Zero-emission driving pleasure and a generous operating range were the decisive factors

         necar        necar

Stuttgart/Hamburg -- DaimlerChrysler's latest test automobile to be powered by the fuel cell, NECAR 4 (New Electric Car), was chosen in Hamburg by the "1999 International Engine of the Year Awards" as the best engine concept for the future.

"By selecting NECAR 4 as the best engine concept by a convincing margin over its competitors, the jury has demonstrated considerable trust in the fuel cell activities of DaimlerChrysler," declared Graham Johnson, the editor of the specialist journal "Engine Technology International", which organizes the awards. "This result shows that fuel cell technology will be the automotive propulsion system of the future."

The fuel cell vehicle NECAR 4, based on the Mercedes-Benz A-class, operates on liquid hydrogen. The fuel cells generate the electrical energy required for powering the vehicle from a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. NECAR 4 is a zero-emission vehicle which can cover about 280 miles on one tank filling, reaches a top speed of 90 miles per hour and provides ample room for five occupants and their luggage.

The prime considerations in the jury's decision were that NECAR 4 releases no emissions into the environment, has a generous operating range and exhibits favorable driving characteristics.

"Fuel Cells point to the future of motoring." With these words Steve Cropley, editor in chief of "Autocar" and member of the international jury, explained the decision. "I trust DaimlerChrysler's engineering capabilities."

"We are very proud of the progress we have achieved in the development of fuel cell technology," said Dr. Ferdinand Panik, head of DaimlerChrysler's Fuel Cell Project Group. "NECAR 4 is the world's best zero-emission vehicle and represents a significant milestone along the road to the market introduction of the fuel cell vehicle, planned for 2004."

The international jury comprises 19 independent members, who are active either as advisors to the automotive industry or as automotive journalists.

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