China's unstoppable growth and insatiable appetite for energy will provide the perfect backdrop for the world's most important automotive showcase of developments in a sustainable personal transport future. Michelin will stage their seventh 'Challenge Bibendum' event for the first time in China, at the new Shanghai Formula 1 race-track. 143 vehicles will compete over 3 days, from 12 to 14 October.

The competition will be to see which car has the lowest exhaust emissions, the best fuel economy, the lowest noise as well as the best dynamic characteristics such as acceleration, braking and handling. These vehicles will demonstrate the latest advanced technologies in electric, hybrid and hydrogen fuel cell engineering from 11 of the world's leading car companies.

One exclusive entrant, the famous Aurora 101 solar car from Melbourne has probably already won the fuel economy and emissions category. Powered by the sun it uses no fuel and produces no emissions. It might also win the noise test as its superb aerodynamics allow it to move at speeds up to 145 km/h with hardly a sound. Aurora 101 runs on extremely low rolling resistance tyres developed by Michelin.

Aurora advances the involvement of solar cars in this event - following on from the Biel Swiss solar team's entry in 1998, and the US team, Solar Motions, in 2003.

Aurora's principal Foundation Sponsor, Ford, has five entrant vehicles at Challenge Bibendum and will demonstrate fuel cell, hybrid and petrol engine technologies.

Challenge Bibendum has captured the imagination of the Shanghai City authorities who will stage a public day on 14 October. This day will also feature electric and hybrid prototype vehicles developed in China.

The now initiated Formula 1 track in Shanghai is superb. On 26 September it hosted the screams of Formula 1 engines as Ferrari driver Rubens Barichello won the first ever China GP. Team-mate Michael Schumacher set the fastest lap at 1 min 32.238 seconds. Challenge Bibendum contestants will not match these speeds in any way, but their technologies will certainly extend the time that we can benefit from the availability of petrol.

Next June, Australia's V8 Supercars will race in Shanghai. The forthcoming Bob Jane Bathurst 1000 race will be televised live in Shanghai. A number of these Australian drivers including John Harvey, Larry Perkins, Peter Brock and Glen Seton have also loaned their driving skills to the world of solar car competition.

Aurora 101 has been overseas since last April, carrying the Australian flag in solar car competitions in Greece and Japan. It will return to Australia after Challenge Bibendum to undertake a display schedule during the Australian summer.

High resolution images and further background on Aurora available on the Aurora web site.
For further information contact: David Fewchuk 8608 2889 or 0411 250464