The National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (NAFTC) at West Virginia University will once again sponsor the National Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Day Odyssey this fall at numerous locations across the United States . The third annual event will be held Oct. 12, and is dedicated to promoting the use of alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles.

National AFV Day Odyssey’s inaugural year in 2002 drew crowds from California to Connecticut with sites in 31 states nationwide. In 2004, 54 sites in 34 states/provinces throughout North America participated by hosting activities such as educational fairs or conferences, networking breakfasts/luncheons, information on AFV training opportunities, and AFV ride-and-drive demonstrations for policymakers, students, fleet managers and the general public.

Acclaimed actor and conservationist Dennis Weaver served as Odyssey’s national representative. Attendance at events was nearly 25,000, and Odyssey’s message reached more than 24 million individuals through media coverage.

Given the recent focus of abnormally high gas prices, cutting-edge technological developments, and concern about foreign oil dependence, organizers said there is a growing interest in energy-efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles, and expect even greater success for this year’s event.

The third installment of National AFV Day Odyssey will continue its mission to promote important AFV and advanced technology vehicle innovations and awareness, event planners said.

For more information, visit National AFV Day Odyssey’s official Web site, www.afvdayodyssey.org , or contact Julie Whiteman, Odyssey event manager, 304-293-7882, or Julie.Whiteman@mail.wvu.edu .