ZAP names Smart-Automobile President to Advisory Board

ZAP names Smart-Automobile President to Advisory Board

SANTA ROSA, California (11/1/04) -- Advanced automotive technology company ZAP (OTC BB:ZAAP) announced today that Mr. Thomas Heidemann, President of Smart-Automobile LLC, has been named to its Advisory Board of Directors.

Thomas Heidemann is part of a new business venture between ZAP and Smart-Automobile to market the popular Smart micro-car from Europe, a two-passenger coupe that averages an estimated 60-MPG and is small enough to park in the space of a motorcycle. In May, ZAP signed a $10 million distribution agreement with Mr. Heidemann's Company, Smart-Automobile LLC, for the exclusive U.S. distribution rights for the Smart Car Americanized by ZAP?.

ZAP and Smart-Automobile are preparing to launch marketing and distribution for the car in the U.S. pending federal approval. ZAP has a goal of 150 dealer outlets in 2005 and is planning its first public display for the cars at the San Francisco International Auto Show, open to consumers November 21-28 at The Moscone Center in downtown San Francisco.

Heidemann, a German-born entrepreneur now living in Southern California, moved to the United States in 2001 after realizing that rising gas prices represented a business opportunity to export European innovations and technology. Heidemann noted that the demand for energy efficient products is much higher in Europe with energy prices higher and gasoline as high as $6.00 per gallon in many parts. Since then he has focused on importing the Smart Car to the United States. Heidemann shares ZAP's vision of Zero Air Pollution? and is joining its advisory board to help introduce new energy efficient technologies.

Smart-Automobiles LLC is an independent, privately-held company that oversees the direct importation and modification of Smart cars to meet U.S. standards.