Quantum and Asola Awarded $17 Million Solar Module Supply Contract by a Leading German Solar System Supplier
IRVINE, Calif., May 27 2008 -- Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc. (Nasdaq: QTWW) today announced that its German solar partner, Asola Advanced and Automotive Solar Systems GmbH, has won a $17 million contract from Sunworx GmbH, for the supply of high-efficiency silicon photovoltaic solar modules. Sunworx, which is one of the leading solar system suppliers in Germany, will take delivery of these modules in 2008.
"Sunworx is notable for their innovative solutions, consistent growth and long-term business success. Asola is pleased to partner with this dynamic company, as they share our passion for the highest quality and reliability," said Asola's founder and CEO, Reinhard Wecker.
Quantum and Asola have recently announced tripling of solar module production capacity in Germany, by fall 2008. Quantum holds a 25% stake in Asola, and is in discussions towards an expanded partnership. Asola and Quantum have entered into a long-term supply agreement with Ersol Solar Energy AG for the procurement of 155 MW of high-efficiency silicon photovoltaic solar cells, starting in 2008. The Ersol agreement and additional supply contracts with other leading suppliers such as MOTECH and Sunergy guarantee a steady supply of solar cells to Quantum and Asola, thereby avoiding any potential future disruptions due to silicon shortages, as have been recently experienced by the solar cell industry. Resulting sales from these supply agreements are anticipated to generate in excess of US $600 million for Asola and Quantum.
"Demand for peak power is growing at twice the rate as the overall electricity market," commented Alan P. Niedzwiecki, President and CEO of Quantum. "Solar systems are ideally suited to meet local peak power demands, and are increasingly favored by major utility companies to meet their renewable energy portfolio requirements. We believe that Quantum and Asola are well-positioned to meet this demand in Europe as well as to capitalize on the opportunities in California and the rest of North America."
About Quantum:
Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc., a fully integrated alternative energy company, is a leader in the development and production of advanced propulsion systems, energy storage technologies, and alternative fuel vehicles. Quantum's portfolio of technologies includes advanced lithium-ion battery systems, electronic controls, hybrid electric drive systems, hydrogen storage and metering systems and alternative fuel technologies that enable fuel efficient, low emission hybrid, plug-in hybrid electric, fuel cell, and alternative fuel vehicles. Quantum's powertrain engineering, system integration, vehicle manufacturing, and assembly capabilities provide fast-to- market solutions to support the production of hybrid and plug-in hybrid, hydrogen-powered hybrid, fuel cell, alternative fuel, and specialty vehicles, as well as modular, transportable hydrogen refueling stations. Quantum's customer base includes automotive OEMs, fleets, aerospace industry, military and other government entities, and other strategic alliance partners.
Quantum has co-founded a "green American car company" called Fisker Automotive, Inc. Fisker Automotive will offer a range of environmentally friendly premium cars, incorporating Quantum's proprietary high-performance plug-in-hybrid electric vehicle architecture, known as "Q-Drive," into a unique chassis that will enable optimizing the performance and vehicle dynamics. "Fisker Karma" launched at the Detroit International Auto Show in January, 2008, incorporates an advanced solar-photovoltaic roof designed by Asola. More information is available at http://www.fiskerautomotive.com.
More information can be found about Quantum's products and services at http://www.qtww.com.
About Asola:
Asola Advanced and Automotive Solar Systems GmbH produces and markets high-quality silicon-based photovoltaic modules that comprise 4, 5, 6, or 6+ mono-crystalline or polycrystalline silicon cells. Asola's technologies include high output and high efficiency flat modules for residential and industrial applications, specialized spherical modules for automotive applications and modules for various thin film technologies. More information can be found in http://www.asola-power.com.
Forward Looking Statements
Except for historical information, the statements, expectations, and assumptions contained in the foregoing press release are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the Company's expectations regarding expected future revenues and operating results; future opportunities for Asola and Quantum; Asola's ability to secure solar cells and fulfill orders in the future; and other statements about the future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans, or prospects expressed by management. Such statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, and actual results could differ materially from those discussed in any forward-looking statement. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements include, among other factors, Asola's ability to expand production, the overall expansion of the solar industry, and general economic conditions. Reference should also be made to the risk factors set forth from time to time in the Company's SEC reports, including but not limited to those contained in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2007. The Company does not undertake to update or revise any of its forward-looking statements even if experience or future changes show that the indicated results or events will not be realized.
For more information regarding Quantum, please contact:
At the Company: Dale Rasmussen Investor Relations DRasmussen@qtww.com 1-206-315-8242
Dr. Neel Sirosh Chief Technology Officer NSirosh@qtww.com 1-949-399-4698
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