Seeking volunteers for media coverage of ecomodding
 

It's inevitable that the mainstream media will pick up on ecomodding, and will come looking for examples of vehicles and drivers to profile. In the last couple of weeks, I've seen several registrations where the user's email address belongs to a well known media outlet.

Chuck Squatriglia, the WIRED blogger who picked up & profiled basjoos' Aerocivic is one example; though there are others who have registered but haven't made any public posts.

(It's possible they could simply be efficiency enthusiasts who happen to work in the news media.)

But Ben & I thought we'd like to be proactive and put together a list of EM volunteers who are willing to show off their vehicles & talk to the media, should they come looking for ecomodding examples.

Ideally, we'll end up with a list of people in various regions & countries we can refer them to (since they're usually looking for someone closest to their location).

The ideal volunteer will look something like this:

• you have made significant mods to your vehicle;

• you can clearly explain to a rank novice why you did what you did & how it helps

• you've documented the effects of the mods to the best of your ability - (ie. can talk about "before" and "after" fuel efficiency with confidence, and describe test methods);

• you understand & can demonstrate major ecodriving/hypermiling concepts;

• you're comfortable being interviewed in print, on radio or on TV.

The hypermiling point isn't strictly required - I know a few of you don't give a hoot about technique, and are only interested in "built in" efficiency. (Nuts! :p)

Interested? Feel free to reply to this post or PM me or Ben.

Thanks!
Darin

Cool - one well qualified volunteer already PM'd. That was fast. Thanks!

MetroMPG -

Good idea. In my experience, the media wants to do stories ASAP, so a virtual-rolodex of volunteers would be good. You should have multiple volunteers in different regions because they may not be able to respond in time.

I'd be happy to be a backup in LA, but I think that the media would want to interview someone with a newer car, i.e. a hybrid. Older cars like mine are more appropriate in a documentary format where lots of people are presenting all sorts of cars. Since my car is out of production, I think it's less of a draw for the media. I think they would want to present a brand new car, because they would be "selling" the car at the same time.

Basjoos car is special because it really stands out. Someone out to do that to a car still in production ( after the warranty expires, ;) ).

CarloSW2

Thanks for stepping up. Want to PM me your phone number to keep on file?

I wouldn't be surprised to see the media deem the "ecomodding" angle newsworthy in itself, even if the car is older. Plus, not as many hybrid owners are into mods as are into hypermiling exclusively.

In the unlikely event someone is needing an interview around WV you can give them my info. http://rthompson.us/about/ for contact info.

Cool... I really don't qualify as I haven't done any permanent modifications due to time....

BUT... There's a possibility that I might be interviewed on a non local national radio of the public variety.. If you catch what I'm saying.... I know the subject - not sure on the details as of yet... Given the right questions, perhaps I can mention hypermiling and the site :)

Well THAT would get you a free sticker! :D

Sounds exciting. Please keep us up to date.

And a kiss.

If you get some reporter wanting to do a story near minneapolis/central MN, have them drop me a line. I'll PM my contact info.

I'm in, PM on the way.
S.