Sonoma's Infineon Raceway to Host International Clean Vehicle Competition in September

   Michelin Chooses Sonoma and Infineon Raceway for Fifth Annual Challenge
                           Bibendum(TM) Competition

    SONOMA, Calif., Jan. 23 Michelin's premier environmental
vehicle event, Challenge Bibendum(TM), will return to North America in 2003
and will be centered at Infineon Raceway in the scenic Sonoma Valley.
Infineon Raceway, home to NASCAR Winston Cup racing, the NHRA POWERade Drag
Racing Series, and American Le Mans Series (ALMS) will be the proving grounds
for many of the most environmentally positive vehicles in the world during the
event.
    Set for Sept. 23-25, 2003, this prestigious, international event focuses
on environmental and performance testing of the best technologies auto
companies around the world have to offer.  More than 80 vehicles will take
part in Challenge Bibendum, which will include activities in Sacramento and on
the Sonoma town square.  The Challenge will culminate with a rally of advanced
technology vehicles from Infineon Raceway, across the Golden Gate Bridge and
into San Francisco.  This will be the second Challenge Bibendum held in North
America.
    "Infineon Raceway is the perfect choice for this year's Challenge
Bibendum," said Michelin's North American Project Leader Ron Musgnug.  "Not
only is Infineon an outstanding, world-class track with excellent amenities,
but it is nestled in Sonoma Valley -- which is known for its environmental
vision and commitment to sustainable growth.  As environmental leaders,
automotive manufacturers and journalists from around the world come to
Challenge Bibendum, they will be welcomed by the beauty and hospitality of
Northern California."
    Infineon Raceway, which was selected over a number of other distinguished
sites, hosts the best in motorsports entertainment annually, and is also home
to one of the country's busiest motorsports industrial parks.
    "Challenge Bibendum represents leading-edge technology and the importance
of our environment and, in that sense, there could be no better venue than
Infineon Raceway and the beautiful Sonoma Valley," said Steve Page, president
and general manager of Infineon Raceway.  "We are delighted and proud to have
been selected to host this wonderful event."
    The three-day Michelin advanced technology vehicle competition will also
serve as an economic stimulus for the Sonoma Valley, which will benefit from
an influx of more than 800 automotive industry representatives, environmental
leaders and influencers, including 200 international journalists.  Sonoma's
more than 35 wineries, 40 restaurants and wide array of outdoor activities
will see an infusion of visitors from more than 20 countries.  The Sonoma
Valley Visitors Bureau has been instrumental in not only attracting Challenge
Bibendum to the Sonoma Valley, but also securing lodging for the event, as
well as facilitating other support activities for those attending.
    "We are extremely honored to host this world-class event," said Steve
Dale, president of the Sonoma Valley Visitor's Bureau.  "Michelin's choice of
the Sonoma Valley reinforces our status as one of the world's most desired
destinations for business and leisure travelers alike."

    About Infineon Raceway:
    The raceway features a world-class 12-turn, 2.52-mile road course,
quarter-mile drag strip and international-style 16-turn, three-quarter mile
karting center, as well as more than 75 businesses in its motorsports
industrial park.  The raceway, which just completed a $50 million
modernization project that has transformed the facility into one of the
premier motorsports venues in the country, will host vehicle testing, a Media
Learning Center and a "City Drive" that allows journalists to test advanced
technology vehicles on real-road conditions.

    About Challenge Bibendum:
    Challenge Bibendum(TM), considered one of the premier global events for
advanced technology vehicles, was conceived by the Michelin Group as an
objective way to bring together and test the best available technologies for
environmentally positive vehicles.  Challenge Bibendum features vehicles from
major vehicle manufacturers on three continents and brings together all facets
of the automotive world: vehicle manufacturers, designers, energy suppliers,
technical leaders, industrial partners, influencers, government and non-
government organizations.  The event is open to all energy sources and
includes a series of tests rating vehicles on emissions, acceleration,
braking, handling, noise and energy efficiency.
    While some Americans may be unfamiliar with the name "Bibendum", it is
well known throughout other areas in the world.  Bibendum(TM) is the name of
the Michelin Man(TM) -- the towering man of tires that has symbolized Michelin
for more than 105 years.  The inaugural Challenge Bibendum held in France in
1998 not only showcased 50 low-emission cars, but also celebrated Bibendum's
100th birthday.  Complete information about Michelin's upcoming 2003 Challenge
Bibendum is available at http://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 (http://www.michelin.com) employs 25,900 and
operates 22 plants in 18 locations.