Former Pirelli North America CEO Says Time Is Right for Electric Vehicles; Announces International Distribution With ZAP

Former Pirelli North America CEO Says Time Is Right for Electric Vehicles; Announces International Distribution With ZAP

ROME, GA - Jul 29, 2008 - Former Pirelli Tire North America president and CEO Gaetano "Guy" Mannino, after a lifetime of association with the auto industry, is speaking out about electric car technologies and his recent business venture with ZAP (OTC BB:ZAAP.OB - News).

Mannino's company, Verdek, has agreed to be the distributor for ZAP in the state of Georgia, where Mannino's business is headquartered. However, in an interview this week with www.CEONEWS.tv, Mannino talks about his plans for ZAP in the US and abroad.

"I am working with ZAP to bring the products into Europe," Mannino told CEONEWS.tv. "There is potential for a branch in Italy. In Italy it is getting close to $10 a gallon. The size of the ZAP vehicle is perfect for that market. I think there is a big opportunity." Hear the complete interview at http://www.CEONEWS.tv.

Earlier this month, www.GlobalAtlanta.com, an online news source representing Atlanta's role in the global marketplace, interviewed Guy Mannino and took a test drive in a Xebra city-speed electric car. Link: http://stories.globalatlanta.com/2008stories/016206.html

Mannino issued a statement as a call to action in June for corporate America to stop talking 'green' and start driving 'green.'

"Now is the time for corporate America, as well as Federal, State and local governments, to take action and proclaim our independence from oil and gas," he continues. "Now is the time for electric vehicles that lower fuel costs, as well as combat pollution and global warming."

For more information about Verdek and Verdek-EV, please visit the tri-lingual (English, Spanish and Italian) web sites at www.Verdek.com and www.Verdek-EV.com.

About ZAP

ZAP has been a leader in advanced transportation technologies since 1994, delivering over 100,000 vehicles to consumers in more than 75 countries. At the forefront of fuel-efficient transportation with new technologies including energy efficient gas systems, electric, hybrid and other innovative power systems, ZAP has a joint venture called Detroit Electric to manufacture electric and hybrid vehicles with Youngman Automotive Group. Detroit Electric is developing a freeway capable electric vehicle called the ZAP Alias. ZAP is also developing a new generation of vehicles using lithium batteries. The Company recently announced a strategic partnership with Dubai-based Al Yousuf Group to expand its international vehicle distribution. ZAP also makes an innovative, new portable energy technology that manages power for mobile electronics from cell phones to laptops. For product, dealer and investor information, visit http://www.zapworld.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements. 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.

ZAP is a featured Company on Investorideas.com Green portals, China portal and Tech portal.

For full details, click here: http://www.renewableenergystocks.com/CO/ZAAP/Default.asp

Contact:

Alex Campbell
ZAP
707-525-8658 x 241
acampbell@zapworld.com

Source: ZAP