CHARLESTON, S.C., Jan. 7, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Force Protection, Inc. (OTCBB:FRCP) announced the shipment of a "Buffalo" Mine Protected Clearance Vehicle by its subsidiary, Technical Solutions Group (TSG). This is the eighth delivery against a contract for ten units.
TSG's Buffalo is a heavy duty, highly-advanced mine protected vehicle (MPV) that is manufactured at TSG's facility in Ladson, South Carolina. Its unique design and powerful protection against occupant casualties make it one of the most advanced military vehicles in the world. The unique technology of the Buffalo protects it against small arms fire, multiple anti-tank mines, and smaller anti-personnel mines, with blast protection under the wheels and centerline. In the event of damage from a large anti-tank mine; the Buffalo can be repaired in the field in four hours or less. Options include a large robotic arm that is used to unearth and remove landmines while providing maximum protection to its operators. It can also be equipped with run-flat tire inserts that allow the vehicle to continue to operate if a tire is damaged and deflated.
TSG President Garth Barrett commented, "Landmines are, and continue to be a tremendous threat to the safety and well-being of our troops overseas. Worse, they threaten civilians as well, with approximately 70 people dying worldwide each day from injuries sustained in landmine explosions. TSG will continue to research, develop, and produce the safest possible vehicles for troop protection and mine removal."
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., 714-903-0025, 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.