Michelin Challenge Bibendum Attracts World's Cleanest Vehicles to Heidelberg and Paris

GREENVILLE, S.C., July 22 -- The fourth edition of the Michelin Challenge Bibendum will take place September 22-25, 2002 in Europe. The event will begin in Heidelberg, Germany and conclude in Paris, France in time for the start of the Paris Auto Show. The route will include stops at the Hockenheim circuit and the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

Every year, the Michelin Challenge Bibendum presents the most environmentally-friendly innovations from the world's largest vehicle manufacturers, technology developers and energy suppliers through a series of performance tests: emissions, noise, performance, safety and design.

"It is a true challenge in every sense of the word," said Michael Fanning, vice president of public relations and government affairs, Michelin North America. "We challenge ourselves to provide the most objective and comprehensive platform to highlight a broad range of sustainable mobility options. The manufacturers are challenged as well: to improve each year, to innovate and to create vehicles that please driving enthusiasts and address environmental concerns."

Highlights of Michelin Challenge Bibendum 2001:

Last year's Michelin Challenge Bibendum, which ran 226 miles from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, featured the largest collection of fuel cell vehicles in the world with 10 vehicles from seven different manufacturers. Innovative production and concept vehicles from Ford, General Motors, Chrysler, Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Opel, Audi, BMW and Hyundai as well as a host of independent manufacturers and universities. Successful completion of the 4700 foot Baker Grade Showcased virtually every significant power and energy source in both dedicated and hybrid options including: Natural Gas, Propane, Liquid Natural Gas, Electric, Hydrogen Internal Combustion (ICE), Hydrogen Gas, Liquid Hydrogen, Diesel, Gasoline and Alcohol The 2001 Michelin Challenge Bibendum attracted a total of 51 active competitors, in addition to showcase vehicles, a host of static displays, and nearly 160 journalists from the United States and 21 other countries. This year, the ADAC (Automobile Club of Germany), which is one of the most important consumers' associations in the world, will be Michelin's main partner and will assist in the performance testing.

As a responsible corporate citizen, respect for the environment is one of Michelin's core values, governing its growth and decision-making. Michelin is the only tiremaker to hold a seat on the World Business Council for Sustainable Development. Through the Michelin Challenge Bibendum, Michelin offers those involved in the automotive and transportation sectors an opportunity to develop and evaluate the performance of the cleanest technologies to meet the challenge of sustainable mobility. Complete details 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 26,500 and operates 23 plants in 19 locations.