Aquazole, the Cleanest Emulsified Diesel in the World, Now Available in North America.

Business Editors, Environment Writers

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 9, 2002

TotalFinaElf, a major international company, announced today that Aquazole(TM), a clean-burning diesel fuel, was formally verified as an Alternative Diesel in a letter issued by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

The CARB verification letter validates that Aquazole(TM) is the only alternative diesel fuel ("water in fuel" emulsified blend) to reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions by 16 percent, a marked improvement over all other similar fuels on the market. No other CARB designated Alternative Diesel has reached the 15 percent NOx reduction benchmark. The CARB verification letter marks the culmination of three years of intense dedicated work in France, California, and in Texas.

Throughout North America, NOx emissions are a major cause of smog. In the U.S., NOx reduction is a key factor in on-going efforts to improve air quality to meet Federal Clean Air Act ozone standards mandated by 2005.

Aquazole also lowers emissions of particulate matter by 60 percent. Particulate matter -- black smoke and soot -- is another major toxic air contaminant targeted by air quality regulatory agencies.

TotalFinaElf's patented non-toxic additive package stabilizes diesel fuel and water in Aquazole(TM). The resulting blend, a homogenized mix of roughly one part water to six parts diesel, can be transported and stored in the same manner as conventional fuel.

Aquazole(TM) offers the following proven advantages:

-- Requires no modifications whatsoever to existing diesel engines -- including those already equipped with oxidizing catalysts and/or particulate matter filters. It simply replaces regular diesel fuel currently in use.

-- Fuel providers or fuel operators wanting to make Aquazole(TM) will not need to replace existing refining and/or blending equipment.

-- Aquazole's(TM) superior lubrication and anti-corrosion properties can prolong engine life.

The development of Aquazole(TM) provides further evidence of TotalFinaElf's long-term commitment to commercialize products that are environmentally friendly. TotalFinaElf's U.S. activities include exploration offshore in the Gulf of Mexico, and refining at Port Arthur, Texas, plus major petrochemicals projects through the TFE branch of Atofina Chemicals.

Mr. Jean-Paul Vettier, CEO, TotalFinaElf, Refining & Marketing, stated, "We are delighted with the validation of Aquazole's(TM) unique capabilities to lower emissions from existing engines. The fuel has been a success in Europe for more than five years. We are confident it will be well accepted in North America. Aquazole(TM) cost effectively answers an immediate need for a reliable and simple way to reduce emissions from heavy-duty diesel engines."

TotalFinaElf seeks to license the Aquazole(TM) technology to qualified U.S. and Canadian entities.

TotalFinaElf has worked with The ADEPT Group, Inc., a Los Angeles engineering firm, to secure the much sought-after CARB verification. They are currently looking for suitable North American sites and partners for field demonstrations of Aquazole(TM).

California fleet operators may receive a credit of up to 25 cents per gallon of Aquazole(TM). This subsidy is made available as a result of recent California Assembly bills.

Aquazole -- the Big "e's" Diesel: an emissions-reducing emulsified diesel that's economical, environmentally-friendly, easy-to-use, and efficient.

More data available on line at www.Aquazole.com