CHARLESTON, S.C., March 5, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Force Protection, Inc. (OTCBB:FRCP) announced that its TSG subsidiary has developed a new Tactical Armored and Mine Protected Vehicle optimized for urban warfare and low intensity conflicts. Although the actual levels of protection offered by the new vehicle are not being released, the Company stated that the Typhoon provides a higher level of protection than other vehicles in its category, including TSG's Cougar.
The Typhoon was developed to meet specific requirements. The known market over the next 18 - 24 months exceeds $100 million. Typhoon is designed to excel in urban combat, low intensity conflicts, troop transport, and patrol duty. The incorporation of sophisticated armor for improved ballistic and side-blast protection makes it highly suitable for use in areas plagued by Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs, or so-called roadside bombs). This has been accomplished without compromising the high level of landmine protection traditionally provided by the Cougar and Tempest. Typhoon is C-130 transportable and will be ready for production by the third quarter of 2004.
Force Protection's TSG subsidiary produces advanced Mine Protected Vehicles and other specialty military vehicles that feature multiple mission configurations and specially designed field reparability. The designs mate monocoque capsule protection with the latest in American automotive technology to produce a vehicle with superior blast protection, visibility, load carrying capacity, interior space and parts availability.
To see video of a TSG vehicle clearing landmines, please visit www.forceprotectioninc.com. The Buffalo was recently featured by Geraldo Rivera on Fox News. A DVD of this segment is available from the Company. Requests for this DVD should be sent to Investor Relations.
About Force Protection, Inc.
Force Protection, Inc. manufactures and distributes vehicles that protect and save lives and property. Its subsidiary, Technical Solutions Group, Inc., (TSG) manufactures and markets military vehicles that are protected against landmines and hostile fire. These vehicles are typically used to transport personnel safely in areas infested with landmines and for the actual removal of landmines. The vehicles are manufactured in Ladson, SC, where TSG is based. For more information visit www.forceprotection.net. Recently, Technical Solutions Group was highlighted on CNBC's Business Center. A video clip of the segment is available at: www.forceprotectioninc.com.. Contact: Investor Relations, Force Protection, Inc., 843-740-7015 ext 233 or investorrelations@forceprotectioninc.com or visit www.forceprotectioninc.com.
Certain statements in this news release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of Rule 175 under the Securities Act of 1933 and Rule 3b-6 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and are subject to the safe harbor created by those rules. All statements, other than statements of fact, included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding potential future plans and objectives of the company, are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Technical complications that may arise could prevent the prompt implementation of any strategically significant plan(s) outlined above. The company cautions that these forward looking statements are further qualified by other factors including, but not limited to those, set forth in the company's Form 10-KSB filing and other filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (available at www.sec.gov). The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any statements in this release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.