Archive
In Electric Car Memoriam: Actor Leslie Nielsen (1926–2010)
Actor and electric car advocate Leslie Nielsen.
Hollywood marked the passing of actor Leslie Nielsen at age 84, but it was his contributions to the electric car world and ZAP that we remember most.
Leslie Nielsen in a 1993 promotion of U.S. Electricar's GT electric car in the Nieman Marcus Catalog.
Famous for his later roles in the “Airplane” and “Naked Gun” comedies, Leslie Nielsen was indeed an early electric car advocate, long before they became popular and before billions in funding were given to those who fought electric cars. He owned two different electric cars converted by Solar Electric Engineering (now Enova Systems).
Long-time electric car advocate Gary Starr developed a friendship with Nielsen, and when Starr founded ZAP in 1994, Nielsen became one of the very first shareholders and customers.
He helped promote electric cars by driving a Destiny 2000 from Solar Electric, built specially for the 1991 film Naked Gun 2-1/2. Directed by David Zucker, the comedy depicted a cabal of power elite led by actor Robert Goulet trying to prevent the public from knowing about the benefits of the electric car. In the 1994 sequel “Naked Gun 33-1/3: The Final Insult,” it’s interesting to note that Nielsen backs his electric car over OJ Simpson.
Nielsen will be remembered most for the range of his acting talent. Few actors were able to successfully transition from dramatic roles to comedy, but Nielsen “made it look easy,” according to CNN.
He loved to joke around whenever he visited ZAP and usually had his favorite rubber chicken or whoopee cushion on-hand. Perhaps some of Nielsen’s fun-loving personality rubbed off on ZAP because the famous rubber chicken made an appearance this year to lighten the mood during several anxious moments leading up to the Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE.
Thank you, Leslie for making us laugh and for doing your part for the electric car movement!
From the 1991 film "Naked Gun 2-1/2: The Smell of Fear"
China strengthens ties to Zap electric car maker
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT
The company separately announced that it has completed a $10 million down payment for a majority share in Chinese car maker Jonway Automotive. The payment is part of a $29 million purchase agreement first announced in July.
The two developments are part of Zap’s efforts to become a manufacturer and retailer of electric vehicles in China, now the world’s largest auto market.
The memorandum is “the first big deal of its kind,” the result of growing ties between business and government leaders from the Bay Area and Shanghai regions, said Jim Wunderman, president and CEO of the Bay Area Council, a business advocacy group. It was fostered in part by a state delegation that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Council led to China in September.
The deal, Wunderman said, signals that both Zap and local Chinese officials understand that neither party can by itself build the charging and battery-swap stations needed to make electric vehicles a practical means of transportation in Yangpu, a district of Shanghai.
“Whether you’re building electric vehicles in the Bay Area or China, it’s going to require a public/private partnership to get it done,” Wunderman said.
For the nine months ending Sept. 30, Zap reported a net loss of $7.3 million, compared to $7.5 million a year earlier. The company has posted one profitable year in its 16-year history.
The memorandum, signed last week in San Francisco by Yangpu party secretary Chen Yin, does not give Zap the right to exclusive sales, said Zap Board Chairwoman Priscilla Lu. But in a country where relationships are key, she said, “this signing of the agreement shows his commitment and trust of the company.”
Production of Zap/Jonway electric vehicles is scheduled to begin in China in the second quarter of 2011, she said.
SOURCE: The Santa Rosa Press Democrat
ZAP Website: http://www.zapworld.com
ZAP Provides Update on Jonway Automobile Acquisition
SANTA ROSA, Calif., Nov 18, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Electric vehicle pioneer ZAP (Stock Symbol: ZAAP) completed its initial down payment of US$10 million towards the 51% acquisition of Jonway Automobile. Jonway Automobile plans to complete an audit of its financial statements by December 31, 2010 and thereafter, ZAP intends to finalize the acquisition with the payment of the US$19 million balance of the US$29 million purchase price.
Jonway Automobile reported sales of over 4,000 gasoline vehicles through the end of September 2010, and projects total sales of over 6,500 vehicles by December 31, 2010. Jonway Automobile reported that wholesale sales prices of the vehicles averaged US$10,000. Jonway Automobile projects year-end revenues for 2010 to increase more than 40% compared to last year with its current gasoline vehicle product line. Jonway Automobile reports that it is debt-free, cash flow positive and able to finance its gasoline product revenue growth at the same rate for 2011.
Under the new equity structure, Jonway Automobile will be 51% owned by ZAP, and 49% by its original parent Jonway Group. This equity ownership transfer was approved by the Chinese government on October 3, 2010. Jonway Automobile plans to ramp up production of the A380 SUV electric vehicle (EV) in the first half of 2011 together with ZAP’s Alias EV by third quarter 2011 at their Sanmen, Zhejiang factory. By combining Jonway Auto’s ISO 9000 manufacturing facilities, capable of delivering over 50,000 vehicles per year, with ZAP’s EV technologies, products and expertise, the company aims to lead the emerging EV fleet market in China.
Alex Wang (Wang Gang) was recently appointed by ZAP’s board to be Co-CEO of ZAP. ZAP (Jonway) will expand the market to sell both gasoline and EVs from China to rest of the world.
ZAP (Jonway) recently showcased its EV product line at the 25th Electric Vehicle Symposium in Shenzhen to launch its EV sales in China targeting volume production delivery by the first half of 2011.
Focused on delivering quality products, Jonway started to sell its A380 SUV product line last year, offering quality and value incorporating a Mitsubishi power train. ZAP (Jonway) plan to enhance manufacturing facilities to produce electric vehicles in Jonway’s 3.6 million square feet of factory facilities on the 141 acres of land in Sanmen, Zhejiang Province, China.
About ZAP
ZAP is one of the oldest EV companies with extensive industry experience in EV product design and conversions. ZAP supplies electric trucks and vans to the military, government and corporate fleets and is one of the early pioneers of electric motorcycles, scooters and ATVs. The Santa Rosa, California based company offers a product line of all electric trucks, vans, sedans and motorcycles in production today. ZAP news and information is available at https://zapglobal.wordpress.com.
About Jonway Automobile
Zhejiang Jonway Automobile Co. Ltd. (Jonway Automobile), headquartered in Sanmen, Zhejiang Province, manufactures, markets and sells SUVs in China with over 90 direct dealers all over China. Their SUV has been type approved for sale in Europe. Jonway Group holds the automobile license and granted irrevocable right for SUV manufacturing to Jonway Automobile. Jonway’s factory, with production capacity of 50,000 vehicles per year, opened in 2009 and is ISO9000 certified with factory space of over 3.6 million square feet on 141 acres of land in Sanmen, Zhejiang Province, China.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, continued acceptance of ZAP’s products, increased levels of competition, new products and technological changes, ZAP’s dependence upon third-party suppliers, intellectual property rights and other risks detailed from time to time in the ZAP’s periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
SOURCE: ZAP
ZAP (Jonway) USA Alex Campbell, +1-707-525-8658 ext. 241 acampbell@zapworld.com or ZAP (Jonway) China Jessica Gao, +86 13511038395 juan.gao@zapworld.com
California Air Resources Board Offers EV Incentive for Agriculture, ZAP Electric ATV Qualifies
ZAP's all electric ATV is eligible for a 25% sales rebate from California
SANTA ROSA, California (October 22, 2010) – A new electric all terrain vehicle (ATV) from ZAP (OTC BB: ZAAP) is eligible for a 25 percent sales rebate from the State of California Air Resources Board, under a program to support the use of electric vehicles from agriculture. On September 16, 2010 the rebate amount increased from 15 percent to 25 percent of the manufacturer’s suggested retail price.
Wired Winery - ZAP DUDE Electric ATV
ZAP’s DUDE all-electric ATV is ideal for agricultural operations, like wineries, dairies, farms, ranches, wholesale, nurseries, raising and harvesting of crops from soil, the raising of fowl or animals, logging and forestry operations.
The $1.1 million Zero-Emission Agricultural Utility Terrain Vehicle (Agricultural UTV) Rebate Project is intended to encourage and accelerate the use of zero-emission work vehicles for use in California agricultural operations, as defined by ARB’s Regulation for In-Use Off-Road Diesel Vehicles. The program provides rebates for the purchase of new, eligible all terrain and utility vehicles on a first come, first serve basis. Rebates for these vehicles are now available through the Agricultural UTV Rebate Project and implemented statewide by the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District (SJVUAPCD).
“ZAP’s participation in this rebate project is providing eligible California consumers with a clean technology option at a time when our state needs it most,” said Lucina Negrete, Manager Air Quality Implementation Section Mobile Source Control Division.
Eco-friendly yet powerful, the ZAP DUDE is a 4X2 designed to handle heavier jobs at an MSRP of $5,495.00. The 4000 watt, 8 horsepower electric motor can tow up to 650 lbs. and drives the Dude up to 25 MPH. The entry-level Dude can travel up to 25 miles. Range will vary significantly depending on hill grade, speed, rider weight and other factors. The batteries can be recharged using the on-board charger at any standard outlet. The Dude has a front and rear cargo rack capacity of 100 lbs. each and a rider weight capacity of 290 lbs. and uses rugged steel construction.
ZAP DUDE working at a dairy.
While the ZAP Dude is ideal for agrarian tasks and hunting/outdoor sports, it is also a handy, reduced-noise utility vehicle for parks, zoos, campuses, sports stadiums, facilities golf courses, maintenance, and security. With reduced engine noise, the Dude allows hunters to more easily approach game. Because it creates no tailpipe emissions, the ZAP electric ATVs can be used safely indoors as well.
Electric ATVs offset many of the objections leveled at gas models. Electric motors produce substantially less noise than their gas counterparts. They help save money with electricity costing about one cent per mile versus ten cents or more per mile for gasoline. Research shows that electric motors have less maintenance with fewer moving parts subject to wear and tear, with no oil changes, spark plugs or tune-ups required.
Electric ATVs operate at much lower temperatures compared to internal combustion models, so riders have little worry of burning their legs or sparking a brush fire. ZAP recommends riders always wear a helmet and use their ATVs only off-roads.
About ZAP
ZAP has been a leader in electric transportation since 1994, delivering over 117,000 vehicles to consumers in more than 75 countries. ZAP manufactures a line of electric vehicles, including electric city-cars and trucks, motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, and ATVs. ZAP sells some of the only electric city-speed cars, trucks and vans in production today and is developing a freeway capable electric vehicle called the ZAP Alias. For product, dealer and investor information, visit http://www.zapworld.com.
Media Contact:
Alex Campbell, ZAP
+1-707-525-8658 x 241
acampbell@zapworld.com
Golf Course Maintenance.
SOURCE:
EVS-25 Update: China Leads EV Incentives
ZAP Jonway Hostesses on ZAPPY3 electric scooters at EVS-25, Click Image for Slide Show
FINAL DAY UPDATE: With all the cool EVs in the ZAP Jonway booth during EVS-25, you’ll be surprised to know that the ZAPPY3 three-wheeled scooter/personal transporter was the big hit! People loved the mobility, looks and fun. Right behind it was the ZAP DUDE electric ATV. In fact, there was a line in the booth for people who wanted to get their photo on them. We definitely scored some major interest in distributing these to many parts of the world. The SUV taxi was not too far behind with people from major automotive suppliers returning to the booth numerous times to show their colleagues. Some inquired about setting up a taxi service in their municipalities, in China, Russia and the EU. It was also a pleasure to welcome the highest level management of ZAP Jonway to the booth: Board Chair, Priscilla M. Lu, Ph.D., as well as ZAP Jonway Co-CEOs Alex Wang and Steve Schneider who attended several business meetings while in Shenzhen.
Thumbs up for ZAP Jonway at EVS-25
ZAP Jonway EVS-25 Slide Show – Click Here
We learned a pretty important fact attending some of the presentations at EVS-25 in Shenzhen. China now leads the world in EV government subsidies, with 3,000 yuan per kWh of battery capacity, up to 60,000 yuan per car!! Plus, there are some local governments such as Shanghai and Shenzhen offering an additional 40,000 yuan — that’s 100,000 or about $15,000!! J.D. Power projects that soon 2% of all cars in China to be electric.
There was a great deal of anticipation for the third day of EVS-25 because the Chinese regional delegations would be visiting. Throughout the morning we fielded questions, testing our Chinese language abilities. Again the electric SUV/Taxi played a key role, attracting interest for fleet use as well as taxi use in parts of China. Also there was a great deal of industrial interest for parts and component supply relationships with markets as diverse as Mexico and Hong Kong. It was helpful when ZAP founder Gary Starr showed up to help with many of the technical questions. Have H. David Jones, ZAP’s COO helped respond the growing wave of interest. The general public came in the afternoon, further increasing interest in the ZAPPY3. Also interest in the ZAP DUDE electric ATV from many of the factory workers we met. With interested buyers, we had to continually stress the importance of distribution, service, parts and warranty for expanding the supply and distribution chain, but many still wanted to buy vehicles right on the spot. One woman bought a ZAPPY3 scooter, wanting to make sure she got one with a seat. Later we met some electric vehicle enthusiasts from Europe, some of them inquiring about our fleet XL trucks and Shuttle vans.
ZAP and Remy Electric Motors Sign Strategic Development and Supply Agreement
SHENZHEN, China, Nov. 4, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — Remy Electric Motors, LLC, has been named the new electric motor supplier to ZAP (OTC Bulletin Board:ZAAP.ob – News). Today ZAP Founder Gary Starr and Remy Electric Motors General Manager Kevin Quinn told an audience of exhibitors and participants at this year’s World Electric Vehicle Symposium and Exposition (EVS) in Shenzhen, China, that the two companies have signed a long term motor supply and development agreement. Remy HVH 250 electric motors will now be used globally in ZAP’s cars and sports utility vehicles. Additionally, ZAP is developing a drivetrain with the Remy motor for use in automotive platforms of ZAP and those of several Chinese vehicles.
U.S.-based ZAP acquired 51 percent of Chinese auto manufacturer Zhejiang Jonway Automobile Company Ltd. this year. This merger has given ZAP access to the Chinese market through Jonway Auto’s distribution channels of more than 80 factory direct dealerships that feed into hundreds of factory authorized dealers. The new supply and development agreement signed by ZAP and Remy provides Remy with a strategic partner in the Chinese electric vehicle market.
Remy’s Kevin Quinn stated, “This new agreement with ZAP recognizes the superior performance and proven reliability of Remy’s electric motors. We are proud to partner with ZAP as they develop global markets with their line of innovative electric vehicles.”
Innovation is a hallmark of ZAP. One of their newest development projects, the Alias electric car, participated this year in the $10 million Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE, a competition for 100 MPG or energy equivalent vehicles. ZAP’s Alias placed among the top seven finalists from the original 115 teams and was recognized as the most practical and the most wanted design in the competition.
Remy motor in a ZAP Jonway electric SUV/TAXI at EVS-25, Click Image for Slide Show
ZAP Founder Gary Starr said, “Remy has proven to be a great partner. We are convinced their electric motor is the best on the market. ZAP is continually advancing our products to ensure industry leading performance and reliability. Switching to Remy electric motors for our entire line of vehicles is going to provide our customers with even more power and efficiency. This partnership is definitely a win-win for everyone involved.”
A worldwide audience became acquainted with ZAP’s electric vehicles in 2010 when ZAP’s Electric SUV Taxis were featured during the Shanghai World Fair. ZAP and Jonway Auto shuttled officials and VIPs during the exposition. These same vehicles will now be made available globally using the Remy HVH 250 electric motor.
This is not the first time ZAP and Remy have partnered. Remy Electric Motors joined forces with ZAP in the development of an electric postal delivery vehicle for the United States Postal Service (USPS). This vehicle was chosen as one of the five approved vehicle participants in a year-long trial by the USPS.
Remy’s patented High Voltage Hairpin (HVH) technology’s world-class torque and power density deliver added speed and range to ZAP’s electric vehicles. Brands like AMP Electric Vehicles, GM, Mercedes, BMW, Aptera and Allison Transmission use the Remy HVH electric motor for its superior technology, reliability and the speed to market that come with Remy’s existing global production capacity.
Today, there are more than 80,000 customer-validated Remy motors on the road. With over a billion miles of proven reliability, Remy’s compact HVH electric propulsion motors are power-dense, lab-tested and road-proven. For more details about the HVH250 Series electric motors, visit the Remy website at: http://www.remyinc.com/hvh.asp.
About Remy International, Inc.
Remy International, Inc., headquartered in Pendleton, Indiana, is a leading global manufacturer, remanufacturer and distributor of light duty starters and alternators and Delco Remy brand heavy-duty systems. Remy International also manufactures and distributes electric propulsion motors designed with leading edge technology and backed by the security of over a billion miles of proven reliability. In business for over 100 years, today Remy International is actively collaborating with companies throughout the world to develop innovations that are transforming the vehicle industry. Recently, Remy International was recognized by the United States Department of Energy for its leadership role in the hybrid technologies space and awarded a $60 million grant under the Electric Drive Vehicle Battery and Component Manufacturing Initiative.
To learn more, visit the Remy brand website at www.remyinc.com
About ZAP
ZAP is one of the oldest and most experienced EV providers, having delivered a broad range of over 117,000 vehicles to more than 75 countries since 1994. ZAP supplies electric trucks and vans to military, government and corporate fleets and is an innovator of electric motorcycles, scooters and ATVs. The Santa Rosa, California based company is one of the few to offer all-electric city-speed cars and trucks that are in production today. ZAP is also developing a freeway capable electric vehicle called the Alias. Further news and information is available at https://zapglobal.wordpress.com.
To learn more, visit the ZAP website at www.zapworld.com
This material is based upon work supported by the Department of Energy under Award Number DE-EE0002023. This release was prepared as an account of work sponsored by an agency of the United States Government. Neither the United States Government nor any agency thereof, nor any of their employees, makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government or any agency thereof. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Government or any agency thereof.
Contact:
Contact Westcomm/Remy:
Matt Steward, +1-317.270.4898
msteward@westcommonline.com
Alex Campbell, ZAP
+1-707-525-8658 x 241
acampbell@zapworld.com
ZAP and Jonway Auto Show Lineup at 25th International Electric Vehicle Symposium (EVS-25)
- ZAP Jonway A380 Electric SUV/TAXI Exhibit at EVS-25
Day 2 Update: People started coming to the booth before the show even began, investment bankers, battery companies, government officials, tech suppliers, service companies, potential distributors, press and people wanting to ride and negotiate a purchase of the ZAPPY3s electric scooters and the ZAP DUDE ATV, with interest in its towing and light fleet applications. Sold a couple too! Parties from Korea, to Latin America, Detroit, Scandinavia, Germany, Eastern Europe — even island nations. Potential suppliers would come up and ask for a tour of the whole booth, asking questions about every detail of the new products, only to find out at the end that they were already familiar with ZAP, were aware the business venture with Jonway and came by the booth to make a deal. One of the employees from the Beijing office took a tour of the exhibit hall on a ZAPPY3 and came back followed by interested buyers. The arrival of ZAP CEO Steve Schneider from the United States was an inspiration to all working in the booth. Keep up the good work, Dario, Miro, Jessica, Lawrence, Dave and everyone.
Flickr Slide Show – Click Here
ZAP Jonway Booth at EVS-25
UPDATE FROM SHOW: ZAP Jonway is showing off some of its most up to date electric vehicles at EVS-25. The ZAPPY3, the ZAPINO, ZAP DUDE electric ATV and the Electric SUV/ Taxi are commanding everyone’s attention. There is a great deal of interest for the Remy motors that we are displaying in the booth. The electric SUV/TAXI has been the focal point for the visitors to our stand. People from Hong Kong and UK are asking for right-hand steering wheels. Technology suppliers have been requesting the opportunity of testing their equipment in the A380. Having a great deal of interest from distributors in many parts of the world for using our ZAP fleet vehicles, Germany, Italy and Australia. A lot of sales interest for the ZAP DUDE. We’ve even noticed engineers from competing companies just couldn’t resist coming over to learn about our vehicles. People are also having fun test riding the ZAPPY3. Enthusiasts and friends of ZAP and Jonway are also visiting to say hello, including Lotus Engineering, Japanese Media, Chinese Media and high level executives from Jonway. We expect an even busier day tomorrow.
SHENZHEN, China (November 4, 2010) – Electric vehicle pioneer ZAP (OTC BB: ZAAP) and Zhejiang Jonway Automobile Co. Ltd. are showing their lineup at the 25th International Electric Vehicle Symposium, EVS-25, November 5-9 in Shenzhen, China.
ZAP and Jonway Auto have signed an acquisition agreement whereby ZAP would acquire 51 percent majority ownership in Jonway Auto, including their auto assembly facility in Taizhou City, China. By combining Jonway Auto’s manufacturing capabilities with ZAP’s electric vehicle expertise, the two companies are working to combine forces to target the emerging electric vehicle fleet market in China.
ZAP and Jonway Auto are displaying Jonway’s A380 Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) with an all-electric drive train engineered by ZAP. The vehicle is designed to meet the needs of fixed-route fleet and utility customers in China for corporate and government transportation as well as for taxis and limousines. The two companies will also be showing a new line of lithium battery powered electric motorcycles, new charging stations and other electric vehicles (EVs).
ZAP Jonway SUV
The World Electric Vehicle Symposium and Exposition (EVS) series, organized by World Electric Vehicle Association (WEVA), is recognized as the premier event for academic, government and industry professionals involved in electric drive technologies. For more information, visit http://www.evs25.org.
About ZAP
ZAP is one of the oldest and most experienced EV providers, having delivered over 117,000 of a broad range of vehicles to more than 75
countries since 1994. ZAP supplies electric trucks and vans to military, government and corporate fleets and is an innovator of electric motorcycles, scooters and ATVs. The Santa Rosa, California based company offers some of the only electric city-speed cars and trucks in production today. ZAP is also developing a freeway capable electric vehicle called the Alias. Further news and information is available at https://zapglobal.wordpress.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, continued acceptance of ZAP’s products, increased levels of competition, new products and technological changes, ZAP’s dependence upon third-party suppliers, intellectual property rights and other risks detailed from time to time in the ZAP’s periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
CONTACTS:
ZAP Jonway USA
Alex Campbell
+1-707-525-8658 ext. 241
acampbell@zapworld.com
ZAP Jonway China
Jessica Gao
+86 13511038395
juan.gao@zapworld.com
Ask Seymour
ZAP Alias Blog
Follow the ZAP Alias in the Progressive Insurance Automotive X Prize
ZAP Global News 