While DaimlerChrysler deliberates whether or not bringing the smart car to the United States is really in the company's best interest, ZAP, purveyor of a wide array of electric vehicles, has been hard at work, recently shipping the 200th U.S.-ready smart car to the American public.

For those of you unfamiliar with ZAP, they're a publicly-owned company based out of Northern California that specializes in selling a varied assortment of electric cars and scooters.  To help meet consumer's demand for fuel-efficient automobiles, the company has developed an Americanized version of DaimlerChrysler's smart car, a vehicle that has received both DOT Approval VCP-27 as well as an EPA letter of conformity.  Despite its newfound Americanism, the smart still retains all the features that make it popular throughout Europe - 40 mpg, outstanding handling, and the tridion safety cell.

If you're interested in importing your own smart car, you can learn more by visiting ZAP's website.  Although exact pricing isn't given for the Americanized smart, expect to pay around $25,000 depending on what options the mini-car is equipped with.


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ZAP Ships 200th smart car

SANTA ROSA, Calif.  May 30, 2006
Automotive pioneer ZAP (NYSE Arca:ZP) announced today that it has shipped its 200th Smart Car Americanized for ZAP, according to CEO Steve Schneider.

The Smart Car is featured in an opening chase-scene in The Da Vinci Code now playing in theaters around the world. ZAP is now delivering Smart Cars to its authorized dealers across the USA. The Smart Car is the most fuel-efficient all-gas turbo in the country at 40 MPG and the only micro-car available at a time of record gas prices. The Smart Car has received the regulatory approval through its registered importers to allow for distribution in the USA by ZAP.

ZAP is commencing auto sales through authorized and licensed ZAP sales and service centers throughout the country. ZAP is seeking to expand its distribution through partnering with a select group of dealers marketing advanced technology vehicles. A publicly owned company based in Northern California, ZAP recently launched sales for a new electric car called the XEBRA and is working to develop other vehicles as part of its automotive business plan, which includes a new Brazilian "trybrid" micro-car powered by gasoline, electricity and ethanol.

About ZAP

ZAP has been a leader in advanced transportation technologies since 1994, delivering over 90,000 vehicles to consumers in more than 75 countries. ZAP is at the forefront of fuel-efficient transportation with new technologies including energy efficient gas systems, hydrogen, electric, fuel cell, ethanol, hybrid, trybrid and other innovative power systems. The Smart Car Americanized by ZAP currently complies with regulatory requirements in all states except California and four other states. ZAP is not affiliated with, or authorized by, smart gmbh, the manufacturer of Smart automobiles, or the smartUSA division of Mercedes-Benz LLC, the exclusive authorized U.S. importer and distributor of those vehicles. For more information, visit http://www.zapworld.com.