ZAP Cracks Smart Car Code; New 40-MPG Micro-Car Premiers in The Da Vinci Code May 19

SANTA ROSA, Calif.--May 18, 2006--Europe's famous Smart Car featured in The Da Vinci Code is now available in the USA courtesy of Northern California's ZAP (NYSE Arca:ZP) who says the key to Americanizing the first micro-cars was to literally crack a code.

The Da Vinci Code premiered in Europe this week with the Smart Car featured in the movie's chase scene, Tom Hanks using it as a get-a-way vehicle through the streets of Paris. This is the second film appearance in 2006 for the Smart Car, following Steve Martin's remake of The Pink Panther.

The Smart Car Americanized for ZAP is now available in the USA through ZAP's independent venture to introduce the car via registered importers. The Smart Car debuted in Europe in 1998 and up until this year was sold almost everywhere in the world, except for the United States. Steve Schneider, CEO of the public company, says many have wanted to bring the Smart Car to the US since its debut, but the key to making the first ones available was the development of proprietary software.

"The Smart Car is literally smart," said Schneider. "It has a little black box with a computer that acts like the brain, running all the essential systems. In order to meet US emissions requirements, proprietary software was developed to recalibrate the emissions controls, a code which only ZAP and its partners have been able to crack to this point."

The most fuel-efficient all-gas turbo in the country at 40 MPG, the Smart Car has received the regulatory green light through its registered importer to allow for distribution of the Smart ForTwo Coupe and Cabriolet in the USA. ZAP is commencing auto sales through authorized and licensed ZAP dealers throughout the country while seeking a select group of dealers to expand the market for advanced technology vehicles. ZAP recently launched sales for a new electric car called the XEBRA. For dealer information visit http://www.zapworld.com.

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.

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