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First prototype precision Roadster chassis arrives October 2002, beginning the high volume tooling that will ramp up vehicle production.

AC System adopted for the Sparrow. Development begins April 2002. Now affordable, this AC system promises to be superior to the DC system in reliability, operation and in the increased range it provides. Prototype installation in select Sparrows is expected November 2002.

The first Merlin Roadster debuted in August 2001 at the Sturgis Motorcycle rally in South Dakota. The reaction by that crowd and the Press in general was so overwhelmingly positive Corbin decided to produce a limited number of these Harley Davidson engine-powered "niche" vehicles for a profit. Great timing, as this happened while manufacturing at the factory restructured to include outsourcing Sparrow body parts (and those of other vehicles down the line) which took time to create molds for the new tooling.

WINGS Act, Wider Incentive for Non Gasoline Small vehicles, Bill HR3631, first bill introduced at Federal level specifically addressing the Sparrow to allow its inclusion in a bill that provides a Federal tax break for purchasing an electric vehicle. Bill passed in the House August 2001. Due to events (Manhattan 9/11) the bill sits in the House Ways & Means Committee waiting to be floored in the Senate.

In July 2001 Corbin Motors, Inc. moved into its own building adjacent to the host parent company, Corbin Pacific. The new 40,000 sf home immediately allowed the company to organize for more efficient production and provided plenty of room for expansion in the future.

Sparrow Tooling begins mid 2001 enabling Corbin Motors to outsource production of body parts to ramp up production.

The $5,000 tax credit for Georgia residents who purchase a Sparrow as of January 1st 2001 is going strong. This is the first time that a Sparrow owner took a grassroots approach and was able to have state laws amended to include Sparrows in the "state clean air vehicles" grant program.

A spin-off of Corbin Pacific, the new corporation, Corbin Motors, Inc. was formed on March 29, 1999. Its mission then was, and still is, a simple concept of great consequence-to give the world clean and efficient personal transportation, a solution to growing urban congestion and global air pollution. In addition to the Sparrow other models embracing the same concept were conceived: the Merlin Coupe, a sleek, sensual sports car, the Liberty with unique wheelchair accessibility, and the Gopher, a sensible urban utility vehicle.

The idea of a beautifully designed all electric, zero emissions commute vehicle is a dream turned-reality that began over a decade ago for Mike Corbin, "Idea Guy" and the ingenuity behind the Sparrow personal transit module. Using revenues from his motorcycle seat & accessory company, Corbin Pacific, Mike and six dedicated crafts people created the Alpha Sparrow. Built in eight months for less than a $1,000,000, the Sparrow made its debut Thanksgiving week 1996 at the San Francisco International Auto Show. Everyone loved the Sparrow!