Sponsorships & Certification Process Set for `Duel of Supercars'
17 July 1998
Sponsorships & Certification Process Set for `Duel of Supercars' SuperBAT Major Sponsor, Agreements with Test
Organizations for Field Test Certification
BURBANK, Calif., July 17 -- BAT International
(OTC Bulletin Board: BAAT) has reached agreements with various organizations
concerning certification of a track test planned on August 19th to demonstrate
the fuel efficiency of BAT's "Dolphin Pulse Charge" engine technology. Two
California Universities will be part of the certification team including the
University of California Institute of Transportation Studies and the
University of California Irvine College of Engineering. The team will be
verifying the accuracy of BAT's test plan and data gathering methodology,
(although they are not involved in technology evaluation). BAT International
achieved 92.5 and 94 mpg @ 40 mph in two events at California Speedway in
Fontana in January & February 1998 (see press releases 1/16/98, 2/11/98).
BAT's subsidiary, SuperBAT, has agreed to be a major sponsor for the "Duel
of the Supercars". SuperBAT will use the event to showcase a variety of
product applications for it's new line of SuperBAT anti-friction metal
treatment products. The Geo Metro's Dolphin Pulse Charged engine, fuel
system, transmission and power steering have all been treated with SuperBAT
products to improve fuel efficiency and performance.
SuperBAT will also have other vehicles it is now sponsoring at the event
including Rod Wood's "McGruff Take A Bite Out of Crime" monster truck and
other vehicles. Various sideline events are planned including monster truck
demonstrations and other activities. The event will be free to the public and
is expected to draw a large crowd of interested spectators.
Numerous BAT prototype and production vehicles will be on display:
* Electric Vehicles from the production plant in Mexico
* New electric bikes and scooters planned for product introduction in the
near future
* A sports car and "Hummer type" sport utility vehicle, both with Dolphin
Pulse Charged engines optimized for power
Several TV and radio stations are being approached concerning local
coverage of the event. Video news releases will be made available to TV
stations nationally and numerous stations have already expressed interest in
covering SuperBAT and BAT news stories. This is expected to lead to
significant radio, print and TV coverage that will enhance efforts to
introduce BAT technologies and the SuperBAT anti-friction metal treatment
product line.
"Supercar" refers to a term coined by the U.S. Government's partnership
with Detroit to build a production super-efficient vehicle that reaches 80
miles per gallon by 2006. BAT's super-efficient Dolphin Pulse Charged diesel
engine has been placed in a Detroit built Geo Metro four door production sedan
and is close to achieving this goal today. As a result of improvements made
to Dolphin Pulse Charge technology since the last test in February, BAT
believes it will exceed 100 miles per gallon @ 40 mph. It will be running up
against the Toyota "Prius", a hybrid electric vehicle that has gained
international acknowledgment as the best "green" car on the market
(preliminary fuel economy estimates are approximately 66 mpg in city/highway
driving).
The purpose of the demonstration is to compare fuel efficiency of two
leading super-efficient vehicles and consider the commercial viability and
timelines for mass production. The cars will be run simultaneously on a two-
mile oval track for 50-mile segments at constant speeds of 40, 50 and 60 mph.
This will provide an accurate measurement of fuel economy at various speeds.
Other field-testing will involve measuring top speed and other parameters. BAT
believes it's Dolphin Pulse Charge technology offers a viable commercial
approach to meet U.S. and international fuel economy goals because it involves
only minor adaptations to current production processes without adding
significantly to costs. This contrasts sharply with the Toyota "Prius", which
requires costly batteries, power conversion equipment, etc.
BAT International is organized as a holding company with major ownership
position in a set of subsidiary companies now commercializing advanced
automotive and energy technology products developed by BAT over the last six
years, including SuperBAT's anti-friction metal treatment. Other products
includes electric vehicles, super-efficient or high power engines, advanced
batteries and power electronics, electric bicycles & scooters, and electric
power generation. For more information see BAT's web site http://www.baat.com
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 or contact Investor Relations -
Cheryl Mitchell, 360-384-2730.
