Toyota Hybrid Exec David Hermance Dies in Plane Crash

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- A Toyota Motor Corp. executive engineer described as the "American father of the Prius" and who was among the country's top experts on gas-electric hybrid vehicles died in a plane crash, officials said Sunday. David Hermance, 59, was piloting an experimental plane when it went down Saturday afternoon about 50 yards off Los Angeles' San Pedro area. . .

Associated Press News

 

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Dave Hermance was well known to many PriusChat members. We are deeply saddened by his death and extend our condolences to his family.

Dave's biography is available on Toyota's Press Room website

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DaveinOlyWA @ Nov 26 2006, 06:52 PM) [snapback]354331[/snapback]</div>

My apologies. Here's the bio. . .



<blockquote>David W. Hermance
Executive Engineer
Advanced Technology Vehicles
Toyota Technical Center
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing, North America, Inc.

David W. Hermance is Executive Engineer for Advanced Technology Vehicles at Toyota Technical Center (TTC), located in Gardena, California. TTC, Toyota's North American R&D center, is a division of Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing, North America, Inc. (TEMA). Mr. Hermance is responsible for advanced technology vehicle communication for the North American market and advanced technology vehicle emission regulatory activities in California.

Mr. Hermance joined TTC in 1991 as Senior Manager in Engine Evaluation, with responsibility for evaluating North American passenger car engines. In 1992, Mr. Hermance was promoted to General Manager of the Powertrain Department in Gardena, where he was responsible for the development of engine and drivetrain calibrations for the North American market.

Prior to this, from 1985 to 1991, Mr. Hermance served as Department Head for Durability Test Development at General Motors. He joined that company in 1965, serving in a variety of roles in the Vehicle Emissions Laboratory from 1971-1985.

Mr. Hermance earned a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering from the General Motors Institute. He is a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers.

Mr. Hermance and his wife, Mary, have two grown children – a son and a daughter – and reside in Southern California. He is a pilot and enjoys aerobatic competition. He also likes to travel.

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