Smart Car 'ZAPs' Record Gas Prices in NY

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 04/18/2006 - 20:00

Smart Car 'ZAPs' Record Gas Prices in NY

Long Island Dealership and ZAP Hosts First Public Test-Drive of the 40-MPG Smart Car Americanized for ZAP April 18, Press to Be Able to Test Drive by Appointment in NYC

NEW YORK, April 18, 2006 -- Eagle Auto Mall of Riverhead, New York will debut the Smart Car Americanized for ZAP (NYSE Arca: ZP and PCX: ZP) for public test-drives on Long Island at 3 PM today.

Available throughout the rest of the world since 1998, this year marks the first time Smart Cars are available in the United States, provided through an independent venture led by publicly-owned California automotive distributor ZAP. At an EPA-test 40 MPG, the Smart Car is the most fuel-efficient all-gas turbo in the nation and the only micro-car available at a time of record gas prices.

ZAP is ramping up distribution for the Smart Car along with other cars that seek to target the micro-car niche with cars and other vehicles powered by electricity, ethanol, hydrogen and other advanced technologies.

"With record gas prices, the public is hungry for new innovations in the auto industry like those being provided by ZAP," said Automotive Marketing Manager Philip Tarazi. "The timing for our automotive business plan puts ZAP in an enviable position.

ZAP has also been in discussions to develop more new cars for its dealer network, and expects to introduce an all-electric 'City-Car' called the XEBRA(TM) this year and has contracted to distribute a Brazilian "trybrid" car under development that uses ethanol, gas and electricity. ZAP will continue to market a wide array of vehicles for personal transportation and off-road markets, including the manufacturing and distribution of electric scooters, bicycles, ATVs, dirt bikes, mopeds, motorcycles and more.

These vehicles are now on display at the international auto show in New York City. The Smart cars are now available for test drives by the Press, and will be available to test drive by the Public at Eagle Auto Mall at 3:00 located in Riverhead, New York.