Green Car Institute was founded by Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of the Green Car Journal. Ever since this publication began reporting on activities in this field in 1992, it was evident that industry and government efforts to develop and commercialize electric, hybrid, alternative fuel, and cleaner-running gasoline and diesel vehicles would be successful only if consumers understood the benefits of these fuels and technologies. Simply, potential buyers needed to become comfortable with the concept of advanced technology vehicles before they would be willing to buy them in significant numbers. Green Car Institute was founded in 1999 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit California corporation with the goal of educating the public and the media in an effort to overcome obstacles to these vehicles' commercialization.
Ron Cogan
Ron Cogan, president of the Green Car Institute, has been involved in the auto industry for 30 years. His extensive knowledge of this industry and understanding of environmental issues has been of value to the Green Car mission for more nearly two decades. That mission includes educating consumers, the media, and the industry on the benefits of environmentally conscious vehicles and technologies.
Cogan is additionally editor and publisher of the award-winning Green Car Journal and chief executive officer of the Green Car Group, an organization that specializes in the interaction of automobiles and the environment. He directed the launch of seven special-interest magazines at the former Petersen Publishing Company and served on the staff of Motor Trend as feature editor, where he was the magazine’s specialist on advanced technology and alternative fuel vehicles.
Recognized as the leading authority in the dynamic 'green car' field, Cogan is often sought out for his view on green car issues and to lend his analysis of breaking news in this field. He is sought out as an expert source by international publications, wire services, radio, and television, and has appeared in such noted media outlets as the Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, and San Francisco Chronicle, as well as appearances on CBS, NBC, and Good Morning America.
Cogan has been instrumental in producing the Green Car Summit on Capitol Hill, the Green Car Pavilion with the Washington Auto Show, Automobiles and the Environment conferences at the Los Angeles Auto Show, and Environmental Technology Expositions at the Society of Environmental Journalists national conventions. A proponent of alternative energy and low emission technologies, Cogan focuses his automotive work on programs that work toward energy efficiency and lessening the automobile's impact on the environment.
Todd Kaho
Todd Kaho’s diverse automotive background spans nearly 30 years. With experience as an automotive magazine owner, publisher, and editor, he provides an insider’s expertise in understanding industry and consumer trends. In recent years, Kaho has focused his attention on ‘green’ cars, advanced technology vehicles, forward-thinking concepts, and the future of sustainable mobility.
He has been involved with many highly successful image vehicles and motorsports technology transfer programs, with considerable involvement in the automotive aftermarket. This background is invaluable to the Green Car Institute as the advanced technologies that make race car engines more efficient and powerful are applied to creating more efficient engines in conventional cars.
Kaho has an extensive background in road testing cars and light trucks that spans nearly three decades. His behind-the-wheel experience and knowledge enables analyzing trends and new products with a clear, real-world understanding of what consumers need, expect, and desire. He is recognized as an industry expert in the area of fuel economy and efficient driving techniques. Kaho’s outreach efforts have included many hours interacting with the public at major auto shows from coast-to-coast, answering green car questions and explaining alternative fuel and advanced technology options.
