GM has partnered with personal mobility supplier Segway to develop and build a new kind of vehicle. The lightweight 2-seat neighborhood electric car is given the acronym PUMA which stands for “Personal Urban Mobility and Accessibility.” The device was unveiled Tuesday at the New York Auto Show.
It is a open-air, partially enclosed two seat vehicle that can travel up to 35 mph and travel 35 miles on a 35 cent charge. It uses a lithium-ion battery pack includes two-wheel balancing technology, 360 spinning, vehicle to vehicle communications for autonomous driving and is meant as an emissions-free solution to dense congested urban driving.
“Project P.U.M.A. represents a unique solution to moving about and interacting in cities, where more than half of the world’s people live,” said Larry Burns, GM vice president of research and development, and strategic planning. “Imagine small, nimble electric vehicles that know where other moving objects are and avoid running into them. Now, connect those vehicles in an Internet-like web and you can greatly enhance the ability of people to move through cities, find places to park and connect to their social and business networks.”
GM hopes to make these vehicles available by 2012 and although pricing isn’t announced, it is expected the vehicle’s operating cost will be 1/3 to 1/4 that of a traditional vehicle.
[flash http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qY4msj5Q05Q]
Apr 7th, 2009 (9:51 am)Thanks, but no thanks. I don’t want to die by getting squished in an oversized briefcase.
What an unnecessary distraction! GM does not have “dollar number one” to waste on jive like this!
>> it is expected the vehicle’s operating cost will be 1/3 to
>> 1/4 that of a traditional vehicle
Don’t worry, the insurance premiums will make up for the rest!
Apr 7th, 2009 (9:54 am)How did another site describe this? A rickshaw without the charm…
Apr 7th, 2009 (9:55 am)Doesn’t a golf cart have the same mph and range? My father in law just bought a golf cart and it works great for short errands and running to the grocery store. Why would someone buy this?
Apr 7th, 2009 (10:01 am)@3 James E,
At least a golf cart could conceivably have something like a crumple zone. It’d cost far less too, no doubt.
On the plus size, an accident involving one of these probably won’t need the ‘jaws of life,’ you could just pour the passenger-chunks out the side directly into a body bag.
I’m sorry if I’m coming off rather pissy about this, but c’mon GM, have *some* common sense where you spend your dollars. Er, I guess nowadays, I should revise that to say “spend MY (involuntarily-contributed, tax) dollars!” It makes you wonder what other “projects” and “partnerships” they’re using to commit fiduciary suicide, doesn’t it?
</rant>
PS. Can’t WAIT to hear what the local pundits have to say about THIS fiasco.
Apr 7th, 2009 (10:04 am)Just another GM JOKE!
Take Care
Arch
Apr 7th, 2009 (10:05 am)The last thread was getting interesting. Why on earth replace it with this one?
This is obviously a really bad idea. Domestically a NEV is as good and will be much less expensive. Internationally the Tata Nano is designed to replace the gas rickshaws, which it no doubt will do. This will be more expensive and will only take one customer. What exactly would the market be?
Looks like a solution in search of a problem.
Apr 7th, 2009 (10:06 am)It does look a bit silly, but experimentation with other forms of electric vehicles is a good thing. I don’t know how much ‘partnering’ GM really provided, this looks like a strictly Segway design. Maybe they gave some advice on the battery and it’s management?
Apr 7th, 2009 (10:08 am)I would probably not buy one of these these and others may say that it’s a waste of money and is unsafe, but it is a way for GM to green its image (like Toyota did with it’s Segway rip-off) and isn’t any more unsafe than a motorcycle or bicycle.
The Segway-based gyroscope technology is slick. A 35-mile range and 35 mph top speed is pretty darn decent too for an urban runabout. Pizza delivery perhaps?
Apr 7th, 2009 (10:10 am)I like it. Unfortunately, American roads are set up for automobiles, the sidewalks are for pedestrians, and the Segway was neither. This looks like it won’t fit in well with existing infrastructure either.
That said, if I could afford it, I’m definitely their target user.
Apr 7th, 2009 (10:10 am)I hope they don’t lose the sexiness when they put it in the wind tunnel.
Apr 7th, 2009 (10:10 am)Doesn’t look like there’s any suspension either. Quite a rough ride it looked like.
Apr 7th, 2009 (10:10 am)How about a pure EV thats not a joke. Something I can take on the freeway maybe and can do at least 80mph?
Apr 7th, 2009 (10:13 am)Actually, if the price was right, I’d get one. I can’t see paying $10k for one.
The PUMA’s operating cost will be 1/3 to 1/4 that of a traditional vehicle. I guess it will be more energy efficient than a traditional vehicle because of it would weigh less.
Apr 7th, 2009 (10:17 am)#12 Bruce
Dude, Brah, Hommie, check this out… Pure EV that can do 80mph… it’s called Tesla, they cost a lot. Because batteries that do that cost a lot. There’s a small market for that. But I’m sure you already knew that.
Apr 7th, 2009 (10:18 am)Great for international venues!
Two-seat? Hell, they can get 8 people in this thing in India!
Apr 7th, 2009 (10:20 am)This is the very reason why GM is preparing for Bankruptcy filing RIGHT NOW…would anyone actually consider buying this? SERIOUSLY…WASTE OF MONEY AND TIME. GM, one more reason to SWITCH to FORD! I’m not kidding.
Apr 7th, 2009 (10:21 am)I hope this is an april fool’s joke. why not just get a segway? this is ugly by the way. GM needs to build cars that “will get you laid”, but fuel efficient. It sounds silly but that’s what they need.
Segway is fine but it’s not a car replacement.
Apr 7th, 2009 (10:28 am)Are you supposed to park it next to your desk? This is an even dumber idea than the original segway. GM no doubt will run with it, provided there’s government backing.
Apr 7th, 2009 (10:31 am)This is the kind of thing I imagine for the future should Volt be unsuccessful: eensy weensy bubble cars with no protection for the driver/passenger, only this one balances like a Segway.
Apr 7th, 2009 (10:32 am)Holds 22 and provides a better margin than Cruze or Volt. Build it!
http://www.moremarin.com/buzzhome/2009/03/students-try-to-break-1959-phone-stuffing-record-do-they.html
Apr 7th, 2009 (10:33 am)21.
Guy Incognito Says:
April 7th, 2009 at 10:33 am
Its stupid looking and pointless.
If given a choice between this & a golf cart, I would expect most would buy the golf cart.
Although personally, I’d buy a ZAP Electric Sedan.
http://www.zapworld.com/xebra-electric-car-blue-tax-credit
Apr 7th, 2009 (10:36 am)Dam&, even I can not put a good spin on this. Great idea for Segway but NOT for G M time or money.
Apr 7th, 2009 (10:37 am)Does I get the tax credit if I buy it? I see four wheels, so it it not a motorcycle.
Apr 7th, 2009 (10:40 am)ya know, those of you who are upset that GM has a part in this — what’s the big deal? I don’t see a downside. Creating a prototype takes very little, maybe a handful of people to juryrig something together.
The upside is that GM has a lot of spare production capacity. If this takes off, good for GM!
Apr 7th, 2009 (10:41 am)Stupid waste of money.
If I can’t ride my skateboard or scooter on the sidewalks then that thing shouldn’t be allowed either.
Apr 7th, 2009 (10:43 am)Shouldn’t that thing be attached to a Ferris Wheel?
Apr 7th, 2009 (10:43 am)@Lurtz 24
“Creating a prototype takes very little, maybe a handful of people to juryrig something together.”
All while wasting the “Loan” money they are groveling for.
Like I said…
Stupid waste of money.
If I can’t ride my skateboard or scooter on the sidewalks then that thing shouldn’t be allowed either.
Apr 7th, 2009 (10:47 am)This car was never intended for the US/Canada market, assuredly. The lack of doors and heating makes it useless for 6 months of the year in Canada or the northern US, and American transportation infrastructure is built on high-speed freeways.
I think it’s great that GM is looking beyond the American market for ideas to expand their product lineup. All these naysayers are being, in my opinion, entirely too Americentric. The next big market to be tapped is not in North America.
Apr 7th, 2009 (10:51 am)@Abattoir 28
“This car was never intended for the US/Canada market, assuredly. ”
So what your saying is they are wasting money from the “Loan” on products not for the US although the loan is from the US govt?
Another example of waste. Not massive but goes to show EXACTLY why they are in the dire straits they’re in now.
Apr 7th, 2009 (10:55 am)Great Concept! This is what GM needs to be doing, showing more green options than just the VOLT!
Maybe call it Volt-lite, Volt-baby, or Voltshaw!
GO EV!
Apr 7th, 2009 (10:58 am)Interesting article about the 10 cars that sank Detroit. Maybe the rickshaw will be added to the list?
http://autos.yahoo.com/articles/autos_content_landing_pages/923/10-Cars-That-Sank-Detroit
Apr 7th, 2009 (10:58 am)Just give me the EV1. I rather drive that any day.
Apr 7th, 2009 (10:59 am)Finally… my Aztek looks cool.
Apr 7th, 2009 (11:00 am)@Anthony BC
“Great Concept! ”
I wonder if it was part of their “Viability Plan”.
Apr 7th, 2009 (11:02 am)@CaptJackSparrow 29
“So what your saying is they are wasting money from the “Loan” on products not for the US although the loan is from the US govt?”
That’s exactly what I’m saying. The goal of giving GM loan money is not so they can continue producing cars for Americans to drive, but so they can keep Americans working by producing profitable products.
Apr 7th, 2009 (11:03 am)To quote a well-read article on the worst cars ever:
Holy Hell!
Apr 7th, 2009 (11:03 am)So, it does not conform to your notions of automobile transport. But, it seems like the future in a crowded, polluted, growing world. Some of the vision suggests that the PUMA could be an autonomous people mover. Would one need a driver’s liscense? Could it pick up my kids from school?
Apr 7th, 2009 (11:04 am)AH-HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!
(catching breath, looks at picture again)
AH-HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!
Apr 7th, 2009 (11:07 am)…I have no words
/door wide open
Apr 7th, 2009 (11:09 am)@ThombDbhomb 37
“So, it does not conform to your notions of automobile transport.”
No, it does not conform to the notion of “Please give us money, please please please, we need the money to stay afloat and keep jobs blah blah blah…”. Then they funnel the loan funds to sh|t like this? That’s as bad as giving the Bank CEO’s $5million in bonuses AFTER getting the bailout.
WTF GM?
Apr 7th, 2009 (11:21 am)I can see a bunch of old geezers running around the old-age-home (aka senior citizen’s assisted living center). Sunday would be race day at the “center”.
Apr 7th, 2009 (11:21 am)We don’t call them “pure electrics.” The Volt is a pure electric. Those things are called “battery-only” electrics.
Apr 7th, 2009 (11:24 am)#28 Abattoir Says: This car was never intended for the US/Canada market, assuredly.
————————————————————————————–
Exactly. So why would anyone here care? Here’s why:
If GM can sell battery packs to Segway, and this becomes popular internationally, then this would increase GM’s battery pack unit volumes substantially, which would lower GM’s battery costs in general…
Apr 7th, 2009 (11:26 am)As if GM needed another distraction right now???
Apr 7th, 2009 (11:30 am)My bike (as in bicycle) can go faster than 35 MPG and will eat this contraption for breakfast.
I cannot believe the government is allowing GM to waste our tax dollars on souped-up wheel chairs like this.
“Hey what’s that smell ?” asked the NYC bus rider.
“Oh, that’s just wheelchair exhaust” exclaimed another passenger as they watch this 2 wheel electric GM/Segway Thingamajob overtake them on the left.
Apr 7th, 2009 (11:38 am)With the addition of a couple clear drop down side curtains, it would make a nifty “all-weather electric wheel chair”.
With bankruptcy looming like an iceberg dead ahead, I can’t understand why GM would want to reveal any info on this little experimental project NOW.
It’s like Fritz and the team taped signs on their backs reading……
“KICK ME HARD”
Apr 7th, 2009 (11:39 am)#45 Lance
I was just thiking the same exact thing. For the purpose/range/speed of this thing a bike is so much better. In addition to be 0 emmission, 0 cost to operate, it also benefits the health of the rider. We have already have the perfect vehicle for this niche!
Apr 7th, 2009 (11:46 am)I could see the benefit in cities. It’d be ridiculously easy to park and its top speed is well within the speed limit of residential and city streets. The Segway flounders because no one wants to stand up and drive around at 15mph for 4-5k$.
If I was in a city where the longest distance I travel is 10-12 miles with top speed of 30mph and parking costs an arm and a leg, this would fit in quite well. Assuming the city approves of it on the road without onerous regulation.
Apr 7th, 2009 (11:52 am)huh?
Okay, now that we’re done with the new truck model release and EV wheelchair/phone booth demo. Let’s get the wheels of the Volt on the road.
How about a production Volt test drive for Lyle?
=D~
Apr 7th, 2009 (11:54 am)Like commuting in a hamster ball…
Apr 7th, 2009 (12:06 pm)#43 Dave G said:
Exactly. So why would anyone here care? Here’s why:
If GM can sell battery packs to Segway, and this becomes popular internationally, then this would increase GM’s battery pack unit volumes substantially, which would lower GM’s battery costs in general…
================
Segway already uses real lithium-ion battery packs in their products today…in large volumes. They have a working relationship with Valence for their Saphion® lithium line:
http://www.valence.com/technology/saphion
Why would Segway buy battery packs from GM? GM doesn’t make any, or have any access to any at the moment. Segway is one of the world’s largest consumers of motive lithium batteries now, so it is not like they are going to get a great deal by getting 3rd party cells through GM.
Even if somehow/someday they got a better price through GM because of volume, it is not like GM is going to even have a lick of extra production until…when? 2014, 2015?
Apr 7th, 2009 (12:06 pm)@Dave G 43
“If GM can sell battery packs to Segway, and this becomes popular internationally, then this would increase GM’s battery pack unit volumes substantially, which would lower GM’s battery costs in general…”
Considering this statement…
“GM hopes to make these vehicles available by 2012 ”
I don’t think it’s just the batteries GM is into.
Apr 7th, 2009 (12:07 pm)i’d rather buy an electric scooter, xtreme 600, 25 miles per charge for 500 bucks… this oversize briefcase is a joke… waste of money,…stupid idea…. can u just run and excercise…free, no charge, healthy way to go…
Apr 7th, 2009 (12:10 pm)Come on Volt Nation, don’t mince words, tell ‘em what you really think.
Actually this little gizmo looks like it would be a lot of fun to rent on vacation, if it was somewhere I would not get smushed by a real car or a semi or something.
I don’t want to invest in the PUMA franchise for Atlanta however unless I could also sell life insurance with it. This thing ain’t for big league traffic.
Looks like it needs a propeller on top.
Apr 7th, 2009 (12:10 pm)I never understood the Segway benefit. Why spend 1000′s of dollars on redundant gryo’s and the accompanying system, when 2 inline wheels or a 3rd wheel will do? Isn’t this a complex Electrical Engineers solution when a simple mechanical design is simpler and safer? Sure it’s friggin cool….but practical? Seems like a lot of money for minimal benefit (compared to a 3 wheel)
Of course, practical is not the point here. Just keep that delicious public slop flowing.
Apr 7th, 2009 (12:14 pm)This new Segway needs a new name.
Since it looks a lot like a snail,
how about “The S-Car-Go”?
Apr 7th, 2009 (12:19 pm)GM, please stay away from the PUMA. It is not worth it: it will be a smaller market than the segway has/had.
I would not even rent or even borrow one of these: i would much rather walk or ride my bike, thank you.
Apr 7th, 2009 (12:24 pm)#52 naurthandareen says
i’d rather buy an electric scooter, xtreme 600, 25 miles per charge for 500 bucks… this oversize briefcase is a joke… waste of money,…stupid idea…. can u just run and excercise…free, no charge, healthy way to go…
=====================
Yeah, I think I would be more inclined to go with a electric scooter as well if I was in this market…I’m assuming of course the pricing of this ‘thing’ (I guess it is a NEV by definitiion) will be just slighly out of the realm of common sense (ala what plagues the original Segway).
A better question I suppose is: “If a regular Segway is around $5,000…how much is this?”
Apr 7th, 2009 (12:25 pm)I can see tourist rental services getting these. You already see these gas-powered trikes with audio tours and GPS … http://www.buysanfranciscotours.com/tours/go_car_rentals.html
The Segway car would be even better – easier to park, fits on a sidewalk, no cloud of exhaust, no dripping oil… So what if the world-wide market is only in the single-digit thousands? Would you rather give away those jobs away?
Those of you screeching like you got stuck with a pin don’t understand the point of R&D, and how important it is to look for the Next Big Thing. Innovating is what America excels at. Business history is filled with “stupid ideas” that went on to dominate. Such as extending credit to consumers to buy your products — which was criticized as a stupid idea when GENERAL MOTORS came up with it.
Apr 7th, 2009 (12:30 pm)As a employee I would like to say that that is one of the dumbest things I have seen and for them to get involved in as well.
Apr 7th, 2009 (12:30 pm)I don’t mind going on record by saying that this is a huge waste of time, money and talent. This product has no use beyond mild amusement – and even that is short-lived.
Apr 7th, 2009 (12:35 pm)Talk about an organ donor vehicle.
I wonder what the 35 MPH side impact rating will be? Can you go lower then ZERO stars?
But I guess a Motor cycle is in the same category. Helmets should be required to drive though.
Apr 7th, 2009 (12:37 pm)FYI -Rush is talking about this “wheel chair” right now and making fun of it as well.
Apr 7th, 2009 (12:38 pm)@Lurtz 59
“Those of you screeching like you got stuck with a pin don’t understand the point of R&D, and how important it is to look for the Next Big Thing.”
I thought the Volt WAS the next big thing. It’s not even out yet. I can understand if it has been released for a year and then MAYBE spinoff and try and get away with this but phuk dude, get the Volt out before you channel loan funds elsewhere.
Apr 7th, 2009 (12:40 pm)WOW!
There sure are a lot of grumpy people out there today!
One day it’s all GM sucks because they only build trucks!
So then something decidedly not a truck comes out and they get jumped on for NOT making a truck! Jeez!
I agree this isn’t exactly a pretty thing, but it’s covered from the rain, it’s slow so less dangerous and it’s certainly ‘green’. It’s a prototype for gods sake, give them a break!
Good on GM and Segway for trying something different! (personally I’d like a front wheel for faster driving though.)
Apr 7th, 2009 (12:47 pm)Just curious, Lyle mentions in the article that this is a “lightweight 2-seat neighborhood electric car”…which can travel up to 35 mph and travel 35 miles on a 35 cent charge.
I though vehicles classed as a NEV (or LSV) had to have a max speed capped at 25 mph as per the feds when they are sold?
So that makes the extra 10 mph pretty useless for most of ‘us’ legally…. unless you live in the few isolated states that allow up to 35 MPH (Washington, Montana for sure)…I believe even then, in those states, you still have to do the mod yourself in most cases.
Maybe I’m wrong though? Can anyone confirm or deny? I would be curious to know.
Apr 7th, 2009 (12:50 pm)Is this the “smart, smart car”? as it is about 1/3 the size of a Smart car and a Smart car is about 1/3 the size of an SUV.
Apr 7th, 2009 (12:54 pm)Could this be the Pelosi GTxi SS/Rt Sport Edition?
http://www.sodahead.com/question/201437/would-you-buy-the-all-new-pelosi-car-2012/
Apr 7th, 2009 (12:55 pm)Someone on here is always asking for a bare bones Volt.
Something Like
No Power windows
No Power Seats
No Power Locks
No this
No that
No
No
Well here it is!
Fact is Puma is at least a safe as a scooter and seats 2. If you build it they will buy it! Why not for short trips around town low speed?
Apr 7th, 2009 (1:01 pm)I think that this could sell very well in retirement communities. Maybe as an alternative to golf carts? There is a reason the top speed is 35mph.
Apr 7th, 2009 (1:06 pm)@Starcast 69
“Someone on here is always asking for a bare bones Volt.”
That my friend is no Volt! Good one though……lol
I’ll have to add that 4 wheels and freeway speed is a must I guess…
“If you build it they will buy it!”
I do believe that is true, however, for GM to sqwander funds to play in this sand box is a big fat joke to the American people. Especially when they came begging the govt for money to keep them afloat, and to do what…..this? Hey, this parallels Wall Street right? Get Govt funds and spend it on lavish offsite meetings at resorts?
Apr 7th, 2009 (1:17 pm)Should I laugh now or later? This is a joke that missed April 1st by a few days. This could be as useless as the Segway is. Too funny. I hope this gets chopped following the ‘won’t the rent’ business model…
Apr 7th, 2009 (1:18 pm)So Telsa builds a EV, then GM comes up with the Volt. Segway makes a scooter, then GM makes this scooter. Hyundai covers your payments when you get fired, then Gm introduces “Total protection”.
Whatever happened to innovation, not follow the leader?
Apr 7th, 2009 (1:25 pm)71@CaptJackSparrow Says:
April 7th, 2009 at 1:06 pm
@Starcast 69
“Someone on here is always asking for a bare bones Volt.”
That my friend is no Volt! Good one though……lol
I’ll have to add that 4 wheels and freeway speed is a must I guess…
“If you build it they will buy it!”
“I do believe that is true, however, for GM to sqwander funds to play in this sand box is a big fat joke to the American people. Especially when they came begging the govt for money to keep them afloat, and to do what…..this? Hey, this parallels Wall Street right? Get Govt funds and spend it on lavish offsite meetings at resorts?”
I was just pulling your chain.
We don’t know that GM wasted money on this.
Segway may just want to use GMs dealers and excess factories. In that case this is a great Idea for GM. No one has said GM has put any or how much money into this.
Apr 7th, 2009 (1:30 pm)“Hyundai covers your payments when you get fired, then Gm introduces “Total protection”. ”
Just to be clear Hyundai doesn’t cover your payments they TAKE the car back!!!
Not the same as making your payments as GM will do.
So with Hyundai you say “honey I got fired today and took the car back TOO.
Apr 7th, 2009 (1:39 pm)I wrote at the top that I doubt GM put much money into this (if any). I still think this is true, but a lot of people here seem incensed that they are ‘wasting’ dollars with no real evidence that they have.
Anyone see that video of a modified ‘electric’ dragster destroying first a Ferrari, then a Porshe? This is the other end of the spectrum.
Apr 7th, 2009 (1:43 pm)If a fool and his money are soon parted, what happens when 535 Congressional fools have somebody else’s money?
Puma!
What happens when you stop fast in a PUMA?
Bowling for Pedestrians!
Apr 7th, 2009 (1:49 pm)Before dismissing this, look at 3rd world nations with huge cities that get their mobility from similar vehicles, but usually with horribly polluting 2-strokes. If this tech gets cheaper, it could really be useful in those markets. Maybe it could have success like the E-bike.
Apr 7th, 2009 (1:52 pm)It’s already been stated before, but I’m so mad that I have to do it again.
For GM to be wasting their precious BORROWED money on an overly complex, expensive and goofy looking NEV is COMPLETELY STUPID! They still don’t understand that they are supposed to be in survival mode.
GM, WAKE UP! TIME TO GET SERIOUS AND FOCUS ON YOUR CARS!!! STOP MESSING AROUND AND GET TO WORK ON YOUR SURVIVAL!!!
Apr 7th, 2009 (2:01 pm)Let me try posting this one more time for those who do not read what others post!!!!!
We don’t know that GM wasted money on this.
Segway may just want to use GMs dealers and excess factories. In that case this is a great Idea for GM. No one has said GM has put any or how much money into this.
Many on here are blaming GM for something they ASS-U-ME is true.
Apr 7th, 2009 (2:02 pm)I suspect that this prototype already existed before GM got a dime of government money. It is unclear how much input GM had in this. Suppose Segway designed this and then asked GM if they could manufacture it and distribute it through their dealers. The costs to GM of a project like this could be very low and they could make money essentially job-shopping it for Segway.
Apr 7th, 2009 (2:02 pm)I think the public showing of this PUMA is part of the plan to get people to accept bankruptcy. Seriously . . . between the Hummer, support for Hydrogen, and the PUMA; GM DESERVES bankruptcy.
Anyone that thinks that PUMA thing looks useful to them should go out and buy an NEV today. Same results at half the priced.
The PUMA is nothing but an expensive NEV with a balancing gimmick. It is a shockingly stupid waste of money.
Apr 7th, 2009 (2:05 pm)#33 Jim said “Finally… my Aztek looks cool.”
Jim, you literally got me laughing out loud. Thanks!
Apr 7th, 2009 (2:08 pm)“GM, WAKE UP! TIME TO GET SERIOUS AND FOCUS ON YOUR CARS!!! STOP MESSING AROUND AND GET TO WORK ON YOUR SURVIVAL!!!”
They are working on it, its called bankuptcy:
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/GM-in-intense-bankruptcy-prep-rb-14870456.html
Apr 7th, 2009 (2:09 pm)Well, we all wondered how he was going to do it. We asked each other here what he was thinking. Now, I strongly suspect we’ve seen an inkling:
“A million electric cars by 2015.”
Tell me plausibly that I’m wrong. Please.
Apr 7th, 2009 (2:13 pm)I think I would prefer a motorcycle, lol. Okay, I might get a little wet if it’s raining, but I would be BADASS!
I don’t have a bike
but I want one SO bad!
Apr 7th, 2009 (2:16 pm)I’ll give the PUMA this much: it stands taller than post-war European bubble cars did, making it more visible.
Do those little ‘landing wheels’ allow it to climb curbs? Maybe this is the answer for apartment dwellers: drive it into your living room and plug it in there.
It reminds me a bit of this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzFairlYkLw
Apr 7th, 2009 (2:22 pm)Bad link. Try this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIND2jRSEhc
Apr 7th, 2009 (2:29 pm)J may @ 60 says, “As a employee I would like to say that that is one of the dumbest things I have seen and for them to get involved in as well.”
_____________
THANK YOU!!! Thank you for speaking out. You’all are the people that need to say something. The execs at GM are the dumbest people in the business.
Apr 7th, 2009 (2:38 pm)These comments all prove that Americans’ problem is that they have WAY too much self-esteem.
“What! I would not deign to be seen in that ridiculous vehicle! Who cares if I save several thousand dollars! It’s all about how cool I look in my car! How dare General Motors attempt to make me look A FOOL! Damn them! Remember: you are your car!”
Apr 7th, 2009 (2:45 pm)The fact that GM was even involved means that money was spent. In business, Time is money and they spent time on this.
PERIOD!
Stupid!
Stupid!
Stupid!
Apr 7th, 2009 (2:47 pm)@Scott Mercer 90
“These comments all prove that Americans’ problem is that they have WAY too much self-esteem.”
Trialer park guy here….HELLO!
Stupid!
Stupid!
Stupid!
Apr 7th, 2009 (2:47 pm)I’m not saying it wouldn’t be a blast to drive; but it’s all fun and games until someone gets flattened into the grill of an impatient middle-manager SUV driver from Alpharetta.
Apr 7th, 2009 (3:00 pm)LOL – Great day for GM-Volt.com posts.
Folks at Segway gotta be cryin’ if you can’t sell this concept to Voltiacs.
Segue to GM corporate strategy room,”We gotta come up with more Green for Uncle Sam to get more Green from Uncle Sam.”
I’d like to have one if it didn’t cost anything.
Apr 7th, 2009 (3:11 pm)#94 Shawn Marshall:
“Segue to GM corporate strategy room…”
————————————————————————————
No pun inteded, I’m assuming…
Apr 7th, 2009 (3:13 pm)#10 ThombDbhomb Says:
April 7th, 2009 at 10:10 am
I hope they don’t lose the sexiness when they put it in the wind tunnel.
———–
LOL
Apr 7th, 2009 (3:20 pm)66 Statik,
not sure about NEV’s
Here’s the regulations in MI on mopeds/scooters.
A moped has less than 50 cc engine displacement, less than 2 brake horsepower, and is capable of no more than 30 mph on a level surface. If it does not meet all three of the listed requirements, it is considered a motorcycle. A scooter may be either a moped or a motorcycle depending on its size. Riding a motorcycle requires a CY endorsement on your Michigan license. A properly registered moped can be ridden on the street by any licensed driver or anyone 15 years of age or older with a moped license.
–
edit:
I found this for Michigan
“The NEVs are
equipped with safety features and are legal on streets with a posted speed limit of 35 mph or
less.”
Apr 7th, 2009 (3:27 pm)#97 k-dawg said:
edit:
I found this for Michigan
“The NEVs are
equipped with safety features and are legal on streets with a posted speed limit of 35 mph or
less.”
=====================
Indeed, that is a good point, NEVs are legally in most states on roads with speed limits up to 35MPH…and can cross roads with speed limits up to 45MPH.
Apr 7th, 2009 (3:30 pm)I guess if this thing is classified as a NEV then that means I can drive a real NEV on the sidewalk too!!!
Yeeeeehaw!!!
GitdaphuckouttamyWAY!!!
Apr 7th, 2009 (3:31 pm)100….
BOOOYAH!
Apr 7th, 2009 (3:32 pm)Could this be the Volt Mini that everyone is taking about ?
Oh wait! this thing goes 35 miles, I think the Volt Mini only goes 20 miles.
Apr 7th, 2009 (3:39 pm)I guess it all boils down to cost and perceived “value”.
I really enjoyed the “commuting in a hamster ball” comment above. I almost fell out of my chair!
(made my day, glad I wasn’t drinking milk at the time because it would have shot out my nose.)
Apr 7th, 2009 (3:47 pm)Just rolling along…
Apr 7th, 2009 (3:50 pm)OK this one is great. We’ve been declared the heaviest (fattest) developed nation on earth, and GM is out to eliminate all transportation and circulation starting with walking and going up to 35mph.
First GM, Firestone, and Chevron get together to scrap Americas electric railway cars and then they kill the electric car. Now just when you start to love the idea of the Volt, they try this?
Apr 7th, 2009 (3:56 pm)Hey…
Ever see that WALL-E movie. Yeah, that’s going to be us. Fat slobs in their electric transports….
AH-HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!
ohhhoooooo…
Man, time for a beer.
Apr 7th, 2009 (3:57 pm)I’d rather ride this on my commute:
http://www.zeromotorcycles.com/zero-s-specs.php
Apr 7th, 2009 (4:05 pm)off the topic:
Hints on the Next Generation Volt
http://evworld.com/blogs/index.cfm?authorid=12&blogid=715
Apr 7th, 2009 (4:16 pm)Turn you Volt into a Wi-Fi hotspot:
http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=3906861&cl=12863629&ch=4226720&src=news
1st mention of Volt at approx. 2:54
Apr 7th, 2009 (4:30 pm)Ok, just shoot me.
Apr 7th, 2009 (4:32 pm)Bang!
Sh|t….I missed.
Apr 7th, 2009 (4:42 pm)107 Unni
Excellent article. Lyle should start a new thread w/ it.
“He explained that GM engineers are working on at least two successors to the first generation Volt. The way to reduce production costs, he noted, is to get more suppliers competing, which will eventually happen as more models are developed.”
“In response to a follow-on question about the impact of cold temperatures, the Volt line director announced that the Voltec system had just successfully completed winter testing. When the Volt starts to be sold beginning in late 2010, GM is going to recommend that owners keep the car plugged in, especially in the winter. If the car does sit outside for several days without being plugged in, it will be able to start and run in hybrid mode, presumably until the pack gets warm enough.”
Ok, so a few more cents per charge?
Apr 7th, 2009 (4:54 pm)A bit more:
http://www.technologyreview.com/business/22392/page2/
Apr 7th, 2009 (5:03 pm)111 Timaaayyy!!!
I’ll buy my Volt a Snuggie.
Apr 7th, 2009 (5:05 pm)First, I’ll admit I haven’t read any of this thread. There may be some merit to this vehicle, if it gets people out of their cars. But for me, I have a better idea:
I’ll take my bicycle, thanks.
Apr 7th, 2009 (5:06 pm)There are some really funny posts here today! Thank you. It really ended my day with some laughs!!!
Three thoughts:
1. People would be killed by the thousands in these things. Why save on electric, when the insurance man would take it all away in VERY high premiums, should you ever decide to take this out on the road.
2. How would you keep them from being stolen? I guess you could chain them up to a fire hydrant or something.
3. Until I hear Maximum Bob Lutz say the price will be “Nicely Under $30,000″, I refuse to believe anything about this.
Apr 7th, 2009 (5:07 pm)First, I’ll admit I haven’t read any of this thread. There may be some merit to this vehicle, if it gets people out of their cars. But for me, I have a better idea:
I’ll take my bicycle, thanks.
____________________________________________________
yeah, I agree. This is bringing down the EV image we need that they are realistically able to replace gas engine powered cars, not be some joke of a toy that nerds dink around in. GM really must hate EVs more than I thought.
The insurance on this would be next to nothing. In fact I doubt that insurance would even be required on this. Motorcycle insurance is practically free and those are capable of going 3 times the speed this thing can and are actually driving in traffic and on the freeways etc. Insurance companies don’t care if you die, they just care how many people you’re going to kill when you hit someone.
Apr 7th, 2009 (5:08 pm)I had a good laugh reading the comments, but you’re not seeing the whole picture.
Check out the sleek prototype design:
http://www.segway.com/puma/assets/images/homepage/large/puma-sketch.jpg
This is really a brilliant idea, and here’s why.
California and the folks at CARB (California Air Resources Board) keep pushing Detroit to make smaller and higher gas mileage cars. It don’t get any smaller than this folks. Now GM can go forward and build cars LARGER than the PUMA, because they have made there point. This is the ultimate small car. Smaller than Th!nk, smaller than Smart. The USA now WINS the small car award.
Now if I sound a bit bias, well I’ll be honest. I have owned a Segway HT i180 since 2003. The people who see it want it faster and to they want it hold two people. So Segway and GM did it, and it should be as popular as the current line of PT models. There is a market for these things. Rather than checking the airport tarmac at 12.5 mph, airport staff will be able to do it at 35 mph. You will see these at airports and in the mall parking lots. Install the anti crash feature and it becomes a new amusement park attraction. Imagine bumper cars that cannot collide!
One thing Segway does right and that is over engineering for your safety. I am glad to see them involved with the motor car industry. Their battery management skills are legendary with owners of their devices. GM has certainly gained technical data that will help with VOLT.
Go Segway, Go GM, Go VOLT
PS: Using the Segway at 12,183 elevation! http://homepage.mac.com/mzokc/segway/PhotoAlbum88.html
Apr 7th, 2009 (5:10 pm)What’s wrong with 3 or 4 normal wheels? Why does a car need to balance on 2 wheels? I just don’t see what that gains you.
Apr 7th, 2009 (5:16 pm)gosh!, sure it looks like the perfect punishment for the Madoff family, shove them inside this sort of “electric coffin” thing in pairs and force them to drive on the fastest express way we kud find… justice served right there…
Apr 7th, 2009 (5:44 pm)When can we get the Hummer rebadge?
Apr 7th, 2009 (5:48 pm)@drG 120
“When can we get the Hummer rebadge?”
Nah….
We’ll jus call this one “Dummer”.
Apr 7th, 2009 (6:03 pm)#115 Jim I said:
1. People would be killed by the thousands in these things. Why save on electric, when the insurance man would take it all away in VERY high premiums, should you ever decide to take this out on the road.
======================
JMHO but…those people deserve to die (j/k)
Apr 7th, 2009 (6:13 pm)@statik 122
“JMHO but…those people deserve to die (j/k)”
AH-HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!
AH-HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!
Whoooo…..
Aw man, I guess this thread was of good use after all. Everyone got a big laugh out of it and statik made me laugh so friggin hard I coughed up that annoying yellowish/green looogie.!!!
Thanks Dr. statik.
Laughter is always the best medicine.
Apr 7th, 2009 (6:22 pm)Finally, a car for California
That is a California Bridge isn’t it ?
Apr 7th, 2009 (6:34 pm)#65 MuddyRoverRob said – There sure are a lot of grumpy people out there today!
—————————————————–
You have invoked my Name. Thus summoned, I have appeared. OK, lets deconstruct your statements:
1) “One day it’s all GM sucks because they only build trucks!” Yes, truck and SUV sales were the mother’s milk which sustained GM through 2007.
2) “So then something decidedly not a truck comes out and they get jumped on for NOT making a truck! Jeez!” Lets see – We’ve been waiting patiently for the Volt for over 2 years, and still have to wait at least 18 more months to get one, maybe. Meanwhile, no Prius-fighter, no 40 MPG city gas or hybrid car (like hell I’ll wait patiently).
3) “I agree this isn’t exactly a pretty thing, but it’s covered from the rain, it’s slow so less dangerous and it’s certainly ‘green’. It’s a prototype for gods sake, give them a break!” Yes, it’s a prototype – of an ugly, limited use personal transport – with no protection from the heat, the cold, fogging, or wind-driven rain blowing at an angle to the PUMA’s perpetually open doors. To me, it looks vaguely Amish.
4) “Good on GM and Segway for trying something different!” A vomit flavored milkshake would be “different” – but it doesn’t mean they would be popular.
5) “(personally I’d like a front wheel for faster driving though.)” Tiny front wheels + pothole = casket with wheels. You have been warned.
(Argument deconstruction complete)
————————————————————————————
Please don’t let the superficial flaws of the PUMA blind you to the fundamental flaws of the PUMA. Like the Segway, it is a limited-use novelity vehicle, suitable only for campus security or tourist rentals, and for use only in good weather. It is as ugly as the Segway is elegant (in the Segway’s own minimalist way).
The PUMA should be buried in an unmarked grave, on unhallowed ground, at midnight. It’s only occupant – the Puma’s designer, bound, gagged, and buried alive with his creation (yes, “his” – no woman could design something that ugly). Perhaps then, GM could work on something productive – say, like the Volt perhaps?
Apr 7th, 2009 (6:46 pm)Surprisingly enough, even Jalopnik was surprised that they liked it:
http://jalopnik.com/5202303/gm+segway-puma-first-ride
Apr 7th, 2009 (6:59 pm)If the company does eventually get split up into “Good GM” and “Bad GM”, the PUMA should go into the “Absolutely Horrible GM” pile.
Apr 7th, 2009 (7:03 pm)#omnimoeish
” Motorcycle insurance is practically free and those are capable of going 3 times the speed this thing ”
Are you serious? I pay $360 a month for insurance on my Ducati! Thats not exactly practically free. And actually it goes about 6x the speed of that thing
Apr 7th, 2009 (7:19 pm)I would be happy to line those up in our showroom.
Just show me a bank that will finance the thing.
It looks like it would go for $500 down – $150 per month x 48
Call it: VOLTiniTiny
Apr 7th, 2009 (7:39 pm)If you could get a PUMA for around 6 grand, well, how about just adding a nosecone, a wheel up front, more battery power, and a stronger motor to make a three wheeled street legal motorcycle for around 12 grand. I’d bet you could never keep up with demand.
Dan Petit Austin TX
Apr 7th, 2009 (8:00 pm)Looks good to me.
Innovation in electric transportation a good role for a new GM.
And fully funded by the US taxpayer.
Apr 7th, 2009 (8:04 pm)This is upsetting. GM faces bankruptcy, HUGE ISSUE!!! People will lose jobs, life savings, public tax dollars and the potential to bring down the American auto manufacturing industry as we know it. Other members have pointed out well why this PUMA thing is a bad idea.
The Volt is a wonderful idea which deserves a fighting chance. I’m just starting to wonder if the idea is in the right hands. If GM doesn’t survive, I hope they will give the Volt technology to a different North American company that has had good success with the electrification (hybrids) of vehicles, such as Ford. At this point in time it doesn’t matter which North American Auto Maker creates it, as long as it is reliable and cost effective.
Apr 7th, 2009 (8:22 pm)OK, ENOUGH!
Lyle, please!
Can we get a new post? This is making me sick.
Apr 7th, 2009 (8:22 pm)I would love to drive this through the snow! I really like the shopping cart casters on the front and back. They apparently never touch the ground unless something goes “wrong”.
I bet she does awesome doughnuts, and looks like it would be easy to lean her over on one of those big wheels. This thing ROCKS!
Apr 7th, 2009 (8:23 pm)A bare bones Volt with Cruze dash is in order. Let’s get a 150HP EREV four wheeler on the road.
The high end crowd can opt for the Volt with the iPOD touch control system. Give the masses a basic EREV. The $7500 tax credit will look real nice connected to a $28,000 Cruze style EREV.
GM, how about surprising the world with the release of the EREV Cruze in July 2009?
BTW:Last week I reported premium gas costing $2.69 a gallon. Today it was pushed up to $2.73
=D~
Apr 7th, 2009 (8:25 pm)Only an idiot would buy such a contraption…
And my back hurts just to think about the bone-jarring ride that thing would have.
Apr 7th, 2009 (8:39 pm)136 PLJ
“Only an idiot would buy such a contraption…”
====================================================
That’s what they said about the first bicycle, the first big wheel, the first uni-cycle, the first hooker.
Look how far we have come!
Apr 7th, 2009 (9:04 pm)What did Dave Bowman say when entering the Lincoln Tunnel?
“My God, It’s full of cars.”
Sorry, I figured one awful joke deserved another.
On the Segway website, there’s a picture of a version with doors. The contraption pictured above is just a technology demonstrator. Doesn’t improve my opinion of the thing one iota.
Apr 7th, 2009 (9:07 pm)107 Unni – thanks for the link
from the article
“When the Volt starts to be sold beginning in late 2010, GM is going to recommend that owners keep the car plugged in, especially in the winter. If the car does sit outside for several days without being plugged in, it will be able to start and run in hybrid mode, presumably until the pack gets warm enough.”
This is my concern about BEV’s we were talking about yesterday.
Apr 7th, 2009 (9:10 pm)FYI, one more bullsh|t stunt like this and my order/position in line/desire/money for the Volt, well….kiss it bye bye. I will not support a company with jack a$$ decision making of this magnitude. I will take my business elsewhere to a less jack a$$ed decision making company.
Apr 7th, 2009 (9:16 pm)Better listen to ‘im, GM; the Pirate is a mean drunk.
Apr 7th, 2009 (9:20 pm)“Late in the thread sidetrack” time:
I know everyone is very excited to hear about my second night out at the ballpark this evening, to watch GM’s hometown team, the Detroit Tigers play Toronto.
Another tragic loss, giving up a 4 spot in the 8th, and eventually losing 5-4….although I did get a pretty good meal at the restaurant, so it was not a total loss.
0-2 now…another great season underway
Apr 7th, 2009 (9:21 pm)Our taxes cannot repel jack @$$ decision making of this magnitude!!
I’m on a SciFi kick, it seems
Apr 7th, 2009 (9:22 pm)130 Dan Petit
With sales as slow as they are right now, I’ll sell just about anything with a little profit in it. Besides, an ‘electric rickshaw’ might sell to some of our Chevy Express Van buyers. I’ll take what I can get.
Apr 7th, 2009 (9:30 pm)What an utter waste. Any GM executives and employees responsible for this idiocy should be summarily released from employment. They are clearly part of the problem, and not part of the solution.
Apr 7th, 2009 (9:34 pm)117 Mark Z
“This is the ultimate small car. Smaller than Th!nk, smaller than Smart. The USA now WINS the small car award.”
————-
I think that VW wins the small “car” award with their one that gets 258 mpg.
http://www.rense.com/general85/car.htm
(im not so sure about that pricing)
Apr 7th, 2009 (9:35 pm)It looks like it’s missing rear-view mirrors, and one of those fiberglass whip antenna-things with the bright orange flag on it… Oh yeah, and flames on the sides so people think you’re going really fast.
Apr 7th, 2009 (9:41 pm)This thing wont be “popular” in the US anytime soon. UK & maybe scooter-crazy Asia will buy it up first. You’re no more likely to die in a Puma than you are in a motorcycle. Especially when you are confined to 35mph roads. This would be a fun toy, but not practical for me. Even my little scooter trucks along at 55mph, good enough for 5 mile trips for me.
Apr 7th, 2009 (10:06 pm)If the Volt is a glorified golf cart, this is a glorified power chair. What a waste of taxpayer dollars. This is less practical and more expensive than a golf cart. Why not use one of those?
The reason I’m in favor of the Volt is because it’s the first real practical solution for US drivers, the first electric car that will appeal to and be accepted by the masses.
Apr 7th, 2009 (10:32 pm)140 CaptJackSparrow: I will not support a company with jack a$$ decision making of this magnitude. I will take my business elsewhere to a less jack a$$ed decision making company.
A company such as Toyota which “wastes” money on alternative transportation concepts such the i-Real? The Winglet? How about something that has nothing to do with human transportation, such as Honda’s Asimo?
Apr 7th, 2009 (11:28 pm)statik #122 says:
JMHO but…those people deserve to die (j/k)
=====
In this area, we call it “thinning the herd” or “nature letting the idiots select themselves for extinction”….
What scares me even more is that this silliy thing was featured this evening on ABC World News Tonight, and they loved it!!!!
I can’t think about this anymore.
So how about this crazy weather we are having?!?!?!?
Apr 8th, 2009 (12:32 am)@Gary 150
“A company such as Toyota which “wastes” money on alternative transportation concepts such the i-Real? The Winglet? How about something that has nothing to do with human transportation, such as Honda’s Asimo?”
WTF!?!
So you obviously think it’s OK that they spend time and money on this garbage can with wheels? R2PhukedUpD2? All while they are still losing money millions a day? Was this in their “Viability Plan”? Should the govt continue to dump funds into GM so they can deviate from whatever plan they gave to be viable? Aw man you need a clue.
How bout build the Volt like they said they would do? How bout they concentrate on what they said they would do? How bout advertise the Volt with the money they spent on R2PhukedUpD2? How bout “FOCUS” on getting the Volt out.
Apr 8th, 2009 (2:53 am)Does this have a backup generator for range anixety?
Apr 8th, 2009 (6:23 am)I don’t see this going very far.
Apr 8th, 2009 (6:26 am)With this bold vehicle, the future of GM turned in a totally new and unexpected direction.
Apr 8th, 2009 (6:28 am)Volt styling continues to evolve.
First the concept, then the mule, and now the production Version
GM is no longer the world’s biggest car maker, but it does bring the most laughs.
Apr 8th, 2009 (6:42 am)Lets look at the bright side:
There are only 600 days plus a few hours remaining on the home page Volt-O-Meter countdown clock!
Apr 8th, 2009 (6:59 am)statik #122 says:
JMHO but…those people deserve to die (j/k)
——————–
#151 Jim I Says:
In this area, we call it “thinning the herd” or “nature letting the idiots select themselves for extinction”….What scares me even more is that this silliy thing was featured this evening on ABC World News Tonight, and they loved it!!!!
I can’t think about this anymore.
So how about this crazy weather we are having?!?!?!?
==================================
Indeed….middle of april and I am clearing snow off car in the morning? C’mon…lets get out there and start pumping more carbon dioxide into the air, I need to be in my shorts now.
…I also believe it may be ‘high time’ for a new thread.
(=
Apr 8th, 2009 (7:15 am)I can see these being used in places like malls, airports, and casinos. The advantage over the tried and true golf cart is that you can fit 2, maybe 4, of these in an elevator.
Place an eye bolt at the top and Puma can be craned, or chopper dropped, for rescue operations.
Apr 8th, 2009 (7:25 am)Chinese auto sales have exceeded U.S. sales for the third month in a row
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20090408/D97E8G900.html
Apr 8th, 2009 (7:32 am)I get the impression, that the Puma won’t be a success in Northern America. You really have a serious size-fetish on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean…
But in Europe Smarts and scooters are very popular. I think Japanese and other Asians also like small cars (e.g. Toyota iQ or Tata Nano). (Actually I think it’s the whole world except for Northern America.)
For those people, the Puma could be a good alternative. But ouf course it has to be low priced – at a maximum of 10.000 $.
But for German cities, it has go at least 40 mph for not being a traffic block.
Apr 8th, 2009 (7:39 am)So much venom. Let’s wait until we get the FACTS about the ‘partnership’ before rushing to condemn GM and cancel Volt orders.
With venom and attitudes like this why would anyone even WANT to try something bold and different?
The comments here all remind me of children’s playground taunts the day some kid shows up in a pink shirt.
Apr 8th, 2009 (7:41 am)In news to people planning to buy a GM and Chrysler car in Canada in the next 52/22 days (I believe thats Mary in Winnipeg and Steve in Lethbridge):
“Clement (Canadian Industry Minister) said Canada would guarantee the warranties of cars sold by GM and Chrysler, regardless of whether the automakers go into bankruptcy protection.”
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/GM-readies-for-rb-14878373.html;_ylt=Ak19oEN4e3zLz3TJptyBVXq7YWsA?sec=topStories&pos=6&asset=TBD&ccode=TBD
Apr 8th, 2009 (8:07 am)First: Sorry, but the Aztec still doesn’t look cool.
Second: You can’t convince me that there isn’t a market for something like this in the cities in China, India, or even some other European cities.
The other thing to consider is the possible profit margins from something like this. Is it possible to sell them with the type of margins they get off of SUV and truck sales? Sure beats “losing money for the first few years” like the Volt is going to do.
The other thing you guys talk about people getting squished and killed. You’re only going a max of 35 mph!!! people go that fast (or much faster) in bikes and motorcycles with the same or even less protection yet I don’t hear any complaining about those. This isn’t meant to be something you see on the freeway!
Apr 8th, 2009 (8:32 am)If GM is going to waste time and money on this crap then there is no hope for you.
VOLT yes PUMA no
Apr 8th, 2009 (8:33 am)GIve me an SUV, or give me death!
Apr 8th, 2009 (10:15 am)To all those safety comments…how is this any different than a motorcycle?
Apr 8th, 2009 (10:25 am)I think most of commentators are missing the point. Yes, the design of this prototype is terrible. I took a pen and paper and in three minutes I got a better looking droplet-like or smart-like design.
In fact PUMA is an attempt to think out of box. Imagine, for example, the big city part of which is closed for vehicles – may be the center or may be all streets with exception of some “drive through” routes. A visitor can park her car at the parking lot and grab PUMA for city commute – the same way people park their cars and switch to bus or subway in many cities today.
Again, one may think this is a fantasy, but if one considers cities like London, New York or Boston then it obvious enough the idea is not very far from the reality.
So PUMA may become cheap and convenient public transportation idea.
Apr 8th, 2009 (11:42 am)Ok so other than the PUMA being really ulgy and very unsafe who in there right mind with buy this thing. Really Just think about it, You would have to live with-in 15miles from where ever you are plaining on going because not only do you need to get there but back again. you cant go shopping of anykind due to no room for anything other than yourself and a friend under a 200lbs limt cause anything else wouldnt fit. No heating or ac you would only get to enjoy taking it out of storage on the best days unless you really enjoy driving in the snow, rain and summer heat. Just think all that for only 5-10K and evey 3 years or so the cost of replacing the lithum ion battery.
Apr 8th, 2009 (12:11 pm)Once again What’s-his-butt, the “inventor” of the Segway, is desperately trying to find some sort of package that will make the public actually want to buy this balance-control technology. It’s really useful in it’s original application (from which he stole it), in an upright, stair-climbing wheelchair. In a roadable vehicle it makes a lot less sense. We allready have two-wheel vehicles on our roads that work beautifully, called scooters, bicycles and motorcycles. Three and four wheel platforms work great, as well. There just isn’t any utility to a two-wheel vehicle that sort-of balances itself. It’s the answer to a question no-one is asking. Now the electric power aspect is different, but that obviously has nothing intrinsically to do with the fiendishly expensive Segway gyroscopic technology.
Apr 8th, 2009 (12:45 pm)Thsai is exactly what the green loons and the Obama gangsters want for us proletarians. Modern RICKSHAWS !?!
Makes more room on the highways for their Big, Black, gas guzzilg Chauffer driven Limousines provided to them for free as government/ green organization “benes”.
Apr 8th, 2009 (1:07 pm)Looks awfully similar to a wheelchair. You will get hurt if you hit a bike, let alone a full-sized car.
Bullshit, GM should be allowed to go bankrupt and have some fresh blood in the economy.
Later.
Apr 8th, 2009 (3:49 pm)Or if you want manufactured in the US by a US company, inexpensive, high performance proper electric two wheelers that are in active production this very second:
http://jalopnik.com/5202065/zero-s-electric-motorcycling-gets-less-nerdy
Vaporware, you say? Not. Look at what their current in production for years off road version just did:
http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/24-hours-of-electric-motorcross-6012.html
http://blog.wired.com/cars/2009/04/24-hours-of-ele.html
Over 500 technical hard core off road motocross miles in 24 hours for the winnners with all 10 teams using regular production electric vehicles finishing, amazing for any type of vehicle with this type of harsh continual off road riding, and none doing less than 300 miles in 24 hours, with the original vehicles crossing the finish line. Ding! It’s ready now.
Get the Volt out now, GM. The technology is rotting on the vine. Leave the non-car vehicles to those specialists. Last I knew, GM does not have a existing proven track record in electric motorcycles. They missed that boat long ago.
Apr 8th, 2009 (4:17 pm)« This thing wont be “popular” in the US anytime soon. »
« I don’t see this going very far. »
—————————————————————————————————————-
The way I see it, pretty soon, cars will not be allowed anymore in most cities in the world. London has already implemented a tax to access the core of the city. This tax will increase over time. New York thought of it but I believe didn’t act for the moment. It’s just a matter of time.
Traffic jams are terrible in every major city and we are wasting time and fuel. Space is limited. In cities where the population density is higher, they will not be able to sustain a vast number of cars. China, for example, has already an issue with that and most people don’t own a car yet.
The only solution is to replace cars in cities. Incidentally, you never go much faster than … 35 mph in a city.
So this prototype is just announcing the inevitable. Eventually North America will get there – forbid cars in big cities. It might take a while but it will happen.
It’s just like the Smart car. At first, they sold in Europe, not in the US. Pretty sure the first comments on that thing were about it being ridiculous and too small.
Now that time has passed, Mercedes can’t keep up with demand in the US and thousands are sold. Hummer is out. The trend seems obvious. That PUMA thing is just another step ahead.
It’s more than time to prepare for the future. And the future of transportation is NOT cars, at least not in cities. Highways, of course, are a totally different thing.
I believe GM has to explore what the future might hold, not only in USA but in the world. And as I said, the US will eventually embrace that thing. Since distances are greater and population density lower, it will take more time, that’s all.
Most people are alone in their car when commuting anyway. Why do we need so big a car for that ?
Apr 8th, 2009 (4:20 pm)#170 Jonathan:
“There just isn’t any utility to a two-wheel vehicle that sort-of balances itself. It’s the answer to a question no-one is asking.”
———————————————————————————
I couldn’t have said it any better.
Apr 8th, 2009 (5:57 pm)OK, my first impression was to laugh so hard that milk came shooting out of my nose.
BUT, the more I look at this PUMA based on it’s urban application, the better I think the idea actually is.
The average car only has one occupant at any given time. You can park 6 PUMAs in the space of ONE regular car and get 2 PUMAs side by side in each car lane!
It costs only 35 cents to go 35-mph for 35 miles.
This may be the answer to city commuting once this prototype is “fleshed-out” with full body, doors etc.
Apr 8th, 2009 (6:06 pm)#146 – kdawg
The PUMA is definitely smaller than the VW. That VW design is amazing for the most economical gas powered car, but GM wins the “car” length contest.
http://www.caradvice.com.au/25172/volkswagen-introduces-worlds-most-economical-car/
http://www.segway.com/puma/assets/images/homepage/large/puma-sketch.jpg
Apr 9th, 2009 (11:55 am)Ridiculously unsafe if used on the street. For off street use, why not just use a golf cart.
If GM did not put too much money into this it might be a good deal as a publicity stunt.
Apr 10th, 2009 (3:44 am)Looking at this from a European perspective it looks very good for low speed areas of cities or towns. The main benefits are better parking and cost compared to cars, better rain protection and cargo capacity (for one person) compared to bikes. Bikes compete with cars for the same space here already and they are obviously less safe than this. Why should American tax dollars support it? Because if it does take off in europe or asia GM will make money and employ more Americans. The negative response at this site is to be expected since most people here are devoted Volt fans. The Volt is clearly targeted towards quite a different customer mind set.
Apr 10th, 2009 (10:19 pm)[...] Urban Mobility and Accessibility” vehicles. You can watch a video of a PUMA in action here. They really do seem like an ideal way to get around a city. And then there is the Quebec-produced [...]
Apr 10th, 2009 (11:25 pm)Yeah, so what happens when you get hit by another car that weighs a few tons more than yours?
Apr 11th, 2009 (9:04 am)Gee this will be even bigger than the Segway! I can see this idea can not fail.
Apr 11th, 2009 (2:05 pm)Completely awful. Haven’t these people heard of scooters/motorcycles? Give me one reason to prefer this monstrosity over an electric scooter like the Vectrix.
Apr 11th, 2009 (11:28 pm)GM deserves to go bankrupt. Who’s the moron that wasted research money on this?
Apr 15th, 2009 (8:54 pm)The Incredible car! The Whole world will pleased if this car will become mass and available!