Michelin announced this week that Robert Bosch Corp. and Michelin will be working together to add an educational diesel component to the 2003 Challenge Bibendum
, an annual environmental event.
"Michelin's fifth annual Challenge Bibendum provides an innovative forum to discuss the importance of sustainable mobility and demonstrate new technologies. We are excited to be a part of this great event," said Kurt Liedtke, president, chairman and CEO of Robert Bosch Corp. "We at Bosch view diesels as the best solution to the major challenges facing the automotive industry today, such as fuel economy and emissions, without sacrificing performance."
"Bosch is a great addition to the 2003 Challenge Bibendum," said Jim Micali, chairman and president, Michelin North America Inc. "Michelin and Bosch have worked together on a variety of innovative projects and we appreciate the range of expertise and technology that the Bosch team will bring to this year's competition."
The challenge, 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 partners in the automotive world: vehicle manufacturers, designers, energy suppliers, technical leaders, policy makers, universities and government organizations.
The 2003 Challenge Bibendum will be held in Sonoma and San Francisco, Calif., Sept. 23-25. More than 70 passenger and commercial vehicles are expected 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.