ABI Conference, 'Fuel Cell Dynamics 2002', To Provide Unbiased Analysis

OYSTER BAY, N.Y.--Jan. 16, 2002--As new companies join the market race in 2002, progress in the fuel cell industry must be analyzed from the perspective of ever-increasing competition.

The results of already announced partnerships in the industry this year will be crucial in understanding early commercialization efforts that should occur in 2003.

Allied Business Intelligence's (ABI) upcoming fuel cell conference will explore the dynamics of an industry in flux. ``Fuel Cell Dynamics 2002: Reality, Not Hype'' will give a direct, hard-hitting perspective of the fuel cell sector from the industry's major forces`` said Atakan Ozbek, Director of Energy Research at ABI.

``Each year, there is more news regarding fuel cells: The US government's announcement with Big Three on subsidizing the fuel cell vehicles being the most recent example. The industry needs a platform, where one can clearly analyze the true dynamics of this industry, where the true competitive advantage of the companies have to be distinguished from the nuisance that comes with announcements that do not cover anything substantial. ABI's conference aims to furnish this independent platform for the stakeholders, including the ultimate stakeholder, the consumer,'' said Ozbek.

The Fuel Cell Industry is expected to have enormous potential over the next decade. ABI's market study of Automotive Fuel Cells projects 1.5 million fuel cell vehicles by 2011, taking a 2.7% market share. ABI expects that number to increase to as much as 2.4 million vehicles, 4.3% market share in the global auto production by 2011 if the regulatory incentives -- as announced last week by US government -- and key technical challenges are overcome.

The conference that will be held on February 6-7th in New York City's Marriott Marquis will have distinguished speakers from a wide range of companies including Merrill Lynch, Fuel Cell Energy, H Power, Hydrogenics, SiemensWestinghouse, Medis Technologies, Aluminum Power, and The US Department of Energy.

The conference will answer the very fundamental questions that surround the industry, including:

Why do fuel cells matter more now than before? How will industry answer the need in distressed markets? What type of opportunities still exist for VCs and the investment community? How can the companies speed up the commercialization? Will the niche technological markets be able to sustain the market for the short and medium term? Allied Business Intelligence Inc is an Oyster-Bay, NY-based technology research think tank and consultancy that offers expert advice and research on energy, wireless, broadband, and emerging technologies. Details can be found at www.alliedworld.com or by calling 516-624-3113.