CHARLESTON, S.C., March 3, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Force Protection, Inc. (OTCBB:FRCP) noted today that Geraldo Rivera took note of the Company's Buffalo Mine Protected Vehicles on his recent tour across Iraq. The segment was broadcast a number of times over the past week on Fox News.
Two slightly different versions of the segment aired. Included was footage of the Buffalo and its remotely controlled mine detection platform, the Meerkat. Geraldo noted that "the 4th ID has not suffered a single fatality or serious injury along Highway One since December." "The only downside: There aren't enough of these vehicles to go around. If there were, perhaps the triple fatality on January 31st, on the road from Tekrit to Kirkuk, could have been avoided. As our armed force go forward, you can bet that there will be a whole lot more of these Buffalos in their future."
TSG's Buffalo is a highly advanced Mine Resistant Vehicle, with multiple mission configurations and specially designed field reparability. The monocoque capsule protection and the latest American automotive technology produce a vehicle with superior blast protection, visibility, load carrying capacity, interior space and worldwide logistic support. The unique technology of the Buffalo protects it against small arms fire, multiple anti-tank mines as well as anti-personnel mines and Improvised Explosive Devices ("roadside bombs"). It is protected from blasts on any wheel and along the centerline underneath the vehicle. In the event of damage from a large anti-tank mine, the Buffalo can be repaired in the field in a maximum of four hours. All this combines to make it one of the most advanced military vehicles in the world.
A DVD of the Geraldo segment is available upon request from the Company through Investor Relations.
About Force Protection, Inc.
Force Protection, Inc. manufactures and distributes vehicles that protect and save lives and property. Its subsidiary, Technical Solutions Group, Inc., (TSG) manufactures and markets military vehicles that are protected against landmines and hostile fire. These vehicles are typically used to transport personnel safely in areas infested with landmines and for the actual removal of landmines. The vehicles are manufactured in Ladson, S.C., where TSG is based. For more information visit www.forceprotection.net. The Company was also featured recently on CNBC's Business Center. A video clip of the CNBC segment is available at: www.forceprotectioninc.com.
Certain statements in this news release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of Rule 175 under the Securities Act of 1933 and Rule 3b-6 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and are subject to the safe harbor created by those rules. All statements, other than statements of fact, included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding potential future plans and objectives of the company, are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Technical complications that may arise could prevent the prompt implementation of any strategically significant plan(s) outlined above. The company cautions that these forward looking statements are further qualified by other factors including, but not limited to those, set forth in the company's Form 10-KSB filing and other filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (available at www.sec.gov). The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any statements in this release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.