SHENZHEN, China -- Remy Electric Motors has been named the new electric motor supplier to ZAP.

Yesterday, ZAP Founder Gary Starr and Remy Electric Motors General Manager Kevin Quinn told an audience of exhibitors and participants at this year's World Electric Vehicle Symposium and Exposition (EVS) in Shenzhen, China, that the two companies have signed a long-term motor supply and development agreement.

Remy HVH 250 electric motors will now be used globally in ZAP's cars and sport utility vehicles. Additionally, ZAP is developing a drivetrain with the Remy for use in ZAP automotive platforms, and those of several Chinese vehicles.

U.S.-based ZAP acquired 51 percent of Chinese auto manufacturer Zhejiang Jonway Automobile Co. this year. This merger has given ZAP access to the Chinese market through Jonway Auto's distribution channels of more than 80 factory direct dealerships that feed into hundreds of factory authorized dealers. The new supply and development agreement signed by ZAP and Remy also provides Remy with a strategic partner in the Chinese electric vehicle market.

Innovation is a hallmark of ZAP. One of its newest development projects, the Alias electric car, participated this year in the $10 million Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE, a competition for 100 MPG or energy equivalent vehicles. ZAP's Alias placed among the top seven finalists from the original 115 teams and was recognized as the most practical and the most wanted design in the competition.

A worldwide audience became acquainted with ZAP's electric vehicles in 2010 when ZAP's Electric SUV Taxis were featured during the Shanghai World Fair. ZAP and Jonway Auto shuttled officials and VIPs during the exposition. These same vehicles will now be made available globally using the Remy HVH 250 electric motor.

This is not the first time ZAP and Remy have partnered. Remy Electric Motors joined forces with ZAP in the development of an electric postal delivery vehicle for the United States Postal Service (USPS). This vehicle was chosen as one of the five approved vehicle participants in a year-long trial by the USPS.