Sunday April 26 2009 / Science & Technology
GM and Segway launch the PUMA
The new PUMA - Personal Urban Mobility and Accessibility - from GM and Segway shows one way that auto companies could shift over to being transportation companies (if they wanted to).
Segway market it as, ' A digital solution to an analog problem.' The PUMA values less over more; taking up less space, using less energy, produced more efficiently with fewer parts, creating fewer emissions during production and operation, all while offering more enjoyment, productivity and connectivity.
The battery-powered PUMA is functional. Jim Norrod, CEO of Segway Inc. said that with two wheels, you get "unparralled" maneuverability.
The zero-emissions vehicle is powered by a lithium-ion battery and dual electric wheel motors. It features all-electronic acceleration, steering, and braking; vehicle-to-vehicle communications; digital smart energy management; two-wheel balancing; and a dockable user interface that allows off-board connectivity.
With a top speed of 60 km/hr (35 mph), a 60km (35-mile) range, and the ability to recharge for 35 cents (so GM says), there's got to be a market for city dwellers who think bikes are a good idea, but just too sweaty.
Now if only they could make it look good!
For more information, please visit www.segway.com/puma
Segway market it as, ' A digital solution to an analog problem.' The PUMA values less over more; taking up less space, using less energy, produced more efficiently with fewer parts, creating fewer emissions during production and operation, all while offering more enjoyment, productivity and connectivity.
The battery-powered PUMA is functional. Jim Norrod, CEO of Segway Inc. said that with two wheels, you get "unparralled" maneuverability.
The zero-emissions vehicle is powered by a lithium-ion battery and dual electric wheel motors. It features all-electronic acceleration, steering, and braking; vehicle-to-vehicle communications; digital smart energy management; two-wheel balancing; and a dockable user interface that allows off-board connectivity.
With a top speed of 60 km/hr (35 mph), a 60km (35-mile) range, and the ability to recharge for 35 cents (so GM says), there's got to be a market for city dwellers who think bikes are a good idea, but just too sweaty.
Now if only they could make it look good!
For more information, please visit www.segway.com/puma