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BAT Adds Four Ph.D.'s to Technical Advisory Board

12 March 1999

BAT Adds Four Ph.D.'s to Technical Advisory Board

    CHULA VISTA, Calif., March 12 -- BAT International Inc.
(OTC Bulletin Board: BAAT) today announced that it has expanded its Technical
Advisory Board with the addition of four Ph.D.'s.  Mr. Joe LaStella, President
of BAT stated, "The four new members add a vast knowledge base and bring
significant expertise to the BAT technical staff.  Their breadth of knowledge
and years of R&D experience will enable the company to better evaluate the
many new technology projects which are continuously offered to BAT.  In
addition, the Technical Advisory Board along with BAT's technical staff will
provide a 'think tank' support system for the many companies in which BAT
presently holds substantial equities."

    The four new members are as follows:
    Dr. Jorge Montiel Montoya, Ph.D.  Extensive experience in chemical
engineering, agricultural research and development, quality assurance,
consultant on many environmental projects in Mexico, and winner of four
national awards for food science and technology.  Presently performing
bio-fuel development studies for Southern States Power Co. (40% owned by BAT)
joint venture project.
    Dr. Paul Poduska, Ph.D.  Formerly Assistant Dean for Research and Planning
at the University of New Hampshire, Principal Engineer for Digital Equipment
Corporation, Associate Scientist for McDonnell Douglas Company, cofounder of
several software startup companies, and recent author of a book about the
Linux operating system, Dr. Poduska is presently Director of Information
Technology at BAT including manager of BAT's extensive Internet and web site
presence, technical documentation, and computer services.
    Dr. A. J. Prasad, Ph.D.  MIT graduate, taught at Columbia University.
Owner of HBL in India, a company employing 900 personnel, which manufactures
high-end advanced batteries for military and industrial sectors.  Ultra Force
Battery Co. (owned 75% by BAT) is presently building a joint venture battery
plant with HBL.
    Dr. Boris Tenser, Ph.D.- Professor of Electrochemistry at Rechargeable
Battery Institute in St. Petersburg, Director General of the Battery
Department for Space and Satellite Applications.  First inventor of the
12-volt battery based on nickel hydrogen chemistry.  Holds 90 different
patents in many countries worldwide.  Author of six books on batteries.
Presently working on sealer patent research for BAT's subsidiary, Ultra Force
Battery Co.

    The new members of the Technical Advisory Board will enable BAT to
increase its performance as a "holding company".  A "holding company" derives
its net worth from the stock equity that it holds in its subsidiary companies,
including dividends from equity holdings and royalties from licensing
agreements.  BAT provides the startup technologies and in some instances
startup funding along with the overall business coordination to launch high
technology companies.  The Technical Advisory Board enables BAT to address the
diverse, complex technical aspects of starting these high tech companies.
    From the outset, BAT's mission has been to develop and bring to market
many advanced technologies that will help improve the world's rapidly
deteriorating environment.  BAT's international name has attracted a host of
innovative technologies that are constantly being offered to the company.  BAT
has expanded its technical advisory staff to increase its ability to review
new proposals in the following areas:

    -- Evaluating new technology proposals that conform with BAT's
       environmental mission.
    -- Contracting with technology partners to form a solid business
       relationship.
    -- Assisting in the startup business funding.
    -- Providing business management consulting.
    -- Assisting in research and development programs.
    -- Providing resources for bring products to market after R&D is
       completed.
    -- Directing initial marketing and distribution efforts.
    -- Assisting new business entities in becoming self-reliant and feeding
       profits back to BAT and increasing BAT's equity holdings.

    In 1998, BAT helped launch two new high-tech companies and assisted in
forming four new joint venture projects.  Two new patents were filed by BAT,
its subsidiaries and associated scientists.  Numerous patents are now under
review for further patent filings.  The expansion of BAT's Technical Advisory
Staff with four additional Ph.D advisors having a variety of industry
experience will be a great asset to the company in providing expertise for
further company expansion.
    BAT International is organized as a holding company with major ownership
position in a set of subsidiary companies now commercializing advanced
automotive and energy technology products developed by BAT over the last six
years.  This includes electric vehicles, super-efficient or high power
engines, advanced batteries and power electronics, lubricant additives, and
electric power generation, (for information, see http://www.baat.com).
    This press release contains forward-looking statements that should not be
used to make an investment decision.  Please refer to the company's web site
and other sources for more detailed company information (Investor Relations,
(619) 409-8977).