Trading Update

Tanfield Group PLC 22 January 2007 Tanfield Group PLC ('Tanfield' or 'the Group') Trading Update Tanfield to Launch Electric Vehicle for North America; Strengthens Supplier Partnership Agreement with Enova Smith Electric Vehicles, a trading division of The Tanfield Group Plc (TAN), is pleased to announce that it has entered into a significant production supply agreement with Enova Systems (AMEX: ENA and AIM: ENV and ENVS); a leading developer of proprietary electric, hybrid and fuel cell digital power management systems. Tanfield has worked in partnership over several months with Enova, to develop two high performance electric drive train systems for a Smith Electric Vehicles zero emission van and truck respectively. Under the agreement, Enova will exclusively supply a minimum of 200 electric drive trains to Tanfield during 2007. Tanfield will integrate a 120kw electric drive system into the Smith Newton, the world's first zero emission 7.5t truck. A 90kw electric drive system will be installed in the Smith Edison, the world's first all-electric 3.5t van. Enova will also work in partnership with Tanfield to develop an electric drive train for a 12 ton version of the Smith Newton, specifically designed for the North American market. Darren Kell, Chief Executive of The Tanfield Group Plc, said: 'We are developing a US-version of Newton ahead of schedule in order to fully exploit growing demand for our zero emission vehicles in North America. 'Tanfield is already in negotiations with a US-based global consumer brand, along with several global logistics operators, over the supply of Newton vehicles into their North American urban delivery fleets.' 'The Enova components contribute towards a best-of-breed solution for our class-leading electric vehicles. 'We will work closely with Enova on the development of future products in the Smith Electric Vehicles portfolio, for both Europe and North America.' Mike Staran, Enova's Executive Vice President, said: 'This production agreement with Tanfield consolidates our position as a market leader for electric drive trains. 'But more importantly, the development of a solution for Smith Newton for North America offers a truly enormous opportunity for further volume sales, through the supply of solutions for Smith vehicles in the USA and Canada. Tanfield is rapidly establishing its position as the world's leading commercial electric vehicle manufacturer and Enova is convinced that there is significant untapped demand for battery-powered vehicles worldwide - and that Tanfield's vehicles can exploit this opportunity. 'The volume potential and market size, with a customer such as Tanfield, is significant in both the short and long term. We are delighted that Tanfield has selected us as their partner and we look forward to further optimizing our relationship with them.' Enquiries: Darren Kell, Chief Executive, The Tanfield Group Plc Tel. 0845 1557 755 Tom Jenkins Daniel Stewart & Company Plc Tel. 020 7776 6550 Media Enquiries: Dan Jenkins The Tanfield Group Plc Tel. 0845 1557 755 ENDS This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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