AFS Sets New Standard for General Motors 5.3 Litre Vortec Engine

    CALGARY, March 5 - Alternative Fuel Systems Inc. is pleased to announce that it has successfully
applied its Sparrow compressed natural gas engine control system to
GM's new 5.3 litre "Vortec" gasoline engine.  This popular engine, currently
being used by most of GM's light duty trucks and sport utility vehicles across
North America, has proved difficult for traditional CNG fuelling systems
because of its high level of integrated electronic control.  After requests
from several CNG conversion outfitters in the U.S., AFS took on the challenge
of developing a sophisticated engine control system engineered specifically
for this engine platform.  AFS management believes the Sparrow system used in
this application is the only retrofit system on the market which offers dual
bank fuel control and full-authority electronic ignition timing.

    AFS has installed its Sparrow system in the engine of a GMC Sierra truck,
which is currently in the "on-road" verification stage. Acceleration and
drivability are excellent and meet the performance expectations for this class
of vehicle. Continued road testing, calibration and exhaust emission testing
as well as demonstrations for select high-volume customers will progress
through March.

    "We believe this Sparrow application will present a significant new
opportunity for us in the North American market where we have not yet had a
big presence", commented AFS president, John C. Anderson. "Current engine
technologies require independent bank fuel control and enhanced electronic
ignition timing to meet the increasingly difficult performance and emissions
standards. Once again, we have adapted our technology to be compatible with
these engine requirements at a cost that will be attractive to customers".