Air Liquide, partner of the 2014 Challenge Bibendum in Chengdu, China

The Challenge Bibendum, organized by Michelin since 1998, will be held this year from November 11-14, 2014 in Chengdu, China. It brings together representatives from industry, science, international and national institutions and NGOs to explore the challenges and solutions forsustainable mobility. Chengdu is a major industrial basin, particularly for the automotive industry.

For the duration of the Challenge, Air Liquide will install and operate ahydrogen filling station that can be used to refill several types of vehicles (passenger cars, buses, etc.). The stations developed by Air Liquide allow Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles to fill up in less than 5 minutes, offeringautonomythat can reach up to 500kilometers depending on the model.

Hydrogen is one of the solutions for providing clean energy. Used in a fuel cell, hydrogen combines with oxygen from the air to produce electricity with water as the only byproduct. For the same distance covered, hydrogen vehicles enable to reduce well to wheelgreenhouse gas emissionsby20% compared with internal combustion vehicles.

The Air Liquide Group is actively involved in setting up the hydrogen energy industry, with more than 60 hydrogen stations now operating worldwide. The Group is present across the entire hydrogen supply chain, from research to applications.

Marcelo Fioranelli, President and CEO of Air Liquide China, commented: "Air Liquide is proud to serve as the chosen supplier of hydrogen for the vehicles used in this event, which featured 3 SAIC hydrogen- fuel cell electric vehicles driving across China during October and November and successfully finishing in Chengdu. While the development of hydrogen energy cars is still at an early stage in China, Air Liquide is encouraged by the nation's rapid technological advancement and its commitment to environmental protection.”

During the 2014 Challenge Bibendum in Chengdu, Air Liquide will also take part in several conferences and debates planned for the event.

For more information, go to: http://www.challengebibendum.com/