World's First Alternative-Fuel Power Boat Arrives in Charleston

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- CMD-Powered Earthrace Boat Prepares for Record-Setting Trip -

CHARLESTON, S.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Recreational boaters around the world are following the record-setting effort of Peter Bethune aboard his futuristic Earthrace powerboat as his team attempts to break the world circumnavigation record of 75 days in a vessel fuel by 100 percent biodiesel.

If successful, the boat, which is powered by two 540 HP Cummins MerCruiser Diesel engines (QSC8.3-540) would be the first vessel to break a major powerboat record while running solely on alternative fuels. Cummins MerCruiser Diesel (CMD) is a primary sponsor of the Earthrace event.

The Earthrace boat will be on display in Charleston today through Feb. 11 on the Cooper River near the Charleston IMAX Theatre and the South Carolina Aquarium. A press event today at 11 a.m. featured remarks from Bethune, local and state officials and CMD representatives.

"We see Earthrace as a valuable project, drawing much-needed attention to the use of cleaner fuels on the water," says Gary Dickman, CMD Vice President - Worldwide Sales and Marketing. "Circumnavigating the globe represents the pinnacle of powerboat challenges, and at 24,000 nautical miles, also is the world's longest race. The docking arrangements near the South Carolina Aquarium and the Charleston IMAX Theatre offer a natural collaboration in promoting the global mission of environmental protection."

The CMD engines were selected for the Earthrace boat in part because of their comparably low emissions. They also are extremely efficient and offer one of the highest power-to-weight ratios of any engines in their class. CMD, based in Charleston where it employs 200 people, also offers a worldwide support network that will be essential for this type of attempt.

The Earthrace boat will begin its journey on March 6 and is still seeking additional sponsorship for its unique attempt. The stop in Charleston is part of a North American promotional tour aimed at raising awareness for alternative fuels and raising the $500,000 necessary to complete the journey. Earthrace is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization.

Visitors are welcome to step aboard the boat as well as meet the crew. Information on the boat's design, the race and on renewable fuels also will be available. Earthrace is open for touring between from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on February 10th and 11th in Charleston. A $5 donation is requested to tour the boat.

Earthrace is a 78-foot wave-piercing trimaran designed by New Zealand naval architect Craig Loomis Design Group and built by Calibre Boats. To ensure the lowest weight and highest strength possible, the hull is constructed of carbon fiber with a top layer of Kevlar and is designed to cut through waves, rather than ride on top of them.

Earthrace was craned from the water January 23, 2007 in Charleston. Cummins MerCruiser Diesel is a primary sponsor of Earthrace through its donation of QSC engines, which will be modified to increase total output to 1,200 horsepower.

A British boat, the Cable & Wireless, set the current circumnavigation record of 75 days in 1998 with earlier versions of the same Cummins engines. Earthrace plans on finishing in less than 65 days.

For more information:

Cummins MerCruiser Diesel: Contact Ted Varner, CMD Communications Manager at 843-745-1586 or ted.varner@cummins.com.

Earthrace: Contact Devann Yata, Earthrace Media Liaison, at 760-685-3763 devann@earthrace.net.

South Carolina Aquarium: Contact Beth Nathan at 843-579-8660 or bnathan@scaquarium.org.

Charleston IMAX Theatre: Contact Nadia Mariutto at 843-725-4633 or nmariutto@charlestonimax.com.

About Cummins MerCruiser Diesel

Based in Charleston, South Carolina (USA), Cummins MerCruiser Diesel is responsible for designing, manufacturing and providing reliable after-sales support worldwide for marine products. It offers a broad range of power, with available ratings from 115-715HP for recreational applications and 76-715HP for commercial use. Cummins MerCruiser Diesel is a joint venture between Cummins, Inc. (NYSE:CMI) and Mercury Marine and can be found on the Internet at www.cmdmarine.com.

About the Charleston IMAX Theatre

The 422-seat Charleston IMAX Theatre offers films that educate, inspire, and entertain, featuring images of unsurpassed size. The IMAX Experience is enhanced by a superb specially designed 12,000-watt sound system projected onto a five-story high and 77 foot wide screen. The only 3D theatre in South Carolina is located in the Aquarium Wharf district, next door to the South Carolina Aquarium on Charleston's Harbor. For tickets, schedules and more information call 843.725.IMAX (4629) or visit www.charlestonimax.com.

About the South Carolina Aquarium

The South Carolina Aquarium, Charleston's most visited attraction, features thousands of amazing aquatic animals from river otters and sharks to loggerhead turtles in more than 60 exhibits representing the rich biodiversity of South Carolina from the mountains to the sea. Dedicated to promoting education and conservation, the Aquarium also presents fabulous views of Charleston harbor and interactive exhibits and programs for visitors of all ages. For more information call 843-720-1990 or visit www.scaquarium.com.

Source: Cummins, Inc.

Released February 9, 2007