleasant Ridge City Hall.
“Today’s and tomorrow’s Green Machines challenge the stereotype that environmentally-friendly automobiles require customers to make significant sacrifices: in size, features, comfort and, especially, performance,” said Eisenstein. “NextCruise(tm) provides a venue for manufacturers to display current and future Green technologies and engage the public in understanding that the newest Green Machines are roomy, well-equipped and, in keeping with the spirit of the Dream Cruise, able to deliver surprising performance and fun.”
NextCruise(tm) also will include a look at the next generation of “green” motorsports, including the ethanol-fueled IndyCar Series, and the American Le Mans Series (ALMS), which features a unique Green Racing Challenge this season. The Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix – which takes place on Labor Day weekend – includes both IndyCar and ALMS races. The motorsport display will include race cars and appearances by key IndyCar and ALMS drivers.
“Because of the press of competition, motorsport has traditionally developed technologies that have found their way to production cars,” Eisenstein stated. “Motorsport can be exciting, competitive and environmentally friendly, all at the same time.
“NextCruise(tm), put simply, is lean, mean … and green.”
NextCruise(tm) will be held in Pleasant Ridge’s Memorial Park along Woodward Avenue, north of Nine Mile Road. There will be a public preview on the evening of August 15. NextCruise(tm) itself takes place concurrent with the Woodward Dream Cruise on August 16. Major auto manufacturers supporting include General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, Nissan, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and Volkswagen. Other sponsors and exhibitors include Bridgestone, Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix, IndyCar Series, American Le Mans Series, PR Newswire, G-2 Communications and ESI. For information go to www.nextcruise2008.com or email nextcruise2008@aol.com.
Pleasant Ridge is known for its historic homes, tree-lined streets and active citizens who dedicate their time for the betterment of the community. A long tradition of community pride is reflected in the City’s beautiful parks along Woodward Avenue and its pristine neighborhoods. Many of the houses in Pleasant Ridge are part of a nationally-recognized historic district and all the homes reflect the care and attention which assures that Pleasant Ridge will remain a beautiful community for generations to come. A strong sense of community, dedication to historic preservation and ideal location makes Pleasant Ridge the perfect city for all ages, interests and lifestyles. Go to www.cityofpleasantridge.org.