NOVELTY - The method comprises providing a metallic plate body (120') defining a set of fluid flow channels (106, 108) configured to distribute flow of a fluid across a side of the plate, forming a metal-containing adhesion promoting layer having a thickness of less than 75 nm on the plate body, and forming a composite polymeric conductive layer on the metal-containing adhesion promoting layer such that the metal-containing adhesion promoting layer adheres the composite polymeric conductive layer to the metallic plate body. The adhesion promoting layer is formed on the body.    USE - The method is useful for manufacturing an electrically conductive metal fluid distribution plate such as a separator plate or a bipolar plate and a unipolar plate useful in multi-cell proton exchange membrane fuel cells such as fuel cell stacks, which are useful as a power source for vehicular applications.    ADVANTAGE - The method is capable of economically manufacturing the electrically conductive metal fluid distribution plate in an environmental friendly manner with good corrosion and contact resistances, increased coating adhesion properties and enhanced water management properties.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - The method comprises providing a metallic plate body (120') defining a set of fluid flow channels (106, 108) configured to distribute flow of a fluid across a side of the plate, forming a metal-containing adhesion promoting layer having a thickness of less than 75 nm on the plate body, and forming a composite polymeric conductive layer on the metal-containing adhesion promoting layer such that the metal-containing adhesion promoting layer adheres the composite polymeric conductive layer to the metallic plate body. The adhesion promoting layer is formed on the body by depositing a metal on the plate via physical vapor deposition. The metal-containing adhesion promoting layer: comprises a valve metal, a pure valve metal layer or a valve metal-containing alloy layer, and an outer surface portion comprising a metal oxide layer. The metallic plate comprises stainless steel, and includes lands (107, 109) adjacent to the channels. The metal-containing adhesion promoting layer present in the channels is free of composite polymeric conductive material disposed on the layer. The outer surface portion is present in an amount that does not increase a total contact resistance of the metallic plate body relative to the plate body not having the outer surface portion. The plate has a spreading pressure of 200 dyne/cm.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The diagram shows a schematic view of an electrically conductive metal fluid distribution plate.    First sheet (102)    Second sheet (104)    Fluid flow channels (106, 108)    Lands (107, 109)    Plate body. (120')