2003 Challenge Bibendum Returns to North America

GREENVILLE, S.C., Sept. 4 -- Michelin is only three weeks away from the opening in Germany of its fourth Challenge Bibendum(TM). Additionally, it announced today that Challenge Bibendum will return to North America in 2003. The event will be held Sept. 23 - 25, 2003 in Sonoma and San Francisco, Calif. This will be the second Challenge Bibendum in North America.

One of the premier global events for advanced technology vehicles, Challenge Bibendum was conceived by Groupe Michelin as an objective way to bring together and test the best available technologies for environmentally positive vehicles. The event is open to all energy sources. It features vehicles from virtually every major vehicle manufacturer and brings together all facets of the automotive world: vehicle manufacturers, designers, energy suppliers, technical and industrial partners. The 2001 Challenge Bibendum tested new technologies during a rally from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. It featured the largest collection of fuel cell vehicles in the world -- ten vehicles from seven manufacturers. The 2002 event begins in Heidelberg, Germany, Sept. 22, will interact with the European Parliament and will conclude in Paris on Sept. 25, for the opening of the Paris International Motorshow.

"We are excited to have the event return to North America," said Michael Fanning, vice president, public relations and government affairs, Michelin North America. "The North American market already has several choices of hybrid and electrical vehicles -- with more coming every day. Challenge Bibendum is the perfect place to showcase vehicles consumers can choose today to make our planet a better place to live."

Plans for the 2003 event have already begun. "The support from Sonoma and San Francisco has been extraordinary," said Michelin's North American Project Leader Ron Musgnug. "We considered many locations for the 2003 event, but the work being done today in the Bay Area to promote advanced technology vehicles is a wonderful model to showcase to the world. The beauty of the wine country and the forward thinking of the city and county of San Francisco will be the perfect backdrop to the fifth Challenge Bibendum."

Vehicle testing, information booths and media seminars will be based at the newly renovated Infineon Raceway in Sonoma. Vehicles will then rally across the Golden Gate Bridge to conclude the event in San Francisco. More than 200 international journalists are expected for the 2003 event.

Although some Americans may be unfamiliar with the name "Bibendum," it is well known elsewhere in the world. "Bibendum" is the original name of the Michelin Man(TM) -- the ever-pleasant man of tires that has symbolized Michelin for more than 100 years. The first Challenge Bibendum was held in 1998 to help celebrate his 100th birthday.

Complete information on the 2002 Challenge Bibendum in Europe as well as updates on plans for the 2003 event 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 25,900 and operates 23 plants in 19 locations.