ZAP (motor company)

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Please improve this article if you can. (January 2007)

The Zap Xebra 2007 Chicago Auto Show.

Founded in 1994, ZAP (short for Zero Air Pollution) is a publicly-owned corporation (stock symbol ZAAP, as listed on OTC Bulletin Board) located in Santa Rosa, California, which manufactures and markets various electric vehicles. ZAP has distributed over 95,000 electric vehicles since its inception.^{[citation needed]}

ZAP is a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) licensed manufacturer, one of only 15 such manufacturers.^{[citation needed]} The company manufactures and distributes, through auto dealers, the ZAP Xebra, an all electric car and truck. ZAP also currently makes electric power-assist system motor kits for bicycles using a friction roller against the wheel, as well as electric ATV's and scooters.

1 Controversy
2 See also
3 References
4 External links

[edit] Controversy

An article from Forbes magazine in June 2007 criticizes the company for over-issuing stock and failing to produce results or show significant profits.^[1]

A feature article in the April 2008 issue of Wired alleged that "ZAP has taken millions from investors and dealers eager to see the company's line of green cars hit the road. But that line has never materialized."^[2]

ZAP sold a lot of shares based on its intention to sell Smart cars, but that deal fell through, leading the Smart car's manufacturer to say that ZAP's behavior revealed "both the sham nature of its purported business and a lack of trustworthiness that is nothing short of stunning."^[3]. Zap has a history of making public relations statements for future projects which are never implemented or funded.