Read the initial court filings as I did when I was originally looking to buy a Smart in 2005. ZAP had the U.S distributorship in the bag when Mercedes "decided" not to introduce the Smart to the U.S. Miraculously, 18 months after they break off discussions with ZAP, Smart announces a deal with Penske. I certainly understand why they might have wanted to do that, but it is still bad faith behaviour worthy of atleast distain if not a substantial settlement.
And yes, the press release is apparently written by ZAP to bolster their stock price.
In 2004, we continued to enhance and broaden our electric vehicle
product line and we contracted for the exclusive right in the United States and the nonexclusive right world-wide to distribute the Smart Cars Americanized by ZAP, gas-efficient automobile. We acquired those rights in our agreement with Smart Automobile, LLC, a California limited liability company ("Smart Automobile"). Smart Automobile is importing the cars, assembled by Mercedes Benz
in Europe, and then making them compliant for sale in the United States with all applicable Federal and state regulations concerning automobiles. In an effort to become the largest distributor of advanced technology vehicles in the United States, we are actively developing a network of automobile dealers that will be qualified to sell our automobile and consumer products. In connection with establishing such dealers, we have arranged for a secured inventory floor line of credit for the first 150 such dealers through our agreement with Clean Air Motor, LLC ("CAMCO"). We have already established dealers in California, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, New York, Colorado, Florida and Michigan.
On October 28, 2005, we filed a complaint against DaimlerChrysler Corporation in the Los Angeles Superior Court, under the title ZAP v. DaimlerChrysler AG, et al. The complaint includes claims for intentional and negligent interference with prospective economic relations; trade libel; defamation; breach of contract - agreement to negotiate in good faith; breach of implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing; and unfair competition. The complaint alleges that DaimlerChrysler has engaged in a series of anti-competitive tactics aimed at defaming ZAP and disrupting its third-party business relationships. As a result of the allegations, the complaint requests damages in excess of $500 million and such other relief as the court deems just and proper. DaimlerChrysler has not yet filed a response to our complaint
Here is Zap's business model back in 2004 & 5 for the Smart:
"SMART CAR AMERICANIZED BY ZAP. The Smart Car Americanized by ZAP, which is assembled by Mercedes Benz, is imported through a registered importer and made compliant for sale in the United States. Smart Cars must be modified to meet applicable U.S. laws before they can be sold in the U.S. As of this date and to our knowledge, through proprietary recalibration technology and through compliance contractor, G & K Automotive, which has clearances from the Department of Transportation and letters of conformity from the Enviromental Protection Agency, that allows models of the Smart Car, as modified, to be sold in the U.S. Additional clearances will be needed to sell this vehicle in volumes and to sell other models of the Smart Car. The California Air Resources Board must certify the car before it could be sold in California and four other states. ZAP will need to set up large contractors to handle the demand for this vehicle. The current EPA and DOT clearances gives ZAP the opportunity to be the first to market and distribute Smart Cars as Americanized for ZAP in the U.S. ZAP is not affiliated with, or authorized by, SMART GMBH, the manufacturer of SMART automobiles, or the SmartUSA division of Mercedes-Benz LLC, the exclusive authorized U.S. importer and distributor of those vehicles.
The Smart Car has a gas turbo engine. The car is a two-passenger coupe
eight feet in length that provides ample room for two adult passengers. Other
"smart" features and options of the Smart Car Americanized by ZAP include a
61-hp, 3-cyclinder turbocharged engine, equipped with an advanced electronic stabilization program, or ESP, an anti-skid design that throttles the engine torque along with an anti-lock braking system. The unique 6-speed automatic gear transmission with kick down function allows the user to switch between "automatic" and "manual" gear shifting via a control program that changes gears in response to varying driving characteristics. These cars are and will be sold through Voltage Vehicles to qualified ZAP dealers."
...As of this date and to our knowledge, through proprietary recalibration technology and through compliance contractor, G & K Automotive, which has clearances from the Department of Transportation and letters of conformity from the Enviromental Protection Agency, that allows models of the Smart Car, as modified, to be sold in the U.S...
...Hence G&K's involvement in the suit.
I understand this bit, but I was surprised that G&K is named as a defendant in ZAP's lawsuit. I would have thought they had as much skin in the game as ZAP, and potentially lots to lose by Daimler naming PAG as sole distributor. I might have expected them to be a co-complainant. And yet now they are suing ZAP.
In 2004, we continued to enhance and broaden our electric vehicle
product line and we contracted for the exclusive right in the United States and the nonexclusive right world-wide to distribute the Smart Cars Americanized by ZAP, gas-efficient automobile. We acquired those rights in our agreement with Smart Automobile, LLC, a California limited liability company ("Smart Automobile"). Smart Automobile is importing the cars, assembled by Mercedes Benz in Europe, and then making them compliant for sale in the United States with all applicable Federal and state regulations concerning automobiles...
My understanding is that Smart Automobile, LLC had absolutely no relationship with DaimlerChrysler or Mercedes Benz. They were a completely independent business that obtained smarts outside of the US "through wholesalers, brokers and other entities" (from their own press release). I've yet to see anything published where ZAP claims to have had a US distributorship agreement with Daimler directly or any of its subsidiaries, and hence my doubts about the merits of their lawsuit.
My understanding is that Smart Automobile, LLC had absolutely no relationship with DaimlerChrysler or Mercedes Benz. They were a completely independent business that obtained smarts outside of the US "through wholesalers, brokers and other entities" (from their own press release). I've yet to see anything published where ZAP claims to have had a US distributorship agreement with Daimler directly or any of its subsidiaries, and hence my doubts about the merits of their lawsuit.
ZAP tried to buy directly from MB claiming "purchase orders" for tens of thousands of smarts. MB said no, ZAP sued.
Jesus, what is this country coming to? So they were buying cars from a company that by most court standards were infringing on the SMART name???
Then they try to get rid of the middle man and buy direct from the manufacturer. The manufacturer say's no and later decides to give someone who is MUCH better qualified to do this a contract to do just that.
If there is any law that would make ZAP right about thinking they deserve money, that law needs to be changed.
I think I will buy TV's from a guy who can get them for me in Japan, then if I get a bunch of "orders", I will go to the manufacturer and try to setup a direct buy and distributorship rights. If they say no, I'll sue them.
This is totally stupid thinking by most normal people standards.
So if IHO is closest to being right, you are saying that ZAP practically had the distributorship rights in the bag, when they changed their mind. WOW, that happens in business just about every minute of every day.
"someday the rest of the story" I hate crappola like this. The evil empire consipracy stuff. That's just business. Don't indicate there is more to the story to justify a position, but not tell it. That is too often used by people to make it appear they are more right then they really are and appeal to the idiots.
Who is 24-42?, and what are his real motivations??
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All this was before PAG got going with their present program I think.
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