RENO, NV -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 03/10/06 -- Altair Nanotechnologies Inc. (NASDAQ: ALTI) today announced that it has entered into an agreement with Seoul, Korea-based Impro, Inc. Under the terms of the agreement, Impro, as Altairnano's exclusive agent in Korea, will engage in the sales and marketing of the company's proprietary nano-structured battery electrode materials and rechargeable, high power lithium battery systems into the Korean lithium ion battery and automotive industries.

"Altairnano's Advanced Materials and Power Systems R&D and marketing teams have provided us with technology details and test data that will enable us to competently represent Altairnano's product technology in our target markets," commented Impro's President Sam Hahn. "We have worked closely with the major automotive manufacturers and associated industries in Korea for the past 16 years as a provider of automotive testing services, testing equipment and facilities, as well as providing consultatory services pertaining to technical and regulatory issues."

Hahn continued, "With the rising cost of oil and new government regulations demanding the use of low-emission vehicles, Korean auto makers and importers of vehicles into Korea are increasing the manufacturing of hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids and eventually, electric vehicles. These companies are currently using conventional batteries to power hybrids and are looking toward new technologies to provide additional power, battery life and, in the case of plug-in hybrids and electrical vehicles, the ability to recharge the batteries quickly. We believe Altairnano's rechargeable lithium battery system technology may enable the company to become a leading provider of battery materials and battery systems in Korea."

The Korean government has mandated that companies sell environmentally friendly vehicles, up to the equivalent of 1.5 percent of their annual sales in 2006, and will raise the ratio to two percent in 2007, three percent in 2008, six percent in 2009 and 6.6 percent by 2010. Automotive manufacturers such as Hyundai Motor, Kia Motors, Renault Samsung Motors, Ssangyong Motor, and GM Daewoo, are subject to this new regulation.

"Korea presents a potentially sizeable market opportunity for Altairnano's nano-structured electrode materials and lithium ion battery technology," said Altair President and CEO Alan J. Gotcher, Ph.D. "We are pleased to have Sam Hahn and Impro, Inc. exclusively represent Altairnano's battery product technology in Korea. Given their contacts and reputation in one of our target markets, coupled with the need for the Korean automotive and battery industries to meet government requirements for environmentally friendly vehicles, we anticipate our high power rechargeable lithium materials, batteries and battery systems may provide the product technology needed to improve hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicle performance."

ABOUT IMPRO INC.

Impro is a consultant to the automotive industry on regulatory issues and a provider of regulatory testing equipment, simulation systems and safety test equipment to the Korean automotive industry. The company has partnered with a U.S.-based company to provide homologation technical services to a number of automotive manufacturers.

ABOUT ALTAIR NANOTECHNOLOGIES INC.

Altairnano is an innovator and supplier of advanced ceramic nanomaterials. With a skilled team of scientists in its 100,000 square foot facility who, coupled in collaborative ventures with industry partners and leading academic centers, have developed a unique portfolio of intellectual property and novel products. These researchers are complemented by a seasoned management team with substantial experience in commercializing innovative, disruptive technologies.

Altairnano focuses on nanotechnology applications to enable new high-growth markets. In alternative energy Altairnano is pioneering new battery materials and systems. The company is applying nanotechnology to the development of drug candidates for humans and companion animals, coatings materials for implants, and materials for dental applications. Its high performance nanomaterials have applications in paints, coatings, and the treatment of water and air. The Altairnano Hydrochloride Pigment process, the first new patented pigment process in 50 years, is an environmentally friendly method for manufacturing white pigment used in paints, paper and plastic. For additional information visit www.altairnano.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release may contain forward-looking statements as well as historical information. Forward-looking statements, which are included in accordance with the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, may involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the company's actual results and performance in future periods to be materially different from any future results or performance suggested by the forward-looking statements in this release. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, the risks that, in subsequent laboratory testing or when used in prototype or production model HEVs, Altairnano's nano titanate spinel electrode materials will not exhibit anticipated characteristics; that, as Altairnano is developing its materials, competitors will develop materials that are comparable or superior for use in the HEV market; that the HEV market will contract or not expand as expected; or that, for reasons related to market timing, strategy, technology or other factors, manufacturers of HEVs will select batteries using other materials or other technologies for energy-efficient vehicles in the future. Altairnano's nano titanate spinel electrode materials are in the development stage and Altairnano can provide no assurance that development will proceed as projected or that its material will receive broad market acceptance. In addition, other risks are identified in the company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the SEC. Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this release. The company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements found herein to reflect any changes in company expectations or results or any change in events.

For Additional Information:
Investor and Financial Relations:
Marty Tullio or Mark D. Tullio
McCloud Communications, LLC
949.553.9748
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Company Contact:
Robert Pedraza
VP Strategy & Business Development
775.856.2500
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