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ZAP Partners With CSW Total EV on Electric Vehicle Franchise Stores

7 April 1999

ZAP Partners With CSW Total EV on Electric Vehicle Franchise Stores

    SEBASTOPOL, Calif.--April 7, 1999--Leading electric bike and scooter maker ZAP Power Systems (OTC BB:ZAPP) announced today it has reached an agreement with CSW Total EV for up to $1 million in bike and scooter orders for "ZAP Outlet Store" franchises.
    CSW Total EV, which has already purchased $800,000 in ZAP products, has agreed to become the master distributor for 20 future "ZAP Outlet Stores." The deal will aid in financing inventory for ZAP's strategy of establishing a distribution network of sales, rental and service centers for electric bicycles and scooters. In addition to opening company owned "ZAP Outlet Stores," ZAP is offering franchise opportunities in selected states across the United States.
    "We are excited to be a partner with ZAP in setting up retail electric vehicle stores," said CSW Total EV managing director Ron DeFatta. "We believe this is a great way to expand the market. Never before has there been a network of retail stores that caters exclusively to electric vehicle consumers." CSW Total EV is a business unit of Central and South West Corporation.
    ZAP has delivered thousands of electric bikes and scooters to commuters and recreational cyclists in 60 countries. The Sebastopol, company is publicly owned, with stock trading under the symbol ZAPP. ZAP markets its electric vehicles over the Internet at zapbikes.com, through its ZAP Outlet Stores, and other distributors.

    Forward-looking statements in this release are made pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, continued acceptance of the company's products, increased levels of competition for the company, new products and technological changes, the company's dependence upon third-party suppliers, intellectual property rights, and other risks detailed from time to time in the company's periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.