HONG KONG, Feb 2, 2004 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- U.S. electric car startup ZAP (ZAPZ, Trade) is planning a visit to China to find a way for the world's new manufacturing powerhouse to crack the electric car price barrier and deliver low-cost, production versions to American consumers.

ZAP CEO Steve Schneider announced today he would be traveling to China in February as part of a trade mission with eminent electric vehicle scientist Dr. C.C. Chan to explore new business opportunities. Chan and Schneider will be traveling from Hong Kong to Mainland China visiting various manufacturers of electric vehicles, chassis, components and propulsion systems. Stops are planned for Shenzhen, Yantai, Wuhan, Nanchang, Shanghai, Wuxi and Haikou. The trip has been scheduled between February 8 and February 20.

In 2003, ZAP contracted for the assembly of electric cars with one of China's largest automobile manufacturers. The Company is now working to organize distribution for electric cars to dealers in North, South, and Central America.

Dr. C.C. Chan, called the "Father of Asian EVs" by Global View, was recently named as the Chairman of ZAP's Advisory Board of Directors. Chan is considered to be one of the world's top scientists in electric transportation. His 2001 book Modern Electric Vehicle Technology is considered a comprehensive reference book on the subject. Chan is scheduled to deliver a keynote speech to the International Clean Vehicle Forum February 15 in Haikou.

Schneider took the helm of ZAP in 2002, helping the electric scooter and bicycle manufacturer consolidate its operations while introducing electric cars to its vehicle lineup. Schneider, age 43, has over 20 years experience in the automotive industry. Under his direction, the company has reorganized to focus on marketing and distribution for electric vehicles. He has initiated a marketing program to recruit independent auto dealers for the establishment of an international distribution network for cleaner transportation technologies. He has also helped form strategic partnerships with suppliers of electric vehicle and other technologies.

About ZAP

ZAP has been a leader in electric transportation since 1994, delivering more than 85,000 electric 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 electric cars, bicycles, scooters, motorbikes, underwater scooters and more. For more information, visit http://www.zapworld.com or call +1-707-525-8658.

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.

SOURCE ZAP