US ELECTRICAR INC
8-K, 1996-09-20
MOTOR VEHICLES & PASSENGER CAR BODIES
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                                 UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549


                                    FORM 8-K


                                 Current Report
     Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934


Date of Report: (Date of earliest event reported) September 5, 1996
                                                  -----------------



                             U.S. ELECTRICAR, INC.
                             ---------------------
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



California                           0-25184                       95-3056150
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction        (Commission                   (IRS Employer
of incorporation)                   File Number)             Identification No.)



5 Thomas Mellon Circle, San Francisco, CA                                94134
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Address of principal executive offices)                             (Zip Code)


Registrant's telephone number, including area code:                415-656-2400
                                                                   ------------
<PAGE>

Item 2    Acquisition or Disposition of Assets


Effective as of September 5th, 1996, the Company disposed of  substantially  all
of the assets of its wholly-owned subsidiary,  Industrial Electric Vehicles Inc.
The  assets  sold  included  inventory,  receivables,   work-in-process,  parts,
furniture fixtures,  machinery, tools, tooling, supplies,  computers,  software,
sales and marketing material,  and equipment related to the industrial business.
The  Company  retained  certain  international  rights to market the  industrial
product line. The sale was made to Legend Electric Vehicles,  Inc., a California
corporation.  The principals of Legend include  several former  employees of the
Company, including the manager of Industrial Electric Vehicles.

The fixed purchase price for the assets was One Million Eighty Thousand  Dollars
($1,080,000).  An  additional,  contingent  amount  not to  exceed  One  Hundred
Seventeen  Thousand Dollars  ($117,000),  which reflects a portion of recevables
collections,  may also be paid.  The fixed  purchase  price  payment was made as
follows:

*    Buyer assumed, and was credited with, the principal amount of $1,004,504.00
     outstanding  under a Promissory  Note  ("Note")  owed by the Company to the
     previous  owners of the  business,  from  whom the  Company  purchased  the
     business  three years ago.  The  previous  owners,  as holders of the Note,
     approved the  assignment  and assumption of the Note, and have released the
     Company  from  all  obligations   thereunder.   The  Note  was  secured  by
     substantially  all of the  assets of the  subsidiary  included  in the sale
     transaction.   The  principal  amount   outstanding   under  the  Note  was
*    $1,004,504.00 on the date of the sale.

*    Buyer agreed to assume, and was credited with, up to $88,000 of outstanding
     warranty  obligations  for a period  of twelve  months on claims  submitted
     after  the date of  closing.  The  credit  would not be  reduced  if actual
     warranty claims are less.


Item 7    Financial Statements and Exhibits

          (c) Exhibits

              Exhibit 10.87    Agreement  For Purchase and Sale of Assets by and
                               between Industrial Electric Vehicles,  Inc., U.S.
                               Electricar,  Inc., and Legend Electric  Vehicles,
                               Inc., made effective as of September 5th 1996.




                    AGREEMENT FOR PURCHASE AND SALE OF ASSETS


         THIS AGREEMENT FOR PURCHASE AND SALE OF ASSETS (this  "Agreement"),  is
made  effective  as of  September 5, 1996,  by and between  INDUSTRIAL  ELECTRIC
VEHICLES,  INC., a California corporation ("Seller"),  a wholly-owned subsidiary
of U.S. ELECTRICAR,  INC., a California  corporation,  U.S. Electricar,  Inc., a
California  corporation,   ("Electricar"),   and  LEGEND  ELECTRIC  VEHICLES,  a
California corporation ("Buyer").

                                    RECITALS

         A. The  Seller is  engaged  in a  business  relating  to the design and
manufacture of electric-powered vehicles, and owns certain properties and assets
used therein.

         B. The Buyer  desires  to  purchase  from the  Seller,  and the  Seller
desires to sell to Buyer,  on the terms and  subject to the  conditions  of this
Agreement,  certain properties and assets of the Seller as more specifically set
forth in Paragraph 1.a.(i) through Paragraph 1.a.(v) inclusive.

                                    AGREEMENT

         NOW,  THEREFORE,  in  consideration  of  the  above  recitals,   mutual
agreements,   covenants,   representations  and  warranties  contained  in  this
Agreement, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

         1.       Purchase and Sale of Assets.

                  a.  Agreement to Purchase  and Sell.  Subject to the terms and
conditions  set forth in this  Agreement,  the  Seller  agrees to sell,  convey,
transfer,  assign,  and deliver to Buyer,  and Buyer agrees to purchase from the
Seller,  certain of the  assets and  properties  and rights  thereto  located in
Redlands,   CA  of  Industrial   Electric  Vehicles,   Inc.,  whether  tangible,
intangible,  real, personal, or mixed, (all of which are sometimes  collectively
referred  to as  the  "Assets"),  including,  but  without  limitation  to,  the
following:

                                    (i) The patents,  service marks, trademarks,
trade  names,   copyrights  (and   registrations  and  applications   therefor),
processes, methods, patterns, devices, formulae,  discoveries, trade secrets and
other  know-how,   all  as  identified  on  Exhibit  "A"  attached  hereto  (the
"Technology"); and

                                    (ii) The inventory, work-in-progress, parts,
furniture,  fixtures, machinery, tools, tooling, supplies, computers,  software,
sales and marketing material and equipment listed on Exhibit "B" attached hereto
(the "Personal Property"); and

<PAGE>

                                    (iii) The contracts of Seller  identified in
Exhibit "C" attached hereto (the "Contracts"); and

                                    (iv)  Subject to the  provision of Paragraph
1.d.  (ii)  accounts  receivable  or other  amounts  owing Seller as of closing,
identified on Exhibit "D" attached hereto (the "Receivable"); and

                                    (v) All of Seller's  data,  drawings,  files
and records pertaining to the Technology,  the Personal Property,  the Contracts
and the Receivable.

                                    (vi)  Notwithstanding the foregoing,  Seller
shall retain certain assets,  including  furniture,  tools,  supplies,  computer
related  equipment,  and  drawings  which are  specifically  related to the Bus,
Upfit/Retrofit,  Electrolite,  World Delivery Vehicle,  Amtrak designed vehicle,
and ground support vehicles (AQMD project including Lav Carts).

                  b. Purchase  Price.  The Fixed  Purchase  Price for the Assets
shall be One  Million  Eighty  Thousand  Dollars  ($1,080,000).  An  additional,
contingent amount which reflects a portion of Receivable collections may be paid
as set forth below and shall not exceed One Hundred  Seventeen  Thousand Dollars
($117,000).

                  c.  Allocation & Purchase  Price.  The Purchase Price shall be
allocated  among the Assets in the manner mutually agreed to by Buyer and Seller
prior to closing.

                  d.       Payment of Purchase Price.

                           (i)      Fixed  Purchase  Price  Payment.  The  Fixed
                                    Purchase Price Payment Shall Be As Follows:

                                    (1)  Buyer  agrees to  assume,  and shall be
                                    credited   with,   the   principal    amount
                                    outstanding   under  the   Promissory   Note
                                    ("Note") due Vehicle  Holding  Company as of
                                    closing.   Seller   shall  have  no  further
                                    obligation or guarantee  requirements  under
                                    said Note.

                                    (2) Buyer agrees to assume  warranty  claims
                                    made  against  U.S.  ELECTRICAR,   INC.  and
                                    INDUSTRIAL   ELECTRIC  VEHICLES,   INC.  for
                                    industrial  electric  vehicles  and shall be
                                    credited   with  a  value  of  Eighty  Eight
                                    Thousand Dollars ($88,000), provided that:


                                    a)       claims are submitted  after date of
                                             closing, and

                                    b)       claims are for vehicles shipped and
                                             invoiced   during   the  12  months
                                             period  immediately  preceding  the
                                             closing  date.  Buyer shall receive
                                             full   credit  for   Eighty   Eight
                                             Thousand  Dollars  

                                      -2-
<PAGE>

                                             ($88,000) toward the purchase price
                                             regardless of the aggregate  amount
                                             of claims  which are subject to the
                                             provisions above.


                           (ii)     Contingent  Purchase  Price  Payment.  Buyer
                                    agrees to pay Seller,  or its  designee,  an
                                    amount   equal   to  50%  of  the   accounts
                                    receivable  cash  collections  over  a  base
                                    amount  of Three  Hundred  Thousand  Dollars
                                    ($300,000)  as  listed  on  the   Industrial
                                    Electric Vehicles,  Inc. accounts receivable
                                    trial balance dated July 23, 1996. The total
                                    of  such  payments   shall  not  exceed  One
                                    Hundred    Seventeen     Thousand    Dollars
                                    ($117,000).

                  e. No  Assumption  of  Liabilities.  This  Agreement  pertains
solely to the purchase and sale of the Equipment and the Contracts  and,  except
for the  obligations  of Seller under the  Contracts  set forth in Exhibit C (as
such exhibit is constituted at the closing)  which Buyer  specifically  assumes,
Buyer  does not  assume and Buyer  shall not be  obligated  to assume any debts,
liabilities,  contracts,  undertakings  or  commitments  of, or  claims  against
Seller, whether pertaining to the Assets or otherwise.

         2.        The Closing.

                   a. Closing.  The closing of the transactions  provided for in
Paragraph 1 hereof shall take place at the offices of Seller in Redlands, CA, on
September 5, 1996, at 10:00 am, or such other date (and/or place and/or time) as
may be agreed upon  between the parties,  such date being  referred to herein as
the "Closing  Date" or  "Closing".  If the Closing  shall not take place at such
date or time,  either party may terminate  this Agreement upon written notice to
the other.

                   b. Delivery at Closing.

                            i) Seller shall deliver or cause to be delivered the
following at the Closing:

                                    a) One or more bills of sale or  assignments
covering the Assets in form and substance satisfactory to counsel for Buyer; and

                                    b) A certified  copy of the written  consent
of a majority of the  Directors  of Seller  approving  the sale of the Assets in
such form as is acceptable to Buyer;  and 

                                    c) Consent by Vehicle Holding Company to the
transfer of the Promissory Note due Vehicle Holding Company,


                                      -3-
<PAGE>

                                    d) Such other  documents or  certificates as
are required as conditions precedent to the obligations of Buyer under Paragraph
7, or as may be  reasonably  required  by  counsel  for Buyer to place  Buyer in
actual possession and operating control of the Assets pursuant to the provisions
of this Agreement.

The  Seller  at any time  before  or  after  the  Closing  Date,  will  execute,
acknowledge, and deliver any further deeds, assignments,  conveyances, and other
assurances,  documents,  and  instruments  of transfer  reasonably  requested by
Buyer,  and will  take  any  other  action  consistent  with  the  terms of this
Agreement  that  may  reasonably  be  requested  by  Buyer  for the  purpose  of
assigning,  transferring,  granting,  conveying,  and  confirming  to Buyer,  or
reducing to possession, any or all property to be conveyed and transferred under
this Agreement. Simultaneously with the consummation of the transfer, the Seller
through its officers, agents, and employees, will put Buyer into full possession
and enjoyment of all  properties  and Assets to be conveyed and  transferred  by
this Agreement.  If requested by Buyer, the Seller agrees at Seller's expense to
prosecute  or  otherwise  enforce  in its own name for the  benefit of Buyer any
claims,  rights or benefits that are  transferred  to Buyer under this Agreement
and that require prosecution or enforcement in the Seller's name.

                            ii) Buyer shall  deliver or cause to be delivered to
Seller the following at the Closing:


                                    a) A certified  copy of the written  consent
of the Directors or a certified copy of the minutes of a meeting of the Board of
Directors  of Buyer  approving  the  purchase  of the  Assets in such form as is
acceptable to Seller; and

                                    b) Such other documents and  certificates as
are  required  as  conditions  precedent  to the  obligations  of  Seller  under
Paragraph 8, or as may be reasonably required by counsel for Seller.

         3.  Representations and Warranties of the Seller. The Seller represents
and  warrants  to Buyer  that,  except as set forth on the  disclosure  schedule
attached  hereto  as  Schedule  1 and  incorporated  herein  by  reference  (the
"Disclosure Schedule"):

                   a. Organization.  The Seller is a corporation duly organized,
validly  existing,  and in good standing under the laws of the state in which it
was incorporated;  has all necessary  corporate powers to own its properties and
to carry on its business as now owned and operated by it; and is duly  qualified
to do business and is in good standing in all  jurisdictions in which the nature
of the Seller's business or its properties makes such qualification necessary.

                   b. Authorization.  This Agreement has been duly authorized by
Seller's  and  Electricar's  Boards of  Directors  and  constitutes  a valid and
binding  



                                      -4-
<PAGE>

obligation  of the Seller and  Electricar  enforceable  in  accordance  with its
terms,  except as limited by  bankruptcy,  insolvency  or other  similar laws of
general  application  affecting  creditors'  rights.  This  Agreement  will  not
violate,  with or without the giving of notice  and/or the passage of time,  the
Articles of Incorporation  or the Bylaws of Seller or Electricar,  any agreement
to which Seller or Electricar may be a party, or any laws of any state, local or
federal  agency which may be  applicable to this  Agreement,  and will be valid,
binding and  enforceable  against  Seller or Electricar  in accordance  with its
terms.

                  c.  Agreement   Will  Not  Cause  Breach  or  Violation.   The
consummation of the transactions  contemplated by this Agreement will not result
in or constitute with or without the giving of notice and/or the passage of time
any of the following:  (1) a breach of any term or provision of this  Agreement;
(2) a default or an event that, with notice or lapse of time or both, would be a
default,  breach, or violation of the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of the
Seller or Electricar, or any lease, license,  promissory note, conditional sales
contract,  commitment,  indenture,  mortgage, deed of trust, or other agreement,
instrument,  or  arrangement  to which the Seller or Electricar is a party or by
which the Seller or  Electricar  or the property of the Seller or  Electricar is
bound; (3) an event that would permit any party to terminate any agreement or to
accelerate the maturity of any indebtedness or other obligation of the Seller or
Electricar;  or  (4)  the  creation  or  imposition  of  any  lien,  charge,  or
encumbrance on any of the properties of the Seller or Electricar.

                  d. Authority and Consents.  The Seller and Electricar have the
right,  power,  legal  capacity,  and  authority to enter into,  and perform its
obligations under this Agreement, and no approvals or consents of any persons or
entities are necessary in connection with it. The execution and delivery of this
Agreement by the Seller and Electricar has been duly authorized by all necessary
corporate action on the part of the Seller and Electricar.

                  e. Subsidiaries.  Seller does not own, directly or indirectly,
any  interest  or  investment  (whether  equity  or  debt)  in any  corporation,
partnership, business, trust, or other entity.

                  f.  Financial  Statements.  Exhibit E to this  Agreement  sets
forth the unaudited  interim  financial  statements of the Seller as of June 30,
1996, and the 10Q of Electricar  for the period ended April 30, 1996,  certified
by controller of the Seller as accurately  reflecting the financial condition of
the Seller for the periods indicated.  The financial statements in Exhibit E are
referred  to herein as the  "Financial  Statements."  The  Financial  Statements
fairly  represent  the  financial  position of the Seller and  contain  true and
accurate  statements of each and all of the assets and  liabilities of Seller as
of the respective dates indicated in the Financial  Statements,  and the results
of its operations for the respective periods indicated.

                  g.  Claims  and  Liabilities.  Exhibit  F  to  this  Agreement
contains a true and complete  schedule of all liabilities and obligations of the
Seller. To the best of Seller's knowledge,  Seller has no debts, liabilities, or
obligations of any nature, whether 



                                      -5-
<PAGE>

accrued,  absolute,  contingent, or otherwise, and whether due or to become due,
that are not set forth in Exhibit F.  Notwithstanding  the  foregoing,  only the
Seller Liabilities set forth on Exhibit G are being assumed by Buyer.

                  h. Tax Returns and Audits.  Within the times and in the manner
prescribed  by law,  the  Seller  has filed all  federal,  state,  and local tax
returns required by law and has paid all taxes,  assessments,  and penalties due
and payable.  There are no present disputes as to taxes of any nature payable by
the  Seller.  The  Seller  has never  filed,  and will not file on or before the
Closing Date, any consent under ss.341(f) of the Internal  Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended.

                  i.  Hazardous  Materials.  To Seller's and  Electricar's  best
knowledge,  there are no  asbestos-containing  materials  incorporated  into the
leased  premises  set forth in  Paragraph  3.j.  (above)  buildings  or interior
improvements  that are part of that real  property,  or into any other Assets of
the Seller, nor is there any electrical  transformer,  fluorescent light fixture
with ballasts, or other equipment containing PCBs on those leased premises.

                  j.  Inventory.  The  inventories  of raw  materials,  work  in
process, and finished goods (collectively called "Inventories") shown on Exhibit
B, are  being  sold in their "As Is"  condition.  Except  for sales  made in the
ordinary  course of  business,  and except for the  inventories  relating to the
business of Seller being  retained as described in Paragraph  1.a.(vi),  all the
Inventories shown on Exhibit B are the property of the Seller.  The value of the
Inventories has been determined on a "first-in, first-out" basis consistent with
prior years.

                  k.  Other  Tangible  Personal  Property.  Exhibit  B  to  this
Agreement  contains a schedule  describing,  and  specifying the location of all
trucks, automobiles,  machinery,  equipment,  furniture,  supplies, tools, dies,
jigs, molds, patterns,  drawings, and all other tangible personal property owned
by, in the possession of, or used by the Seller in connection  with its business
which are to be sold in this transaction.

                  l. Trade Names,  Trademarks and Copyrights.  Exhibit A to this
Agreement contains a schedule of all tradenames,  trademarks, service marks, and
copyrights  and their  registrations,  owned by the Seller or in which they have
any rights or licenses,  together with a brief  description  of each. The Seller
does not have any  knowledge  of any  infringement  or alleged  infringement  by
others of any such  trade  name,  trademark,  service  mark,  or  copyright.  To
Seller's knowledge,  Seller has not infringed, and is not now infringing, on any
trade name, trademark, service mark, or copyright belonging to any other person,
firm,  partnership  or  corporation.  The Seller is not a party to any  license,
agreement,   or  arrangement,   whether  as  licensor,   licensee,   franchisor,
franchisee, or otherwise,  with respect to any trademarks,  service marks, trade
names,  or applications  for them, or any copyrights.  The Seller owns, or holds
adequate licenses or other rights to use, all trademarks,  service marks,  trade
names,  and  copyrights  necessary  for  its  business  as now  conducted  by it
(including  without  limitation  those  listed  in  Exhibit  A, and to  Seller's
knowledge,  that use does not,  and will not,  conflict  with,  infringe  on, or
otherwise  violate  any  rights of  others.  The Seller 




                                      -6-
<PAGE>

has the right to sell or assign to Buyer all such owned trademarks, trade names,
service marks, and copyrights, and all such licenses or other rights.

                  m.  Patents  and Patent  Rights.  Exhibit A to this  Agreement
contains a true and  complete  schedule of all patents,  inventions,  industrial
models, processes,  designs, and applications for patents owned by the Seller in
which it has any rights, licenses, or immunities (the "Intellectual  Property").
There have not been any interference actions or other judicial,  arbitration, or
other adversary  proceedings  concerning any of the  Intellectual  Property.  To
Seller's knowledge,  the manufacture,  use, or sale of the Intellectual Property
do not violate or infringe on any patent or any proprietary or personal right of
any person, firm, or corporation;  and to Seller's knowledge, the Seller has not
infringed and is not now  infringing  on any patent or other right  belonging to
any person,  firm,  or  corporation.  The Seller is not a party to any  license,
agreement,  or arrangement,  whether as licensee,  licensor, or otherwise,  with
respect  to any  patent,  application  for  patent,  invention,  design,  model,
process, trade secret, or formula. The Seller has the right and authority to use
and to transfer to Buyer the Intellectual Property as are necessary to enable it
to conduct and to  continue to conduct all phases of its  business in the manner
presently  conducted by it, and that use does not, and will not,  conflict with,
infringe on, or violate any patent or other rights of others.

                  n. Trade Secrets.  Exhibit A to this Agreement contains a true
and complete list, of the Seller's trade secrets,  including all customer lists,
processes,   know-how,  computer  programs  and  routines,  archival  libraries,
pictures, and other technical data which are to be sold in this transaction. The
specific location of each trade secret's  documentation,  if any,  including its
description,  specifications, charts, procedures, and other material relating to
it, is also set forth with it in that Exhibit. To Seller's knowledge, the Seller
is the sole owner of each of these trade  secrets,  free and clear of any liens,
encumbrances,  restrictions,  or legal or equitable claims of others. The Seller
has  taken  all   reasonable   security   measures  to  protect   the   secrecy,
confidentiality,  and value of these trade secrets; any of its employees and any
other persons who, either alone or in concert with others, developed,  invented,
discovered,  derived,  programmed,  or  designed  these  secrets,  or  who  have
knowledge of or access to information  relating to them, have been put on notice
and,  if  appropriate,  have  entered  into  agreements  that these  secrets are
proprietary  to the  Seller  and not to be  divulged  or  misused.  To  Seller's
knowledge,  all these trade secrets are presently  valid and protectable and are
not part of the public  knowledge or literature;  nor to the Seller's  knowledge
have they been used,  divulged,  or appropriated  for the benefit of any past or
present employees or other persons, or to the detriment of the Seller.

                  o. Title to Assets.  Seller has good and  marketable  title to
all its Assets and interests in Assets, whether real, personal, mixed, tangible,
or intangible,  which constitute all the assets and interests in Assets that are
used in the  business of the Seller.  All these assets are free and clear of the
restrictions  on or conditions to transfer or assignment,  and free and clear of
mortgages, liens, pledges, charges,  encumbrances,  equities, claims, easements,
rights of way, covenants, conditions or restrictions, except the lien of current
taxes not yet due and payable and possible minor 



                                      -7-
<PAGE>

matters  that,  in the  aggregate,  are not  substantial  in  amount  and do not
materially  detract from or interfere with the present or intended use of any of
these Assets or materially  impair  business  operations.  All real property and
tangible  personal property of the Seller is being sold in its "As Is" condition
solely with respect to its operating condition,  wear and tear. The Seller is in
possession of all premises leased to it from others.  No officer,  director,  or
employee of the Seller; nor any spouse, child, or other relative of any of these
persons, owns, or has any interest,  directly or indirectly,  in any of the real
property  leased to the Seller or any  copyrights,  patents,  trademarks,  trade
names, or trade secrets licensed by the Seller or any other Asset.

                  p. Employment Contracts and Benefits. Seller has no employment
contracts   or   collective   bargaining   agreements,    or   pension,   bonus,
profit-sharing,  stock option, or other agreements or arrangements providing for
employee  remuneration or benefits to which the Buyer is a party or by which the
Buyer is bound. Seller has not entered into any severance or similar arrangement
in respect of any present or former employee that will result in any obligation,
absolute  or  contingent,  of Buyer,  or the  Seller to make any  payment to any
present or former employee following termination of employment.

                  q.  Insurance  Policies.  Exhibit  H to  this  Agreement  is a
description  of all  insurance  policies  held  by  the  Seller  and  Electricar
concerning its business and properties. All these policies are in the respective
principal  amounts  set forth in Exhibit H. The  Seller has  maintained  and now
maintains  (1)  insurance on all its Assets and  business of a type  customarily
insured,  covering property damage and loss of income by fire or other casualty,
and (2) adequate insurance protection against all liabilities, claims, and risks
against  which it is  customary  to insure.  The  Seller is not in default  with
respect to payment of premiums on any such policy. No claim is pending under any
such policy.


                  r. Other  Contracts.  The Seller is not a party to, nor is its
property bound by, any distributor's or manufacturer's  representative or agency
agreement;  any output or requirements agreement; any agreement not entered into
in the ordinary course of business; any indenture,  mortgage,  deed of trust, or
lease;  or any  agreement  that  is  unusual  in  nature,  duration,  or  amount
(including,  without limitation,  any agreement requiring the performance by the
Seller of any obligation  for a period of time  extending  beyond one month from
the Closing Date or calling for  consideration of more than Two Thousand Dollars
($2,000));  except the agreements listed in Exhibit C, copies of which have been
furnished to Buyer.  There is no default or event that,  with notice or lapse of
time  or  both,  would  constitute  a  default  by any  party  to  any of  these
agreements.  The Seller has not  received  notice that any party to any of these
agreements intends to cancel or terminate any of these agreements or to exercise
or not exercise any options under any of these  agreements.  The Seller is not a
party to, nor is any of its property  bound by, any agreement that is materially
adverse to the business, properties, or financial condition of the Seller.


                                      -8-
<PAGE>

                  s.       Compliance With Laws.

                           i)  Environmental  Protection  Laws.  The  Seller and
Electricar have complied in all material  respects with all federal,  state, and
local environmental  protection laws and regulations and have not been cited for
any  violation  of any such  law or  regulation.  No  expenditures  calling  for
consideration  of more than Two Thousand  Dollars  ($2,000) will be required for
compliance with any applicable federal,  state, or local laws or regulations now
in force  relating to the  protection  of the  environment.  There is no pending
audit known to the Seller or Electricar or any of their officers or Directors by
any federal, state, or local governmental authority with respect to groundwater,
soil,  or air  monitoring;  the storage,  burial,  release,  transportation,  or
disposal of hazardous substances; or the use of underground storage tanks by the
Seller or Electricar or relating to the  facilities of the Seller or Electricar.
Neither Seller nor Electricar has any agreement with any third party or federal,
state, or local governmental authority relating to any such environmental matter
or any environmental cleanup.

                           ii)  OSHA  Laws.  The  Seller  and  Electricar   have
complied with all requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Act and its
state equivalents and regulations  promulgated  under any such legislation,  the
consequences of a violation of which could have a material adverse effect on its
operations,  and with all orders,  judgments,  and decrees of any tribunal under
such legislation that apply to its business or properties.

                           iii) Export Laws. Neither Seller nor Electricar is in
violation  of any  provision  of the  Export  Administration  Act of 1979 or the
Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977.

                           iv) Fees or Commissions.  The Seller has not directly
or indirectly paid or delivered any fee, commission, or other money or property,
however  characterized,  to any finder,  agent,  government  official,  or other
party, in the United States or any other country,  that is in any manner related
to the  business or  operations  of the Seller and that the Seller  knows or has
reason to believe to have been illegal under any federal, state, or local law of
the United States or any other country having  jurisdiction.  The Seller has not
participated,  directly or indirectly,  in any boycott or other similar practice
affecting any of its actual or potential customers.  The Seller has at all times
done business in an open and ethical manner.

                           v) Others.  The Seller and  Electricar  have complied
with,  and are not in violation  of, any  applicable  federal,  state,  or local
statute,  law, or regulation  (including,  without  limitation,  any  applicable
building,  zoning,   environmental  protection,  or  other  law,  ordinance,  or
regulation) affecting its properties or the operation of its business.

                  t. Litigation. There is not pending, or, to the best knowledge
of  the  Seller   threatened,   any  suit,   action,   arbitration,   or  legal,
administrative,  or other proceeding,  or governmental  investigation against or
affecting the Seller or any of its 



                                      -9-
<PAGE>

business,  Assets,  or  financial  condition.  The Seller is not in default with
respect to any order, writ, injunction,  or decree of any federal, state, local,
or foreign court,  department,  agency,  or  instrumentality.  The Seller is not
presently engaged in any legal action to recover monies due to damages sustained
by it.

                  u.  Interest  in  Customers,  Suppliers  and  Competitors.  No
officer,  Director,  shareholder,  or employee of the Seller,  nor any spouse or
child of any of them,  has any direct or indirect  interest  in any  competitor,
supplier,  or  customer  of the Seller or in any person from whom or to whom the
Seller  leases any real or personal  property,  or in any other person with whom
the Seller is doing business.

                  v. Full Disclosure. None of the representations and warranties
made by the  Seller  or  Electricar  or made in any  certificate  or  memorandum
furnished  or to be  furnished  by the Seller or  Electricar  on their  behaves,
contains or will contain any untrue  statement of a material  fact,  or omits to
state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in the light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

                  w.   Conflicting   Agreements.   The   consummation   of   the
transactions  contemplated  hereby will not violate any  provision of any order,
judgment or decree to which Seller is a party or by which it is bound,  and will
not violate any trust deed, mortgage, security interest, lien, lease, agreement,
instrument or any other  restriction of any kind or character to which Seller is
subject and which affects Seller's ownership or operation of the Assets.

                  x. Title of Assets.  Seller has good and  marketable  title to
the Assets,  whether real, personal,  mixed,  tangible or intangible.  Except as
described  on Exhibit F, all  Assets are free and clear of  restrictions  on, or
conditions  to,  transfer  or  assignment  and  free and  clear of trust  deeds,
mortgages, security interests, liens, pledges, charges, encumbrances,  equities,
claims, easements, rights of way, covenants,  conditions, or restrictions of any
kind.  Unless otherwise agreed by Buyer all conditions,  restrictions,  liens or
other  matters  listed on  Exhibit F shall be fully  satisfied  or removed on or
prior to the Closing Date.

                  y. No Fraudulent Conveyance.  Seller is not entering into this
transaction  with  the  intention  of  hindering,  delaying  or  defrauding  any
creditor.

         4.       Buyer's  Representations and Warranties.  Buyer represents and
warrants to the Seller that:

                  a.  Corporate   Status.   Buyer  (i)  is  a  corporation  duly
organized,  validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of
California,  (ii) has the requisite corporate power and authority to own, lease,
use and operate its property and assets and to transact the business in which it
is engaged,  and (iii) is duly qualified and is authorized to do business and is
in good  standing in each  jurisdiction  where the  ownership,  leasing,  use or
operation  of  its   property  or  the  conduct  of  its  business   makes  such
qualification  necessary,  except where the failure to be so qualified would, 



                                      -10-
<PAGE>

in the aggregate,  not reasonably be expected to have a material  adverse effect
on the Buyer and its subsidiaries,  taken as a whole.  "Material Adverse Effect"
or similar derivatives shall mean where the effect on Buyer would be a liability
in excess of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000).

                  b.  Directors'  Authorization.  This  Agreement  has been duly
authorized by Buyer's Board of Directors.  This Agreement will not violate, with
or without  the giving of notice  and/or the  passage of time,  the  Articles of
Incorporation or the Bylaws of Buyer, any mortgage,  contract or other agreement
or  instrument  to which  Buyer may be a party,  and will be valid,  binding and
enforceable against Buyer in accordance with its terms.

                  c.   Consents.   No   order,   consent,   approval,   license,
authorization  or  validation  of, or filing,  recording  or  registration  with
(except as have already been  obtained or made),  or review or exemption by, any
governmental  or public body or authority,  or any subdivision  thereof,  or any
bank is required in connection with, (i) the execution,  delivery or performance
of this  Agreement  by  Buyer  or (ii) the  authorization,  legality,  validity,
binding effect or enforceability  of this Agreement against Buyer,  except where
the  failure to obtain any such  consent or  approval  would not have a material
adverse effect on Buyer and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

                  d.  Compliance  With Laws.  At the  Closing,  Buyer will be in
compliance with all applicable laws,  regulations and  administrative  orders of
any country,  state,  municipality or any subdivision thereof to which it or its
business and its  employment  of labor or use or occupancy of  properties or any
part thereof may be subject.  Buyer has, or will obtain,  all permits,  licenses
and franchises from governmental agencies required to conduct its business as is
now being  conducted.  Buyer has not  failed to comply  with any  statute,  law,
ordinance,  regulation,  rule or order  of any  federal,  state,  local or other
governmental agency, or any judgment, decree, or order of any court, relating to
or  materially  affecting its business or its assets which would have a material
adverse effect on Buyer.

                  e. Execution and  Performance of Agreement.  The execution and
performance by Buyer of this Agreement and the transactions  contemplated hereby
will not violate any  provision  of, or result in the breach of, or constitute a
default  under any law or any order,  writ,  injunction  or decree of any court,
governmental  agency or  arbitration  tribunal,  or any  contract,  agreement or
instrument by which Buyer is or will at the Closing be bound.

                  f. Litigation. Buyer is not presently engaged in or threatened
with any litigation  (including  appeals of lower court decisions,  arbitration,
claim or other legal  proceedings  or  governmental  or any other  investigation
which (i) is material and adverse to Buyer and its subsidiaries taken as a whole
or (ii) questions the validity or enforceability of this Agreement.

                  g. Accuracy of Information.  No  representation or warranty in
this Agreement,  nor any of the material heretofore furnished or to be furnished
to Seller by 



                                      -11-
<PAGE>

Buyer or the  employees,  agents or  representatives  of Buyer  contains or will
contain any untrue or misleading  statement of a material fact, or omits or will
omit to state  any  material  fact  required  to make the  statements  herein or
therein contained not misleading.

                  h. No Liabilities.  Neither Brian Scott Breckley  ("Breckley")
nor Larry Lee Sparks  ("Sparks")  has any personal  knowledge of  liabilities of
Seller or Electricar not disclosed by Seller or Electricar in this Agreement.


                  i. No  Environmental.  To the best  knowledge  of Breckley and
Sparks,  Seller and  Electricar are in compliance  with the following  Superfund
requirements of CERCLA  (Comprehensive  Environmental  Response Compensation and
Liability Act):

                  (a) Neither Seller nor  Electricar has caused or allowed,  nor
has the Seller or Electricar contracted with any party for, the generation, use,
transportation,  treatment,  storage or disposal of any Hazardous Substances (as
defined  below) in connection  with the operations of its business or otherwise,
in  violation  of any law or  regulation  (local,  State  or  Federal)  with the
exception of the Ninety (90) Day Storage law for hazardous waste.

                  (b) Seller and Electricar, the operations of its business, and
any real property that the Seller and Electricar own, lease, or otherwise occupy
or use (the "Premises") are in compliance with all applicable Environmental Laws
(as defined  below) and orders or  directives  of any  governmental  authorities
having jurisdiction under such Environmental Laws including, without limitation,
any  Environmental  Laws or orders or directives  with respect to any cleanup or
remediation of any release or threat of release of Hazardous Substances.

                  (c) Neither  Seller nor  Electricar has received any citation,
directive, letter or other communication,  written or oral, or any notice of any
proceedings,  claims  or  lawsuits,  from any  person,  entity  or  governmental
authority  arising out of the ownership or  occupation  of the Premises,  or the
conduct of its operations, nor is either aware of any basis therefor.

                  (d) Seller and Electricar have obtained and are maintaining in
full force and effect all necessary permits,  licenses and approvals required by
any  Environmental  Laws applicable to the Premises and the business  operations
conducted  thereon and are in  compliance  with all such  permits,  licenses and
approvals.

                  (e) The  Seller  and  Electricar  have not caused or allowed a
release, or a threat of release (to the extent the same is under the Seller's or
Electricar's control), of any Hazardous Substance unto, at or near the Premises.

                  The term "Environmental Laws" shall mean any federal, state or
local  law,  ordinance  or  regulation  pertaining  to  the  protection  of  the
environment  



                                      -12-
<PAGE>

including,   without  limitation,  the  Comprehensive   Environmental  Response,
Compensation  and Liability  Act, 42 U.S.C.  Section 9601,  et. seq.,  Emergency
Planning and Community  Right-to-Know  Act, 42 U.S.C.  Sections 11001, et. seq.,
and the Resource  Conservation  and Recovery Act, 42 U.S.C.  Sections  6901, et.
seq.

                           The  term  "Hazardous  Substance"  includes  oil  and
petroleum products,  asbestos,  polychlorinated biphenyls and urea formaldehyde,
and any other materials classified as hazardous or toxic under any Environmental
Laws.

         5.       The Seller's  Obligations Before Closing. The Seller covenants
that from the date of this Agreement until the Closing:

                  a. Access to Premises and Information.  Buyer and its counsel,
accountants,  and other  representatives  shall have full access  during  normal
business hours to all  properties,  books,  accounts,  records,  contracts,  and
documents of or relating to the Seller.  The Seller shall furnish or cause to be
furnished to Buyer and its representatives  all data and information  concerning
the business,  finances,  and  properties  of the Seller that may  reasonably be
requested.  To the extent  feasible  and  without  extra  expense to Buyer,  the
inspection may occur on the weekends or outside of the Seller's  principal place
of business.

                  b. Preservation of Business and Relationships. The Seller will
use its reasonable  efforts to preserve its business  organizations  intact,  to
keep  available  the services of present  employees  and to preserve its present
relationships   with   suppliers,   customers,   and  others   having   business
relationships with it, including preserving all goodwill associated therewith.

                  c. Maintenance of Insurance. The Seller will continue to carry
its  existing  insurance,  subject  to  variations  in amounts  required  by the
ordinary operations of its business.

                  d.  Employees  and  Compensation.  The Seller  will not do, or
agree to do, any of the following  acts:  (1) make any increase in  compensation
payable or to become payable by it, to any officer, or director, or any increase
greater than the  increase in the last year to any  employee,  sales  agent,  or
representative;  (2) make any  increase  in  benefits  payable  to any  officer,
employee,  sales  agent,  or  representative  under any bonus or pension plan or
other contract or commitment;  or (3) modify any collective bargaining agreement
to which it is a party or by which it may be bound.

                  e. New  Transactions.  The Seller shall not,  without  Buyer's
written consent, do or agree to do any of the following acts:

                           i)  Unusual  Contracts.   Enter  into  any  contract,
commitment, or transaction not in the usual and ordinary course of its business;
or


                                      -13-
<PAGE>

                           ii)  Excessive  Contracts.  Enter into any  contract,
commitment,  or  transaction  in the  usual  and  ordinary  course  of  business
involving an amount exceeding Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000),  individually,  or
in the aggregate; or

                           iii)   Capital   Expenditures.   Make   any   capital
expenditures in excess of Ten Thousand Dollars  ($10,000) for any single item or
One Hundred  Thousand  Dollars  ($100,000) in the  aggregate,  or enter into any
leases of capital  equipment or property  under which the annual lease charge is
in excess of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000); or

                           iv) Sale or Disposal.  Sell or dispose of any capital
Assets.

                  f.  Payment of  Liabilities  and Waiver of Claims.  The Seller
shall not do, or agree to do, any of the following acts: (1) waive or compromise
any right or claim;  or (2) cancel,  without full  payment,  any note,  loan, or
other obligation owing to the Seller.

                  g. Existing  Agreements.  The Seller shall not modify,  amend,
cancel, or terminate any of its existing contracts or agreements, or agree to do
any of those acts without Buyer's prior written consent.

                  h.   Representations  and  Warranties  True  at  Closing.  All
representations  and warranties of the Seller set forth in this Agreement and in
any written  statements  delivered to Buyer by the Seller  under this  Agreement
will also be true and correct as of the Closing Date as if made on that date.

                  i.  Reporting  Requirements  and Compliance  with Law.  Seller
shall duly and timely  file all reports  required to be filed with  governmental
authorities and will duly observe and conform to all laws,  rules,  regulations,
ordinanaces, codes, orders, licenses and permits relating to the Business.


         6.       Buyer's Obligations Before Closing.

                  a. Cooperation in Securing  Third-Party  Consents.  Buyer will
use its best  efforts  to assist  the  Seller in  obtaining  the  consent of all
necessary  persons and agencies to the  assignment  and transfer to Buyer of any
and all properties, Assets, and agreements, including agreements with the United
States  government or any of its agencies,  to be assigned and transferred under
the terms of this Agreement.

         7.       Conditions Precedent to Buyer's  Performance.  The obligations
of Buyer to  purchase  the  Assets  under  this  Agreement  are  subject  to the
satisfaction,  at or before the Closing,  of all the conditions set out below in
this Section. Buyer may waive any or all of these conditions in whole or in part
without  prior  notice;  provided,  however,  that no such waiver of a condition
shall  constitute a waiver by Buyer of any of its other  



                                      -14-
<PAGE>

rights or  remedies,  at law or in equity,  if the Seller shall be in default of
any of its representations, warranties, or covenants under this Agreement.

                  a.  Accuracy  of  Representations  and  Warranties.  Except as
otherwise permitted by this Agreement, all representations and warranties by the
Seller in this Agreement, or in any written statement that shall be delivered to
Buyer by it under this Agreement, shall be true on and as of the Closing Date as
though made at that time.

                  b.  Performance.  The Seller shall have performed,  satisfied,
and complied with all covenants,  agreements,  and  conditions  required by this
Agreement to be performed or complied with by them, or any of them, on or before
the Closing Date.

                  c.  Certification.  Buyer shall have  received a  certificate,
dated the Closing  Date,  signed and  verified  by the  Seller's  president  and
treasurer,  certifying,  in such detail as Buyer and its counsel may  reasonably
request,  that the  conditions  specified in  paragraphs  7a-c (above) have been
fulfilled.

                  d.  Absence of  Litigation.  No action,  suit,  or  proceeding
before  any  court or any  governmental  body or  authority,  pertaining  to the
transaction  contemplated by this Agreement or to its  consummation,  shall have
been instituted or threatened on or before the Closing Date.

                  e.  Corporate  Approval.  The  execution  and delivery of this
Agreement by the Seller,  and the  performance of its covenants and  obligations
under it,  shall  have been  duly  authorized  by all  necessary  corporate  and
shareholder  action,  and Buyer shall have  received  copies of all  resolutions
pertaining to that authorization, certified respectively by the Secretary of the
Seller.

                  f. Sales and Use Tax on Prior Sales.  The Seller agrees (i) to
furnish  to  Buyer,  upon  Buyer's  request  and  within  30 days,  a  clearance
certificate  from all applicable  jurisdictions  regulating the payment of sales
taxes and any related certificates that Buyer may reasonably request as evidence
that all sales and use tax liabilities of the Seller accruing before the Closing
Date have been fully provided for or otherwise satisfied.

                  g.  Consents.  All  necessary  agreements  and consents of any
parties to the consummation of the transactions  contemplated by this Agreement,
or otherwise  pertaining to the matters  covered by it, shall have been obtained
by the Buyer and the Seller and delivered to Buyer.

                  h.  Approval of  Documentation.  The form and substance of all
certificates,  instruments,  opinions,  and other  documents  delivered to Buyer
under this Agreement shall be  satisfactory in all reasonable  respects to Buyer
and its counsel.


                                      -15-
<PAGE>

         8.       Conditions Precedent to Seller's Performance.  The obligations
of the Seller to sell and transfer the Assets under this  Agreement  are subject
to the satisfaction,  at or before the Closing, of all the following conditions.
The Seller may waive any or all of these  conditions in whole or in part without
prior  notice;  provided,  however,  that no such  waiver of a  condition  shall
constitute a waiver by the Seller of any of its other rights or remedies, at law
or in  equity,  if Buyer  should be in  default  of any of its  representations,
warranties, or covenants under this Agreement.

                  a.   Accuracy   of   Representations   and   Warranties.   All
representations  and  warranties by Buyer  contained in this Agreement or in any
written  statement  delivered by Buyer under this Agreement shall be true on and
as of the Closing Date as though such  representations  and warranties were made
on and as of that date.

                  b.  Performance.  Buyer shall have performed and complied with
all covenants and agreements and satisfied all conditions that it is required by
this Agreement to perform, comply with, or satisfy, before or at the Closing.

                  c.  Corporate  Approval.  All  corporate  action  necessary or
proper to fulfill the Buyer's  obligations to be performed  under this Agreement
on or before the Closing Date shall have been obtained.

                  d.  Consents.  All  necessary  agreements  and consents of any
parties to the consummation of the transactions  contemplated by this Agreement,
or otherwise  pertaining to the matters  covered by it, shall have been obtained
by the Buyer and the Seller and delivered to Buyer.

         9.       Obligations After Closing of the Parties.

                  a. Buyer Non-Compete. In consideration of the transactions set
forth in this  Agreement and to forestall the  unauthorized  use of the Seller's
and Electricar's  "Seller  Proprietary  Information"  (as defined below),  which
proof of such  unauthorized  use  would  be  extremely  difficult,  for a period
commencing  from the date  hereof and ending on the second  anniversary  thereof
(hereinafter  the  "Covenant  Period"),  Buyer,  Breckley  and  Sparks  (each  a
"Non-Compete  Party")  agree  jointly  and  severally  that none of them  shall,
directly or indirectly,  either as an entity,  employee,  employer,  consultant,
agent, principal,  partner,  stockholder,  corporate officer, director or in any
other  individual  or  representative  capacity,   (hereinafter  collectively  a
"Prohibited  Position")  engage or participate  in activities  within the United
States of America or any foreign country  (herinafter the "Covenant  Territory")
which  are the same as,  or  competitive  with,  the  activities  the  Seller or
Electricar or any of its affiliates, including its parent corporation, presently
performs  or  intends  to  enter  into  involving  the  following   vehicles  or
derivatives thereof and any application  involving said vehicles,  including but
not  limited  to the  sale,  manufacture,  distribution,  leasing  or any  other
commercialization of said vehicles:

                                 1)   On-road full passenger and shuttle bus,


                                      -16-
<PAGE>

                                 2)   On-road sedan and truck conversion,
                                 3)   Electrolite and World Delivery Vehicle,
                                 4)   Model 535 with Federal Express,
                                 5)   Model 541,
                                 6)   Amtrak  vehicle  designed for narrow aisle
                                      application,
                                 7)   Ground  Support   Vehicles:   specifically
                                      tractors, belt conveyor vehicles, lavatory
                                      vehicles, and pushback vehicles.

Each  Non-Compete  Party  also  hereby  acknowledges  that  the  pursuit  of the
activities forbidden by this Section would necessarily involve the misuse and/or
unauthorized  disclosure  of the Seller's and its  parent's  proprietary  and/or
trade secret  information,  including but not limited to (a) information related
to  construction  or  manufacturing   techniques,   processes,   trade  secrets,
electronic codes, proprietary techniques, inventions,  improvements and research
projects;  (b) information about costs,  profits,  markets,  sales, and lists of
customers;  (c) plans for future  development and new product concepts;  and (d)
all documents,  books, papers, drawings,  models, sketches and other data of any
kind and  description,  including  electronic  data recorded or retrieved by any
means, that have been accessible to or in such Non-Compete Party's possession as
well as written or verbal  instructions or comments related thereto (the "Seller
Proprietary  Information").  Each  Non-Compete  Party hereby agrees to keep such
Seller Proprietary Information confidential.

                           Remedies. Each Non-Compete Party acknowledges that it
may be  difficult to measure in monetary  terms the damages  which may result to
the Seller or its parent if it or he breaches this  covenant.  Each  Non-Compete
Party  therefor  agrees  that  in  addition  to all  other  remedies,  legal  or
equitable,  to which the Seller may be entitled, it shall be entitled to enforce
this covenant through  injunctive relief for specific  performance if the Seller
reasonably believes such Non-Compete Party has breached its or his covenant.

                           Severability.  The Seller and each Non-Compete  Party
agree that the above  covenant  shall be deemed a series of separate  covenants,
one for each county  and/or  country in the Covenant  Territory.  Each  covenant
shall be deemed independent and severable.  The invalidity or partial invalidity
or  unenforceability  of any one  covenant  shall not  effect  the  validity  or
unenforceability of any other covenant provided in this Section.

                           b.  Seller  and  Electricar  Non-Compete.  Seller and
Electricar agree for a period of two (2) years,  that it shall not,  directly or
indirectly,  engage in or participate in activities  within the United States of
America which are the same as, or competitive  with, the activities  which Buyer
presently  performs  or  intends  to enter  into  involving  any of the  current
Industrial  Electric  Vehicle product lines which are not specified in Paragraph
9a. above or derivatives  thereof and any  application  involving said vehicles,
including but not limited to the sale,  manufacturer,  distribution,  leasing or
any other commercialization of said vehicles.


                                      -17-
<PAGE>

Seller and Electricar also hereby acknowledge that the pursuit of the activities
forbidden  by  this  Section  would   necessarily   involve  the  misuse  and/or
unauthorized   disclosure  of  the  Buyer's   proprietary  and/or  trade  secret
information,   including  but  not  limited  to  (a)   information   related  to
construction or manufacturing techniques,  processes, trade secrets,  electronic
codes, proprietary techniques,  inventions,  improvements and research projects;
(b) information about costs,  profits,  markets,  sales, and lists of customers;
(c)  plans  for  future  development  and  new  product  concepts;  and  (d) all
documents,  books, papers, drawings, models, sketches and other data of any kind
and description,  including  electronic data recorded or retrieved by any means,
that have been accessible to or in Seller's or  Electricar's  possession as well
as written or verbal  instructions  or  comments  related  thereto  (the  "Buyer
Proprietary Information"). Seller and Electricar hereby agree to keep such Buyer
Proprietary Information confidential.

Buyer  further  agrees  that  Seller  and  Electricar  retain  rights to market,
manufacture and otherwise  distribute,  all current Industrial Electric Vehicles
product  lines  outside of the United  States and access to  existing  technical
drawings and data packages  associated  with such rights.  Seller and Electricar
agree that any vehicles  manufactured through the retention of such rights under
any type of agreement  will not be imported into the United States or markets in
which Buyer has existing representation as of the Closing Date.

Notwithstanding  the foregoing,  Buyer may continue to sell the current  product
lines to existing  customers  with whom the company has conducted  business over
the past three (3) years,  and may accept orders from new customers,  until such
time as Seller or Electricar commences marketing,  manufacturing or distribution
directly, or indirectly through subcontract or license arrangements, outside the
United States. It is currently  anticipated that Seller and Electricar will seek
to contract with Buyer to provide assistance to Seller and Electricar, for a fee
or other  arrangement  to be negotiated,  in assisting  Seller and Electricar in
said marketing, manufacturing or distribution.

                  c.  Indemnification.  Each party shall indemnify,  defend, and
hold  harmless  the other  party  against  and in respect of any and all claims,
demands, losses, costs, expenses, obligations, liabilities, damages, recoveries,
and deficiencies, including interest, penalties, and reasonable attorneys' fees,
that the other party shall incur or suffer,  that arise,  result from, or relate
to any breach of, or failure by a party to perform  any of the  representations,
warranties,  covenants,  or  agreements  in this  Agreement or in any  schedule,
certificate,  Exhibit,  or other  instrument  furnished or to be furnished by it
under this Agreement;  provided,  however,  the parties'  obligations under this
Paragraph 9.c. shall expire on December 31, 1998.

                  d. Use of Name.  Seller  and  Electricar  agree that after the
Closing Date they shall not use or employ in any manner  directly or  indirectly
the names that Buyer has purchased  pursuant to this  Agreement or any name that
would be  similar to such  names,  and that they will take and cause to be taken
all necessary action by their Boards of Directors,  stockholders,  and any other
persons  in order to make this  change  in the  Seller's  name on or before  the
Closing Date.



                                      -18-
<PAGE>

                  e.  Name  Change.   The  Seller  and  Electricar   agree  that
immediately  after the Closing Date they will take all action required to change
their name to a name that does not employ in any manner  directly or  indirectly
the names that Buyer has purchased  pursuant to this  Agreement or any name that
would be similar to such names.

         10.      Miscellaneous.

                  a. Brokers and Finders.  Except as set forth in the Disclosure
Schedule,  each party represents that it has not dealt with any broker or finder
in connection with any transaction contemplated by this Agreement.

                  b. Costs and Expenses. Except as specifically provided in this
Agreement,  each  party  shall  pay all  costs and  expenses  incurred  or to be
incurred by it in  negotiating  and preparing  this Agreement and in closing and
carrying out the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

                  c. Form of Agreement.  The subject  headings of the paragraphs
and  subparagraphs of this Agreement are included for convenience only and shall
not affect the construction or interpretation of any of its provisions.

                  d. Entire  Agreement.  This  Agreement  and the  Exhibits  and
Schedules  attached  hereto,  all of which are  incorporated  by this  reference
herein,  constitute the entire agreement  between the parties  pertaining to the
subject  matter  contained  in it and  supersede  all prior and  contemporaneous
agreements,  representations,  and understandings of the parties. No supplement,
modification, or amendment of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in
writing by all the parties. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement
shall be deemed, or shall constitute,  a waiver of any other provision,  whether
or not similar,  nor shall any waiver constitute a continuing  waiver. No waiver
shall be binding unless executed in writing by the party making the waiver.

                  e. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed simultaneously
in one or more counterparts,  each of which shall be deemed an original, but all
of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

                  f. Parties in  Interest.  Nothing in this  Agreement,  whether
express or implied,  is  intended  to confer any rights or remedies  under or by
reason of this  Agreement on any persons  other than the parties to it and their
respective successors and assigns, nor is anything in this Agreement intended to
relieve or discharge  the  obligation  or liability of any third  persons to any
party to this  Agreement,  nor shall any  provision  give any third  persons any
right of subrogation or action over against any party to this Agreement.




                                      -19-
<PAGE>

                  g.  Assignment.  This  Agreement  shall not be  assignable  by
either  party  without the prior  written  consent of the other  party.  No such
assignment  shall release the assigning  party from its  obligations  under this
Agreement.  Subject to the foregoing,  this Agreement shall inure to the benefit
of and be binding  upon Buyer,  its  successors  and assigns and upon Seller and
Electricar, its successors and assigns. Nothing in this Agreement,  expressed or
implied,  is  intended  to confer  upon any other  person any rights or remedies
under or by reason of this Agreement.

                  h.  Attorneys'  Fees and Costs. In the event of any litigation
or other  dispute  arising  as a result of or by reason of this  Agreement,  the
prevailing  party in any such  litigation or other dispute shall be entitled to,
in addition to any other damages assessed,  its reasonable  attorneys' fees, and
all other costs and expenses  incurred in connection  with settling or resolving
such dispute.  The  attorneys'  fees which the  prevailing  party is entitled to
recover shall include fees for  prosecuting or defending any appeal and shall be
awarded for any supplemental  proceedings  until the final judgment is satisfied
in full. In addition to the foregoing award of attorneys' fees to the prevailing
party,  the prevailing  party in any lawsuit on this Agreement shall be entitled
to its reasonable  attorneys' fees incurred in any post judgment  proceedings to
collect or enforce the judgment.  This attorneys' fees provision is separate and
several and shall survive the merger of this Agreement into any judgment.

                  i.   Representations  and  Warranties.   All  representations,
warranties,   covenants,  and  agreements  of  the  parties  contained  in  this
Agreement, or in any instrument, certificate, opinion, or other writing provided
for in it, shall survive the Closing.

                  j. Notices. All notices,  requests,  demands,  instructions or
other  communications  required or  permitted  to be given under this  Agreement
shall be in writing  and shall be deemed to have been duly given upon  delivery,
if delivered personally or by one-day courier, or by facsimile transmission with
hard copy to follow via U.S. Mail where receipt is acknowledged by the receiving
machine or if given by prepaid telegram, or mailed first-class airmail,  postage
prepaid, registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, shall be deemed
to have been  given 72 hours  after such  delivery,  to the  applicable  party's
address set forth on the signature  page herein.  Either party hereto may change
the address to which such  communications  are to be directed by giving  written
notice to the other party hereto of such change in the manner provided above.

                  k.  Governing  Law.  This  Agreement  shall  be  construed  in
accordance with, and governed by, the laws of the State of California, County of
San Bernardino, as applied to contracts that are executed and performed entirely
therein.

                  l.  Severability.  If any provision of this  Agreement is held
invalid or unenforceable by any court of final jurisdiction, it is the intent of
the parties that all other  provisions of this  Agreement be construed to remain
fully valid, enforceable, and binding on the parties.

                                      -20-
<PAGE>

                  m. Number and  Gender.  All terms in this  Agreement  shall be
construed  to mean either the  singular or the  plural,  masculine,  feminine or
neuter, as the situation may demand.  When the term Seller or Electricar is used
herein, it shall refer to each entity within that definition.

                  n.   Ambiguities.   This  Agreement  has  been  negotiated  at
arms-length and between persons  sophisticated  and knowledgeable in the matters
dealt with in this  Agreement.  In  addition,  each party has had the benefit of
legal advice from experienced and knowledgeable legal counsel.  Accordingly, any
rule of law (including  California  Civil Code ss.1654),  or legal decision that
would require  interpretation  of any ambiguities in this Agreement  against the
party that has drafted it, is not  applicable  and is waived.  The provisions of
this Agreement shall be interpreted in a reasonable manner to effect the purpose
of the parties.

                  o. Bulk Sales Law. Buyer and Seller agree to waive  compliance
with the provisions of the California law commonly known as the "Bulk Sales Law"
(Section 6101 eg seg. of the California  Commercial Code). Any failure to comply
with the Bulk Sales Law, and any liabilities which may exist as a result of said
failure,  shall be the responsibility of Seller,  which shall indemnify and hold
Buyer harmless therefrom.

                  p.  Further  Assurances.  Seller  and  Electricar  will,  when
reasonably requested so to do by Buyer, and Buyer will when reasonably requested
so to do by Seller or Electricar  execute,  acknowledge and deliver, or cause to
be executed,  acknowledged,  or delivered any and all such further  conveyances,
assignment,   confirmations,   satisfactions,   releases,  powers  of  attorney,
instruments  of further  assurance,  approvals,  consents,  and any and all such
further  instruments and documents as may be necessary,  expedient or proper, in
order to complete  any and all  conveyances,  transfers,  sales and  assignments
herein  provided,  and to do any and all other acts and to execute,  acknowledge
and  deliver any and all  documents  as so  requested  in order to carry out the
intent and purpose of this Agreement.


                                      -21-
<PAGE>


                  IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  the parties  hereto have  executed  this
Agreement as of the date first above written.



SELLER:                                     BUYER:

INDUSTRIAL ELECTRIC VEHICLES, INC.          LEGEND ELECTRIC VEHICLES

By:  /s/ John J. Micelo                     By:  /s/ Scott Breckley
     -------------------------                   -----------------------


- ------------------------------              ----------------------------
         (Signature)                                  (Signature)

      John J. Micelo III                          Scott Breckley
- ------------------------------              ----------------------------

            V.P.                                    President
- ------------------------------              ----------------------------
(Print Name & Title)                        (Print Name & Title)
1981 W. Redlands Blvd.
Redlands, CA  92373

With copy to:                               With copy to:

Donald C. Reinke, Esq.                      Betty S.N. Auton, Esq.
Pezzola & Reinke, APC                       Redlands Federal Bank Bldg.
1999 Harrison Street, Suite 1300            300 East State Street, Suite 420
Oakland, CA 94612                           Redlands, CA  92373



U.S. ELECTRICAR, INC.


By:  /s/ John J. Micelo                      /s/ Brian S Breckley
     --------------------------              ------------------------------
                                             Brian Scott Breckley, as 
                                             an individual

       John J. Micelo IV V.P.                         Larry Lee Sparks
     --------------------------              ---------------------------------
             (Signature)                     Larry Lee Sparks, as an individual
     5 Thomas Mellon Circle, Suite 305
     San Francisco, CA  94134





                                      -22-
<PAGE>

The  Exhibits to this  Agreement  are deemed not to be  material in nature,  and
would be  prohibitively  expensive to submit.  The exhibits  are  available  for
review from the Company upon request.

<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the  requirements  of the Securities  Exchange Act of 1934,
the  registrant  has duly  caused  this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

                                             U.S. Electricar, Inc.
                                                  (Registrant)

Date: September 19, 1996,               By: /s/ John J. Micek III
                                           -----------------------------
                                                John J. Micek III
                                                General Counsel



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