Quantum Technologies Reports Fiscal 2009 Third Quarter Financial Results

IRVINE, Calif., March 12, 2009: Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc., a leader in the development and production of advanced propulsion systems, energy storage technologies, and alternative fuel vehicles and applications including hybrid, plug-in hybrid, hydrogen, and alternative fuel vehicles, today reported results for the three and nine month periods ended January 31, 2009. Conference call information is provided below.

Third Quarter Operating Results

Total revenue in the third quarter of fiscal 2009 was $5.9 million compared to $7.1 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2008, a net decrease of 17%. The decrease in consolidated net revenue is primarily related to a decline in product shipments and engineering services provided to General Motors in fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008. The Company's consolidated operating loss increased from $3.8 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2008 to $11.9 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2009. The increase was primarily due to the lower revenue base and a non-cash charge of $5.8 million recorded in the third quarter of fiscal 2009 for the impairment of the unamortized balance of the intangible asset associated with our Strategic Alliance Agreement with General Motors.

The Quantum Fuel Systems operating segment loss increased $7.7 million from $1.4 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2008 to $9.1 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2009. The increase is primarily due to the impairment of the intangible asset in the third quarter of fiscal 2009 and a lower level of revenues. Corporate segment expenses increased $0.3 million, from $2.5 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2008 to $2.8 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2009. The shared-based compensation expense related to FAS 123R was $0.4 million and depreciation and amortization expense was $0.9 million during the third quarter of fiscal 2009.

Contract revenue for the Quantum Fuel Systems segment increased $1.1 million, or 24%, from $4.6 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2008 to $5.7 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2009. The increase was primarily due to higher development program revenues related to development of the "Q Drive" propulsion system for the Company's affiliate - Fisker Automotive. This increase was partially offset by a decline in hydrogen and fuel cell system programs with General Motors. Other hybrid and plug-in hybrid development programs, military programs and other advanced hybrid propulsion system development programs were comparable for the third quarter of fiscal 2008 and 2009.

The Tecstar Automotive Group business segment ceased operations on January 16, 2008 upon transfer of substantially all of its assets to an affiliate of our lender. Accordingly, the activities of the Tecstar Automotive Group reporting segment are reported as discontinued operations for the three and nine month periods ending January 31, 2008.

The Company's net loss from continuing operations increased from $3.8 million, or $0.05 a share, in the third quarter of fiscal 2008 to $13.6 million, or $0.14 a share, in the third quarter of fiscal 2009. The Company's net loss increased from $1.4 million, or $0.02 a share, in the third quarter of fiscal 2008 to $13.6 million, or $0.14 a share, in the third quarter of fiscal 2009.

Nine Month Results

For the nine month period ended January 31, 2009, the Company reported revenues of $17.0 million compared to revenues of $16.8 million for the nine month period ended January 31, 2008. Contract revenues increased $6.6 million, or 69%, from $9.6 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2008 to $16.2 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2009. The increase was due primarily to an increased level of system development and application engineering of our "Q-Drive" hybrid propulsion system for the Fisker Karma vehicle program and other funded contract work with the United States military and other government agencies. The operating loss for the Quantum Fuel Systems segment increased $6.2 million, or 98%, from $6.3 million in first nine months of fiscal 2008 to $12.5 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2009, primarily due to the non-cash charge of $5.8 million recorded in the third quarter of fiscal 2009 for the full impairment of the unamortized balance of the intangible asset associated with our Strategic Alliance Agreement with General Motors.

Corporate segment expenses increased $0.4 million from $7.9 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2008 to $8.3 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2009. Corporate segment expenses reflect the general and administrative expenses that indirectly support our ongoing Quantum Fuel Systems operating segment and our anticipated future operating segments. Corporate segment expenses consist primarily of personnel costs, share-based compensation costs, and related general and administrative costs for executive, finance, legal, human resources, investor relations and our board of directors. Included in operating expenses are $2.2 million and $1.5 million of share-based compensation for the first nine months of fiscal 2008 and 2009, respectively.

The Company's consolidated operating loss increased from $14.1 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2008 to $20.8 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2009. During the first nine months of fiscal 2009, depreciation and amortization expense was $2.7 million. Cash used from operations during the first nine months of fiscal 2009 was $13.3 million which included $3.8 million in prepayments on a solar cell contract.

The May 2008 modification to the Company's debt instruments resulted in a total non-cash charge on modification of debt of $39.8 million which was recorded during the first quarter of fiscal 2009 and is included in loss from continuing operations for the nine month period in fiscal 2009. The charge represents the difference between the carrying balance of the notes and the estimated fair values of the notes, as amended, as of the date of such amendment. Since the implied premium totaling $39.8 million is presumed to represent equity in accordance with Accounting Principals Board (APB) 14, "Accounting for Convertible Debt," the implied premium is recorded as additional paid-in-capital under stockholders' equity.

Asola, Quantum's German solar affiliate, recorded in equity in earnings of affiliates, had revenues of approximately $39.4 million and net income of $0.5 million during the first nine months of fiscal 2009.

The Company's net loss from continuing operations increased from $14.3 million, or $0.19 a share, in the first nine months of fiscal 2008 to $62.1 million, or $0.69 a share, in the first nine months of fiscal 2009. The Company's net loss decreased from $80.3 million, or $1.06 a share, in the first nine months of fiscal 2008 to $62.1 million, or $0.69 a share, in the first nine months of fiscal 2009.

Alan P. Niedzwiecki, President and CEO, stated, "The Company's third quarter operating performance was impacted by the downturn in the economy and especially the challenges faced by our automotive OEM customers. Despite uncertain times, we remain optimistic that the continued focus on hybrid and "green vehicle" technologies will benefit Quantum as dramatic change continues to take place in the automotive industry. Development of our "Q-Drive" hybrid propulsion system for the Fisker Karma luxury premium hybrid vehicle and related integration efforts are progressing according to plan. Fisker unveiled, as expected, its first production car, the Fisker Karma, incorporating a fully developed and operational Q-Drive at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit."

Mr. Niedzwiecki continued, "We continue to advance technologies under funded Department of Energy programs and additionally have applied for a $175 million loan in connection with the Department of Energy's $25 billion Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan program. We believe that we are well positioned to receive some level of funding within the next 6 month period as it would enable us to advance hybrid vehicle and battery technologies for further commercialization of vehicle programs and other future vehicle platforms at more economical price points. We are also in the process of applying for grants under the 2009 Economic Stimulus Package and other government programs available to the Company."