DaimlerChrysler Delivers its Fuel Cell Vehicle to California * South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Gets its First Fuel Cell Vehicle from DaimlerChrysler * DaimlerChrysler Works in Unity On Hydrogen Infrastructure DIAMOND BAR, Calif., Aug. 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In a joint effort DaimlerChrysler announced today the handover of an F-Cell to The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). The F-Cell is the first fuel cell vehicle DaimlerChrysler has delivered to a customer in California. The handover is accompanied by the opening of SCAQMD's hydrogen fueling station. As part of its promise to put 100 fuel cell vehicles on the road in 2004, this is the first fuel cell vehicle DaimlerChrysler has put into the hands of a California customer. The handover will take place in Diamond Bar, California at the first hydrogen refueling station open to the public in Southern California. This program enables DaimlerChrysler and SCAQMD to gain considerable operational experience with a fuel cell vehicle and a hydrogen refueling station. By operating in California, DaimlerChrysler will receive valuable feedback on different variables that may affect future vehicle design. The station itself bears the commitment of SCAQMD's efforts to build a much needed hydrogen infrastructure. "This effort demonstrates how DaimlerChrysler and SCAQMD are delivering on a challenge for industries to create viable alternative fuel solutions," said Mark Chernoby, Vice President, Advanced Vehicle Engineering - Chrysler Group. "We're proud to have SCAQMD as a customer and partner in this effort to bring fuel cell technology forward." Based on a Mercedes A-Class, the F-Cell is a reflection of DaimlerChrysler's leadership in fuel cell technology. The entire fuel cell system is housed in the floor, leaving full use of the passenger and cargo spaces. It has a range of about 100 miles and a top speed of about 85 mph. SCAQMD will use the vehicle in normal everyday driving for which the F-Cell is well suited. Bumper to bumper traffic and in-town stop and go driving will be a beneficial test environment. DaimlerChrysler has sixty F-Cells operated by customers in Europe, the United States, Japan and Singapore. About SCAQMD The SCAQMD's Technology Advancement Program uses cooperative partnerships with private industry, academic and research institutions, technology developers, and government agencies to cosponsor projects intended to demonstrate the successful use of clean fuels and technologies that lower or eliminate emissions. DATASOURCE: Chrysler Group CONTACT: Nicholas Cappa, +1-248-512-4266, or Cole Quinnell, +1-248-512-0315, both of Chrysler Group Web site: http://www.media.daimlerchrysler.com/

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