It is common knowledge that United States auto makers are not only struggling in this current economy but some are flailing to the point of potential shut down. President Obama has encouraged these manufacturers to conceive of innovative solutions in order to offer a fresh face to the consumers of the country and reestablish their ability to turn a profit, keep thousands of people employed and provide financially viable solutions. As President Obama is also a supporter of smart environmental practices, it was only a matter of time before the two concepts met, fell in love and got married. The happy couple in this case is GM and Segway.
The baby that these two companies produced is the most adorable and efficient thing I have ever seen. The vehicle, known as PUMA (Personal Urban Mobility and Accessibility), is an electric, two seat vehicle that only weighs 300 pounds, can reach speeds of 35 mph and can run up to 35 miles per charge of the lithium-ion battery, making it the ideal city car. In addition, there will be an interconnected network between vehicles that allow users to discuss impediments in their way. In an even more futuristic development, the eventual ideal is to have the vehicle run itself via a GPS transponder ensuring it would never be part of an accident or stuck in traffic. Fun! The cost has not yet been revealed but has been estimated to be around a quarter of the cost of the average vehicle.
Because of their attention on the environment, the American consumer’s wallet and the desire to begin thinking outside the SUV as a means to keep their company from drowning in the proverbial economic sludge, I am granting this little baby Four Green Leaves and allowing both GM and Segway to bask in the glory of the rating as well.
Keep up the amazing innovative partnerships and your company will be right back on top again GM!
8 comments:
hehehe, it's so cute! I want one!
o boy that is cute!
This is too cute! If you haven't seen "Who killed the electric car" you should probably watch it. Then you might not be so impressed by this "innovative" electric car. Have a great day!!
I've been hearing about this forever (the ability of cars to talk to each other) and I'm glad that its starting to become a reality!
I'll take two! Heh... cute :)
So what happens when a cab smashes into one? Or am I missing something? But it is teeny -- I kinda like the SmartCars better, though. They probably serve somewhat different needs, right?
Sign me up for one now!
Emily I know this concept is not new, when I was a kid there were outlets at the garage of the subway station for electric cars (and they got used too!). I simply applaud a US automaker for attempting such innovation during this downturn. However I will certainly check out the movie you referenced, thanks!
Melissa from what I understand the vehicle will be equipt with a transponder which will ensure it avoids accidents -- speed up, slow down &/or swerve out of the way so I think the cab would hit that other guy in front of you instead. I would see this as a commuter option instead of a bike/motorcycle and a smart car as one to be used everyday since their top speed is much higher & interior roomier.
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