BAT's Subsidiary Ultra Force Battery Company Gets Battery Plant on Line in India.

Business Editors and High-Tech Writers

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 28, 1999

BAT International's (OTC: BAAT) (www.baat.com) subsidiary, Ultra-Force Battery Co. (UFBC), has completed a new plant in Hyderabad, India with 2 million amp hours of production capacity to manufacture some of the world's most advanced fiber nickel electrode batteries. The technology used for the design and production of the batteries has been licensed from DAUG, a joint venture research and development consortium of Volkswagen AG and DaimlerChrysler AG (NYSE: DCX).

Initial batteries off the production line have been sent out to prospective customers for testing and evaluation. Full production from the plant is expected starting at the end of February 2000. Current manufacturing focus is on nickel cadmium (NiCd) sealed cells, with future production plans for NiMH sealed cells. The building is set up to accommodate additional 2 million amp-hour lines, which will be set up as demand increases. Several different types of sealed cell batteries are being produced ranging in size from 40-240 Ah.

UFBC has formed a joint venture, Ultra-Force Battery Limited (UFBL), with HBL Limited, the largest manufacturer of NiCd and other specialty batteries in India. UFBL will be targeting initial distribution efforts at an existing HBL market base of military, industrial & telecommunication customers in South Asia that require high quality and reliability in battery and power supply systems. The battery plant is jointly managed by UFBC and HBL and is 51% owned by UFBC. UFBC is assisting UFBL with marketing batteries and power supply systems around the world. Several U.S. and international markets are now being approached with data on both the current product line and plans for production of other advanced batteries at the UFBL plant. Market response to initial inquiries has been very positive.

UFBC anticipates strong market interest in battery and power electronic products in a variety of rapidly growing markets. The use of advanced nickel electrode technology from DAUG results in a battery that is fully sealed and maintenance free. The fiber plates have greater surface area contact with the electrolyte, which leads to a battery that can achieve high power and be rapidly discharged if needed. In addition, extensive independent testing has confirmed very long cycle life. This makes the technology ideal for several high growth markets such as telecommunications, military applications, hybrid electric vehicles and as a "peaking" battery for fuel cells. The long life of the battery and ability to operate in all temperature extremes (no degradation at 65(Degree)C, 70% capacity at -40(Degree)C) makes them ideal for military, automotive, industrial and telecommunication markets where high reliability in all weather conditions and the ability to provide both high power and high capacity is a very important factor in battery selection.

BAT would like to apologize for a recent problem with our Internet site that occurred on 12-27-99. BAT had a temporary service interruption due to some problems with our server. The problem has been corrected and BAT's web site can be accessed at www.baat.com. Coincidentally, the problem occurred in conjunction with an announcement on an article published in Barron's (the Dow Jones Business and Financial Weekly) about BAT's release about availability of a Y2K checklist to assist people with preparing for possible problems with Y2K.

The problem had nothing to do with Y2K.

BAT International is a publicly traded over-the-counter company. Stock quotes for BAT International can be obtained from www.stockmaster.com, www.bloomberg.com and www.aol.com. BAT International is organized as a holding company with major ownership in subsidiary companies that are commercializing advanced automotive and energy technology products. Technologies developed over the last seven years include electric vehicles, composite chassis, super-efficient or high power IC engines, electric bicycles, advanced batteries, lubricant additives, and electric power generation.

This press release contains forward-looking statements that should not be used to make an investment decision. Please refer to the web sites www.baat.com, www.electrobike.com and other sources for recent and detailed company information on BAT International and its subsidiaries, or call Investor Relations at 619/409-8977.