Woman tries to mate with Smart Car

[Dardedar]

Smart Cars starting to trickle into the US now:



"So, I really want to say thanks for making my dream of owning this car a reality! I'm on cloud nine and it is soooo much fun to drive it around and see peoples' reactions! I'm telling everyone how great it is and making sure they know all about ZAP and how they can go about getting one!!!"



http://www.zapworld.com/about/news/watch_smartowner.asp

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"EPA Test Confirms Fuel Economy of Smart Car Americanized for ZAP at 40 MPG

Mileage rating released in the March 22 edition of USA Today

SANTA ROSA, California (March 22, 2006) - Automotive pioneer ZAP (PCX:ZP; NYSE Arca:ZP) announced today the results of fuel economy testing from the United States Environmental Protection Agency for the Smart Car Americanized for ZAP.

The 2005 model year Smart Car Americanized for ZAP is the nation's most fuel-efficient all-gas turbo-powered car with a fuel economy rating of 40 miles per gallon for city and freeway driving, according to the EPA testing lab in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It also ranks third overall behind two hybrid models according to the EPA's SmartWay™ Green Vehicle Guide (See www.fueleconomy.gov).

"I want to thank the shareholders and partners who have stood by us in this process, including G&K Automotive Conversions and Smart-Automobile LLC," said ZAP CEO Steve Schneider. "ZAP has worked so long and so hard and invested millions of dollars to reach this point and now we can all finally benefit from the fruits of our labor. This car is the right car at the right time and it's now the only micro-car available in the USA. I also want to send a special thanks to Santa Ana Mayor Miguel Pulido for assisting in this process."

Schneider added that ZAP has delivered Smart Cars to dealers in Nevada, Arizona, Florida, Washington, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania and with the recent release of 2005 model cars, other states will follow. Through its subsidiary, licensed automotive distributor Voltage Vehicles, ZAP is establishing a dealer network that specializes in smaller, more fuel-efficient gas systems, hydrogen, electric, fuel cell, alcohol, hybrid, trybrid and other innovative power systems."
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ZAP stock (ZP) has more than doubled in two days. (65 cents to 1.65 today so far).

D.

[Barbara Fitzpatrick]

Are we going to get the hybrid, tribrid and EV versions, too? What cost range?

[Dardedar]

Are we going to get the hybrid, tribrid and EV versions, too? What cost range?

DAR
I am not familar with the existence of a hybrid or tribrid Smart car. Canada has a turbo diesel but it isn't approved for the US and has less power since it doesn't need to power air-conditioning. An American university dabbled with making an electric smart car but found to too unstable with the (probably) heavy battery technology they were using. The regular Smart car engine weighs about 150 pounds.

There is a company called Hybrid Technologies that is supposed to be trying to make an electric version of the Smart Car but I am doubtful they are large enough really pull it off. However, because of press hype their stock is more than doubled in the last month or so. You can read about them here:

http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/060315/20060314006304.html?.v=1

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Hybrid Technologies Inc. 'OTCBB:HYBT' Announces that NASA Signs Space Act Agreement, Partnership Places Lithium Vehicles in Kennedy Space Center Fleet
Wednesday March 15, 1:58 am ET
NASA Approves Press Release Outlining Hybrid Technologies/ NASA Partnership

WASHINGTON & HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 15, 2006--Hybrid Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB:HYBT - News) www.hybridtechnologies.com, emerging leaders in the development and marketing of lithium-powered products worldwide, are pleased to announce that they have entered into a Space Act Agreement with NASA's John F. Kennedy Space Center ("KSC") to determine the utility of lithium-powered fleet vehicles produced by Hybrid Technologies.

Vehicles selected by NASA for use in the NASA KSC fleet include the Hybrid PT Cruiser, Lithium Smart Car, and a high-performance lithium all-terrain vehicle as part of Hybrid Technologies' military line.

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I would go to church every Sunday for a year if I could be allowed to buy an electric (lithium) Smart Car.

D.