Indy 500 Winner Al Unser Jr. Joins ZAP Alias Electric Car Team in Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE

SANTA ROSA, Calif., May 5 Racing legend Al Unser Jr. will be behind the wheel as the ZAP Alias team competes in the Progressive Insurance Automotive X-PRIZE. Unser has agreed to drive

the Alias electric car from industry pioneer ZAP (OTC Bulletin Board: ZAAP) for the Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE (PIAXP), a competition for $10 million in prizes set up to foster the development of clean, production-capable vehicles that exceed 100 miles per gallon or energy equivalent.

Unser has agreed to drive for ZAP in the upcoming PIAXP stages of the competition over the next five months. Unser plans to split his time between his other racing commitments and the PIAXP competition now underway at Michigan International Speedway (MIS). His first appearance behind the wheel of the all-electric sports vehicle from ZAP will be this week during ZAP's participation in the Shakedown Stage of the competition taking place May 2-8 at MIS, a track where Unser has a track record and won several races. The team blog is http://zapalias.wordpress.com.

"We at ZAP are delighted that a driver of Al's capability and winning tradition has agreed to join the ZAP team in our quest to raise the visibility of electric cars," said ZAP CEO Steve Schneider. "It really means a lot to ZAP and to the acceptance of electric vehicles in the U.S. market to have someone the caliber of Al Unser Jr. take part in this competition."
The sleekly-styled ZAP Alias is a 100 percent electric car being developed to serve the growing demand for fuel-efficient vehicles.

The all-electric vehicle is designed to drive at freeway speeds with a range of more than 100 miles on a single charge. ZAP is targeting a price in the $35,000 range. ZAP chose to pursue the PIAXP as a way to help bring the Alias to market, because of the automotive business expertise and analysis being offered on the performance, efficiency, design, safety and marketability of the vehicles. The ZAP Alias is competing for a $2.5 million prize in the side-by-side Alternative Class.

Ford Delivers on 2006 Pledge to Double Flexible-Fuel Vehicle Production in America by End of 2010

CHICAGO, May 4 Ford is delivering on its 2006 pledge to double the number of flexible-fuel vehicles produced in the U.S. by the end of 2010. Ford produced nearly 185,000

2006 model year flexible-fuel vehicles.

The development and use of renewable fuels helps reduce America's dependence on imported oil. More ethanol is now produced and used in the U.S. than the amount of gasoline made from oil imported by the U.S. from Saudi Arabia and Iraq combined

Ford plans to expand its fleet of flexible-fuel vehicles to 50 percent of vehicle production by 2012 provided incentives continue to encourage the manufacturing, distribution and availability of renewable fuels, and the production of flexible-fuel vehicles

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) will deliver on its 2006 pledge to double the number of 2010 model year flexible-fuel vehicles it produces in the U.S. Flexible-fuel vehicles are capable of running on E-85 (a mixture of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline), gasoline or any mixture of the two fuels.

The announcement was made today by Sue Cischke, Ford's group vice president, Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering, at the 2010 BIO International Convention in Chicago.

"Flexible-fuel vehicles are a great alternative for our customers because they provide owners with the option to choose between using E-85 and gasoline when filling up a car," Cischke said. "Ethanol and other biofuels also help reduce the county's dependence on imported oil."

More ethanol is now produced and used in the U.S. than the amount of gasoline made from oil imported to the U.S. from Saudi Arabia and Iraq combined.

Tesla to Display 1st Roadster in Minnesota at EurocarsUS

CHICAGO and MINNEAPOLIS, May 4 The first Tesla Roadster will arrive in Eden Prairie, Minnesota on May 7th for an open house from 10 am to 4 pm on May 8th at EurocarsUS. Test drives will be available along with

food, beverages and prizes, including free car detailing services.
The Roadster Sport accelerates faster than supercars that cost twice as much, yet it produces zero tailpipe emissions and is twice as energy efficient as leading hybrids. The hand-built, carbon fiber electric Roadster Sport accelerates from 0 - 60 mph in 3.7 seconds. As a comparison, the Porsche 911 and Audi R8 times are 4.7 and 4.4 seconds, respectively.

It consumes no petroleum and plugs into conventional 120-volt sockets throughout North America. Tesla has delivered over 1,000 Roadsters to customers in 23 countries.

The Roadster requires less routine maintenance than conventional cars. It does not need regular oil changes or exhaust system work. Roadsters have no spark plugs, pistons, hoses, belts or clutches to replace. Tesla uniquely offers "house calls" so all customers can enjoy service from their home or office.

Tesla is the world's only automaker selling highway-capable electric vehicles – the only company whose cars equally emphasize design, performance and efficiency. With a relentless focus on customer service, Tesla sells cars directly to clients, both online and out of showrooms and galleries in London, Munich, Monaco, California's Silicon Valley and Los Angeles, Colorado, New York, Seattle, Chicago and South Florida. Tesla has delivered cars in at least 23 countries worldwide and is already considered the must-have car among Hollywood celebrities, European royalty and trendsetters worldwide. Advertising Age magazine recently named Tesla one of the world's "hottest brands." www.TeslaMotors.com