A New Generation of Diesel Engines has Arrived
4 June 1998
Has the Time for a New Generation of Diesel Engines Arrived? BAT Has Been Saying Yes; Now the World Seems to AgreeBURBANK, Calif., June 4 -- On January 15th and again on February 10th, 1998, BAT International (OTC Bulletin Board: BAAT) completed runs with an independent certification team (including Roger Ward, 2 time Indy 500 winner) at California Speedway to demonstrate that a Detroit built sedan could get over 90 miles per gallon (at 40 m.p.h.) on a gallon of fuel. BAT used a standard production four door Geo Metro and an off-the-shelf Yanmar 1.5 liter direction injection diesel engine modified with BAT's proprietary Dolphin Pulse Charge technology (see press release dated 2/11/98 at our web site http://www.baat.com). BAT was heavily criticized at the time by both the media and engineers for suggesting the use of diesel engines to meet national efficiency goals. Now the tide appears to have turned and national research organizations such as the National Research Council and the major auto companies are suggesting that the only sensible approach to achieve national efficiency goals is to re-introduce an advanced generation of new diesel engines, fuels and emission control technology. The debate over next generation super-efficient drive technologies for 21st century vehicles is very real and relates to some important drive system alternatives. Many have suggested that the answer lies in using a hybrid electric vehicle drive that combines internal combustion engines and electric drives. BAT has long ago concluded that hybrid electric drives are likely to be too complicated, expensive and require significant infrastructure investments to succeed in the market. Instead, BAT has focused most of our research efforts on developing a small, powerful, super-efficient, very clean diesel engine. BAT's strategic focus, which was once criticized, now seems to match the prevailing view as evidenced by several recent articles on the future of automobile where they note that diesel may be the answer. On April 16th, 1998, the Dow Jones News Wire reported the following: "A National Research Council (NRC) report released Wednesday said the hybrid electric vehicle's major stumbling block may lie in the vehicle's affordability and the ability to meet emissions standards. The NRC said while the hybrid electric vehicle is technologically advanced and could meet many of the PNGV's goals, the vehicle would likely be too expensive for the U.S. market. The report also said major technological advances will be needed to control engine emissions. The NRC said any money saved because of gains in fuel efficiency probably wouldn't offset the price of the car, which would require costly battery, power conversions and electronic-control systems. The report also said owners of the car might face higher maintenance costs because the hybrid cars are so complex. The NRC said the PNGV program should be expanded to include the development of lightweight, conventional vehicles built with advanced diesel engines and other improved technologies. Such vehicles could reach up to 60 miles per gallon and cost about the same as today's vehicles." "The National Research Council is a private non-profit institution that provides independent advice on science and technology issues under a Congressional charter and reviews the PNGV program annually at the request of the participants. The PNGV program was initiated in late 1993 by President Clinton with the goal of substantially improving fuel efficiency & enhancing productivity and competitiveness of the U.S. auto industry." Dow Jones News Wire, Reprinted by Permission A more recent article appeared in the May 17th issue of the Los Angeles Times which has the following excerpts: "U.S. Automakers are laying the ground work to put millions of diesel engines into sport utility, pickups and other passenger cars over the next decade for the sake of fuel economy" ... "further engine refinements, cleaner fuels and better catalysts could put to rest diesel's dirty legacy". The article further states "The Big Three automakers see diesel engines as the quickest way to improve fuel economy in their gas-guzzlers for the least investment" ... "Diesel could also help the United States comply with the international global warming agreement reached last year in Kyoto, Japan". Rod Tabaczynsky, Director of Ford's Engine Research Laboratory said "In my opinion, there's a high probability that diesels will make a come back." The LA Times article also states "In the early 80's, General Motors set back diesel a long time by introducing the Oldsmobile equipped with a diesel which was a lemon". In Europe and Asia, diesel engines are readily accepted and are in approximately 25% of new cars. After BAT completed its Dolphin Pulse Charged diesel test run in January and February, much of the response came from Europe and Asia. Consequently, BAT's commercialization efforts are presently being targeted in these areas. Copyright 1998, Los Angeles Times, Reprinted by Permission The conclusion of the LA Times article stressed that the key to the future of diesel is greater efficiency and cleaner fuels. BAT has already made considerable strides in these areas with more advanced designs expected to be showcased and demonstrated this summer. BAT would like to see Dolphin Pulse Charged engine technology in commercial use within one year. This press release contains forward-looking statements that should not be used to make an investment decision. Please refer to our web site and other sources for more detailed Company information.
