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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., September 23, 2008 – 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.
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 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 is
the former name for the Chrysler LLC company that manufactures and markets
neighborhood electric vehicles. The 10-year-old company, now called
GreenEcoMobility 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 www.greenecomobility.com.
