Quantum Gains New OEM Customer and Order for 10,000-psi Hydrogen Storage System

IRVINE, Calif., July 12 -- Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc., announced today that it has secured a contract from a new customer, a major automotive manufacturer, for the development of a 10,000-psi (70 MPa) hydrogen fuel system for their fuel cell vehicle program.

Quantum's 10,000-psi storage technology increases the driving range of a vehicle by approximately 67% compared to equivalent size storage tanks operating at 5,000-psi, allowing the automakers to ultimately offer driving ranges similar to those of gasoline vehicles.

Quantum was the first company in the world to successfully design, obtain regulatory certification and commence commercialization of an ultra-lightweight, advanced composite 10,000-psi (70 MPa) hydrogen storage tank technology. The development of the Quantum TriShield(TM) technology was supported, in part by the U.S. Department of Energy in conjunction with the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Quantum shipped the first 10,000-psi fuel storage tanks in December 2001 and is now working with multiple OEM customers to advance this technology.

To supplement the inherent safety features designed into the 10,000-psi storage tank, Quantum's patented 10,000-psi In-Tank Regulator provides additional safety by confining the high pressure in the tank and allowing only a maximum delivery pressure of 150-psi (10 Bar) outside the storage system.

About Quantum

Quantum focuses on three primary alternative fuel product and system applications: Transportation, Fuel Cell Stationary Power Generation and Hydrogen Refueling Infrastructure. The company manufactures both components and end products. In the Transportation sector, Quantum designs and supplies state-of-the-art fuel system technologies to many of the world's leading OEMs with Hydrogen systems for both Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) and Fuel Cell applications, and Natural Gas and LPG fuel systems for ICE applications. In Stationary Power, Quantum currently supplies components and integrated systems to developers of Fuel Cell stationary power products and is working to expand its product portfolio in these applications. In the area of Refueling Infrastructure, Quantum offers several hydrogen refueling systems focused on early infrastructure development, targeting fleets of one to 20 vehicles.

Quantum's ultra-light weight composite fuel storage, fuel injection and metering technologies, electronic control products and OEM-level systems integration capabilities have enabled the company to develop a product portfolio with state-of-the-art technologies and products, a diverse customer base, and alliances with partners such as General Motors and Sumitomo Corporation.

Quantum is a Tier 1 OEM supplier and a member of the GM Fuel Cell Alliance of fuel cell commercialization companies. Quantum's customer base includes General Motors, Toyota, Opel, Hyundai, Suzuki, Ford, Sunline, Yamaha and AeroVironment.

Quantum's web site: www.qtww.com.