U.S. military orders more Zaptruck XLs, Zap ups production schedules
Is it news when a company sells eleven electric vehicles? It is if you're Zap, which issues press releases on a very fast schedule (compared to actual achievements – see Alias), and just wanted to let everyone know that eleven Zaptruck XLs have been ordered by the U.S. Military, along with five rapid-charging stations. The military first ordered some Zaptrucks in June on a trial basis. Zap says that the Federal Aviation Administration also ordered seven of these trucks in August.
In other news, Zap has been increasing production and assembly schedules, said COO Amos Kazzaz. Zap's CEO, Steve Schneider, and Board Chair Priscilla Lu recently returned from China on a trip designed to expand manufacturing supply line agreements. According to Amos Kazzaz, ZAP's COO in charge of production and sales, "We have been increasing our production and assembly schedules for the past several months and I expect to see even more ramp-up initiatives in the next quarter."
[Source: Zap]
PRESS RELEASE:
U.S. Military Reorders ZAP Electric Truck
Eleven Electric Trucks and Five Charging Stations Going to International Base
SANTA ROSA, CA- Electric vehicle pioneer ZAP (OTC.BB:ZAAP) has received a follow-on order from the U.S. military for additional Zaptruck XL electric vehicles and charging stations for shipment to a second international base.
The reorder was based on an initial trial order placed in June. The new order includes eleven Zaptruck XLs as well as five 220-volt fast charging stations.
The company also confirmed that ZAP CEO Steven Schneider and Board Chair Priscilla M. Lu have just returned from China where they negotiated expanded manufacturing supply line agreements prompted by increased demand for 100% electric vehicles from corporate and government fleet buyers in the U.S.
According to Amos Kazzaz, ZAP's COO in charge of production and sales, "We have been increasing our production and assembly schedules for the past several months and I expect to see even more ramp-up initiatives in the next quarter."
While the XL trucks are normally equipped with on-board 110-volt or 220-volt smart chargers, the charging stations are specially designed for rapid charging. Like a fuel pump, the electric trucks can pull up and plug in between trips, what is called an "opportunity charge" in the industry. These advanced chargers are designed to charge ZAP trucks almost completely in an hour, enabling the vehicles with much greater range on a daily basis.
ZAP noted a significant increase in interest from fleet buyers over the past several months. In August, the Federal Aviation Administration awarded ZAP a contract for seven ZAP trucks.
For more news and information on ZAP, please visit www.IRGnews.com/coi/ZAAP where you can find the CEO's video, a fact sheet on the company, investor presentations and more.
About ZAP
ZAP has been a leader in electric transportation since 1994, manufacturing a line of electric vehicles, including electric city-cars and trucks, motorcycles, scooters, and ATVs. ZAP sells some of the only electric city-speed cars and trucks in production today and is developing a freeway capable electric roadster called the ZAP Alias. For further information visit http://www.zapworld.com.
Forward-Looking Statement
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.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Pablo 6:16PM (9/09/2009)
Sorry to hear that Zap gets any money from the Goverment. I guess this is a Sorry we didnt give you a loan hand out?
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GoodCheer 6:54PM (9/09/2009)
I really would like to see Zap succeed. Another player in any market can only be a good thing. I just wish they didn't suck so much.
I like the basic idea of the Alias, but Sweet Mother Marry and the Orphans, who designed that thing?
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Tim 7:42PM (9/09/2009)
These make MUCH more sense for base operations than driving around in Humvees.
Go get em, Zap!
(now if we only had 500 or so fewer bases...)
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john 11:20PM (9/09/2009)
Ok, so the government bought 11 EVs from Zap - well good for them. I guess I should put out a press release that NASA bought some solar equipment from my company ... but I didn't find it too newsworthy, LOL
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Wanted 12:34AM (9/10/2009)
These look Asian... I want my militarymen to ride in something that looks like it was built in America.
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Jimmy C 8:24AM (9/10/2009)
Don't be an idiot.
Mark Kiernan 6:57AM (9/10/2009)
Well if there was a decent American EV truck builder I expect they would buy from them.
Wanted 5:29PM (9/10/2009)
I know it doesn't make sense, but it just reminds me of when GM had those rebadged Isuzu trucks that looked nothing like the rest of GMC or Chevy's portfolio of the time. Those trucks had no character, either. Just like this one. Even 1940s Jeeps are more attractive.
Terrance 4:42PM (9/12/2009)
My Brother is in Military & he told me that ALL of the electric vehicles are being Leased and on field trials with the military. None of them are being bought yet because they haven't completed field trials which lasts OVER 6 months and Most of these vehicles cant cut it when it comes to chaging and recharging & breaking down & parts availability. With the Zap vehicle being made in China & shipped to the US even American owners can't get parts for them, why would then send these same vehicles to an international location ?
With some of Zap's press releases in the past , I take this fully reading the disclaimer on the bottom of the article. ZAp has been known to tell you one thing then you find out it is totally FALSE. I don't believe the military has purchased anything from them yet; they have a major lease program ongoing right now, not a major buy program.
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