LAS VEGAS and AUSTIN, Texas, March 1, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Whistler Investments, Inc. (OTCBB:WHSL) -- an emerging leader in the development and marketing of lithium ion vehicles and lithium ion powered products worldwide announced today that a letter of understanding between Global Electric and the City of Austin has been executed in respect to the conversion of vehicles for the City of Austin, TX, subsequent to a senior level meeting between Mark Kapner, Senior Strategic Planner for the City of Austin, Chaz Haba. and executives from Global Electric, at their development facility at Lithium house in Van Nuyes, California.
The conversion project will consist of a test phase followed by the purchase of multi units for use in the City of Austin TX and its municipal fleet.
The vehicles will be used as part of an awareness campaign aimed at reducing the harmful containments emitted from petroleum-powered vehicles. Based on extensive research, Global Electric was selected for this groundbreaking project.
It is the intent of the City of Austin to be a leader in North America in respect to reduction in dependency on non-renewable and imported power sources, reduction in atmospheric emissions in vehicle exhaust, and to substitute electric power for petroleum.
The relationship announced between Global Electric and the City of Austin will serve as a major test for Global Electric's large-scale plan to work with cities across North America and globally. Austin Energy is the 10th largest community owned public utility in North America.
Mark Capner, Senior Strategic Planner with the City of Austin stated in a letter of understanding
"We are delighted that Global Electric and Lithium house have a plan for manufacturing battery-operated vehicles that meet these requirements using the demonstrated capabilities of the lithium ion battery power. We envision collaboration between Austin energy and Global Electric that would entail a testing phase followed by a multi vehicle demonstration phase."
Holly Roseberry, President of Global Electric stated "We once again have been selected by a major entity to provide lithium powered vehicles. The continued goal of Global Electric is to work with partners like the City of Austin, as this will ultimately lead to public acceptance, as well as increase our private sector revenue."
Holly also stated, "In this quarter, Global Electric has executed joint ventures with Powerski International,(www.powerski.com), the United States Navy, and The City of Austin Texas. Each of these diverse projects create unprecedented potential for our company. Holly continued, "We anticipate that our pilot project with the City of Austin will garner national and international attention; we foresee this project as a precedent setting initiative for all large American cities concerned with emission issues. We clearly see that with the ever increasing price of petroleum, governmental organizations are looking for cost effective solutions for mass transit and vehicle fleets."
In 1999, the amounts of ground-level ozone recorded at regional monitoring sites exceeded the maximum amount allowed under the Federal Clean Air Act. For violating this health-based standard, the Central Texas region is now subject to a non-attainment designation by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Global Electric will begin production of the initial vehicle immediately whilst funding from the city council will take place after approval in September of this year.
About Whistler (Global Electric) www.globalelectric.com
Whistler Investments Inc. (OTCBB:WHSL) -- is an emerging leader in the development and marketing of lithium ion vehicles and lithium ion powered products worldwide.
We at Global believe our superior technology, coupled with an aggressive marketing plan will establish our company on the world stage. With the global focus moving rapidly towards addressing pollution, the need for sustainable zero emission energy is current. As current legislation is dictating a move towards this type of energy we foresee this industry as one of the fastest growing segments within the global economy.
Global is applying this technology to products that are currently in wide spread global use, such as scooters, bicycles, mopeds, motorcycles, small vehicles, watercrafts, military applications and many other essential products. The combination of usable cutting edge technology and mass-marketed products creates a unique market opportunity for our company. Technology that can be applied immediately allows Global to begin the sales cycle immediately.
Global technology will also focus on the creation of a 100% self-powered house. This unit will feature lithium-powered technology in addition to other leading edge energy creation technology. The house will be located in the Los Angeles area and will be a showcase of Global Electric and the power of lithium.
About Austin Energy (www.austinenergy.com)
Austin Energy is the nation's 10th largest community-owned electric utility. We serve 360,000 customers and a population of more than 800,000. We provide service within the City of Austin, Travis County and a small portion of Williamson County.
As a publicly owned power company and a city department, Austin Energy returns profits to the community annually. That money helps fund City services such as fire, police, EMS, parks and libraries. The utility has provided $1.3 billion in profits to the community since 1976.
Austin Energy powers the capital city of Texas through a diverse generation mix. Our portfolio includes nuclear, coal, natural gas and renewable energy sources. That's just over 2,600 megawatts (MW) of total generation.
We created the top performing renewable energy program in the nation. We own the nation's first and largest green building program. And, we're home to one of the nation's most comprehensive residential and commercial energy efficiency programs.
About Austin Texas and the Clean air program (www.ci.austin.tx.us/airquality/)
Air quality in Central Texas has been declining in recent years as a result of increased polluting activities in this area.
In 1999, the amounts of ground-level ozone recorded at regional monitoring sites exceeded the maximum amount allowed under the Federal Clean Air Act. For violating this health-based standard, the Central Texas region is now subject to a non-attainment designation by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The mission of the City of Austin Air Quality Program is to:
-- Develop and implement programs that reduce the impact of
our business activities on regional air quality;
-- Promote air quality education and outreach to citizens
and local businesses;
-- Work with regional partners to promote healthy air in
Central Texas.
The City of Austin is a member of the CLEAN AIR Force of Central Texas, a regional non-profit, public-private partnership established to develop innovative solutions for healthy air.
Whistler Investments, Inc. Holly Roseberry, President
Forward Looking Statement
This press release may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements are based on the Company's current expectations as to future events. However, the forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this press release might not occur, and actual results could differ materially from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements.