Unique Mobility Receives Order from Tier-One Automotive Supplier
3 February 2000
Unique Mobility Receives Order from Tier-One Automotive Supplier for Electronic Motor Controls Used in Electrically Powered Air Conditioning Systems
Units Under Development for Application in Next Generation 42-Volt Passenger
Automobile Electric Air Conditioning Systems
GOLDEN, Colo., Feb. 3 -- Unique Mobility, Inc. (Amex: UQM)
has received an order from a multinational tier-one automotive supplier to
deliver high efficiency electronic motor controls for an electrically powered
air conditioning system, it was announced today by William G. Rankin,
President and CEO. The development of this system is part of the automotive
industry's initiative to replace the current 12-volt passenger automobile
electrical system with a higher capacity 42-volt system, Mr. Rankin said.
For increased performance, the air conditioning system is configured to
operate in the next generation 42-volt electrical system for standard
passenger vehicles. Introduction of the 42-volt standard is being driven by
continually increasing electric power requirements within automobiles for such
features as power windows, seats, brakes, seat heaters, music and phone
systems and global positioning devices. This new voltage is three times the
present standard of 14-volts (the charged voltage of a 12-volt battery is
14-volts) and will provide conventional vehicles with additional benefits such
as improved fuel economy and increased power availability. The change will
also provide the means to drive accessories with electricity rather than with
engine-driven belts. Other potential changes include electric valve
actuation, electrically driven pumps, electric power steering, and combined
starter-alternator units. These improved auxiliary products and the 42-volt
electrical system are expected to be introduced in some automobile models as
early as 2002.
Said Mr. Rankin: "Our work over the last decade in electric and hybrid
electric propulsion systems has clearly demonstrated the advantages of our
power dense and efficient motor and controller technology, the most recent
example being our motor generator just introduced in the General Motors
Precept Technology Demonstration Vehicle. Recognizing these advantages, many
of these same customers and others are now turning to us to provide under-the-
hood auxiliary products that meet their performance and cost expectations for
both conventional automobile models as well as hybrid electric and fuel cell
electric vehicles currently under development. We believe the automotive
industry's initiative to adopt a 42-volt electrical system standard provides a
tremendous opportunity for Unique and expect to see continuing growth in this
segment of our business."
Unique Mobility, Inc. is a leading developer and manufacturer of power
dense, high efficiency motors, gear assemblies and electronic assemblies for
the automotive, aerospace, telecommunications, medical and industrial markets.
A major emphasis of the Company is in applying its systems to the emerging
hybrid-electric and fuel cell electric vehicle market. The Company's
headquarters and engineering and product development center are located in
Golden, Colorado. Manufacturing facilities are located in Frederick, Colorado
(electric motors and gear assemblies) and St. Charles Missouri (electronic
assemblies and wire harnesses). For more information on the Company, please
visit its worldwide website at http://www.uqm.com.
This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks
and uncertainties. These statements may differ materially from actual future
events or results. Readers are referred to the Risk Factors section of the
Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-78525) filed by the Company
with the SEC, which identifies important risk factors that could cause actual
results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements,
including the Company's ability to become profitable and its ability to obtain
additional financing, the Company's reliance on major customers and suppliers.
These forward-looking statements represent the Company's judgment as of the
date of the press release. The Company disclaims, however, any intent or
obligation to update these forward-looking statements.