See The GEM neighborhood electric vehicle (NEV) At Hearst Castle

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif., June 21 -- The first neighborhood electric vehicle to be sold in the U.S. by a major automaker is one of the featured attractions at the Hearst Castle(R) Alternative Energy Fair in San Simeon, California this Saturday, June 23. Held at the Castle's visitor center, the event is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The GEM neighborhood electric vehicle (NEV), manufactured by DaimlerChrysler subsidiary Global Electric Motorcars LLC, is now available through selected dealerships throughout California and 27 other states. GEM models on display at the Castle are being shown by Stanley Motors, a Five Star Chrysler-Plymouth-Dodge-GEM dealer in the California Central Coast city of San Luis Obispo. An all-new concept in community transportation, the GEM neighborhood electric vehicle offers a fun new way to get around town for just pennies per mile. The vehicle is specially designed for low speed driving in and around city centers, planned communities, resorts, and even large industrial campuses. The GEM electric vehicle is especially attractive because of its extremely low price that begins at about $7,000 for two-passenger models. Featuring an easily seen, high profile design, the GEM is constructed with an advanced aluminum space frame and a lightweight plastic body. Two- and four-passenger models, as well as short and long box utility vehicles, are available. The GEM features a front wheel drive system, rack-and-pinion steering, independent suspension, and a regenerative braking system that feeds electricity back to the batteries during braking and coasting. Safety is well looked after with a safety glass windshield and wipers, high mounted brake and taillights, rearview and side mirrors, hydraulic brakes, and safety belts. Offering a driving range of 30 to 35 miles, the GEM features familiar automotive type batteries that fully charge in about eight hours. No special chargers are needed since the GEM plugs into a standard 110-volt household outlet. Personalizing a GEM is easy with an array of options that include soft and hard doors, chrome wheels, radial tires, car cover, lockable rear pack, and even a golf accessory pack. Available colors include red, yellow, green, white, blue, and silver. GEM buyers are eligible for federal tax credits and in some cases state or local purchase incentives. Thirty-two states have approved the use of NEVs so far, and the State of California has certified the GEM as a Zero Emission Vehicle. Global Electric Motorcars LLC, a subsidiary of DaimlerChrysler Corporation located in Fargo, North Dakota, is the largest U.S. producer of electric vehicles that can be licensed for public roads. NEVs, which meet federal Low Speed Vehicle requirements, have an electronically governed maximum speed of 25 mph and are certified for operation on roads posted at 35 mph or less. For more information about GEM, contact Green Car Marketing & Communications, Inc. at 805-541-0477. Additional information on the GEM, including model overviews, specifications, and available accessories, can be found on the Web at http://www.gemcar.com.