ZPP gives up hydrogen fuel cell development
posted on
Mar 02, 2009 06:07AM
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Attention Business Editors Zongshen PEM Power Systems Inc. Announces Resignation of Jinzhu (Jim) Wei
TSX:ZPP
VANCOUVER, March 2 /CNW/ - Zongshen PEM Power Systems Inc. ("ZPP" or the "Company") (TSX: ZPP) announced today that Dr. Jinzhu (Jim) Wei has resigned as a director of the Company effective today. Furthermore, the Company also reported that effective immediately it has suspended all research and development initiatives for the development of hydrogen fuel cell technology since the Company believes it can a earn better return on capital by focusing on licensing and improving existing commercialized battery technologies. The high cost of manufacturing associated with hydrogen fuel cells and lack of a hydrogen refuelling infrastructure are barriers to near term commercialization. In 2008, the Company invested approximately $250,000 in hydrogen fuel cell R&D. "On behalf of the Board of Directors and the management team, I would like to thank Jim for his expertise and commitment to the development of hydrogen fuel cell technology while at ZPP and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavours," noted Zongshen Zuo, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Zongshen PEM Power Systems Inc. "We remain focused on the exploring and the development of leading edge battery and electric technologies to support the ongoing growth of ZPP's e-vehicle product portfolio. However, at this time we have decided that the market opportunity for proven technologies in the battery field could generate more attractive returns for all of our stakeholders with less capital requirements and expenses". ZPP continues to focus on the organic growth of its electric bikes and small low emission gas bikes with over 227,000 units sold in fiscal 2008. Furthermore, the Company remains committed to explore acquisition and strategic partnership opportunities to further strengthen and accelerate its market share of electric and low emission bikes. About Zongshen PEM Power Systems Inc. Zongshen PEM Power Systems Inc. is a public company trading under the symbol ZPP on the Toronto Stock Exchange. The Company is engaged in the commercialization of alternative power systems including batteries, fuel cells and solar power, for a variety of consumer and industrial applications. The Company manufactures low-cost, high quality, environmentally friendly small gas motorbikes, electric motorcycles, electric bicycles and other e-vehicles in China for the Chinese domestic and international markets. Zongshen PEM Power System's largest shareholder is Zongshen Industrial Group, one of China's largest manufacturers and distributors of motorcycles, engines, and power equipment. About Zongshen Industrial Group Zongshen Industrial Group was founded in 1992, and now consists of 30 totally or majority owned subsidiaries including Chongqing Zongshen Power Machinery Co., which is listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange. The Company employs in excess of 13,000 employees with assets in excess of RMB 8.4 billion yuan. Zongshen Industrial Group implements the development strategy of related diversification within thermodynamic machinery industry. Its engine products mainly include motorcycle engines, mini-car engines, speedboat engines, and general-purpose machinery. Its end products mainly include motorcycles, speedboats and other power equipment. Zongshen Industrial Group now has an annual production capacity of 2,000,000 motorcycles, 50,000 mini vans, 3,000,000 motorcycle engines, 5,000,000 general-purpose engines, and 100,000 car engines. Zongshen Industrial Group has established a leading brand for motorcycles in China attracting some of the world's largest motorcycle manufacturers as joint venture partners. -30- /For further information: Ali Mahdavi, Zongshen PEM Power Systems Inc., Vice President, Corporate Finance & Investor Relations, (416) 962-3300, 1-877-775-8734, amahdavi@zongshenpem.com; E-mail: zspem@zongshenpem.com, Website: www.zongshenpem.com/