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Ecostar to Provide Powertrain for TH!NK City

20 June 2000

Ecostar to Provide Powertrain for TH!NK City

    DEARBORN, Mich. - Ecostar Electric Powertrain and Power Conversion Systems 
has announced that it has been selected to provide the next generation 
integrated powertrain system for Ford Motor Company's latest environmental 
vehicle, the electric TH!NK city.  The TH!NK city vehicle premiered at the 2000 
North American International Auto Show and has since gained recognition as being 
one of the most innovative vehicles currently in production.

    The powertrain system used in the TH!NK city vehicle operates at a lower
voltage (112v) than most electric vehicles.  Ecostar is the leading supplier
of complete electric powertrains for electric vehicles and is able to provide
a uniquely integrated system for the TH!NK city.  Ecostar's new powertrain
will become available when the TH!NK city is rolled out in North America,
Europe and Japan.  Ecostar is working with ENOVA Systems, the supplier of
DC/AC inverters, and Solectria, the supplier of the motor and transaxle
components.

    "Ecostar's goal is to create an electric system for TH!NK city that will
integrate electronic functions, improve performance and quality, and reduce
overall cost.  We are confident that the electric powertrain system we are
developing for the TH!NK city vehicle will provide improved performance and
function for the growing electric vehicle customer base," says Ross
Witschonke, president of Ecostar.

    TH!NK city is a purpose-built two-seater, powered by a liquid-cooled
three-phase induction motor.  This zero-emissions city runabout boasts a 0 to
30 mph time of 7 seconds and a top speed of 65 mph.

    "Ecostar has unparalleled electric powertrain system expertise and we are
pleased that they are meeting the challenge of creating a new system for our
TH!NK city vehicles.  With an innovative vehicle like TH!NK city, it's
important that every component encompasses our message of clean, fun,
environmentally conscious transportation," says John Wallace, director of
TH!NK group.

    Ecostar Electric Drive Systems was formed in 1998 and is part of the Fuel
Cell Alliance Formed between Ford Motor Company, Ballard Power Systems and
DaimlerChrysler.  Ford owns 62 percent of Ecostar, while DaimlerChrysler and
Ballad own 17 percent and 21 percent, respectively.

    Ecostar is the primary development center for the alliance's power
electronics and electric powertrains.  Ecostar's specific area of expertise
includes power conversion, mechanical design, hardware and software for motor
and vehicle controls, and system integration.  Ecostar's components are
applicable to all types of electric vehicles, including fuel cell powered,
battery, and hybrid electric vehicles.  Ecostar also develops power inverters
and controls for stationary power generation.  Ecostar is located in Dearborn,
Mich., with offices in Germany and Canada.