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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 uses 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. "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."
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 Sept. 23, 2008. 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."
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.
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