The 2003 Challenge Bibendum, considered one of the premier global events for advanced technology vehicles, will test the best available technologies for environmentally friendly vehicles.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sep 16, 2003 (BUSINESS WIRE) --

What: The 2003 Challenge Bibendum, considered one of the premier global events for advanced technology vehicles, will test the best available technologies for environmentally friendly vehicles.

Ballard zero-emission fuel cell-powered vehicles available for ride and drives, include:

- DaimlerChrysler F-Cell - A fleet of 60 compact F-Cell vehicles powered by Ballard(R) fuel cell engines are expected to be placed in customer fleets in North America, Japan, Singapore and Europe over the next two years.
- Ford Focus FCV - Over the next two years, Ford plans to place 60 Focus FCVs in fleet operations, all powered by Ballard(R) fuel cell engines.
- Honda FCX - Over the next three years, Honda's fleet of 30 cars, powered by Ballard(R) fuel cells, will be placed with customers in California and Japan.
- Mercedes-Benz Citaro Fuel Cell Bus - 30 buses, powered using Ballard(R) fuel cell engines, are being put into revenue service in 10 European cities beginning in 2003, as part of the European Fuel Cell Bus Project.

Who: Firoz Rasul, Chairman of the Board, Ballard Power Systems Ross Witschonke, Vice President, Sales &Marketing, Ballard Power Systems

Where: Sonoma and San Francisco, California.

When: September 23 to September 25

Why: Recognized as the world leader in developing, manufacturing and marketing zero-emission proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, Ballard Power Systems is a proud supplier of fuel cell products to 6 of the top 10 automakers. Over the next 18 months, over 180 Ballard(R) fuel cell vehicles will be placed in demonstration fleets worldwide.

Ballard executives will be available for interviews throughout the Michelin Challenge Bibendum.

Extensive b-roll and a new animation of 'how a fuel cell engine works'is available in both NTSC and PAL format. For video copies, please visit Ballard in the California Fuel Cell Partnership display in the Michelin Learning Center at Infineon Raceway or call one of the following numbers.

About Ballard Power Systems Inc. (NASDAQ: BLDP):

Ballard Power Systems is recognized as the world leader in developing, manufacturing and marketing zero-emission proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Ballard is commercializing fuel cell engines for transportation applications and fuel cell systems for portable and stationary products. Ballard is also commercializing electric drives for fuel cell and other electric vehicles, and power conversion products, and is a Tier 1 automotive supplier of friction materials for power train components. Ballard's proprietary technology is enabling automobile, bus, electrical equipment, portable power and stationary product manufacturers to develop environmentally clean products for sale. Ballard is partnering with strong, world-leading companies, including DaimlerChrysler, Ford, EBARA, ALSTOM and FirstEnergy, to commercialize Ballard(R) fuel cells. Ballard has supplied fuel cells to Honda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Volkswagen, Yamaha and Cinergy, among others.