-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, WxKaJYZNXHSeahtgn26cs4uwjzlRJzByQZepbHm69LEN6P7/b0Iqj7kFtiEuD09X KGdWxc39JMVdaaufsWPbiQ== 0000950005-98-000980.txt : 19981221 0000950005-98-000980.hdr.sgml : 19981221 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000950005-98-000980 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-Q PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 2 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 19981031 FILED AS OF DATE: 19981218 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: US ELECTRICAR INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000922237 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: MOTOR VEHICLES & PASSENGER CAR BODIES [3711] IRS NUMBER: 953056150 STATE OF INCORPORATION: CA FISCAL YEAR END: 0731 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-Q SEC ACT: SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-25184 FILM NUMBER: 98772229 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 19850 SOUTH MAGELLAN DR CITY: TORRANCE STATE: CA ZIP: 90502 BUSINESS PHONE: 3105272800X103 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 19850 SOUTH MAGELLAN DR CITY: TORRANCE STATE: CA ZIP: 90502 10-Q 1 FORM 10-Q UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q (Mark One) (_x_) QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the Quarterly Period Ended October 31, 1998 or (___) TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the Transition Period From ____________ To ____________. Commission File No. 0-25184 U.S. ELECTRICAR, INC. ------------------------------------------------------ (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) CALIFORNIA 95-3056150 - ------------------------------- ------------------------------------ (State or other jurisdiction of (IRS employer identification number) incorporation or organization) 19850 South Magellan Drive Torrance, CA 90502 ----------------------------------------------------- (Address of Principal Executive Offices and Zip Code) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter periods that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes (_X_) No (___) As of December 15, 1998, there were 151,789,681 shares of Common Stock, no par value, outstanding. 1 INDEX U.S. ELECTRICAR, INC. Page No. -------- PART 1. FINANCIAL INFORMATION Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)..................................3 Consolidated Balance Sheets: October 31, 1998 and July 31, 1998................................3 Consolidated Statements of Operations: Three months ended October 31, 1998 and 1997......................4 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows: Three months ended October 31, 1998 and 1997......................5 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements: for the Three months ended October 31, 1998 and 1997..............7 Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations..............................10 PART II. OTHER INFORMATION Item 1. Legal Proceedings ...............................................13 Item 2. Changes in Securities............................................13 Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities..................................13 Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders..............14 Item 5. Other Information................................................14 Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.................................14 SIGNATURE ................................................................15 EXHIBIT INDEX ............................................................16 2 PART 1. FINANCIAL INFORMATION ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS U.S. ELECTRICAR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands, except for share and per share data) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As of As of October 31, 1998 July 31, 1998 ---------------- ------------- ASSETS (Unaudited) CURRENT ASSETS: Cash $ 168 $ 266 Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $108 and $108 192 108 Inventory 397 492 Note receivable 0 250 Prepaids and other current assets 96 124 -------- -------- Total Current Assets 853 1,240 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT - NET 290 318 OTHER ASSETS 100 100 -------- -------- TOTAL ASSETS $ 1,243 $ 1,658 ======== ======== LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' (DEFICIT) CURRENT LIABILITES: Accounts payable $ 2,406 $ 2,448 Accrued payroll and related expense 349 358 Accrued warranty expense 465 474 Accrued Interest 1,442 1,262 Other accrued expenses 275 285 Customer deposits and deferred revenue 358 387 Bonds and notes payable 5,727 5,727 -------- -------- Total Current Liabilities 11,022 10,941 LONG TERM DEBT 3,332 3,332 SHAREHOLDERS' (DEFICIT): Series A preferred stock - No par value; 30,000,000 shares authorized; 3,301,000 and 3,321,000 shares issued and outstanding at 10/31/98 and 7/31/98 2,233 2,258 Series B preferred stock - No par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized; 1,291,000 shares issued and outstanding at 10/31/98 and 7/31/98 2,584 2,584 Stock notes receivable (1,149) (1,149) Common Stock - No par value; 300,000,000 shares authorized; 151,787,000 and 151,767,000 shares issued and outstanding at 10/31/98 and 7/31/98 68,767 68,742 Accumulated deficit (85,546) (85,050) -------- -------- Total Shareholders' (Deficit) (13,111) (12,615) -------- -------- TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' (DEFICIT) $ 1,243 $ 1,658 ======== ======== Note: The balance sheet at July 31, 1998 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date. See notes to consolidated financial statements.
3 U.S. ELECTRICAR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) (In thousands, except for per share and share data) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Three Months Ended October 31, ------------------------------- 1998 1997 ------------- ------------- NET SALES $ 417 $ 640 COST OF SALES 357 534 ------------- ------------- GROSS MARGIN 60 106 ------------- ------------- OTHER COSTS AND EXPENSES: Research & development 93 141 Selling, general & administrative 283 782 Interest and financing fees 180 161 ------------- ------------- Total other costs and expenses 556 1,084 ------------- ------------- NET LOSS $ (496) $ (978) ============= ============= NET LOSS PER COMMON SHARE: $ (0.003) $ (0.006) ============= ============= WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING 151,773,014 151,182,678 4 U.S. ELECTRICAR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) (In thousands) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three Months Ended October 31 ----------------------------- 1998 1997 ----- ----- OPERATIONS Net loss $(496) $(978) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used by operating activities: Depreciation and Amortization 28 95 Provision to reduce inventory values 9 13 Interest income on stock notes receivable 0 (23) Change in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts Receivable (84) 243 Inventory 86 (20) Note receivable 250 0 Prepaids and other assets 28 33 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 110 335 Customer deposits and deferred revenue (29) 143 ----- ----- Net cash used by operating activities (98) (159) ----- ----- INVESTING: Purchases of property, plant and equipment, net of disposals 0 (4) ----- ----- Net cash provided (used) by investing activities 0 (4) ----- ----- FINANCING: Payments on notes payable 0 0 Payments on capital leases 0 (16) Borrowings on notes payable 0 0 Proceeds from issuance of common stock 0 0 ----- ----- Net cash provided (used) by financing activities 0 (16) ----- ----- NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND EQUIVALENTS (98) (179) CASH AND EQUIVALENTS: Beginning of period 266 333 ----- ----- End of period $ 168 $ 154 ===== =====
5 U.S. ELECTRICAR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued) (UNAUDITED) (In thousands) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Three Months Ended October 31, ------------------------------ 1998 1997 ---- ---- NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Conversion of Series A preferred stock to common stock $ 25 $ -- 6 U. S. ELECTRICAR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the Three Months Ended October 31, 1998 and 1997 NOTE 1 - Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited financial statements have been prepared from the records of the Company without audit, and in the opinion of management, include all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly the financial position at October 31, 1998 and the interim results of operations and cash flows for the three months ended October 31, 1998. The balance sheet at July 31, 1998, presented herein, has been prepared from the audited financial statements of the Company for the fiscal year then ended. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions affecting the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. The July 31, 1998 and October 31, 1998 inventories are reported at market value. The inventory valuation adjustments are estimates based on sales of inventory subsequent to July 31, 1998, and the projected impact of certain economic, marketing and business factors. Inventories have been valued on the basis that they would be used, converted and sold in the normal course of business. Warranty reserves and certain accrual expenses are based upon an analysis of future costs expected to be incurred in meeting contracted obligations. The amounts estimated for the above, in addition to other estimates not specifically addressed, could differ from actual results; and the difference could have a significant impact on the financial statements. Accounting policies followed by the Company are described in Note 1 to the audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended July 31, 1998. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted for purposes of the interim financial statements. The financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements, including the notes thereto, for the year ended July 31, 1998, which are included in the Company's Form 10-K Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The loss per common share is based on the weighted average of common shares outstanding. Potential dilution exists in earnings per share for the three months ended October 31, 1998 if common stock equivalents, consisting of unexercised stock options and warrants, were included in the calculation. The resulting dilution in the net loss per share, when compared to the loss of $0.003 currently reflected in the financial statements for the three months ended October 31, 1998, would be insignificant and, therefore, has not been calculated. The results of operations for the three month period presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. NOTE 2 - Going Concern The Company has experienced recurring losses from operations and use of cash from operations and had an accumulated deficit of $85,050,000 at July 31, 1998 and $85,546,000 at October 31, 1998. A substantial portion of the losses are attributable to investments in research, development and other start-up costs associated with the Company's original focus on the development and manufacture of electric vehicles, including electric buses, the conversion of gas powered cars and light trucks to electric power and off-road electric powered industrial vehicles. During the three years ended July 31, 1998, the Company obtained approximately $9 million (net of debt repayments) in cash from financial activities through private placements of common stock and Series A preferred stock, the exercise of options and warrants, 7 and the issuance of convertible subordinated notes payable and secured convertible bonds and notes. During the fiscal year ended July 31, 1998, the Company received $200,000 from a European investor group in the form of a short term, non-interest bearing promissory note. It is management's intention to complete its debt restructuring and to seek additional financing through private placements as well as other means. As of October 31, 1998, the Company was in negotiations with Hyundai Heavy Industries of Korea to license further technology regarding its PatherTM Drive System. The Company anticipates this sale to close during the second quarter. The accompanying financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. It is possible that the cash flows from future operations may not be sufficient to enable the Company to meet its obligations. Market conditions and the Company's financial position may inhibit its ability to achieve profitable operations. These factors as well as the future availability or inadequacy of financing to meet future needs, could force the Company to delay, modify, suspend or cease some or all aspects of its planned operations, and/or seek protection under applicable state and federal bankruptcy and insolvency laws. NOTE 3 - Inventories Inventories are comprised of the following (in thousands): October 31, 1998 July 31, 1998 ---------------- ------------- (unaudited) Finished Goods $ 139 $ 120 Work-in-process 64 101 Raw materials 369 437 Valuation adjustment (175) (166) ----- ----- $ 397 $ 492 ===== ===== 8 U.S. ELECTRICAR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) NOTE 4 - Notes and Bonds Payable, Long-Term Debt and Other Financing Notes and bonds payable and long-term debt are comprised of the following (in thousands): October 31, 1998 July 31, 1998 ---------------- ------------- Convertible secured notes under a Supplemental Loan Agreement with ITOCHU Corporation; interest at 10%, principal and interest due April 1998, secured by the personal property of the parent company. $ 3,000 3,000 Secured promissory note - Credit Managers Association of California ("CMAC") as exclusive agent for Qualified Creditors; interest at 3%, with principal and interest due April 1999; secured with an interest in a sinking fund escrow consisting of 10% of any financing received subsequent to April 1996; the Board of Directors may waive the sinking fund set aside on a case-by-case basis 307 307 Secured subordinated promissory note - CMAC as exclusive agent for Non-Qualified Creditors; interest at 3% for the first 5 years, 6% for years 6 and 7, and then at prime plus 3% through date of maturity; interest payments are made upon payment of principal, with principal and interest due no later than April 2016; secured with an interest in a sinking fund escrow as noted above; payments on this note are subordinated to payment in full on all principal and accrued interest owed on the above 3-year qualified note 3,332 3,332 Convertible secured promissory note payable to ITOCHU Corporation; interest at 10%, due December 1997; convertible into common stock at $0.30 per share. 1,300 1,300 Convertible promissory note payable to Fontal International, Ltd.; interest at 10%, due July, 1997; convertible into common stock at $0.30 per share. 800 800 Promissory note payable to a European investor group; no interest. 200 200 Other. 120 120 -------- -------- 9,059 9,059 Less current maturities 5,727 5,727 -------- -------- $ 3,639 $ 3,639 ======= ======= 9 ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The matters addressed in this report, with the exception of the historical information presented, incorporate certain forward-looking statements involving risks and uncertainties, including the risks discussed herein and in the report under the heading "Certain Factors That May Affect Future Results", as reported by the Company in the Form 10-K filed with the Commission on October 29, 1998. GENERAL U.S. Electricar, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the "Company") originally was established to develop, convert, assemble, manufacture and distribute battery-powered electric vehicles, including on-road pick-up trucks, passenger cars, buses and delivery vehicles, and off-road industrial vehicles. The Company's product lines originally included converted vehicles (originally built to be powered by internal combustion engines) and vehicles built specifically to be battery powered. The Company has refocused and restructured its product base and is directing its efforts toward the development of electric drive trains and related components for electric vehicles and hybrid systems, vehicle systems integration and the performance of various engineering contracts. The Company's efforts relating to the converted vehicle program were discontinued. The Company's fiscal year ends July 31. All year references refer to fiscal years. In September 1996, a substantial portion of the assets of Industrial Electric Vehicles, Inc., (formerly Nordskog Electric Vehicles, Inc. (Nordskog), prior to its acquisition by the Company) were sold. Consideration for this sale included the assumption of, and release of liability for, the note payable that totaled $1,013,000 at July 31, 1996 to Nordskog. The Company also acquired substantially all the tangible and intangible assets, and assumed certain liabilities, of Systronix Corporation (Systronix) for stock, a note and cash. In March 1997, the Company completed an agreement with Hyundai Motor Company ("HMC") and Hyundai Electronics Industries Co., Ltd. ("HEI") whereby HMC and HEI collectively purchased $3.6 million of the Company's common stock for cash and secured a technology license for an additional payment of $2.0 million. For the technology license, the Company received $1,850,000 in cash and the remaining $150,000 is to be received over 6 years. During the three months ended October 31, 1998, the Company has continued to concentrate on the reduction of operating costs. Headcount has been reduced from 51 employees at July 31, 1997 to 26 employees as of October 31, 1998. Business activities have been scaled back, and the Company is now focused primarily on the development of electric drive trains and related components, vehicle systems integration and the performance of various engineering contracts. The Company has several key contracts with the U. S. government's Defense Advanced Research Project Agency ("DARPA"), including the development of a new AC bus, a new plastic lithium ion vehicle battery concept and testing of advanced vehicle batteries. The Company also has several engineering contracts with the Hyundai Motor Company to design, develop and test electric drive train products and related products. Hyundai Motor Company is contracting with the Company for the development of an advanced charging unit and a hybrid vehicle development, as well as preparing to produce the Panthertm drive system for their electric vehicles. Furthermore, the Company is in negotiations with Hyundai Heavy Industries to license its software and hardware for further design and development of electric drive systems. The Company is aggressively pursuing various avenues of revenue generation to increase its cash flow. These include further developing its relationship with the Hyundai group, as well as, joint venturing with vehicle and bus manufacturers to utilize its drive train system. 10 LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES The Company has experienced significant recurring cash flow shortages due to operating losses primarily attributable to research, development, administrative and other expenses associated with the Company's efforts to become an international manufacturer and distributor of electric vehicles. Cash flows from operations have been negative and have not been sufficient to meet the Company's obligations as they came due. The Company has therefore had to raise funds through numerous financial transactions and from various resources. At least until the Company reaches break-even volume in sales and develops and/or acquires the capability and technology necessary to manufacture and sell its electric vehicles profitably, it will continue to rely extensively on cash from debt and equity financing. The Company anticipates that it will require substantial additional outside financing for at least one more year. During the three months ended October 31, 1998, the Company spent $98,000 in cash on operating activities to fund the net loss of $496,000 resulting from factors explained in the following section of this discussion and analysis. Accounts receivable decreased by $84,000 as funds were collected on outstanding receivables and new sales did not replace the accounts receivable balance. Some of the Company's sales are in the form of prepaid engineering contracts, and these sales will not be reflected in accounts receivable. The current year's installment on the unpaid portion of the HEI and HMC technology license was reclassified from long-term to current receivables. Inventory decreased by $95,000, net of write-downs. Another factor was the increase in accrued expenses. Interest accruing on notes payable has not been paid. Customer deposits decreased due to the further progress on the completion of prepaid engineering contracts. The operations of the Company during the three months ended October 31, 1998 were financed entirely by the funds received in the prior fiscal year and funds received on engineering contracts. IF THE COMPANY IS UNABLE TO CONTINUE TO RESTRUCTURE ITS DEBT OR OTHERWISE REFINANCE OR CONVERT SUCH DEBT, AND ADDITIONAL FUNDING IS NOT AVAILABLE, THE COMPANY WOULD BE FORCED TO SEEK PROTECTION UNDER APPLICABLE STATE AND FEDERAL BANKRUPTCY AND INSOLVENCY LAWS. SIGNIFICANT ADDITIONAL FUNDING WILL BE NEEDED IN 1998 AND 1999. AS OF DECEMBER 15, 1998, THE COMPANY HAD NO COMMITMENTS FROM ANY PERSON OR ENTITY TO PROVIDE CAPITAL, AND THERE CAN BE NO ASSURANCE THAT ADDITIONAL FUNDS WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM ANY SOURCE AT THE TIME THE COMPANY WILL NEED SUCH FUNDS. THE INABILITY OF THE COMPANY TO OBTAIN ADDITIONAL FUNDING ON TERMS ACCEPTABLE TO THE COMPANY WILL HAVE A MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT ON ITS BUSINESS. THE FUTURE AVAILABILITY OR INADEQUACY OF FINANCING TO MEET FUTURE NEEDS COULD FORCE THE COMPANY TO DELAY, MODIFY, SUSPEND OR CEASE SOME OR ALL ASPECTS OF ITS PLANNED OPERATIONS, AND/OR SEEK PROTECTION UNDER APPLICABLE STATE AND FEDERAL BANKRUPTCY AND INSOLVENCY LAWS. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Net sales in 1999 decreased $142,000 from the previous quarter, and decreased $223,000 in the first three months as compared to the corresponding period of 1998. In the current year there have been no sales of converted vehicles and no sales of technology licenses, thus far. The Company discontinued the converted vehicle program in 1998. Development contracts with Hyundai Motor Company and the U.S. Government account for almost all of the Company's sales for 1999. 11 Cost of sales in the first quarter of 1999 decreased to $357,000 on sales of $417,000, compared to cost of sales of $534,000 on sales of $640,000 in the first quarter of 1998. Research and development expense decreased in the first quarter of 1999 by $48,000, from the first quarter of 1998. The Company has reduced its technical staff and curtailed purchasing engineering services in order to keep costs down. The efforts expended by the technical staff are directed primarily toward completion of engineering contracts, such as the contracts for the Hyundai Group and federal and state government agencies. Selling, general and administrative expense decreased $509,000 in the first quarter of 1999 from the previous year's comparable period. The reduction in expenses was due to actions by the Company to close facilities, reduce headcount and consolidate operations in Torrance, California during 1998. Interest and financing fees increased only slightly to $180,000 in the first quarter of 1999 from $161,000 in the first quarter of 1998. Interest costs have decreased because of actions taken to reduce the amount of outstanding debt. In March 1997, the Company converted $3,000,000 of Series S Bonds to common stock. In March, 1997, the Company repaid convertible promissory notes held by Fontal International, Ltd. in the amount of $1,150,000 plus accrued interest. In May, 1997, the Company paid $348,000 against the outstanding principal balance on two secured subordinated promissory notes held by the Credit Managers Association of California. The Company incurred a net loss of $496,000 in the first quarter of 1999 compared to a net loss of $978,000 in the first quarter of 1998. The overriding factor causing the difference was the reduction of selling, general and administrative expenses as discussed above. CERTAIN FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT FUTURE RESULTS Future trends for the Company's revenue and profitability remain uncertain. The Company operates in a rapidly changing and developing market that involves a number of risks, some of which are beyond the Company's control. In addition, as previously disclosed in the Form 10-K, the Company's financial condition remains extremely precarious. The following discussion highlights certain of these risks. Going Concern / Net Operating Losses. The Company has experienced recurring losses from operations and had an accumulated deficit of $85,546,000 at October 31, 1998. There is no assurance, however, that any net operating losses will be available to the Company in the future as an offset against future profits for income tax purposes. A substantial portion of the losses are attributable to product development and other start-up costs associated with the Company's business focus on the development, production and sale of battery powered electric vehicles. Cash flows from future operations may not be sufficient to enable the Company to achieve profitable operations. Market conditions and the Company's financial position may inhibit its ability to achieve profitable operations. These factors, as well as others, indicate the Company may be unable to continue as a going concern unless it is able to obtain significant additional financing and generate sufficient cash flows to meet its obligations as they come due and sustain its operations. As of June 10, 1998, the Company had no firm commitments from any person or entity to provide capital, and there can be no assurance that additional funds will be available from any source at the time the Company will need such funds. Continued Losses. For the fiscal years ended July 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, the Company had substantial net losses of $3,525,000, $4,535,000 and $9,354,000 respectively on sales of $1,938,000, $4,484,000 and $4,209,000, respectively, and the Company incurred a net loss of $496,000 for the three months ended October 31, 1998. Nature of Industry. The electric vehicle ("EV") industry is in its infancy. Although the Company believes that it has manufactured a significant percentage of the electric vehicles sold in the United States based upon its own knowledge of the industry, there are many large and small companies, both domestic 12 and foreign, now in, poised to enter, or entering this industry. This EV industry is subject to rapid technological change. Most of the major domestic and foreign automobile manufacturers (1) have produced their own design-concept electric vehicles, and/or (2) have developed improved electric storage, propulsion and control systems, and/or (3) have entered or are planning to enter the field. Various non-automotive companies are also developing improved electric storage, propulsion and control systems. Growth of the present limited demand for electric vehicles depends upon (a) continued and future regulation and legislation requiring more use of non-polluting vehicles, (b) the environmental consciousness of customers and (c) the ability of electric vehicles to successfully compete with vehicles powered with internal combustion engines on price and performance. Changed Legislative Climate. Because vehicles powered by internal combustion engines cause pollution, there has been significant public pressure in Europe and Asia, and enacted or pending legislation in the United States at the federal level and in certain states, to promote or mandate the use of vehicles with no tailpipe emissions ("zero emission vehicles") or reduced tailpipe emissions ("low emission vehicles"), such as hybrid vehicles. Legislation requiring or promoting zero emission vehicles is necessary to create a significant market for electric vehicles. There can be no assurance, however, that further legislation will be enacted or that current legislation or state mandates will not be repealed or amended (as recently occurred in California), or that a different form of zero emission or low emission vehicle will not be invented, developed and produced, and achieve greater market acceptance than electric vehicles. For example, the State of California recently extended the deadline for compliance with mandates for implementation of zero emission vehicle requirements from 1998 to 2003. Extensions, modifications or reductions of current federal and state legislation, mandates and potential tax incentives could adversely affect the Company's business prospects if implemented. PART II. OTHER INFORMATION Item 1. Legal Proceedings: On June 23, 1997, fourteen shareholders and former shareholders of the Company filed a lawsuit in a federal district court in California, alleging violations of the securities laws and asserting eleven federal and state law claims. On September 29, 1997, the district court dismissed all of the claims asserted in the plaintiffs' complaint, but allowed leave to amend with respect to all but one of the claims. On October 20, 1997, the plaintiffs filed an amended complaint which added several additional shareholders and asserted nine federal and state law claims. On February 6, 1998, the district court dismissed all of the federal claims without leave to amend. The plaintiffs have the right to refile the claims in state court. Item 2. Changes in Securities: None. Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities: The Company has outstanding secured notes under a Supplemental Loan Agreement with Itochu Corporation in the principal amount of $3,000,000, with principal and interest due April 17, 1998. The notes are secured by personal property of the Company. The interest rate is ten percent (10%) per annum, and the notes are convertible into shares of the Company's common stock at the rate of $0.30 per share. As of June 10, 1998, the principal and interest due under the notes have not been paid, causing an event of default under the terms of the notes. Discussions about extending the maturity date of the notes are underway. As of December 15, 1998, the holder of the notes had not yet exercised any of its remedies with respect to the notes. 13 During the period from January 1997 through April 1997, the Company and Fontal International, Ltd. executed several loan agreements whereby Fontal extended loans to the Company in the aggregate amount of $800,000. The loans were evidenced by promissory notes which provide for a due date of July 9, 1997, an interest rate of ten percent (10%) per annum, and the right to convert principal and accrued interest at any time into shares of the Company's common stock at the rate of $0.30 per share. As of December 15, 1998, the principal and accrued interest due under the notes have not been paid, causing an event of default under the terms of the notes. Discussions about extending the maturity date of the notes are underway. As of December 15, 1998, the holder of the notes had not yet exercised any of its remedies with respect to the notes. During the period from December 1996 through February 1997, the Company and Itochu Corporation executed several loan agreements whereby Itochu extended loans to the Company in the aggregate amount of $1,300,000. The loans were evidenced by promissory notes which provide for a due date of December 26, 1997, an interest rate of ten percent (10%) per annum, and the right to convert principal and accrued interest at any time into shares of the Company's common stock at the rate of $0.30 per share. As of June 10, 1998, the principal and accrued interest due under the notes have not been paid, causing an event of default under the terms of the notes. Discussions about extending the maturity date of the notes are underway. As of December 15, 1998, the holder of the notes had not yet exercised any of its remedies with respect to the notes. Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Securities Holders: None Item 5. Other Information: None Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K: (a) Exhibits: None (b) Reports on Form 8-K None. 14 SIGNATURE Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized on December 15, 1998. U.S. ELECTRICAR, INC. (Registrant) /s/ Carl D. Perry - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- By: Carl D. Perry, Chief Executive Officer and Acting Chief Financial Officer 15 EXHIBIT INDEX Exhibit No. Description Page No. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 27 FDS 16 EX-27 2 FINANCIAL DATA SCHEDULE
5 1,000 3-MOS JUL-31-1999 AUG-01-1998 OCT-31-1998 168 0 192 0 397 96 1,420 1,130 1,243 11,022 0 0 4,817 67,618 0 1,243 417 417 357 357 376 0 180 (496) 0 (496) 0 0 0 (496) (0.003) (0.003)
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