For its second participation in Eurobike, and to satisfy bike enthusiasts, Matra presents and introduces 7 new e-bikes.

After the two first i-step models, runner and city, Matra presents 5 new Super Light Electric Bicycles dedicated to urban, leisure and sports market.

MATRA presents also, as a European premiere, Cruiser models under the famous TIDALFORCE brand  - well-known in the North American market - acquired from WaveCrest Laboratories in 2006 and sold as pedelec in Europe.

i-step : The super light electric bicycle

i-step is a new generation of "super light” electric bicycle with a fresh and modern styling.

i-step provides you a unique experience of a super light electric bicycle that preserves bike riding pleasure, pushing you uphill and recharging battery on demand downhill, using a 4 mode assistance for booth power and generation modes. i-step: the first intelligent bicycle.

i-step : Propulsion and regeneration system

The i-step electric propulsion system has been developed around a 250W high Torque MATRA SPORTS powered by BionX brushless motor, powerful, reliable and maintenance free. Its unique software control system provides i-step with unique performance in its sector.

The electric motor records permanently the force that is applied on each pedal, and compensate automatically right/left differences together with providing torque puissance, in order to deliver a regular cycle and smooth riding.

Far ahead from existing propulsion systems, the i-step can be monitored by the rider who can choose 8 different programs, 4 for Assistance and 4 for Regeneration, thus allowing either training session or hill climbing assistance, and opening a wide range of new way of using bicycles.

i-step is equipped with a removable 8.5 Ah Ni-MH  battery that allows to ride with assistance from 25 to 70 km according road profile and assistance program selected. The  battery  supplies  also directly the i-step lighting system, without using separate dynamo. 

2008 i-step Models :

i-step Runner : i-step runner is the sporty and competitive package of i-step, in one of the lightest weight configuration.

i-step City : i-step city is the urban package of i-step, with carrier and additional anti-theft devices for daily use in city centers.

A new size appears this year, city XS in its elegant low step frame. Battery is located on the rear carrier.

i-step Cross : i-step cross is the all road version of i-step. 28 inch tires, brushed aluminium finish, hydraulic disc brakes and superior mechanical and transmission components. Its manufacturing quality creates a new path for electric sports bikes.

i-step Force : i-step force is MTB version of i-step dedicated for urban “races”. With its street tires and superior mechanical and transmission components, i-step force is dedicated to professional use for campus patrol and police applications. Its Aluminium Frame is handmade in France and can be customized on demand for fleets.

Preview i-step One : (CONCEPT EUROBIKE 2007) i-step one is the original concept version designed for easy use, with a single speed mechanical mode, with a competitive pricing to attract younger customers, and benefiting of full electronic specifications to enjoy riding pleasure and comfort. A wide range of accessories are available to upgrade and customize according to riding environment.

Preview i-step XC : (CONCEPT EUROBIKE 2007) i-step XC is the concept version designed X-Country riding. 29 inch tires and superior mechanical and transmission components will attract expert riders and bike fans.

TIDALFORCE powered by Matra - High Performance Electric Bicycle

An attractive cruiser styling for this outstanding electric bicycle, equipped with the innovative and high performance MATRA X1 rear hub motor and front hub battery. Superior climbing capacities of its high torque engine will drive you in silence and comfort, without nearly no effort, in all road profiles with superior riding pleasure, and steep hill with ease.

iO ST : An attractive city cruiser styling, with its Step Thru frame and elegant titanium grey finish. Fenders and rear carrier also allows a daily use for urban commuting.

iO cruiser : An attractive beach cruiser styling, with its red or black frame finish. iO cruiser can be customized according to every one life style. 

Cruiser TidalForce powered by matra will be on the market this Fall.  

MODELS AND AVAILABILITY

Brand                      Model                Type                        Availability

Matra Sports       i-step             Runner                  2007

Matra Sports       i-step             City                       2007

Matra Sports       i-step             City XS                  2007

Matra Sports       i-step             Cross                    2008

Matra Sports       i-step             Force                     2008

Matra Sports       i-step             XC                        TBD

Matra Sports       i-step             ONE                      TBD

TidalForce           iO            ST Grey Titanium         From Oct.07

TidalForce           iO            Cruiser Red or black     From Oct.07

Distribution : A new network of independent Bike Dealers

After France, which counts today more than 200 retailers, Matra is now available in Switzerland, Belgium and begins new implantations in the other European countries. Matra is looking for sales agents and new distributors to actively develop this promising and fast-changing sector in those countries. Matra is also take necessary steps to relaunch the famous TidalForce brand in the North American market.  

Matra Manufacturing & Services SAS

Building upon significant accomplishments over forty years in the European automotive industry, namely in racing (1964 – 1974), sport utility vehicles (1964 – 1982) and minivans (1983 – 2003), Matra has adopted, in September 2004, and is actively implementing an aggressive strategy of technology and product development and marketing in the field of recreational, light electric and urban vehicles.

Electric assisted and propulsion bicycles are a major part of Matra Manufacturing & Services involvement in the development, manufacturing and worldwide marketing of Neighborhood Electric Transportation Solutions.

Matra Manufacturing & Services is a wholly-owned company of Group Lagardere.

How can we meet current requirements whilst helping to find solutions for future generations ? How can we improve man’s integration in his environment… This is the major challenge of the 21st century !

Since the mileage is down … let’s get the quality up! Current figures indicate that 80 % of our errands and trips (persons or goods delivery) take place within a 5 km radius from the starting point and that the

distances travelled for each trip do not exceed 25 to 30 km (15 to 19

miles) per day. In most cases therefore, the car as a means of transport is oversized, stressful, energy-hungry and harmful for the environment.

The increase in energy consumption and widespread use of terrestrial means of transport obviously raise the level of pollution and reduce natural resources. Faced with the impact on environment and economy,

our society has no other choice but to change.

Matra Manufacturing & Services, today

To take up this challenge, Matra Manufacturing & Services, the new name of Matra Automobile since September 2004, a company which left its mark on 40 years of automobile history, in competition (1964-73), in sports and leisure cars (1964-82), and in family cars (1983-2003), has implemented a daring strategy since 2004 with the redeployment of its activities in the sectors of recreational products, light electric vehicles and urban transport.

Matra Manufacturing & Services, a company renowned for its tradition of innovation, is now creating

The Neighbourhood Electric Transportation Solutions ™ - NETS

(pronounce : ‘n it is)

In French : Les Solutions de Transport Electrique de Proximité™ - STEP

2-wheeler solutions for daily trips : i-step by Matra Sports

Less than one year after moving into the development of light electric vehicles, and to satisfy the 2-wheeler market, Matra Sports is introducing and commercialising the i-step, a highly innovating range of electric

bicycles. The i-step stands out as a strong concept which changes the relationship between citizens and city. It is a new way of living in the city, a new means of transport, which is both modern and comfortable.

By making the daily trips between home and work easier, the i-step, with its programmable assistance, represents an environmentally-friendly, stress-free and effortless means of transport for both men and

women, offering fuel savings of up to € 1200 (*) over 2 years compared with a car, not to mention the tonnes of CO2 not released into the atmosphere.

(*) Calculation carried out exclusively on petrol consumption for 5000 km [3100 miles] per year (20 km [12.5 miles]

every day x 250 days) and petrol consumption of 8 litres/100 km [43 mpg] at € 1.5 per litre [€ 8.25 per gallon] (soon…)

Choosing i-step means living a unique and new experience on a bicycle. One of the main features of i-step is that it preserves the sensations of freedom and lightness of a bicycle. Being one of the lightest products

on the market at just 23 kg including motor and battery, it increases the pleasure of travelling while escaping the constraints of urban traffic. Its motor together with an intelligent management system offer highly advanced assistance, enabling the cyclist to control the amount of effort applied. i-step, when individual-step rhymes with intelligent-step. This unique, high-performance technology improves the concept of the bicycle without corrupting it.

Motor and energy management

The propulsion technology is based on a high-performance, reliable and maintenance-free brushless motor, with a two-year guarantee. The i-step owes its outstanding performance in this category to its softwarecontrolled

technology and specially designed electronics.

The motor takes into account the force applied by the cyclist on the pedal in real time and compensates for the rhythm irregularities inherent to traditional pedalling to drive the bicycle at constant speed.

The user can modulate this result according to 4 different programs. In addition, the regenerative braking system forms the basis for an active sports training program and, soon, a cardio training program.

Developed by Matra Sports, the i-step opens new perspectives for contemporary use of the bicycle.

Battery

The i-step is equipped with a removable 8.5 Ah battery using NiMH technology (already tested on hybrid cars) capable of travelling 25 to 70 km [15 to 43 miles], depending on the route profiles and the selected

program. The safety and practical aspects have not been forgotten : the lights are powered directly from the battery, without the use of a dynamo, so the cyclist remains visible even when stationary …The battery is recharged in just a few hours, using the NiMH charger supplied.

Bicycle lock

The removable battery is secured with a padlock. The motor can be locked by activating a PIN code, the same way as you lock your mobile phone. Depending on the versions, a mechanical antitheft device built

into the frame, locking the rear wheel, and a chain are also available to protect your new i-step against the inevitable temptation.

The French company, under the mythical brand of Matra Sports, is therefore completely redesigning the image of the «electric bicycle». When passion finally rhymes with sustainable development…

Leisure 2-wheeler solutions : Hybrid by Matra Sports

The Hybrid designed by Matra Sports, a study born from the fusion of a high-performance mountain bike and an ultra light electric moped, driven by a 750 W wheel motor powered by 2 independent NiMH batteries at the front and the rear. A high-performance moped with hybrid human/electric propulsion, it offers new perspectives for urban transport. Targeting young customers, with running costs close to zero euros, it represents a real alternative to the 50 cc petrol scooter.

At the 2006 Bibendum Challenge, the wheels of the hybrid will first spin during technical trials.

Leisure and local community 4-wheeler solutions : Electric 2- and 4-seat quadricycles by GEM

100 % electric, 0 % emission ! An island to be protected from pollution, a port, a sports event, a leisure park, an ambitious town or urban community… GEM products provide a range of immediate solutions to the

headache of the mobility plan launched a few years ago, faced with no credible and reliable offers in this sector.

Less than 3 months after the announcement of a partnership between Matra Manufacturing & Services and Global Electric Motorcars (GEM) - a DaimlerChrysler Company - work on production of the first French GEMs has already started at the Matra site of Romorantin (41).

Collaboration with GEM will be a major part of Matra MS’s involvement in the Light Electric Vehicle market in France. The GEM light electric vehicles have been modified to meet European Union regulations for light and heavy quadricycles and are now available in two-passenger, four passenger and utility versions.

An e2 opentop study will also be unveiled at the Challenge Bibendum 2006.

The GEM vehicles provide an immediate solution to the European customer looking for alternative transportation for short distances and neighbourhood trips, to reduce CO2 emissions and fuel consumption.

In addition to exclusive distribution of GEMs in France by Matra, the partnership between GEM and Matra also includes the establishment in Romorantin (41), where the vehicles are already assembled, of a

European Manufacturing and Services platform, to guarantee the highest quality of service for its European customers.

Over 40 000 GEMs have already been produced and sold in the United States and outside Europe. They are used and appreciated in extremely varied sectors such as town centres, tourist areas, rural areas, local

communities, leisure parks, airport and military bases, major industrial sites, and college and university campuses. To date, it is probably the most widely sold electric vehicle world-wide.

Matra is now proposing a true neighbourhood electric transport solution, clean, noiseless, economically competitive and accessible to everyone. A truly zero-emission solution, designed to replace petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles, a real response to the problems of air quality. And best of all, GEMs are «fun to drive». Take a test ride and see for yourself !

Distribution & Services solutions : a new network of Matra distributors, citizens and visionnaires

Matra Manufacturing & Services also taking an innovating step by producing the vehicles directly France at Romorantin (41) and distributing its products through a new network of independent pilot distributors,

currently being created. Mainly from the bicycle, motorcycle and leisure vehicle sectors, these new Matra partners, the first already being operational, have chosen to actively develop this promising and fastchanging sector, relying on Matra's experience of over 20 years in the fields of distribution and services. (Nearly 200 distributors in France and Europe have already expressed their desire to commercialise the

new products and services available from Matra Sports and GEM)

Matra Manufacturing & Services is fully owned by the Lagardère Group.

More information is available at

www.matra-ms.com

Press contact :

François Lombard

francois.lombard@matra-ms.com

francois.lombard@matra-ms.com

Global Electric Motorcars, LLC, (GEM) a DaimlerChrysler company headquartered in Fargo, North Dakota, will partner with Matra Manufacturing and Services to market all-electric GEM vehicles in France.

The GEM line of vehicles will be a major part of Matra MS’s involvement in the Light Electric Vehicle market in France.  The extensive range of GEM light electric vehicles will be modified to meet European Union regulations for light and heavy quadricycles and will be available in two-passenger, four-passenger, and utility versions.

Matra MS will operate as the exclusive distributor of GEM vehicles in the French market.

The GEM vehicles will bring an immediate solution to the European customer looking for alternative transportation for short distances and to reduce emissions and fuel consumption.

"We are pleased to announce this new relationship with Mantra," said Rick Kasper, President of Global Electric Motorcars.  "GEM electric vehicles have proven themselves with American consumers and we look forward to providing the benefits of these clean, fun-to-drive vehicles to a new group of consumers in France."

The partnership between GEM and Mantra also includes the establishment in Romorantin, France, of a European Manufacturing and Services platform for GEM vehicles, to establish the highest quality and service for its European dealers and customers. 

Over 30,000 GEM vehicles have been produced and distributed across the United States and internationally, and are in use in settings such as city centers, master planned communities, rural areas, military bases, local, state and national parks, industrial developments, airports and college and university campuses.

"GEMs provide clean, quiet, efficient and affordable transportation.  As a zero-emission alternative to petrol and diesel-powered vehicles, they can have a significant impact on air quality.  And best of all, GEMs are fun to drive," Kasper says.

Information on GEM electric vehicles is available at www.gemcar.com

Matra MS is currently developing, manufacturing and marketing an innovative range of neighborhood electric transportations solutions, including high performance electric bicycles, individual transport products and other light electric vehicles, together with associated customer services.

Matra Manufacturing & Services is a fully owned Lagardère SCA company.

December 2nd 2005 in Pontoise (France), Matra Manufacturing & Services received the 2005 "Enterprises and Environment" award of Les Yvelines - Val d'Oise. This trophy is given all two years by an independant jury and is organized since 1993 by the Departemental Committies of Les Yvelines and Val d'Oise, the Chamber of Commerce of Versailles - Val d'Oise, with the Environment Organizations of Les Yvelines and Val d'Oise. This trophy rewards the companies of the two departments which are particulary noted for their investment in environment's protection.

With its range of High Performance Electric Bicycles, presented in 2005 and will be commercialized in 2006, Matra Manufacturing & Services obtained the first place in the category "Adapting a strong policy in global environmental management or ecological conception".

The trophy rewards the investment of Matra Manufacturing & Services in sustainable development, confirms the credibility of its products adapted for the missions of all users, administration, city, company or general public and the pertinence of its answers to environmental and mobility questions.