PLAYA VISTA, CA --- The Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE, a multimillion dollar competition to inspire a new generation of super fuel-efficient vehicles, has hired Eric Cahill as senior director.

Cahill will report to Cristin Lindsay, vice president of prize operations. 

Ten million dollars in prizes will be awarded to the teams that win a competition for clean, production-capable vehicles that exceed 100 miles per gallon or energy equivalent (MPGe). The Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE will place a major focus on efficiency, safety, affordability and the environment. "It is about developing real, production-capable cars that consumers will want to buy, not science projects or concept cars," Progressive said. 

Cahill will provide leadership and managerial direction to the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE team and interact with X PRIZE sponsors, donors, partners, consultants, vendors, contractors and participants. He will be based at the X PRIZE Foundation headquarters in Playa Vista, Calif. 

"The Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE is a groundbreaking opportunity for designers and developers of all levels to compete on a neutral and equitable field," said Cahill. "I am thrilled to be able to work with talented teams across the nation and the world, from high school students to established car companies, creating clean, super-efficient vehicles that are ready to meet the demands of the market today." 

Cahill, a U.S. Navy veteran and practiced project manager, spent the early portion of his career at Boeing's program management office and later at an automotive supplier where he led the team that developed the electric drive train technology for the forthcoming Fisker Karma luxury plug-in hybrid. 

Prior to joining the X PRIZE Foundation, Cahill served as COO and founding member of Internet start-up AboutTime.com and most recently as principal at Adaptiv Strategic Technology Advisors, where he consulted on alternative energy, project management, and renewable technologies and policies.