A Norwegian electric-vehicle manufacturer best known for a Y2K-era commuter-car venture with Ford is plotting a solo return to the states. Flush with cash from Silicon Valley angel investors RockPort Capital Partners and Kleiner Perkins, Caulfield and Byers, THiNK North America plans to start selling a version of its 95-percent-recyclable City car to US buyers starting in 2009. The company also plans to introduce the larger Ox (pictured) by 2010/2011.

Steven Schneider has been selling cars-everything from tiny European imports to boat-like Lincolns-nearly his entire life. Now, as CEO of ZAP (for Zero Air Pollution) in Santa Rosa, California, he specializes in the distribution of small, fuel-efficient automobiles. It´s a job, he says, that makes him feel less like the stereotype car salesman with plaid pants and a white belt.