FYI - I thought this news release might be of interest to fellow shareholders as it discusses the increasing use of diesel fuel in autos (after you get past the BAT promotional material). Carl
NEWS RELEASE: Has the Time for a New Generation of Diesel Engines
Arrived? BAT Has Been Saying Yes; Now the World Seems to Agree
BURBANK, Calif., June 4 /PRNewswire/ -- On January 15th and again on
February 10th, 1998, BAT International (OTC Bulletin Board: BAAT)
completed runs with an independent certification team (including Roger
Ward, 2 time Indy 500 winner) at California Speedway to demonstrate that
a Detroit built sedan could get over 90 miles per gallon (at 40 m.p.h.)
on a gallon of fuel. BAT used a standard production four door Geo Metro
and an off-the-shelf Yanmar 1.5 liter direction injection diesel engine
modified with BAT's proprietary Dolphin Pulse Charge technology (see
press release dated 2/11/98 at our web site www.baat.com). BAT was
heavily criticized at the time by both the media and engineers for
suggesting the use of diesel engines to meet national efficiency goals.
Now the tide appears to have turned and national research organizations
such as the National Research Council and the major auto companies are
suggesting that the only sensible approach to achieve national
efficiency goals is to re-introduce an advanced generation of new diesel
engines, fuels and emission control technology.
The debate over next generation super-efficient drive technologies for
21st century vehicles is very real and relates to some important drive
system alternatives. Many have suggested that the answer lies in using a
hybrid electric vehicle drive that combines internal combustion engines
and electric drives. BAT has long ago concluded that hybrid electric
drives are likely to be too complicated, expensive and require
significant infrastructure investments to succeed in the market.
Instead, BAT has focused most of our research efforts on developing a
small, powerful, super-efficient, very clean diesel engine. BAT's
strategic focus, which was once criticized, now seems to match the
prevailing view as evidenced by several recent articles on the future of
automobile where they note that diesel may be the answer.
On April 16th, 1998, the Dow Jones News Wire reported the following:
"A National Research Council (NRC) report released Wednesday said the
hybrid electric vehicle's major stumbling block may lie in the vehicle's
affordability and the ability to meet emissions standards. The NRC said
while the hybrid electric vehicle is technologically advanced and could
meet many of the PNGV's goals, the vehicle would likely be too expensive
for the U.S. market. The report also said major technological advances
will be needed to control engine emissions. The NRC said any money saved
because of gains in fuel efficiency probably wouldn't offset the price
of the car, which would require costly battery, power conversions and
electronic-control systems. The report also said owners of the car might
face higher maintenance costs because the hybrid cars are so complex.
The NRC said the PNGV program should be expanded to include the
development of lightweight, conventional vehicles built with advanced
diesel engines and other improved technologies. Such vehicles could
reach up to 60 miles per gallon and cost about the same as today's
vehicles."
"The National Research Council is a private non-profit institution that
provides independent advice on science and technology issues under a
Congressional charter and reviews the PNGV program annually at the
request of the participants. The PNGV program was initiated in late 1993
by President Clinton with the goal of substantially improving fuel
efficiency & enhancing productivity and competitiveness of the U.S. auto
industry."
Dow Jones News Wire, Reprinted by Permission
A more recent article appeared in the May 17th issue of the Los Angeles
Times which has the following excerpts:
"U.S. Automakers are laying the ground work to put millions of diesel
engines into sport utility, pickups and other passenger cars over the
next decade for the sake of fuel economy" ... "further engine
refinements, cleaner fuels and better catalysts could put to rest
diesel's dirty legacy". The article further states "The Big Three
automakers see diesel engines as the quickest way to improve fuel
economy in their gas-guzzlers for the least investment" ... "Diesel
could also help the United States comply with the international global
warming agreement reached last year in Kyoto, Japan". Rod Tabaczynsky,
Director of Ford's Engine Research Laboratory said "In my opinion,
there's a high probability that diesels will make a come back."
The LA Times article also states "In the early 80's, General Motors set
back diesel a long time by introducing the Oldsmobile equipped with a
diesel which was a lemon". In Europe and Asia, diesel engines are
readily accepted and are in approximately 25% of new cars. After BAT
completed its Dolphin Pulse Charged diesel test run in January and
February, much of the response came from Europe and Asia. Consequently,
BAT's commercialization efforts are presently being targeted in these
areas.
Copyright 1998, Los Angeles Times, Reprinted by Permission
The conclusion of the LA Times article stressed that the key to the
future of diesel is greater efficiency and cleaner fuels. BAT has
already made considerable strides in these areas with more advanced
designs expected to be showcased and demonstrated this summer. BAT would
like to see Dolphin Pulse Charged engine technology in commercial use
within one year.
This press release contains forward-looking statements that should not
be used to make an investment decision. Please refer to our web site and
other sources for more detailed Company information.
SOURCE BAT International
CO: BAT International
ST: California
IN: TRN AUT
SU:
06/04/98 09:30 EDT prnewswire.com |
