A123Systems Appoints Robert Johnson as Vice President and General Manager of Energy...

A123Systems Appoints Robert Johnson as Vice President and General Manager of Energy Solutions Group

Former Senior Vice President, President North America of $3
Billion American Power Conversion to Spearhead Group's Efforts in High
Value Markets
WATERTOWN, Mass.--(Business Wire)--A123Systems, developer and producer of patent-pending
Nanophosphate(TM) lithium ion batteries, today announced the formation
of its Energy Solutions Group (ESG). Robert Johnson will join
A123Systems as VP of and GM of ESG, leaving his role as Senior Vice
President, President North America at APC-MGE, a $3 billion in revenue
global provider of critical power and cooling services.

ESG will be in charge of the design and development of advanced
energy systems including stationary energy storage solutions that
improve and enhance the efficiency of the electric grid in order to
address the growing demand for alternative energy generation, in an
effort to reduce CO2 emissions and meet renewable portfolio standards.
The group will also oversee all lithium ion solutions for heavy duty,
rail and mass transit applications as well as battery solutions for
engine start in aviation. Additionally, ESG will supervise the
company's aftermarket lithium ion products designed to improve fuel
economy such as the acclaimed Hymotion battery range extender modules
planned for launch this spring.

A123Systems' growing portfolio of power tool and passenger
automotive lithium ion products will continue to be distributed
through the company's existing value added channels and partners.

"The formation of the Energy Solutions Group enables us to
continue our strategy of developing game changing technology by
creating a strong, centralized group that will manage some of our most
cutting edge product offerings," said David Vieau, CEO and President
of A123Systems. "We are excited to have Rob join our fast growing
company."

As Senior Vice President, President North America at APC-MGE,
Johnson led all North American operations. Prior to the formation of
APC-MGE, resulting from the Schneider Electric acquisition of American
Power Conversion Corporation (APC), Johnson served as President and
CEO of APC. In his new role at A123Systems, he will report directly to
President and CEO David Vieau, with whom he worked at APC. Johnson
will be joined by Bud Collins, formerly Vice President of Packs and
Systems at A123Systems, who will serve as Vice President of
Engineering.

"A123Systems' battery technology is changing every industry in
which it is introduced, making this a thrilling time to join and lead
efforts for all of the company's integrated systems," explained
Johnson. "Having worked with Dave and Bud in the past, I know that I
have joined a strong team of innovators striving to bring superior
products to market and I look forward to continuing that tradition in
my new role."

Products already under development that will continue under the
ESG umbrella include the large integrated energy storage solutions
that power the BAE Systems' HybriDrive(R) Propulsion System for use in
the 2008 and future models of the Daimler Orion VII, the world's
number one selling hybrid transit bus, as well as advanced stationary
solutions and aftermarket automotive products such as the Hymotion L5
module, a battery range extender module scheduled for commercial
launch this spring.

"While A123Systems is already the world's largest manufacturer of
high power Nanophosphate lithium ion cells, with the creation of this
new division we are enhancing our capabilities in order to meet and
exceed our customers' needs," added Vieau.

About A123Systems

A123Systems is one of the world's leading suppliers of high-power
lithium ion batteries. The company's patent pending Nanophosphate(TM)
technology enables its batteries to deliver a previously unattainable
combination of power, safety and life. Applicable to a wide range of
industries, A123Systems' products remove many traditional technology
constraints to provide OEMs expanded flexibility in system design.
With world-class expertise and management, global manufacturing
operations and one of the largest automotive lithium ion R&D teams,
A123Systems' and its Automotive Class Lithium Ion(TM) products are
accelerating the automotive movement towards platform electrification.
Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Massachusetts, A123Systems'
proprietary nanoscale electrode technology is built on initial
developments from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
A123Systems' Advanced Research & Government Solutions Division in Ann
Arbor, Michigan is nationally recognized for new materials development
and cutting-edge research. For additional information please visit
www.a123systems.com.

fama PR
Keith Watson, 617-758-4142
keith@famapr.com

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