High-performance car manufacturer to support specialized vehicle production

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SAN DIEGO, CA - AUG. 11, 2008 - Combining electric vehicle (EV) and advanced composite materials expertise with a highly-skilled workforce, HST International can now offer manufacturing support for niche vehicles, from vehicle prototype development to turnkey manufacturing.

"HST International has a history of addressing unique needs in the automotive industry," says Tod Boretto, the company's President. "We have been operating our Tijuana plant for almost a decade, and offer an experienced, cost-effective manufacturing base only minutes away from the U.S. We can offer automotive developers a distinctive set of skills for production runs from 250 to 1,500 vehicles per year. And because we also provide for the aerospace industry, our plant is AS9100 certified."

Through developing the Tjaarda PSV (personal security vehicle), electric vehicles and high-performance sports cars, HST International has mastered a broad range of manufacturing sub-segments including: chassis assembly, composite body molding, mechanical and electric sub-systems, EV power trains, Class A body and paint finishing, full-service interior fabrication and installation and ballistic panel fabrication for armored vehicles.

HST International, known for engineering high-performance vehicles, is currently evolving a new generation of "Electric Muscle'" cars, including a Tjaarda EVX Mustang and a HST Shelby Cobra. They have also been manufacturing gas-powered versions of these iconic cars.

"We understand all the steps in the process, from the development of a prototype to final assembly, whether you're talking about an electric vehicle, powered wheel chair or a gas-powered high performance car," adds Boretto. "Advanced composites are unique in that they allow for limited production runs and are far more cost-effective than metal stamping.

"We see this as an opportunity to use HST International's expertise in automotive engineering, composites and electric vehicles across a broader spectrum as a perfect fit with the company's overall strategy."

San Diego-based HST International uses high-technology engineering and manufacturing to address specialized needs in the automotive industry. Through its alliance partnerships with K2 Energy, Torino International and Tjaarda Design, HST International develops products that achieve the highest levels of quality, innovation and performance. For additional information, go to www.hstauto.com