ZAP First Auto Manufacturer to Use TUV Rheinland International Standards of Excellence
ZAP to Use TUV Rheinland's Automotive Retail Management Standard (ARM:2004) to Ensure Quality
SANTA ROSA, Calif., Aug. 9 -- Advanced technology vehicle company ZAP (BULLETIN BOARD: ZAPZ) announced today that its automotive division will certify prospective distributors under an international set of standards based on TUV Rheinland of North America's Automotive Retail Management Standard (ARM:2004) for excellence and quality.
Officials with ZAP and TUV say that the two companies are taking the initiative to promote a new international standard of quality for the automotive retail industry. ZAP is the first auto manufacturer to adopt the TUV Rheinland standard in its entirety. ZAP and TUV have also agreed to work together in building ZAP's distribution network for advanced automotive technologies through a qualification process that identifies ZAP automotive distributors that would adhere to the ARM:2004 standard. As ZAP recruits new automotive distributors in the U.S. and abroad, it would work with TUV to qualify prospective candidates in the dealer distribution of ZAP vehicles.
ZAP is working to develop an automotive distribution network for advanced automotive technologies, including vehicles that are more fuel-efficient than conventional technologies. In May, ZAP signed an agreement with Smart-Automobile LLC to be the exclusive distributor and licensed manufacturer in the United States for their SMART car, a direct European import that is reported to achieve up to 60 miles per gallon. Smart-Automobile LLC is an independent, privately-held company that oversees the direct importation and modification of SMART cars to meet U.S. standards. ZAP is also developing electric automobiles as well as other fuel-efficient forms of transportation to market through its distribution network.
Once ZAP selects a distributor as a licensee, the ARM:2004 standard would subsequently be used to help automotive distributors around the world improve and maintain their operations, management and quality.
"As we recruit prospective distributors we want to ensure they are committed to maintaining a high standard and running a center of excellence as a licensee of ZAP products," said ZAP CEO Steve Schneider. "We selected TUV to work with us in finding the best of the best because of their expertise in quality systems, vast experience with manufacturers and dealers, and their development of the ARM:2004 standard."
"The ZAP qualifying dealer principal will be a progressive, future-thinking individual with a creative, enthusiastic approach to vehicle sales," says Bonnie Ringdahl, Program Manager, Automotive Retail Management, at TUV Rheinland of North America. "This person will embark on a journey to change the automotive culture in their area by presenting ZAP vehicles as the answer to many of today's problems like rising gas prices, traffic congestion, parking shortages and air pollution."
About ZAP
ZAP has been a leader in cleaner transportation technologies since 1994, delivering more than 85,000 vehicles to customers in more than 60 countries. A public company, ZAP is traded on the Over-the-Counter stock exchange under the symbol ZAPZ. The company offers a variety of advanced technology vehicles, including cars, bicycles, scooters, motorbikes, underwater scooters and more. For more information, visit http://www.zapworld.com/ or call +1-707-525-8658.
About TUV Rheinland of North America, Inc.
TUV Rheinland of North America, Inc., headquartered in Newtown, Conn., USA, is a subsidiary of TUV Rheinland Group, Germany, and is a global leader in compliance engineering, testing and quality registration services for domestic and foreign markets. A full line of quality registration, testing and certification services are available for a diverse range of industries including automotive, industrial machinery, medical devices and pressure equipment. For more information on the Automotive Retail Management Standard, please visit http://www.arisp.tuv.com/ or call 1-TUV-RHEINLAND (1-888-743-4652).