Knobias Clip Report (10-9-2007)

Sumbmited From Knobias ClipReport

ALTI: Nanotechnology Player Reports Successful Demonstration

The ‘Green Movement’ nationwide continues with the buzz area affecting stocks and the market in huge ways. Ethanol and solar have been extremely hot sectors over the past two years, though ethanol has somewhat cooled over the past few months. Solar has continued its roll with many companies posting profits and growing revenues, unlike the ethanol names which are still searching for an economically feasible feed stocks and processes to produce the liquid at lower costs.

Another green area that is being developed involves nanotechnology. Nanotechnology refers to a broad science with the unifying theme being control of matter on the molecular level. It is a highly diversified field from physics and chemistry, to mechanical and electrical engineering.

In the green space, the technology is being developed to enhance battery power for use in transportation vehicles. One company thoroughly involved in the space is Altair Nanotechnologies Inc. (ALTI). The Company is an innovator and manufacturer of advanced novel, ceramic nanomaterials that are used in products that exhibit groundbreaking performance. Altairnano's products address a diverse range of high-growth energy, industrial and pharmaceutical applications within three businesses: the Altair Power & Energy Group, Altair Materials Group and Altair Life Sciences Group.

On Tuesday, the Company jointly announced with AeroVironment, Inc. (AVAV), Micro-Vett, SPA and Go Green Holding AS the successful public demonstrations of the All-Electric Fiat Doblo to government officials and potential commercial customers in Oslo, Norway.

On October 2nd, half-way through an ongoing 60-day demonstration, the Micro-Vett Fiat Doblo, a regular size 5-seat station wagon vehicle, powered by a custom 18 kWh Altairnano high performance NanoSafe(R) battery pack, traveled 300 kilometers (186 miles) in an urban delivery circuit. The custom battery pack was fully recharged in less than ten minutes a total of three times using AeroViroments' high voltage, 125kW rated, rapid charging system. The vehicle will be driven an estimated total of 7,500 kilometers during the 60-day demonstration period, which translates to an annual equivalent use of 45,000 kilometers.

The Fiat Doblo is designed both as a commercial medium-duty transport vehicle, as well as a regular size family car. Micro-Vett has been converting standard vehicles to electric drive for the past 20 years, and today, they have a wide range of passenger and utility vehicles available for sale. Go Green expects to ship up to 20 Micro-Vett vehicles with Altairnano's 18 kWh NanoSafe(R) battery packs to customers in the next several months, and an additional 250 vehicles are planned for shipment in 2008. Altairnano offers a range of NanoSafe(R) battery packs for all-electric vehicles requiring from 10 to 35 kWh of energy storage.

“This alliance of innovative companies is a powerful combination that is committed to providing clean transportation on a global platform," said Asbjorn Slordahl, Go Green Holdings' chief executive officer in the press release. "With battery packs from Altairnano, and fast-charge infrastructure from AeroVironment, these roadway-ready, all-electric vehicles converted by Micro-Vett and distributed by Go Green are a powerful example of what happens when you combine the right technology, with the right providers, at the right time."

The Company also recently announced that it had received congressional support for funding of two projects. One project involves the ongoing research regarding a 2.5 megawatt stationary power supply for the U.S. Navy while the second project is the development of nanosensors that can detect explosive materials and chemical warfare agents that might threaten soldiers in combat, with more accuracy and reliability.

Normally, companies in the development and research stage have little to no revenue, profits, or cash and trade on speculation, but the Company’s latest earnings report displayed a strong balance sheet with cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments totaling $20.85 million. Long-term debt remained at only $1.20 million. With the strong balance sheet, the Company seems to have ample time to develop the products for the defense departments while also continuing research and marketing for their energy storage products for transportation vehicles. Investors would be wise to watch.



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