IRVINE, Calif., April 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc. (Nasdaq: QTWW) today announced that it has secured a new purchase contract for 250 ultra-light weight compressed natural gas (CNG) tanks from a large US natural gas vehicle integrator of light duty trucks.  

Quantum's carbon composite ultra-light weight high capacity CNG tanks are the lightest in the industry.  Quantum tanks enable relatively simple vehicle integration, avoiding the cost of heavy structural reinforcement that is necessary to integrate competing heavier tanks.  Light-weight tanks also help to lower operation and maintenance costs and to improve gas mileage and payload capacity.  Quantum offers the lightest and most advanced CNG storage systems in the world today, enabling trucks and buses to carry significantly more fuel on board and operate for long distances without compromising their payload capacity or driving characteristics.  Quantum has more than a decade of experience in designing, manufacturing and deploying light-weight gaseous fuel systems for a variety of automotive and aerospace applications. 

"Quantum's light-weight CNG tanks are ideal for weight-sensitive applications, providing our customers with upfront and on-going financial and operational benefits," said Alan P. Niedzwiecki, Quantum's President and CEO.  "We are pleased with the enthusiastic response from our customers and excited about the potential for accelerated adoption of natural gas vehicles under President Obama's new energy policy that emphasizes domestically produced natural gas fuel, and the proposed New Alternative Transportation to Give American Solutions (NAT GAS) Act, which would give five-year tax credits to encourage the production and purchase of natural gas-powered vehicles."

With the price of gasoline and diesel soaring above $4.00/gallon, and natural gas prices consistently staying low, fleet owners can now save 30-70% of the operating costs by shifting to clean burning natural gas.  According to the California Energy Commission, natural gas-powered heavy duty vehicles reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 23% and particulate matter by up to 95% compared to conventional diesel-powered models, so fleets can save money and be green.

About Quantum

Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc., 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 wholly owned subsidiary, Schneider Power Inc., and affiliate Asola Advanced and Automotive Solar Systems GmbH complement Quantum's emerging renewable energy presence through the development and ownership of wind and solar farms, and manufacture of high efficiency solar modules.  Quantum's portfolio of technologies includes electronic controls, hybrid electric drive systems, natural gas and hydrogen storage and metering systems and alternative fuel technologies that enable fuel efficient, low emission hybrid, plug-in hybrid electric, fuel cell, and natural gas 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, natural gas fuel, and specialty vehicles, as well as modular, transportable hydrogen refueling stations.  Quantum's customer base includes automotive OEMs, dealer networks, fleets, aerospace industry, military and other government entities, and other strategic alliance partners.

More information can be found about the products and services of Quantum, Schneider Power and Asola at http://www.qtww.com/.

Forward Looking Statements:

This press release contains forward looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  All statements included in this report, other than those that are historical, are forward-looking statements and can generally be identified by words such as "may," "could," "will," "should," "assume," "expect," "anticipate," "plan," "intend," "believe," "predict," "estimate," "forecast," "outlook," "potential," or "continue," or the negative of these terms, and other comparable terminology.  Various risks and other factors, including the rate of adoption of natural gas vehicles under the government's new policies and acts, could cause actual results, and actual events that occur, to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward looking statements.  The Company undertakes no obligation to update the information in this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.

More information can be found about Quantum's products and services at http://www.qtww.com/ or you may contact:

Brion D. Tanous
Principal, CleanTech IR, Inc.
Email:  btanous@cleantech-ir.com
310-541-6824

Dale Rasmussen
206-315-8242
Email: drasmussen@qtww.com

SOURCE Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc.