IRVINE, Calif., March 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc. (Nasdaq: QTWW) today announced that Alan P. Niedzwiecki, the President and CEO of Quantum, along with Henrik Fisker, cofounder and CEO of Fisker Automotive Inc. and Bernhard Koehler, cofounder and COO of Fisker Automotive, were named Entrepreneurs of the Year 2009 by the Orange County Business Journal. This award, which recognizes the spirit, vision and accomplishments of outstanding entrepreneurs, was presented at the Journal's Eighth Annual Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award Ceremony held in Irvine, on March 18th, 2009.
The Orange County Business Journal honored seven entrepreneurs, six of whom, which include Alan Niedzwiecki, Henrik Fisker and Bernhard Koehler, are beating the odds in industries especially hurt by the recession. The trio has raised $94 million to develop a luxury sports sedan, the KARMA, and a coupe/convertible, the KARMA S 'Sunset'. The KARMA platforms are powered by clean and efficient plug-in hybrid drivetrain the Quantum Q-Drive, which provide unparalleled fuel efficiency and emissions reduction.
Production version of the KARMA sedan, unveiled in January 2009 at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), Detroit, was rated 'Best Electric Car' by Detroit News.com, and selected by the Green Car Journal as a '2009 Green Car of the Year' nominee. The BusinessWeek magazine recognized Fisker Automotive as a top start up of 2008.
About Quantum
Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc. (NasdaqGM: QTWW), a fully integrated alternative energy company, is a leader in the development and production of advanced propulsion systems, energy storage technologies, and alternative fuel vehicles. Quantum's portfolio of technologies includes advanced lithium-ion battery systems, electronic controls, hybrid electric drive systems, hydrogen storage and metering systems, and alternative fuel technologies that enable fuel efficient, low emission hybrid, plug-in hybrid electric, fuel cell, and alternative fuel vehicles. Quantum's powertrain engineering, system integration, vehicle manufacturing, and assembly capabilities provide fast-to-market solutions to support the production of hybrid and plug-in hybrid, hydrogen-powered hybrid, fuel cell, alternative fuel, and specialty vehicles, as well as modular, transportable hydrogen refueling stations.
