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Toyota Fixes Hybrid: `Duel of SuperCars' Will Continue

20 August 1998

Toyota Prius Delays Test; `Duel of SuperCars' Will Continue

    BURBANK, Calif., Aug. 20 -- BAT International's
(OTC Bulletin Board: BAAT) field trial to demonstrate the most fuel efficient
vehicle in the world was delayed through most of yesterday as a result of
problems with the hybrid electric vehicle, the Toyota Prius.  The BAT SuperCar
completed warm up runs and was running well throughout the day.  A global
effort to fix the Toyota Prius was initiated on Tuesday evening that included
assistance from Japanese Toyota dealers, volunteer interpreters and help from
University certification teams.
    The problem with the Toyota Prius was identified in late afternoon and
repaired.  The Prius underwent testing to verify the tests were adequate.  By
the time the certification team finished its inspection and the two vehicles
were ready for testing, there was only time for one run before the track
closed.
    The results of the first test indicated that the BAT SuperCar had much
higher fuel economy than the Toyota Prius.  The exact fuel economy results
cannot be released at the request of the certification teams without
additional replications.
    The "Duel of the SuperCars" will continue!  BAT has arranged with the
certifiers to continue testing as soon as possible.  Additional testing may
also include several hundred miles of highway driving.  BAT is committed to
complete the "Challenge" and record the certified results in the very near
future.  BAT anticipates that the results will prove that U.S. technology is
much more efficient than the best "green" car that Japan can produce and that
it offers a real solution to global climate change problems.
    This press release contains forward-looking statements that should not be
used to make an investment decision.  Please refer to BAT International's web
site at http://www.baat.com and other sources for more detailed Company information
or call Cheryl Mitchell (360) 384-2730.