Meet the company that builds the Zap! Xebra
By the way, it's not Zap! Zap! doesn't actually manufacture any of the vehicles they sell. They are basically just a marketing organization for Chinese built three-wheelers. The Xebra and an assortment of other models are built by Shandong Jindalu Vehicle Co. The company started off by selling gasoline-powered versions of these vehicles and later added battery editions.
These vehicles are pretty common in some parts of China and gas-powered versions sell for prices as low as $1,500. Interestingly they offer a number body variants including the Baoma, pictured, which bears some design hints of a certain hybrid sedan. Ironically the FL150/200ZK-2 has front end styling that closely mimics the Chery QQ, which is of course a duplicate of the Daewoo Matiz. It's unclear how much the electric versions cost in China or how many are sold there.
[Source: Shandong Jindalu Vehicle Co., thanks to Darryl for the tip]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
John Schofield 1:36PM (10/27/2007)
How did Zap patent the Zebra?
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anony mouse 2:40PM (10/27/2007)
It is very wonderful that many of their products feature...
" ◆ The diamond service and the ultra enjoyment
Perfect, professional and in-time services are always in your side"
Reply
Chris M 6:33PM (10/27/2007)
"How did Zap patent the Zebra?"
They didn't. If there are any patents on the Xebra, they would be held by the company that makes them.
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Don Stephens 6:40PM (10/28/2007)
Interesting coments...
I have a Xebra-PK, modified to 84 volts by adding another battery, and some other up-grades, by Grants Pass EVs. I think it great fun!!
I wonder about your description of Zap as just "a marketing organization". My impression is that they are a "client" that purchases vehicles mad specifically for them, to their specifications. So S.J. might persieved of as a manufacturer, working to client specifications, just as Boing might manufacture jets, to various buyers' specs.
Does anyone know if EVs are being marketed in China? With their smog problems, one might hope so... : )
- Don Stephens, InA,
Innovating in Eco-home Design since 1960,
www.greenershelter.org
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John Schofield 11:53AM (10/29/2007)
Chris M, go to zapworld.com and check press
release for 10/08/2007. According to this Zap
was granted patent and trademark rights to
the zebra...
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Alex Campbell 8:19PM (1/08/2008)
Correction: ZAP designed the electric Xebra and created an exclusive distribution development and manufacturing relationship with Jindalu. Specifically, ALL electric vehicles made by the factory are engineered by ZAP AND are exclusively available for sale only through ZAP.
This is not unusual. Many car companies contract out their manufacturing.
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