Mayor Willie Brown Welcomes Challenge Bibendum to San Francisco
Annual Michelin Competition Among Environmental Initiatives Recognized at Earth Day Breakfast
SAN FRANCISCO, April 18 -- Mayor Willie Brown congratulated Michelin today, during his sixth annual Earth Day Breakfast at City Hall, for promoting progress in the development of environmentally positive vehicles.
"I am proud to welcome Michelin's premier environmental event, Challenge Bibendum, to the city of San Francisco," said Mayor Brown. "I'd like to thank Michelin for its efforts to help ensure a healthy environment for future generations."
More than 100 San Francisco environmental and community leaders, including members of the Board of Supervisors, environmental commissioners and other city employees, attended the breakfast. In addition, two fuel cell cars showcasing state-of-the-art technology were displayed on Civic Center Plaza during the event.
Other speakers at the breakfast included Jared Blumenfeld, director of SFEnvironment and Robert Hayden, who accepted the proclamation on behalf of Challenge Bibendum.
"Michelin is truly honored by the Mayor's recognition and support," said Hayden. "One of the main reasons San Francisco was chosen as the location for the fifth annual Challenge Bibendum is the city's ongoing commitment to initiatives that help protect and restore the environment. Mayor Brown has been supportive at every turn."
The Mayor's proclamation welcomes Challenge Bibendum which will conclude its three-day event this fall in San Francisco with a rally over the Golden Gate Bridge. The premier global event for advanced technology vehicles will be held Sept. 23-25, 2003 in Sonoma and San Francisco, Calif. The competition portion of the event will be centered at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma. Major manufacturers from three continents will participate with more than 80 vehicles. Complete information about Michelin's upcoming 2003 competition is available at www.challengebibendum.com
About Challenge Bibendum
Challenge Bibendum 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 of 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. 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 24,640 and operates 22 plants in 18 locations.
