Corporate Press Releases March and April 1999
1999 Jan-Feb Mar-Apr May-Jun Jul-Aug Sept-Oct	1998	1997	1996

4/29/1999  BMW Developing Gasoline Fuel Cell in Cooperation with DELPHI Automotive Systems - BMW/PRNewswire

Since this innovative energy converter uses conventional engine fuel, itdoes not require any other source of energy such as methanol and therefore does not call for any elaborate change in on-board technologies and in the network of filling stations. The new fuel cell is called SOFC for short or Solid Oxide Fuel Cell and converts hydrogen into electricity at a temperature of approximately 800 Degrees Celsius or 1470 Degrees Fahrenheit via a circonium oxide ceramic transformer. ...it does not require any expensive precious metal electrodes. ...With theSolid Oxide Fuel Cell, on the other hand, motorists will not have to wait until a comprehensive and widespread hydrogen supply infrastructure is in place. ..While the ongoing development of the SOFC in the gasoline-powered automobile will still take another five years or so, BMW will be the first carmaker in the world to introduce a PEM fuel cell battery for generating electric power in the car as a standard feature.

4/28/1999  Rentech and Thermal Conversion Corporation Issue Phase Two Update - Rentech/PRNewswire

The JointDemonstration Project was established in August of 1998 to evaluate the use ofthe TCC plasma technology which uses a proprietary, high-power, induction-coupled plasma torch and high-temperature reactors to convertnatural gas into a tailored synthesis gas, suitable for use in Rentech'sGas-To-Liquids (GTL) process. Synthesis gas, a mixture of carbon monoxide(CO) and hydrogen (H2) is the intermediate step for the conversion of carbonbearing materials to liquid hydrocarbon for GTL processes. ...Use of the TCC system, as the first step in the Rentech process,could be implemented as part of the overall GTL process, to convert naturalgas produced on remote off-shore platforms into clean liquid hydrocarbons,that previously might not have been possible.

4/27/1999  DCH Technology Inc. Expands Fuel Cell Operations - DCH Technology/Business Wire

This new facility will allow DCH to respond to the increased demand for Fuel Cells that it has received after unveiling its first configuration of a hydrogen-fueled Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cell at the 10th Annual National Hydrogen Association Meeting in Virginia two weeks ago. This highly successful fuel cell demonstration has resulted in strong demand for prototype units and DCH is now faced with a higher demand than initially anticipated, which has forced this expansion to meet the many requirements for hardware and applications testing. Stated David Walker, President of DCH Technology, "The demand for our fuel cells has taken us a little by surprise and serves as an example to the renewable energy industry that what was once far off, is now a market reality. Increased enthusiasm for the DCH PEM fuel cell has accelerated the implementation of our strategic plan."

4/27/1999  New Hydrogen Plasma Implantation Chemistry Breakthrough - Silicon Genesis Corporation/Business Wire

Hydrogen implantation into silicon wafers can be utilized in the Genesis Process (TM), developed by SiGen for the high-throughput manufacture of low cost, high quality silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafers for the semiconductor industry. The Genesis Process also has other applications using layer transfer technology, including potential applications in flat panel display manufacturing.

4/26/1999  Delphi and BMW Announce Development of Fuel Cell Auxiliary Power Unit - Delphi/PRNewswire

Delphi will develop the fuel cell system and BMW will integrate the unit into a vehicle. The solid-oxide fuel cell unit will provide more energy into the vehicle to enhance the electrical systems. Delphi and BMW plan to produce the solid oxide fuel cell unit in the near future.

2/26/1999 Spokane Firm to Make Avista Labs' Fuel Cells - Spokesman Review (Spokane, Washington)

A new spinoff of Telect Inc. will manufacture Avista Labs' cutting-edge fuel cell. ...Logan was selected to make the fuel cell because of its manufacturing expertise, service and global relationships that will help introduce Avista's technology to other markets.

4/21/1999  Texaco to Explore Fuel Cell Systems Business - Texaco/Businesswire

According to William M. Wicker, Senior Vice President of Texaco Inc., "We are engaged in an ongoing effort to broaden Texaco's portfolio of energy opportunities. We plan to apply our expertise in fuels and processing to develop fuel cell technology solutions that advance the commercial viability of this new source of energy and build Texaco's technology-based businesses. The California Fuel Cell Partnership will afford practical experience in understanding infrastructure needs and motivate collaborative research on fuel conversion technology."  Converting a broad range of readily available hydrocarbon fuels into hydrogen is a necessary step in the commercial development of an efficient and feasible fuel cell energy system. The formation of Texaco Energy Systems and participation in the California Fuel Cell Partnership will allow Texaco to apply the company's extensive expertise in fuel conversion technologies to advance the development of commercially viable fuel cell systems.

4/20/1999  California Paving the Way for Methanol Fuel Cell Vehicles - AMI/PRNewswire

"For the past several years, fuel cell vehicles were left to white-coated, laboratory researchers working under the hood," said American Methanol Institute President & CEO John Lynn. "Governor Davis is now putting fuel cell cars on the street, and California drivers behind the wheel." ..."The methanol industry is ready, willing and able to serve a California market for fuel cell vehicles," added Lynn. "Our estimates show that for about a $550 million investment, all of California's 11,700 service stations can be adapted to serve methanol. This compares quite well with the $4 billion in capital costs oil refiners spent over a three-year period to produce cleaner-burning gasoline in the State." In California, the pump price for methanol at 38 retail stations ranges from 87.9 cents to $1.10 per gallon. According to the California EnergyCommission, the average price for regular unleaded gasoline for the week of April 12th was $1.624. Today, methanol is sold in California to serve over 11,000 "flexible fuel" vehicles.

4/20/1999  SoCalGas to Invest in Fuel Cell Developer Plug Power - SoCalGas/Businesswire

Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas), a subsidiary of Sempra Energy and the nation's largest natural gas distribution utility, today announced that it will invest $7.5 million in residential fuel cell developer Plug Power.   ...SoCalGas has been involved in fuel cell research and development for 30 years, and sited the world's first commercially available fuel cell at the South Coast Air Quality Management District in Diamond Bar, Calif., in 1992. SoCalGas also supported fuel cell installations at Kaiser Permanente Hospital in Riverside and Anaheim, Calif.; the Hyatt Hotel in Irvine, Calif.; the Santa Barbara Jail; the University of California at Santa Barbara; and Vandenberg Air Force Base in Lompoc, Calif.  SoCalGas also is a founding member of the National Fuel Cell Research Center at the University of California at Irvine. The Center, established in 1998, helps form alliances and focus RD&D and educational efforts related to fuel cells for various market applications.

4/20/1999  Energy Partners, L.C. Overcomes Major PEM Fuel Cell Commercialization Hurdle with Production of $10 per Kilowatt Composite Bi-Polar Collector Plates - Energy Partners/Business Wire

Production cycle times of less than 25 seconds per piece were demonstrated with the new process. ...Bi-polar collector plates are a major component in PEM fuel cell construction, standing second only to the power producing membrane electrode assembly in cost and impact on performance. ...Prior to the introduction of Energy Partners' process, options for bi-polar collector plates included machining pure graphite blocks, compression molding graphite composites, and specially coated metal alloys. Pure graphite is too expensive and difficult to machine; compression molding requires too much time; and metal coating technologies cannot guarantee 100% perfect coverage, which leaves stacks subject to immediate failure due to metal corrosion. Energy Partners' composite plate technology responds effectively to these issues with a simple, low cost, high speed process and a stable material that is easily produced. The process, when in full production, will reduce Energy Partners' collector plate costs from approximately $100 per piece to $1.50 per piece.

4/20/1999  DaimlerChrysler Joins 'California Fuel Cell Partnership' - Daimler Chrysler/PRNewswire

DaimlerChrysler, along with the California Air Resources Board (CARB), the California Energy Commission, Ballard Power Systems, Ford Motor Company, ARCO, Shell and Texaco have created the "California Fuel Cell Partnership" to advance automotive fuel cell technology. "For the first time ever, fuel companies are joining with automobile companies to demonstrate fuel cell vehicles under real day-to-day driving conditions," said DaimlerChrysler Chairman Robert Eaton. "When we unveiled our fifth fuel cell car, NECAR 4, in Washington, D.C. last month, we said cost and development of a fuel infrastructure were key challenges. Today, three major fuel companies are exploring the possibility of providing the fueling infrastructure needed for the introduction of consumer fuel cell vehicles." The California Fuel Cell Partnership plans to place about 50 fuel cell passenger cars and electric buses on the road between 2000 and 2003. DaimlerChrysler's goal is to demonstrate 15 passenger vehicles in Californiaby 2003 as part of the project. The exact vehicle models have yet to be determined. In addition to testing the fuel cell under typical driving conditions, the partners will identify fuel infrastructure issues and begin preparing the California market for the new technology. The energy providers will supply a variety of fuels for the demonstration project, including hydrogen, methanol and potentially a cleaner type of gasoline.

4/20/1999  Ford to Deliver Family Fuel Cell Cars to California for On-Road Testing - Ford/PRNewswire

The "California Fuel Cell Partnership - Driving for the Future" was formally introduced by California Governor Gray Davis during a ceremony at the state capitol building. The partnership will test the technology and market readiness for fuel cell vehicles, along with researching infrastructure issues. The program will place about 45 fuel cell powered cars and buses on California roads between 2000 and 2003. Ford will deliver five fuel cell cars to California in 2000 and 2001, which will be based on the company's P2000 research program. The first P2000 driveable fuel cell car was debuted in January 1999 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit and was driven in Sacramento today.

4/16/1999  Global Thermoelectric Announces Automotive Fuel Cell Deal with Delphi Systems - Canada Newswire

Global Thermoelectric Inc. today announced that it has received a purchase order as an initial commitment from Delphi Automotive Systems to develop a solid oxide fuel cell system. Delphi, with annual revenue of $28.5 billion and over 200,000 employees is the world'slargest supplier of automotive components, systems and modules. Global Thermoelectric Inc. is the world's largest supplier of thermoelectric power generation equipment for use in remote locations, and produces crew compartment heaters for use in military vehicles.

4/15/1999  Fuel Cell Breakthrough to be Demonstrated by Southern States Power Mini-Van - PRNewswire

For this first demonstration, Global Fuel Cell Corporation will be using a new compact proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell that is specifically designed for mobile applications. Anuvu Incorporated's Carbon-X technology enables the size of the fuel cell to be cut in half while delivering sustained power output and much higher volumetric efficiency. By using very thin bipolar plates (less than .1 inch thick) made with Carbon-X that facilitate temperature and humidity management in each plate, the Carbon-X fuel cell is able to achieve much better performance, longer duty life and lower production and operating costs.

4/13/1999  GE Fuel Cell Systems, New Jersey Resources Partner to Market Fuel Cells in NJ - GE FC Systems/PRNewswire

GE Fuel Cell Systems and New Jersey Resources expect to begin selling residential-sized systems in 2001, and small business-sized units by 2002.Retail prices for the residential system will be $7,500 - 10,000 in 2001, andare expected to fall to less than $4,000 by 2003.

4/13/1999  Natex and Powerball Announce KHI Begins Construction of New Pilot Plant - PRNewswire

Powerball Technologies, LLC is focused oninnovative hydrogen distribution technologies. At the heart of theirtechnology is the proprietary hydride pellets or Powerballs(TM) whichdramatically increase the storage density and distribution efficiency forhydrogen through incremental and on-demand production of hydrogen for a widerange of applications from industrial hydrogen to portable fuel cell systems.

4/8/1999 DCH Technology Sucessfully Demonstrates Hydrogen Fuel Cell - Businesswire

Stated David Haberman, VP of Planning and Technology, "This marks a major technical milestone for DCH, and demonstrates our ability to develop and fabricate hydrogen fuel cell systems, that do not require fans, blowers or pumps to operate. [See also DCH Technology Exhibit Photos, National Hydrogen Association, Vienna, VA by Kent Klook]

4/8/1999 Global Thermoelectric Announces Fuel Cell Power Breakthrough - Canada Newswire

"Conventional solid oxide cells operate at 900 degrees C,'' stated Jim Lumsden, Vice President of Research and Development. "Global's new designcan produce significant amounts of power at temperatures as low as 650 degreesC, a tremendous improvement over anything previously reported. We believethat future versions of this design, optimized for performance, will achieveeven better results. ...The output we have seen at 800 degrees C is almost double the amount we have recorded on previous cells, and at 650 degrees C we are still making substantial amounts of power. To the best of our knowledge, this material breakthrough has resulted in one of the highest power densities reported for commercial solid oxide fuel cells in the world to date. This fact is important since operation at these lower temperatures in commercial cell units will allow the use of conventional materials in the stack assembly. These materials represent substantial cost savings over designs that operate at 900 degrees, where exotic alloys must be used to withstand the heat. Cell lifetime will also be significantly increased.''

4/5/1999 Xybernaut(R) Forms Partnership With Hydrogen Detection Company, DCH Technology - PRNewswire

David Haberman, Chairman of DCH Technology stated, "This co-marketing agreement with Xybernaut is an industry first for hydrogen detection and gas monitoring systems. The combined products mark a quantum leap forward in providing real-time situational awareness in the inspection of aging aircraft, bridges and railroads, a $9 billion annual industry. The DCH sensors embeddedin formerly inaccessible areas, make dangerous tasks like transformer monitoring and compressed gas inspections simpler and safer.

4/1/1999  DCH Technology Inc. Will Unveil PEM Hydrogen Fuel Cell, April 7 - 9, 1999 at 10th Annual National Hydrogen Association Meeting in Vienna, Va. - Business Wire

DCH Technology, Inc., Valencia, California, will be unveiling its PEM Hydrogen Fuel Cell, April 7 through April 9, 1999 at the 10th Annual National Hydrogen Association meeting In Vienna, Virginia. DCH will also unveil their newest Universal Gas Detector, measuring Carbon Monoxide, and for the first time the Robust Hydrogen Sensor integrated with Xybernaut^R's Wearable Computer, the MA IV^TM, which provides hands free access to the collected data, an industry first for hydrogen detection and gas monitoring systems.

3/31/1999  Global Thermoelectric To Join Exclusive European Fuel Cell Research Program - GLE/Canadian News Wite

Other participants in the program include Forschungszentrum Juelich, one of Germany's largest research organizations; Risoe National Laboratory and Haldor Topsoe, a major specialty ceramics and catalyst manufacturer, both from Denmark; ECN, the Netherlands national research laboratory, and Rolls Royce from the UK.

3/31/1999  BOC Gases Begins Final Construction Phase of Air Separation Unit for Farmland Industries - PRNewswire

Oxygen provided by BOC Gases will be used by Farmland with a petroleum coke feedstock for its gasification plant to produce hydrogen. This hydrogen, combined with nitrogen from the air separation plant, will be fed to an ammonia synthesis loop to produce ammonia. A portion of that ammonia will be used by Farmland to produce urea ammonium nitrate (UAN), which is a liquid nitrogen fertilizer. Additional oxygen provided by BOC Gases will be used to enhance the operation of Farmland's nearby oil refinery.

3/30/1999  Rentech and Phoenix Gas Systems Jointly Announce Agreement to Develop Breakthrough Small Scale Gas-To-Liquids Plants - PRNewswire

The agreement with Rentech will provide additional opportunities for the application of Hydrogen Burner Technology's on-board reformers to provide clean burning fuels for the use in fuel cells. The naphtha and diesel fuel produced in Rentech's iron based Fischer-Tropsch technology, being free of sulfur, aromatics and metals, are ideal fuels for the "advanced fuel cell" concept currently being developed for use in transportation and utility vehicles.

3/26/1999  Making Hydrogen a Mainstream Energy Source the Focus of 10th Annual U.S. Hydrogen Meeting - PRNewswire

For years, hydrogen has been one ofthe best-kept secrets in the energy business. But when the world's hydrogencommunity convenes in Vienna, Virginia, from Wednesday, April 7, to Friday,April 9, the focus will be on a source of energy that is starting to makesense to a wide spectrum of people, from corporate executives toenvironmentalists to national leaders.

3/26/1999  DCH Technology Forms Strategic Alliance With Xybernaut Corporation - Business Wire

Xybernaut is the world leader in highly interactive wearable computers using high-resolution, head mounted or wrist-worn displays, voice recognition and wireless data interfaces. DCH is a leader in advanced gas detection technology. These two advanced technologies combined will now enable inspectors and process monitors in over 40 industries to combine real-time hydrogen detection with quick access to the collected data to solve problems in the field, and on the factory floor.

3/24/1999  JLG Industries Focuses on Industrial Market With New Products - PRNewswire

Seen publicly for the first time at CONEXPO is the new Concept 2000 product, the first fuel cell-powered boom lift. This advanced concept model is designed to be environmentally friendly with zero industrial emissions and low operating noise. JLG's Concept 2000 is a 45-foot articulating boom lift equipped with a future-oriented power system that is similar to new power systems now being touted by major automotive manufacturers. Using compressed hydrogen gas for fuel, JLG's Concept 2000 boom lift emits pure water as its only by-product.

3/24/1999  ...Use of Existing Infrastructure Give Synthetic Fuels the Advantage in Alternative Fuels Race - Syntroleum

Syntroleum is a Tulsa-based technology company that has licensed its proprietary process for converting natural gas into synthetic crude oil and transportation fuels to several of the world's largest oil companies, and is working with DaimlerChrysler to develop "designer fuels" for DaimlerChrysler's new generation of compression ignition engines. Syntroleum added that it has begun tests of its synthetic fuels made from natural gas with a national laboratory to demonstrate the effectiveness of reforming the synthetic fuel into hydrogen for powering fuel cells. Synthetic fuels converted from natural gas appear to have none of the drawbacks associated with the other proposed energy sources, which have problems with toxicity, relatively low hydrogen density and lack of distribution infrastructure.

3/18/1999  Energy Research Corporation Commissions Direct Fuel Cell Power Plant - Business Wire

The fully integrated 250-kilowatt power plant uses pipeline natural gas to provide power to the Company's Danbury, Connecticut facilities, with excess electricity delivered to the local electric utility grid. ...In the commercial plant, four of the 250 kW stacks are packaged in a nominal 1-megawatt module, one or more of which may be used to power hospitals, commercial buildings, and industrial plants.

3/18/1999  Fuel Cell Concept Car Shown as World's Largest Hologram - PRNewswire

The hologram display, being exhibited at the Geneva Motor Show, provides an inside look at a futuristic, zero-emissions family sedan -- and at the same time a sneak preview of how cars and trucks might be designed in the next century. The concept car is the Ford P2000 Prodigy... The exteriorof the P2000 Prodigy is a translucent red, allowing the viewer to see inside to the vehicle's futuristic powertrain -- a hydrogen fuel cell. "Ford P2000 Prodigy represents the future of the family sedan --efficient, clean but fully functional with no compromises on safety, quality or driving dynamics," said J Mays, Ford vice president - Design.

3/17/1999  Epyx Corporation Receives 1998 PNGV Medal Award - PRNewswire

Epyx, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Energy, teamed with industry researchers to successfully demonstrate the first-ever multi-fuel processing technology, which is capable of converting conventional hydrocarbon fuels (gasoline), renewable fuels (ethanol), and alternative fuels (natural gas and methanol) into hydrogen to power fuel cells and generate electricity. ..."The Epyx multi-fuel processor is commercially significant because it enables fuel cell-powered vehicles and stationary power applications to use nearly any fuel accessible in the world today," stated Jeffrey Bentley, Chief Operating Officer at Epyx. "For consumers, this means convenience, which will ultimately drive early market success. And for the automotive industry, it hastens the day fuel cell vehicles can operate on practical, available fuels."

3/17/1999  DaimlerChrysler Presents First Driveable Fuel Cell Technology Car in the U.S. - PRNewswire

"NECAR 4 is a major breakthrough in fuel cell technology because we've developed a very powerful fuel cell system small enough to be packaged in a compact car," said Dr. Ferdinand Panik, head of DaimlerChrysler's Fuel Cell Project. "Five years ago, you needed a large van to contain all the fuel cellhardware. Now, that is simply no longer an issue. The significance of this technological advancement is comparable to the impact the microchip had on computer technology when it replaced the transistor."

3/17/1999  Ecostar System Drives Ford P2000 and Mercedes NECAR 4 Fuel Cell Cars - PRNewswire

Ecostar is responsible for the motor/transaxleand electric power converter in the vehicles. The electric power converter, known as the Traction Inverter Module, provides the power electronics to control the drive system of the fuel cell cars. It is based on technology developed for use in Ford's battery electric vehicle programs. Ecostar is one of the companies in the Fuel Cell Alliance formed between Ford, Ballard Power Systems and DaimlerChrysler.

3/17/1999  Ethanol Touted as Fuel for Fuel Cells at White House Awards Ceremony - PRNewswire

Working in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Energy, Epyx Corporation, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, developed a fuel cell reformerthat is capable of converting ethanol on-board the vehicle to hydrogen, whichis then used to power a fuel cell and generate electricity. ..."While past public announcements concerning fuel cell and the Epyxreformer have focused on converting gasoline to hydrogen, ethanol provides higher efficiencies, fewer emissions and better performance than other fuel sources, including gasoline," said Epyx CEO Jeffrey Bentley.

3/15/1999  Hydro-Quebec is First in Canada to Order Ford Ranger Electric Vehicle - CNW

The vehicles cost $48,895 to $68,395 each, depending on their battery,lead-acid (PbA) or the more advanced nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH).Hydro-Quebec's units feature the more advanced NiMH battery. The lead-acid-powered Ranger EV has a ``real world'' driving range ofapproximately 80 kilometres (50 miles) and accelerates from 0-80 kph (0-50mph) in 12.5 seconds, similar to the gasoline-powered Ranger. When powered bythe nickel-metal-hydride battery, the truck's driving range increases to 135km. (85 miles). ...Ford has invested $600 million U.S. in a global alliance with Ballard Fuel Systems of Vancouver to develop fuel-cell technology.

3/11/1999  New Plant Will Serve all of BASF and Rubicon's North American Supply Requirements - PRNewswire

...Air Products also has secured new gases business with BASF and is currently constructing a synthesis gas separation plant at the Geismar site to supply hydrogen, carbon monoxide and synthesis gas to BASFand other customers in the area.

3/4/1999  [PTC Holdings] Desalination Technology Acquisition Agreement Reached - Business Wire

The second unit will be shipped to the Company's California facility for integration with chemical-free water treatment subsystems. Before the end of 1999, the Company plans to integrate one of these units with a Zevco-based fuel cell power system. This will be used as a development tool for the evaluation of a variety of fuels ranging from ammonia and methanol, through natural gas and diesel.

3/4/1999  AlliedSignal and DCH Technology Sign Multi-Year Strategic Alliance - Business Wire

AlliedSignal will be developing aerospace systems which integrate DCH technology for missions ranging from active corrosion control and nuclear safety to the development and integration of hydrogen powered vessels.

3/4/1999  Praxair Introduces Rapid Response Hydrogen Supply Service - Business Wire

Praxair expects refineries, chemical plants and fats and oils processors to use the turnkey hydrogen service to meet their peak demand needs or supplement existing hydrogen supplies during outages or turnarounds. Currently, several refineries are using the Praxair rapid-response hydrogen service to meet peak hydrogen demand for hydrotreating and hydrocracking.  Praxair is the largest producer of liquid hydrogen in the United States...

3/3/1999 [Ballard] Johnson Matthey Announces New Collaboration Agreement with dbb Fuel Cell Engines - London Stock Exchange Regulatory News Service

Johnson Matthey is pleased to announce that it has signed a letter of intent with Daimler Benz-Ballard Fuel Cell Engines GmbH ("dbb") to develop and supply catalysts and catalysed components for fuel cell engines. Under this agreement Johnson Matthey will be dbb's exclusive development partner for catalysts which purify the hydrogen gas used by fuel cell engines to generate electric power and for several other catalytic components in dbb's ground breaking engine system. dbb is a joint venture between Daimler Chrysler, Ford and Ballard Power Systems of Canada to develop and manufacture fuel cell engines for vehicles. Industry analysts anticipate that dbb will be the first to market with a fuel cell engine in 2004. dbb will supply engines to Daimler Chrysler and Ford, who together account for a considerable proportion of the world automobile market. It is expected that the company will also be a major supplier to other leading car companies around the world. Johnson Matthey is the world's leading supplier of the platinum catalysts and catalysed electrodes at the heart of the fuel cell. It also has a number of proprietary technologies for processing fuels to generate the hydrogen required by the fuel cell and for purifying the resulting gas stream. On 27th October last year, the company announced a long-term agreement with Ballard Power Systems for the joint development and supply of catalysts and catalyst containing products for Ballard's fuel cells. As a result of this agreement with Ballard, Johnson Matthey will be the major supplier of fuel cell catalysts to both Ballard and dbb. dbb's methanol fuel cell engine is expected to be first to market and Johnson Matthey is focussing its efforts in the mobile area to support dbb's programme. Commenting on the agreement with dbb, Neil Carson, Division Director, said: "This important agreement with Daimler Benz-Ballard reinforces Johnson Matthey's leading position as a supplier of catalysts, catalysed electrodes and fuel processing technologies to the fuel cell industry. This is a rapidly developing new market which will provide Johnson Matthey with major business opportunities in the coming years." Dr Ferdinand Panik, President and Chief Executive Officer of dbb Fuel Cell Engines commented, "dbb are determined to be first to market with fuel cell cars. This new relationship with Johnson Matthey will be pivotal to our success."

3/3/1999  Shell Opens Solar Service Stations in Germany and Holland - Shell

...drivers of electric vehicles will be able to charge them with solar electricity in return for a contribution to the costs. The rest of the solar power generated will go to the local grid. Willem Jan van Wijk, Chief Executive of Shell Solar, said: "Solar power is beginning to play an increasing role in everyday use. These solar service stations represent a very tangible step for us to take in improving the quality of the environment we live in. Introducing the use of solar power in our retail operations is a demonstration of the Shell Group's commitment to sustainable development and to developing commercial opportunities in the renewable energy market."

3/1/1999  Dana Builds Technology Leadership Position in Fuel Cell Components, Related Sub-Systems - Dana Corp.

"Within the next fifteen years we see the automotive fuel cell systems market developing," said Chuck VanRens, director of marketing, Dana Engine Systems Group. "And in the next two to three years, the residential fuel cell systems market will heat up," he added. "Ultimately, we believe fuel cells will be the power source of choice in the next millennium. As a result, we are dedicated to a continuous fuel-cell systems development effort to create product and manufacturing technology for mass producing various fuel-cell systems and components at reduced cost," he said. Fuel cell technology is accelerating, with several automakers readying small production runs within four years.

3/1/1999  ...Occupant Safety Systems Enhances TRW's Leadership in Advanced, Integrated Restraints - PRNewswire

Heated Gas Inflator (HGI) -- including a dual-stage unit, is theworld's simplest and most environmentally friendly inflator, using a mixtureof hydrogen and air...