-- Chrysler LLC's Neighborhood Electric Vehicle Gets a New Name -
'GreenEcoMobility' - and New Styling that will define and set a new
standard for Environmentally-Responsible Vehicles
-- Sleek, streamlined styling and breakthrough innovations converge in the
next-generation eco-friendly car
-- More to come as Peapod Leads Expansion of GEM's 'no-gas, no-emissions'
Clean Vehicle Lineup
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Sept. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Clean and green
transportation gets a new look and feel as GEM, a Chrysler LLC company,
introduces the next generation of clean, gas-free and emission-free,
battery electric vehicles.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080923/CLTU077-a)
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080923/CLTU077-b)
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080923/CLTU077-c)
The vehicle's innovative, groundbreaking design with its striking
pod-like shape and sleek lines, reflects the environmentally-friendly
nature that has been the hallmark of GEM since its founding 10 years ago.
The user-friendly mood of the vehicle, named the GEM Peapod, is
enhanced with the newly-designed center console that will offer iPod
integration as well as hands free operation of the customer's iPhone. Other
innovations include ergonomic, supportive, mesh seating which enables air
circulation for comfort and use of eco-friendly recycled and recyclable
materials.
"We have evolved the GEM design language to better reflect its
eco-friendly performance and its upbeat, positive image," said Peter
Arnell, Chrysler LLC's Chief Innovation Officer who led the design process
and engineering process.
"These vehicles use no gasoline and emit no pollutants. So whether it's
a trip around the neighborhood or the drive to school or work, the GEM
Peapod is the ideal way to contribute to a greener planet, and a healthy
lifestyle," Arnell said.
GEM will also get a new name -- GreenEcoMobility, Arnell said,
signifying the company's goal to redefine environmentally-friendly
vehicles.
Chrysler will show the styling model for the production 2009 GEM at the
company's headquarters September 23. The re-designed GEM is scheduled for
production in 2009.
The Peapod represents the first in a series of product launches that
will redefine the future of electric vehicles, said the company's CEO Bruce
Coventry.
"With this next generation GEM, we will broaden the market for this
clean, emission-free technology," Coventry said.
In addition to the 2009 GEM Peapod neighborhood electric vehicle,
Coventry said, GEM has plans to market a new light-duty, battery electric
commercial truck and a larger city electric vehicle, with more range and
performance. These vehicles are scheduled for production within the next
year, he said.
Today's GEM is the nation's No. 1 zero-emission electric vehicle, with
38,000 produced and in use. GEM vehicles are used in settings such as city
centers, planned communities, military bases, college campuses, corporate
and commercial centers, and city, state and national parks.
"Over the past decade, GEM has established itself as the nation's
leading battery-powered, pure electric vehicle," said GEM President and COO
Rick Kasper.
"We have done that by responding to the needs of our customers for
safety, utility, versatility and performance in environmentally-friendly
vehicles," Kasper said.
GEM cars are available in six models: two-, four- and six-passenger
cars and three utility vehicles. GEM neighborhood electric vehicles have a
top speed of 25 miles per hour, a range of up to 30 miles per charge -
battery charge is extended through use of regenerative braking - and are
street legal in more than 40 states. The vehicles can be recharged anytime,
anywhere with a standard 110-volt outlet. Recharge time is approximately
six to eight hours.
By replacing conventional vehicles, GEM vehicles can reduce overall
emissions of pollutants, particularly during short trips when conventional
vehicles create the most tailpipe emissions. GEM vehicles have been driven
a combined 200 million miles and averted more than 150 tons of pollutants
from reaching the air, while saving 10 million gallons of gasoline.
About Global Electric Motorcars
Global Electric Motorcars LLC assembles and markets neighborhood
electric vehicles. The 10-year-old company is based in Fargo, North Dakota.
For more information about the company and GEM vehicles, to build your
own GEM, or locate a dealer, visit http://www.greenecomobility.com .
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