Michelin Presents World's Premier Event for Environmental Vehicles

HOLLYWOOD BEACH, Fla., Dec. 19, 2002; At a conference hosted by the Electronic Vehicle Association of the Americas (EVAA) last week, Michelin North American Project Leader, Ron Musgnug, presented plans for the 2003 Challenge Bibendum(TM) and discussed opportunities for enhancing sustainable mobility in the 21st century. Now entering its fifth year, Challenge Bibendum, hosted by Michelin, is one of the premier environmental vehicle events worldwide.

Musgnug was among the presenters from top business, government, environment and academic organizations to speak at the Electric Transportation Industry (ETI) Conference, "Battery, Hybrid, Fuel-Cell," this year. EVAA's ETI Conference provided more than 1,000 attendees diverse perspectives on the technology, infrastructure and policy issues surrounding the advancement of electric vehicle technology.

Musgnug's presentation, given during the Dec. 12 session on "Education and Outreach - A World of Competitions and Special Programs," highlighted the role of Challenge Bibendum in advancing electric technology vehicles and encouraging innovative solutions to enhance sustainable mobility. Challenge Bibendum has become a catalyst for bringing together vehicle manufacturers, energy suppliers, and technology suppliers, to put the latest advanced technology vehicles to the test.

"Challenge Bibendum is a show-and-tell for industry groups from around the world to share perspectives and demonstrate the latest innovations in environmentally efficient vehicles," said Musgnug. "The competition includes a wide range of vehicles powered by every major energy source, so we have the most comprehensive demonstration of advanced technology vehicles."

Musgnug also provided a look at the future with details about the upcoming 2003 Challenge Bibendum. This year's event will take more than 75 competitors through a series of courses throughout Sacramento, Sonoma, and San Francisco, Calif., Sept. 23-25. A series of tests will rate vehicles on emissions, acceleration, handling, noise and energy efficiency.

For more information on the EVAA and the ETI Conference Series, visit www.evaa.org or www.eticonference.com.

Complete information about Michelin's commitment to the environment and its upcoming 2003 Challenge Bibendum are available at www.challengebibendum.com.

Michelin manufactures and sells tires for every type of vehicle, including airplanes, automobiles, bicycles, earthmovers, farm equipment, heavy-duty trucks and the space shuttle. The company also publishes travel guides, maps and atlases covering Europe, Asia, Africa and North America. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America (www.michelin.com) employs 25,900 and operates 23 plants in 19 locations.