DaimlerChrysler Announces its First Fuel Cell Vehicle Customer in California

* Air Quality Management District is the First DaimlerChrysler Fuel Cell Customer in California * DaimlerChrysler Works with Federal and State Demonstration Programs to Promote and Further Fuel Cell Development

DIAMOND BAR, Calif., Aug. 13 -- DaimlerChrysler announced its first fuel cell vehicle customer in California today -- the Air Quality Management District (AQMD). The government agency will use a DaimlerChrysler F-Cell in daily use, based at its new hydrogen refueling station, the first station to be open to the public.

Part of a 100-vehicle fuel cell fleet that DaimlerChrysler will put into service in the near future, this is the first fuel cell vehicle the company has announced with a customer in California.

The use of the F-Cell by AQMD will enable DaimlerChrysler and AQMD to gain additional experience with a fuel cell vehicle and a public hydrogen refueling station. By operating in California, DaimlerChrysler will receive valuable feedback on variables that may affect future vehicle design. The station itself bears AQMD's commitment toward building California's Hydrogen Highway.

"This effort demonstrates how DaimlerChrysler and AQMD are delivering on a challenge for industry and government agencies to create viable alternative fuel solutions," said Mark Chernoby, Vice President, Advance Vehicle Engineering - Chrysler Group. "We're proud to have AQMD as a customer in this demonstration program which will help bring this technology to market."

Based on a Mercedes A-Class, the F-Cell is a reflection of DaimlerChrysler's leadership in fuel cell technology. The entire fuel cell system is housed in the floor of the vehicle, leaving full use of the passenger and cargo spaces. It has a range of approximately 100 miles and a top speed of 85 mph. The electric motor develops 88 hp (65 kW), enabling acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 16 seconds. The stack has been developed by the DaimlerChrysler cooperation partner, Ballard.

The F-Cell will be used by AQMD in everyday driving conditions in Southern California. Freeway and stop-and-go driving in this climate will provide valuable data to both DaimlerChrysler and AQMD on the operation and refueling of fuel cell vehicles.

About AQMD

The AQMD's Technology Advancement Program uses cooperative partnerships with private industry, academic and research institutions, technology developers, and government agencies to co-sponsor projects intended to demonstrate the successful use of clean fuels and technologies that lower or eliminate emissions.