New SmarTire Product on Aston Martin at Geneva Auto Show

    RICHMOND, B.C.--(BW AutoWire)--March 5, 2001--The Aston Martin V12 Vanquish made its world debut at the Geneva Auto Show last week featuring new tire pressure monitoring technology from SmarTire Systems Inc.. The car won AutoWeek Editor's Choice Award for "Best in Show" and is considered the "most sophisticated and technologically advanced model ever to be built by Aston Martin".
    Aston Martin is part of Ford's Premier Automotive Group and the Vanquish was developed with assistance from the Ford Research and Vehicle Technology Group and Ford Research Laboratories. Ford's Premier Automotive Group also includes Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover and Lincoln. SmarTire's innovative wireless tire pressure monitoring system was selected as standard application on Aston Martin's stunning supercar, the Vanquish as announced on November 27, 2000.
    Aston Martin was the first SmarTire customer to take delivery of the Company's Generation II tire monitoring systems for use on passenger cars, light trucks and sport utility vehicles. The system for Aston Martin uses sensors attached to each wheel and provides advanced warning via radio frequency to an integrated display within the instrument cluster on the Vanquish's interior. Should a drop in any tire pressure occur, a two-stage visual and audible alarm alerts the driver of potential tire problems.
    Reporting from the Geneva Auto Show, Robert Rudman, SmarTire's President and Chief Executive Officer stated "SmarTire is extremely pleased to have delivered its first production of the Generation II products to Aston Martin. The selection of SmarTire's latest tire monitoring system by this prestigious automotive group within the Ford Motor Company represents another solid validation of our advanced technology. In addition to Aston Martin, other potential customers have received initial deliveries of SmarTire's latest tire monitoring systems for testing and qualification purposes. Having produced and delivered limited quantities of our new product, we continue to take the necessary steps to ramp up production for future needs."
    SmarTire's Generation II systems offer modular functionality. The technology core of the product is a highly sophisticated sensor developed to monitor both pressure and temperature. Installed within each wheel by one of two different methods, the sensor wirelessly transmits its data to a dashboard receiver and the information is offered on two digital display options. "With these new products, SmarTire is able to provide a variety of tire monitoring solutions to the automotive industry - including installation at the port of entry for imported vehicles, at the automotive dealer or at a local tire or aftermarket retailer," Rudman added.
    SmarTire develops and markets the world's most technically advanced tire monitoring systems for all sectors of the automotive and transportation industries. Through a strategic alliance, SmarTire and TRW Inc. are committed to providing superior tire monitoring systems for both aftermarket and original equipment applications. Additional information is available at www.smartire.com.
    Kevin A. Carlson, C.A., Chief Financial Officer and Manager Director

    Except for this historical information contained herein, this news release contains forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including the impact of competitive products and pricing and general economic conditions as they affect the Company's customers. Actual results and developments may therefore differ materially from those described in this release.