The decision about whether or not Zap is still coming to Franklin, Kentucky seems to be anyone's guess at the moment.  Some reports believe Zap will still build its facility in Franklin, others believe that Zap has packed up shop and left.  So what's the real story?  Depends on who you ask.

According to officials of Franklin, Kentucky, Zap cancelled its partnership with Integrity Manufacturing.  Integrity Manufacturing was expected to supply funds to help build the factory and was supposed to build Zap vehicles in Franklin.  However, since Integrity Manufacturing ended their agreement with Zap due to financial difficulties they will no longer build the facility or the vehicles.  However, Zap is still moving forward on the facility with a new company Zap Motor Manufacturing.  Zap Motor Manufacturing is led by Gary Dodd.  Though a set back in terms of the timeline, the plans to build the factory and Zap vehicles remains unchanged.

According to other sources, Zap's plans for the future in Franklin, Kentucky are non-existent.  With the departure of Integrity Manufacturing, the funds have dried up and Zap will have to close their doors.  The promise of 4,000 employees at the Franklin plant will not materialize and Franklin residents are shocked and in disbelief over a promise of jobs and new business within their city that has diminished to nothing more than an unfinished building.

Both stories hold at least some truth.  According to the executive director of the Franklin Industrial Authority, Zap has partnered with Zap Motor Manufacturing and they have placed an application for a loan through the Department of Energy to fund the completion of the plant.  They are awaiting loan approval at this time and plan to go forward with building the Franklin Plant when funds are approved.

4,000 employees are still promised, but the completion of the project has been set back.  The Franklin plant was originally scheduled to open in August of 2009.  At this time, no date is set for the completion of this plant.

Look for an update to this story as more information beomces available.

Brief background into Zap vehicles: ZAP has been a leader in electric transportation since 1994, delivering over 100,000 vehicles to consumers in more than 75 countries. Currently, ZAP manufactures a line of electric vehicles, including electric city-cars and trucks, motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, and ATVs. ZAP sells one of the only electric city-cars and trucks in production today and is developing a high-performance electric vehicle called the ZAP Alias.  Source: www.zapworld.com

Sources:  www.zapworld.com ,  www.WBKO.com