GM and SEGWAY Team Up To Make a CAR... - GoFuckYourself.com

Ethersync · 04-07-2009, 06:23 AM

Would hate to get in a car accident in one of these things

Quote:

General Motors Corp. is teaming with Segway Inc., maker of the upright, self-balancing scooters, to build a new type of two-wheeled vehicle designed to move easily through congested urban streets.

The machine, which GM says it aims to develop by 2012, would run on batteries and use wireless technology to avoid traffic backups and navigate cities.

The Project P.U.M.A. (Personal Urban Mobility and Accessibility) prototype is shown in Brooklyn April 4. GM and Segway say the vehicle could allow people to travel around cities more quickly, safely, quietly and cleanly, and at a lower total cost.

The struggling auto maker, surviving on a government lifeline, is looking to generate enthusiasm for its increasingly uncertain future ahead of the New York auto show this week.

GM has slashed product-development programs, advertising and spending on auto-show events. But it will take to the streets of Manhattan on Tuesday to show off a prototype of the vehicle, called PUMA, for Personal Urban Mobility and Accessibility.

The Segway Personal Transporter was launched with considerable hype eight years ago but practical issues prevented the scooter from becoming a mass-market product, including its relatively high cost and restrictions on its use in many jurisdictions.

GM is betting PUMA's more car-like traits -- an enclosed compartment and top speed of 35 miles per hour -- will lead to better results. GM didn't say how much the machines would cost, but research chief Larry Burns said owners would spend one-third to one-fourth of the cost of a traditional vehicle.

PUMA would have a range of about 35 miles. GM said it aims to use so-called vehicle-to-vehicle technology to avoid traffic problems and potentially have it navigate itself through city streets.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123906731177395605.html

Vendot · 04-07-2009, 06:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ethersync

Would hate to get in a car accident in one of these things

Agreed........ much more fun to smash up a porsche

Fletch XXX · 04-07-2009, 06:44 AM

and Gm wonders why its failing? lol

StuartD · 04-07-2009, 06:46 AM

Quote:

GM says it aims to develop by 2012

Pretty sure of themselves, aren't they?

hjnet · 04-07-2009, 06:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ethersync

Can someone make a FAIL Pic with that?

Ethersync · 04-07-2009, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hjnet

Can someone make a FAIL Pic with that?

Yeah, someone photoshop this guy in a rainstorm or snowstorm. Great FAIL pic

04-07-2009, 06:44 AM	#3
Fletch XXX GFY HALL OF FAME DAMMIT!!! Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: that 504 Posts: 60,840	and Gm wonders why its failing? lol __________________ Want an Android App for your tube, membership, or free site? Need banners or promo material? Hit us up (ICQ Fletch: 148841377) or email me fletchxxx at gmail.com - recent work - About me