Air Products' Hydrogen to Power Fuel Cell Automobiles at Challenge Bibendum in California

LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa., Sept. 23 -- Air Products' hydrogen will provide the fuel for a transportation competition held over the next several days as the most technologically advanced hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are among the participants at the Challenge Bibendum being held in Sonoma and San Francisco, Calif., Sept. 23-25.

Air Products will have two hydrogen fueling systems on site to provide the fuel for participating automotive vehicle manufacturers, as well as several buses at the competition. Air Products will be fueling vehicles with its Series 100 stationary unit and also the Hydrogen Fueler, a mobile fueling unit. The fueling systems offer the flexibility to be transported to promotional events and remote endurance testing of hydrogen-fueled vehicles, as well as on-site testing or demonstration programs and provide fueling in a safe, reliable and cost-effective manner.

The Series 100 fueling system comes complete with compression, storage and dispensing capabilities. Air Products' Hydrogen Fueler has fueling hook-ups and dispenser, and is mounted to a trailer for relocation to meet a customer's unique hydrogen energy needs. The system features a safe, compact design, and quiet operation with no compressor and is already being commercially used. Both systems allow customers flexibility in decision-making when considering a permanent fueling facility. Air Products has installed many permanent-fueling stations across the country. More information about Air Products hydrogen energy projects and capabilities can be found at www.airproducts.com/h2energy.

Challenge Bibendum, considered one of the premier global events for advanced technology vehicles, was established by the Michelin Group as an objective way to bring together and test the best available technologies for environmentally positive vehicles. The annual event features vehicles from major manufacturers on three continents and brings together all participants in the automotive world: vehicle manufacturers, designers, energy suppliers, technical leaders, policy makers, universities and government organizations. More than 100 passenger and commercial vehicles are registered to participate.

A true competition, Challenge Bibendum is one of the few events to compare different advanced technologies head-to-head. The event is open to all energy sources from electric cars to hybrid fuel cells to hydrogen-powered buses. Advanced technology vehicles are rated on emissions, acceleration, braking, handling, noise and energy efficiency during the annual competition. Complete information is available at www.challengebibendum.com.

Air Products serves customers in technology, energy, healthcare and industrial markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of products, services and solutions, providing atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials and chemical intermediates. The company is a leading global supplier of electronic materials, hydrogen, helium and select performance chemicals. Founded in 1940, Air Products is recognized for its innovative culture, operational excellence and commitment to safety and the environment. With annual revenues of $5.4 billion and operations in over 30 countries, the company's 17,200 employees build lasting relationships with their customers and communities based on understanding, integrity and passion. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com.