Michelin Challenge Bibendum 2001 Rules Announced

                    Applications For Entries Now Available

    GREENVILLE, S.C., May 24 Official rules for the Michelin
Challenge Bibendum 2001, an independent, real-world demonstration of the auto
industry's commitment to and progress in the development of environmentally
innovative vehicles, are being released today to prospective entries.
    The third Michelin Challenge Bibendum will be held in North America for
the first time on October 26-29, 2001.  The event will begin at the Automobile
Club of Southern California in Los Angeles, continue at California Speedway
and conclude with an environmental conference at the Specialty Equipment
Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas.
    The 2001 rules, developed by the Event organizers in consultation with the
Automobile Club of Southern California and the 2000 event technical staff,
provide for seven measures of performance tests: noise, acceleration, braking,
handling (slalom), energy consumption, range and emissions.
    Vehicles will be divided into two major groups: Production and Concept
(prototype).  They will be assigned to a class based upon their vehicle size
and type (subcompact/compact; midsize/full size and Light truck/SUV) and their
power/energy source (electric, hybrid electric, fuel cell, hybrid fuel cell,
gasoline+biofuel, diesel, hydrogen, natural gas, LPG or solar).
    Virtually all of the world's major vehicle manufacturers are expected to
enter vehicles along with independent entries from design houses, key industry
suppliers and new technology developers.
    Rules and entry forms are available at http://www.challengebibendum.com or by
contacting John Love of Event Management Corp. by phone at 313-449-0106, or by
e-mail at john@emcpr.com .

                    MAKE YOUR OPINION COUNT -  Click Here
               http://tbutton.prnewswire.com/prn/11690X13375843