USCAR Announces Battery Consortium's Request for Proposal Information

    SOUTHFIELD, Mich., July 17 The United States Advanced
Battery Consortium (USABC) -- a cooperative effort of DaimlerChrysler Corp.,
Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Corp. -- in cooperation with the United
States Department of Energy and the Partnership for a New Generation of
Vehicles has issued a Request for Proposal Information.  USABC is considering
sponsorship of additional programs to further the development of low-cost
separators for lithium-ion batteries and invites battery developers to submit
proposals for consideration.
    Complete information regarding proposals is available at
http://www.uscar.org/consortia/USABC/RFPI.htm or by contacting Ted Miller at
313-248-4618.
    USABC was formed in 1991 by the three automakers to pursue research and
development of advanced energy systems capable of providing future generations
of electric vehicles with significantly increased range and performance.
    The consortium functions under the umbrella of the United States Council
for Automotive Research -- a cooperative of DaimlerChrysler, Ford and GM
established in 1992.  USCAR's purpose is to assist the domestic auto industry
in facilitating pre-competitive research.