GREENVILLE, S.C. More than 100 of the cleanest running vehicles on the planet are expected at Michelin’s fifth annual Challenge Bibendum, Sept. 23-25.

The event, centered at Sonoma California’s Infineon Raceway, 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.

Participants include 11 fuel cell vehicles, 18 hydrogen powered vehicles and an even split between prototypes and production models.

"The 2003 Challenge Bibendum will be incredible," said Ron Musgnug, Michelin’s project leader for the 2003 event. "The participation from the manufacturers, policymakers and leading technology developers from around the world has been phenomenal. Attendees to this year’s event are sure to get a complete picture of the current situation and future promise for sustainable mobility worldwide as well as drive for themselves some of the most advanced vehicles in existence."

The official kickoff for Challenge Bibendum will be on Sonoma Square, Sept. 23. Testing, press conferences, presentations, information booths and ride n’ drives take place at the track on Sept. 24. The event culminates on Sept. 25 with a 100-mile road rally through the Sonoma Valley and across the Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco.