ZAP to Unveil Electronic Cars at CES
SEBASTOPOL, Calif. (January 2, 2003) – ZAP (OTC BB:ZAPZ), the
Northern California pioneer in electric bicycles and scooters, will
unveil a new ZAP brand of electronic automobile January 9 at the
Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, the world’s largest
consumer technologies event with more than 100,000 annual attendees from
over 100 countries.
ZAP says it will also be unveiling a new technology that appears to
triple the performance of battery-powered automobiles.
Voltage Vehicles, a subsidiary of ZAP, has signed an exclusive agreement
with a European-based group of companies involved in the design and
manufacturing of electric automobiles. The group has started production
on several different types of light electric utility vehicles for urban
transportation and commercial use. A representative from the European
group, Riccardo Coles, says they are working with ZAP to launch their
initial sales in North America.
“We feel the timing for electric cars is now,” said Coles. “There has
never been more of a need throughout the world for clean transportation
technologies. According to air quality studies, pure electrics are much
more efficient and produce much less pollution than other technologies,
including the new hybrids. We looked throughout the world for the best
way to launch our new cars and decided that the USA is the right place
and ZAP is the right company. We believe that ZAP has a recognizable
brand in this industry and the right distribution strategy.”
Coles added that the group of companies he represents is forming a new
car company that will focus on electronic propulsion technologies. All
of the companies, says Coles, have experience in making traditional
automobiles. One of them, Studio Linia 2 of Torino, Italy, has designed
some of the most famous brands of Italian automobiles.
Through its subsidiary Voltage Vehicles, ZAP is working to establish a
distribution network for its electronic transport in the independent
auto dealer market as well as ZAP Outlets for entrepreneurs. Voltage
Vehicles has licensed for the distribution of vehicles from a number of
different vehicle manufacturers.
The first car available under the venture is a 25 MPH neighborhood
electric car. The venture also includes freeway-capable cars, vans,
pickups, and commercial vehicles. ZAP’s new neighborhood car is a
compact 2-door with climate controls and all the equipment and features
of conventional automobiles. The car utilizes several innovations in
electronic propulsion design and engineering. For example, the
instrumentation for the car can be accessed via a control pad on the
steering wheel.
ZAP’s announcement today includes plans for a new commercial vehicle
that can be built in different configurations for use in construction,
agriculture and excavation. One of the designs includes a backhoe and
loader and Company officials say the new electric excavator offers a new
experience compared to internal-combustion.
“Eight hours on a quiet pollution-free backhoe with no engine vibration
is like relaxing or playing an arcade game, not like work,” said ZAP CEO
Steve Schneider. “Electric drive technology is almost silent so it can
eliminate noise restrictions and extend working hours to
around-the-clock production. Whether in suburban areas or high density
city locations, contractors can meet time sensitive deadlines without
noise regulation.”
For purchasing information, call 800-251-4555 or visit
http://www.zapworld.com
