 After more than 20 successful years in Europe and the United Kingdom, the world-renowned Shell Eco-marathon(tm) is coming to the United States. The Shell Eco-marathon(tm) Americas will showcase a line-up of futuristic, eco-friendly vehicles competing to travel the farthest distance on the least amount of fuel. The student project, which invites student teams from across the Americas to design and build the most energy-efficient vehicle, will conclude with a two-day mileage challenge, April 13 -14, 2007, at the California Speedway in Fontana, California. Last year, a student team from Europe achieved the equivalent of 6,792 miles to the gallon. "As a leading provider of fuels today, we believe it's important to encourage education and awareness about sustainable mobility," said David Sexton, president of Shell Oil Products U.S. "We've made it a priority to support today's top young scientists and technicians as they develop creative ideas that could help solve real energy problems and influence the transportation of tomorrow." Teams are comprised of about eight students working together to build proto-type vehicles with three or four wheels using conventional fuels or alternative fuels or energy sources such as liquid petroleum gas, biofuels, compressed natural gas, hydrogen or solar. A grand prize of $10,000 will be awarded to the educational institution or university whose student-driven vehicle completes the farthest distance with the least amount of fuel. There are also first, second and third prizes awarded in three vehicle categories. Thirty teams from across the U.S. and Canada are registered to participate in the Americas event. Throughout the entire process, the Shell Eco-marathon(tm) offers students - who are interested in the world of technology, energy and transport - a unique opportunity to work hands-on to identify possible solutions for meeting future energy needs. "Shell has one of the broadest fuel portfolios, and vast experience in developing innovative and new fuels to meet society needs," added Sexton. "Educating our young people about sustainable mobility is critical to achieving energy security for the future. Shell is proud to provide students with an educational platform to explore and experiment with technology and fuels, and to develop creative and inventive mobility solutions through the Shell Eco-marathon(tm) project." From vehicle design to financing, student participants gain hands-on experience managing their project and applying skills in science, technology, mathematics, business and design. Along the way, they demonstrate hard work, creativity and ingenuity, while addressing one of the most pressing issues in today's society: sustainable mobility. Currently, the 2007 European Shell Eco-marathon(tm) is set to be the biggest ever, with more than 250 teams from educational institutions in 20 different countries. The key challenge for each team is not only to create the most fuel-efficient vehicle, but also to beat the European Shell Eco-marathon(tm) fuel-efficiency records. For combustion engine entries, the record was set in 2004 by the team from Lycée La Joliverie, France, who reached 3,410 kilometers (2,118 miles) on just one liter of fuel. For proto-type vehicles using fuel cells, the record is even more impressive with a hydrogen-powered vehicle built by Swiss team ETH Zurich in 2005 achieving a projected 3,836 kilometers (2,383 miles) on the equivalent of a single liter of fuel. The 2007 European Shell Eco-marathon(tm) event will be held at the Nogaro Racing Circuit in the South of France on May 11-13, 2007. The Shell Eco-marathon(tm) is just one example of the initiatives Shell is pursuing in the area of innovation and technology related to sustainable mobility. Shell has invested more than $1 billion in alternative energies over the past five years, making it one of the world's leading companies in the sector. In addition to the thousands of scientists that Shell employs around the world, Shell has appointed a Chief Technology Officer, seven Chief Scientists and established a high-level forum to ensure that Shell continues to innovate at the forefront of the industry. Shell is also proud to be working in partnership with vehicle manufacturers, governments, academic institutions and non-governmental organizations to develop innovative ideas and attainable solutions to meet the growing demands of energy for transportation. More information, including a complete list of student teams, is available at  http://www.shell.com/us/ecomarathon. NOTE TO EDITORS: High-resolution photos and broadcast-quality video of the student team from U.C. Berkeley preparing for the Shell Eco-marathon(tm) Americas are available for download at www.shell.com/us/mediavia the "Images and B-roll" link. In addition, broadcast-quality video of the 2006 European Eco-marathon(tm) is also available. For assistance, please contact the Shell Media Line at 713-241-4544. Shell Oil Company, including its consolidated companies and its share in equity companies, is one of America's leading oil and natural gas producers, natural gas marketers, gasoline marketers and petrochemical manufacturers. Shell, a leading oil and gas producer in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico, is a recognized pioneer in oil and gas exploration and production technology. Shell Oil Company is an affiliate of the Shell Group, a global group of energy and petrochemical companies, employing approximately 109,000 people and operating in more than 140 countries and territories. INQUIRIES: Shell Eco-marathon(tm) Americas Hotline +1 (888) 690-1333 Shell US Media Line +1 (713) 241-4544 Disclaimer statement: This document contains forward-looking statements concerning the financial condition, results of operations and businesses of Royal Dutch Shell. All statements other than statements of historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. 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