DaimlerChrysler Commits Over $70 Million to Fuel Cell

DaimlerChrysler Commits Over $70 Million to Fuel Cell
Development in the U.S.

- *The United States Department of Energy and DaimlerChrysler
Work Together for Further Development of Fuel Cell Vehicles

- *DaimlerChrysler has More Fuel Cell Vehicles in the US than
any Other Manufacturer

- *Vehicles are Part of the 100-Plus DaimlerChrysler Fuel Cell
Worldwide Fleet

http://www.prnewswire.com/

WASHINGTON, March 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- DaimlerChrysler,
the world's leading manufacturer of fuel cell vehicles, has
entered into an agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy
(DOE) to further develop fuel cell vehicles in the United
States. *DaimlerChrysler will invest over $70 million, returning
valuable information about the future of hydrogen
transportation.

The five-year partnership, part of the DOE Controlled Fleet and
Hydrogen Infrastructure Demonstration and Validation Project,
links DaimlerChrysler, BP and other companies as partners to
help increase public awareness through outreach programs about
fuel cell vehicles, the hydrogen economy and the benefits to
society.

"DaimlerChrysler has worked with the Department of Energy from
the beginning. *We have a fleet of fuel cell vehicles ready to
go into service in this demonstration program," said Deborah
Morrissett, Vice President - Regulatory Affairs, Chrysler Group.
"This is an example of the type of partnership that is necessary
to accelerate the evolution of the fuel cell vehicle and to
reduce the dependency on oil in the United States."

By working closely with Ballard Power Systems, DaimlerChrysler
has succeeded in developing a range of fuel cell powered
vehicles for different applications:

* *The Mercedes F-Cell is a four-door passenger car being
manufactured under volume production conditions

* *The company also is currently testing the Dodge Fuel Cell
Sprinter van with UPS, this is the first medium-duty fuel cell
vehicle used commercially in the United States

* *In addition to the Mercedes F-Cells and Dodge Fuel Cell
Sprinters, the company operates a fleet of fuel cell-powered
Mercedes Citaro buses in public transportation worldwide.

The varying models are part of the company's 100 fuel cell
vehicle fleet and places DaimlerChrysler at a unique advantage
to put numerous fuel cell powered vehicles within the United
States in early 2005.

"DaimlerChrysler has more fuel cell vehicles in use than any
other company," said Morrissett. *"The DOE program will further
expand our knowledge of fuel cell technology, demonstrate our
commitment to zero emission transportation and support our
nation's long term vision of a hydrogen economy."

Through the DOE Controlled Hydrogen Fleet and Infrastructure
Demonstration and Validation Project, DaimlerChrysler will place
more fuel cell vehicles in the hands of customers who will
provide valuable feedback about performance in different
conditions. *DaimlerChrysler is testing over 100 fuel cell
vehicles under varying weather, traffic conditions and driving
styles in different locations worldwide. *This experience will
benefit the development of the fuel cell automobile and how it
will be refueled. *BP is the energy partner of DaimlerChrysler
in the project. *BP recently opened the first public hydrogen
refueling station in Southfield, Michigan, with DTE Energy
Company. *Another station was opened in a cooperative effort
between BP and Praxair at the Los Angeles International Airport.
DaimlerChrysler has been involved in fuel cell technology for
more than 10 years. *Fuel cells release energy from the reaction
of hydrogen and oxygen with a catalyst. *This clean technology
operates to 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
also includes exceptionally efficient gasoline engines, advanced
diesels, alternative fuels and hybrid powertrain systems.

Additional information and news from DaimlerChrysler and BP is
available on the Internet at:
http://www.media.daimlerchrysler.com and
http://www.bp.com/hydrogen .


SOURCE Chrysler Group
Web Site: http://www.media.daimlerchrysler.com
http://www.daimlerchrysler.com http://www.bp.com/hydrogen