DaimlerChrysler Puts More Fuel Cell Vehicles on Public Roads -- LAX Makes Plans to Use a Zero Emissions Mercedes-Benz Fuel Cell Vehicle -- DaimlerChrysler Will Have Over 100 Fuel Cell Vehicles on the Road this Year -- DaimlerChrysler Works in Unity with BP, Praxair and Government Agencies to Mature Fuel Cell Vehicle Technology and the Hydrogen Infrastructure AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Oct. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- DaimlerChrysler announced today that Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) plans to use a fuel cell powered F-Cell vehicle at its facility to further the development and experience with fuel cell vehicles and the hydrogen infrastructure. This announcement coincides with the opening of the BP and Praxair public hydrogen fueling station at LAX. "These events exhibit how DaimlerChrysler, BP, Praxair and LAX are taking on the challenge for industries and governments to create viable alternative fuel solutions," said Mark Chernoby, Vice President, Advance Vehicle Engineering - Chrysler Group. "We're pleased to be a driving force in this team effort to develop fuel cell technology." As part of its commitment to have 100 fuel cell vehicles in 2004, DaimlerChrysler has over 40 fuel cell vehicles in customer hands around the world. DaimlerChrysler supports Governor Schwarzenegger's efforts and goals. The California Hydrogen Highway Network, in addition to other programs the company is involved with -- including those with the Department of Energy (DOE) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) -- enables DaimlerChrysler and its partners to gain extensive operational familiarity with fuel cell vehicles and hydrogen refueling stations. By operating this vehicle in California, LAX will provide DaimlerChrysler and its partners with valuable feedback that will affect future vehicle design. This fueling station bears the commitment of the cooperative efforts to build a much needed hydrogen infrastructure. In the State of the Union address last year, President Bush declared his revolutionary hydrogen fuel plan, which searches for a new day in which America's cars and light trucks are fueled by clean hydrogen-powered fuel cells. President Bush stated, "the first car driven by a child born today could be fueled by hydrogen and pollution free." Based on a Mercedes-Benz 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 approximately 100 miles and a top speed of about 85 mph. The vehicle LAX plans to use will be one of 60 Mercedes-Benz F-Cells in the DaimlerChrysler fuel cell vehicle armada. The fleet is diverse, and in addition to several research vehicles, it also includes three medium-duty fuel cell Dodge Sprinter vans and 33 Mercedes-Benz Citaro fuel cell buses are operated in Europe, the United States, Japan, Australia and Singapore. Already, over 40 of these vehicles are in use by customers today. Partnerships are an important part of fuel cell technology development. DaimlerChrysler has the pleasure of sharing goals with other companies and government entities such as the EPA and UPS as well. Earlier this week in Detroit, DaimlerChrysler and BP, partners in the Department of Energy's fuel cell vehicle and infrastructure validation program dedicated the first hydrogen station in the plan. These partnerships and the common goal will propel fuel cell transportation to maturity. DaimlerChrysler pioneered fuel cell vehicle technology over 10 years ago. Fuel cells release energy from the reaction of hydrogen with a catalyst and oxygen. This clean technology operates at a high level of efficiency and is true zero emission. Hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles emit only pure water vapor as exhaust. Fuel cell vehicles are part of DaimlerChrysler's advanced propulsion technology umbrella, which includes efficient gasoline engines, advanced diesels and hybrid powertrain systems. 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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