Challenge Bibendum 2004 Comes to China

SHANGHAI, China, Dec. 3, 2003 -- The world's premier clean vehicle event, Challenge Bibendum, will make its debut in Asia in 2004 in Shanghai, China.

Organized by Michelin, the world's tire technology leader, the event promotes progress in the development of environmentally friendly vehicles and is an increasingly popular platform for car manufacturers to demonstrate state-of-the-art technologies in this field.

The sixth in a series that first began in 1998 in France and which has since alternated between Europe and the United States, Challenge Bibendum's Asian Debut will take place from October 12th to October 14th, 2004, in Shanghai, immediately after the inaugural Formula 1 race that will also take place there.

"Challenge Bibendum's maiden appearance in China sees the event organized by Michelin with the support of China's central authorities and in liaison of the city of Shanghai," said Eric Jugier, chairman of Michelin China.

"Challenge Bibendum makes a significant contribution to the development of sustainable road mobility in China by showcasing the available range of clean vehicle technologies and their potential for the future," he added.

Vehicle manufacturers, universities, technology and research centers, energy companies as well as government and policy makers and media involved in this dynamic enterprise are expected to participate in strength in Shanghai, which is home to various major automobile companies.

There, Challenge Bibendum participants will again witness, assess and document the progress which these advanced, real world vehicle technologies continue to make, as well as the exciting opportunities which they represent. As is the case in all Challenge Bibendum events, these technologies will be subject to rigorous performance measurement, including vehicle emissions, energy consumption, noise and acceleration, breaking and handling as well as design.

"Challenge Bibendum 2004 in Shanghai is truly a unique, one-of-kind opportunity for manufacturers, technology developers, energy providers and researchers to demonstrate the driving performance, comfort and safety of advanced technologies such as electric, fuel cell, hybrid, gasoline, biofuel, diesel, diesel, hydrogen, natural gas and liquified petroleum gas," Eric Jugier added.

About Michelin:

For more than a century, the Michelin Group has been at the forefront of innovation, creating ways for customers to get around more safety, effectively and comfortably. Founded in Clermont-Ferrand, France, Michelin employs 125,000 people around the world, operates 74 industrial sites in 19 countries and sells tires in over 170 countries. Its four technology centers are in the United States, Europe, Japan and China. It also owns and operates six rubber plantations in Brazil and Nigeria.

In 1989, Michelin introduced 100 years of innovation, technological know-how and high quality standards to China. It established its first joint venture company in 1995. In 2001, the Shanghai Michelin Warrior Tire Co. Ltd. was founded via a cooperative agreement between Michelin and STRC - one of the largest tire manufacturers in the country. Today Michelin China employs more than 4,500 people and continues to grow from strength to strength.