COLUMBIA® ParCar Wins Electric Golf Car Endurance Challenge

Underdog company upsets industry leader

REEDSBURG, Wisc. --April 27, 2001--Columbia ParCar Corp., a member of the Nordic Group of Companies, won "The Duel in the Sun", an electric golf car endurance challenge held in the Saddlebrooke community near Tucson, Arizona on April 18, 2001. Columbia ParCar's production model 48 volt P4E Eagle was pitted against a standard production model 48-volt DSE48 golf car, from Club Car. Columbia's golf car traveled 97 miles on a single charge, 35 miles or 56% farther than Club Car's model.

Columbia ParCar also put it's new, ACE-powered 48 volt electric golf car through the same endurance test with phenomenal results. Columbia's ACE-powered model traveled 115 miles on a single charge, following the same rules as the Club Car and Columbia's Standard P4E Eagle. "To our knowledge, this is the first time a production, fleet model golf car has broken the 100 mile barrier," said Todd Sauey, President of Columbia ParCar Corp.

Columbia is one of only four fleet golf car manufacturers in the world and competes against formidable organizations including companies owned and operated by Ingersoll Rand, Textron and Yamaha. As the underdog, Columbia has long reported that its standard 48-volt, electric powered golf car can achieve 53% greater range than it's competitors because its exclusive design allows the use of eight six-volt batteries rather than the typical use of six eight-volt batteries. Its competitors have refuted Columbia's claim frequently.

Columbia recently acknowledged a challenge asserted in an advertisement by an authorized Club Car dealer placed in the March, 2001 issue of the Saddlebrooke Progress, a monthly newsletter. John White, owner of Classi Carts, Columbia's authorized dealer in the Tucson area, said of the ad, "I believe that manufacturers must substantiate their claims, and do so honorably and with integrity. Columbia ParCar has done just that in proving that their product actually exceeds their claims."

During the endurance challenge, all golf cars were put to the same test, at the same time. Each vehicle was inspected by independent sources to assure compliance with original manufacturing specifications. Michael Olson, a Trojan Battery representative, verified tire pressure, battery age, voltage and specific gravity in each vehicle prior to the test. After the test was completed, Michael stated that, "the challenge was completely objective and non-discriminating," and that "a new standard for range has been established for the industry." All test golf cars were loaded with equal operator weight and driven over a pre-determined course by community residents, following identical operational guidelines. At 62 miles, the Club Car stopped operating. The Columbia ParCar P4E Eagle continued operating until it came to rest at mile 97. The Columbia ParCar ACE powered golf car operated for 115 miles.

"This test proves, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that Columbia's standard 48 volt electric golf car will operate more rounds than Club Car's equivalent model," said Sauey. "Further, it demonstrates to golf course owners, managers and others that Columbia ParCar's 48 volt P4E Eagle golf car will be less expensive to operate by reducing battery charging and replacement costs," he added.

Industry media representatives, electric vehicle dealers and the public attended the all-day event, which was also carried on the Tucson ABC television affiliate's 5:00 p.m. news broadcast. Club Car officials were not present at the test. In a written statement to Columbia, a Club Car representative indicated that ample notice was not provided for them to attend. Columbia is currently submitting its world record electric-powered golf car run at 115 miles to the Guinness World Book of Records for their consideration.

About Columbia ParCar

For additional information or the location of your nearest Columbia dealer, contact Columbia ParCar on the web at http://www.parcar.com/ or at (800) 222-4653. Columbia ParCar Corp. is a Wisconsin based manufacturer of gasoline and electric powered golf cars, utility, industrial, commercial and passenger vehicles that are distributed through an international network of independent dealers. Columbia ParCar Corp. is a member of the Nordic Group of Companies, a family-owned management and manufacturing business headquartered in Baraboo, Wisconsin. Manufacturing operations of the Nordic Group extend throughout the United States, Mexico and Europe and include the Flambeau Corporation and Seats Incorporated, leaders in their respective industries.