ZAP Expands Workforce to Meet Record Demand for Electric Vehicles

Submitted by acampbell on Wed, 10/01/2008 - 10:09.

SANTA ROSA, CA -- Oct 1, 2008 -- As a result of an increase in demand for electric cars and other forms of plug-in transportation, alternative energy pioneer ZAP (OTC BB:ZAAP.OB - News) has increased its workforce by almost 30 percent since the beginning of the year.

"While most U.S. automakers are laying off workers and facing declining sales, ZAP is experiencing record growth," said CEO Steve Schneider. "We are proud that ZAP is one of the few companies selling cost-effective, plug-in transportation today." He added that ZAP is launching new electric vehicles this quarter.

In August, ZAP set an unaudited sales record of $737,000 -- an 88 percent increase over the same period last year. ZAP says the increase was primarily due to demand for its Xebra sedans and trucks. While job experts claim careers in alternative energy are one of our economy's bright spots, Schneider said there is a shortage of qualified electric car engineers, salesmen, and international business experts.

A new joint venture in Kentucky, Integrity Automotive, is expected to create hundreds of jobs building electric cars for ZAP over the next year. ZAP formed the joint venture with Integrity Manufacturing of Shepherdsville to shift some of its manufacturing to the USA. In August the joint venture broke ground on a factory in Franklin, Kentucky. Integrity Automotive is accepting job applications at http://integritymotives.com.

Schneider said electric transportation, solar, wind and similar technologies are becoming the mainstream. He cited actions taken by stock market visionary Warren Buffett, who recently started investing in energy-efficient transportation technologies, and oil industry veteran T. Boone Pickens who is investing in solar and wind energy.

About ZAP

ZAP has been a leader in electric transportation since 1994, delivering over 100,000 vehicles to consumers in more than 75 countries. Currently, ZAP manufactures a line of electric vehicles, including electric city-cars and trucks, motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, and ATVs. ZAP sells one of the only electric city-cars and trucks in production today and is developing a high-performance electric vehicle called the ZAP Alias. The Company recently announced a strategic partnership with Dubai-based Al Yousuf Group to expand its international vehicle distribution. For product, dealer and investor information, visit http://www.zapworld.com.

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 the Company's products, increased levels of competition for the Company, new products and technological changes, the Company's dependence upon third-party suppliers, intellectual property rights, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Contact:

Alex Campbell
ZAP
707-525-8658 x 241
acampbell@zapworld.com

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ZAP's current performance

Submitted by Niralisherni on Thu, 10/02/2008 - 01:59.

ZAP's current performance figures are especially creditable, even impressive, considering the current economic climate. This is evidence of two things, that EVs have finally come of age and that ZAP as a company is doing really well.