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Electrobike Debut of 'Jazz' a Big Success in Southern CA

6 May 1999

Electrobike Debut of 'Jazz' a Big Success in Southern CA

                 Negotiations Underway for Bridge Financing,
                     Retail, & International Distribution

    CHULA VISTA, Calif., May 6 -- BAT International
(OTC Bulletin Board: BAAT) today issued the following release:

    BAT International's (OTC Bulletin Board: BAAT) subsidiary, Electrobike,
introduced its new electric bicycle, "Jazz" at the Southern California Bike
Expo in LA on April 23rd to 25th and received an enthusiastic response from
approximately 14,000 attendees.  Bike Expo coincided with the Brewery Artwalk,
which had an estimated attendance of 7000 people.  The two events elevated
Electrobike's profile in the Southern California region and led to strong
interest in the product from consumers, bike dealers, and various strategic
partners.
    One of the most important outcomes of Electrobike's presence at the bike
show and art walk was to solidify relationships with various national and
international distributors.  Negotiations are now underway with distributors
to facilitate the introduction of Electrobike's product line to major retail
chain stores in the U.S.  An agreement for bridge financing in the form of a
letter of credit between a purchase order and manufacturing of goods is in
final stages of negotiation that will provide $1 to 10 million in funding.
Agreements are also being negotiated to distribute electric bicycles in Asia
and Europe.
    Electrobike's strategy to position itself across from Lee Iacocca's EV
Global Motors proved valuable as a means to draw spillover media to
Electrobike's booth.  Electrobike was interviewed by both National Public
Radio and Fox TV.  Of most interest to the attendees at Bike Expo was the
comparison of Electrobike and EV Global Motors products.  The two companies
have very different products aimed at the same market segment.  EV Global
Motor's "E-Bike" uses 26" wheels and has a crossbar, making it cumbersome to
mount and dismount.  Electrobike's "Jazz" has no crossbar, has 24" wheels, a
low center of gravity and a step through frame design that makes it easier to
mount and dismount and more functional for transportation and recreation.
Electrobike's "Jazz" retails for 25% less than the "E-Bike" with virtually
identical performance and quality.  These features make it very appealing to
large market segments such as seniors, women, over 40 baby boomers, &
commuters.
    Electrobike will continue its exhibit and marketing strategy with the
following events:
    May 11th     Environmental Fair at the University of California, San Diego
                 (featured speaker)
    May 16th     Land speed record attempt with "Jazz" at El Mirage,
                 California (bike now exceeds 50 mph)
    September    Motorcycle, scooter, and bicycle show in Milan, Italy
                 (over 750,00 expected to attend)
    Summer/Fall  Various recreational vehicle, marine and sporting goods shows
                 nationally

    As a means to expand market share and diversify its product line,
Electrobike will be introducing 3 new important products at the Milan show in
September.  These innovative products will remain out of public view until
their unveiling at the Milan, Italy motorcycle/scooter show.  Distributors we
have been negotiating with perceive there is a very large mass merchandise
market for each of these new products.  Their interest is being fueled by a
combination of product innovation, pricing structure, manufacturing
capability, and financing.
    Electrobike's new web address (http://www.electrobike.com) is under expedited
development to improve information content, user interface, and on-line
ordering capability.  Electrobike is working on various strategies to
cross-link the web site to other sites and increase traffic.  This will
enhance Electrobike sales and market presence.

    BAT International is organized as a holding company with major ownership
position in a set of subsidiary companies now commercializing advanced
automotive and energy technology products developed by BAT.  Technologies
developed over the last six years include electric vehicles, composite
chassis, super-efficient or high power engines, electric bicycles and
scooters, advanced batteries, lubricant additives, and electric power
generation (for information, see BAT web site at http://www.baat.com).

    This press release contains forward-looking statements that should not be
used to make an investment decision.  Please refer to our web site and other
sources for more detailed Company information (Investor Relations,
(619) 409-8977)