Now, That's a cool truck

What if you sponsored a race and no one knew. One would think the Uber-hipsters at the Chronicle would have a little info on BIG environmental doings in Sonoma...given the journalistic opportunity to kiss French arse and sample hospitality tent food, wine & show babes.

More Than 100 Vehicles, 15 Manufacturers, Head to Sonoma for 2003 Challenge Bibendum

Largest Environmental Vehicle Event on the Planet Set to Begin Sept. 23 GREENVILLE, S.C., Sept. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- One week from tomorrow, more than 100 of the cleanest running advanced technology vehicles on the planet will roll into Sonoma, Calif., to kick off Michelin's fifth annual environmental vehicle competition, Challenge Bibendum(TM). The event, centered at Sonoma's Infineon Raceway, will run Sept. 23-25, and will feature environmentally positive vehicles from the world's major automakers. This is only the second time that Challenge Bibendum has visited North America.

The 2003 Challenge Bibendum is the largest ever. Participating automakers include: Audi, BMW, DaimlerChrysler, Freightliner, General Motors, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Isuzu Truck, Nissan, Peugeot, Toyota, Volkswagen, Volvo, and Volvo Truck. Some of the most advanced vehicles in the world will be joined by more than 35 Learning Center technology displays, top industry speakers from Europe, China and the United States, as well as more than 1,000 attendees from 30 countries.

Nada...zip..zero at SF Gate...not even a mention when a home town corp makes a break thought in fleet emissions.

Pacific Gas and Electric Company to Drag Race Environmentally Superior Heavy-Duty Crew Truck in The 2003 Challenge Bibendum This is the First-Ever Heavy-Duty Competition in Michelin's Annual Event

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 22 -- Pacific Gas and Electric Company today announced that one of it's technologically advanced and environmentally superior heavy-duty compressed natural gas crew trucks is competing in Michelin's 2003 Challenge Bibendum which takes place in Sonoma and San Francisco and runs September 23-25, 2003. The new technology of this natural gas-powered truck significantly reduces harmful air emissions -- approximately 50 percent nitrogen oxide (NOx), 80 percent particulates, and nearly 90 percent carbon monoxide (CO) -- when compared to diesel trucks. "PG&E's innovative compressed natural gas crew truck will leave the heavy-duty diesel competition in the dust," said Norm Stone, PG&E's manager of clean air transportation.

The PG&E PR numbskulls didn't think to include a photo or a company link...in fact Michelin hasn't released any photos to the public yet either. D'OH!!

As a world class contrarian, I offer you the antithesis of the Greenie shindig in Sonoma...

The current Diesel Land Speed Record Holder

Gale Banks's Sidewinder pickup passed through the speed traps of the Bonneville Salt Flats at 222.139 mph

UPDATE: Michelin's 2004 Challenge Bibendum will be held in Shanghai, China.

Posted by feste at September 23, 2003 09:13 PM | TrackBack