Extra Extra - GEM Electric Vehicle Making News at New Times Weekly Newspaper

GEM Electric Vehicle Making News at New Times Weekly Newspaper

    SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif., July 12 Publisher Steve Moss used
to distribute his weekly alternative newspaper to downtown businesses and news
boxes the old fashioned way -- with trucks that added to air quality problems
on California's scenic Central Coast.
    Now, thanks to advances in technology that make neighborhood electric
vehicles (NEVs) a reality, he can deliver the 120,000-circulation SLO County
New Times to readers in downtown San Luis Obispo with a clear conscience.
    That's because New Times is now making news while delivering it by using a
DaimlerChrysler GEM, a two-passenger long-box utility vehicle.  The
electrically powered GEM, manufactured by DaimlerChrysler subsidiary
Global Electric Motorcars LLC, is certified by the state of California as a
zero-emission vehicle.
    "GEMs are perfect for downtown driving where posted speeds are 35 miles
per hour or less," says Ken Montler, president of Global Electric Motorcars.
    "For typical activities like this in downtown areas -- or within large
university or industrial campuses -- our vehicles make a lot of sense.  We're
pleased that New Times will be showing San Luis Obispo residents how effective
a low speed electric vehicle can be in a downtown setting, and demonstrating
the kind of economical, clean transportation technology that's now available
at the showroom," Montler says.
    Moss says he's been waiting for this kind of vehicle for a long time.
    "The GEM is my idea of the right way to interact with our environment --
it's clean, it's efficient, and it suits our needs," says Moss.  "This
electric car's eye-catching design should also draw attention to New Times'
efforts to lessen environmental impact."  Moss plans to prominently display
both the New Times and DaimlerChrysler GEM logos on the vehicle's sides to
help answer some of the questions he's sure the GEM will prompt.
    The DaimlerChrysler GEM, which features an easily seen, high profile
design, was developed for low speed driving in and around city centers,
planned communities, resorts, and college campuses.  With a driving range of
30 to 35 miles and batteries that fully charge in about eight hours, the GEM
features an electronically governed top speed of 25 mph and the ability to
travel on roads posted at 35 mph or less.  No special chargers are needed
since the GEM plugs into a standard 110-volt household outlet.
    Two- and four-passenger models of the DaimlerChrysler GEM, as well as
short and long box utility models, are available.
    For more information, contact Steve Moss at New Times, (805) 546-8208, or
Tom Fulks at Green Car Marketing & Communications, (805) 541-0477.  Additional
information about the GEM can be found on the GEM Web site at http://www.gemcar.com.