ZAP Hires Automotive Executive

SEBASTOPOL, Calif. (January 21, 2002) - Electronic transport developer ZAP announced today that it has hired Mr. James Thomas as Vice President of Sales Operations. Mr. Thomas brings to ZAP more than 25 years of automotive sales, marketing and operations experience. He began his career with General Motors and has held key management positions with BMW, Volkswagen and Daewoo. In 1994, Thomas was one of the pioneers of the neighborhood electric vehicle business as an officer of trans2 Corporation, the first NEV available on the market. Later he became instrumental in sales launch of Global Electric Motorcar's (GEM) neighborhood electric vehicles. "Joining the team at ZAP represents a great opportunity," said Thomas. "Having been involved with alternative fuel and electric vehicles for years, ZAP is the one company that has always been on the cutting edge and the only recognized name brand in the industry." Last week at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, ZAP unveiled a new line of neighborhood electric cars and announced plans to develop a new line of freeway capable electric cars. According to ZAP CEO Steve Schneider: "We are pleased that Jim has agreed to join our team. We have followed his career over the years and found no one in the industry with more experience selling and marketing neighborhood electric cars. His auto industry experience is in line with our desire to distribute the full-line of ZAP electronic products to auto dealers."