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SEGWAY AND GM EUROPE COLLABORATE ON CONCEPT DESIGN THAT DELIVERS COMPREHENSIVE, ECO-FRIENDLY TRANSPORTATION SOLUTION
Opel Flextreme with Integrated Segway® PTs Debuts at Frankfurt Motor Show
FRANKFURT – SEPT. 10, 2007 –On the eve of the International Motor Show (IAA), Segway Inc. and General Motors Europe (GME) today announced a design collaboration resulting in a comprehensive solution for eco-friendly mobility – the Opel Flextreme concept car with integrated Segway® Personal Transporters (PTs). The Flextreme is built on GM’s global E-Flex electric drive architecture and is the first functional automotive concept that integrates an onboard storage and charging system for two Segway PTs.
Speaking from the Opel Flextreme unveiling at GME’s Premiere Night, Jim Norrod, Segway’s chief executive officer said, “Working with General Motors is a logical step toward providing people with flexible, electric and environmentally-friendly transportation solutions. Segway has a long standing commitment to developing safe, unique products that are redefining transportation for consumers and businesses. The Flextreme concept with integrated Segway PTs is a superior example of the evolution of transportation.”
The two Segway PTs housed in the concept’s FlexLoad® cargo space operate on the same balancing technology used in the well-known personal transporters available today. Using Segway Smart Motion™ – a unique combination of sensors, propulsion and intelligence – the Segway PT balances in place and moves in response to the way the rider moves his or her body forward, backward, left or right.
Special adjustments have been made to the Segway PT prototypes for easy loading and unloading into the Flex-Load cargo space. The tire diameter and track width were optimized to fit inside the Opel vehicle and the prototypes have a unique exterior design to match the look and feel of the Flextreme, making them a cohesive part of this integrated transportation solution. Most notably, these Segway PT units have retractable handlebars that allow for more compact storage. Built into the Flex-Load cargo area are ramps used to load and unload the Segway PTs. The Segway PT units attach to a docking station inside the cargo space where they recharge while the Flextreme batteries charge.
“Our team wanted to make the Opel Flextreme concept the most versatile, eco-friendly transportation system ever seen before,” said Carl-Peter Forster, president, General Motors Europe. “As the leader in electric personal transportation it was clear that Segway was the only company that could provide the urban transportation solution that matched the technological innovation and the environmental profile of the Opel Flextreme.”
“The Segway and Opel teams worked together closely to integrate the Segway PT into the Opel concept’s functionality and aesthetic,” said Doug Field, chief technology officer, Segway Inc. “The result is a marriage of two highly energy efficient transportation solutions that provide short- and long-distance travel options in one package.”
Like the Opel Flextreme, the Segway PT is electrically powered and does not produce emissions during operation. Powered by two lithium-ion batteries, the Segway PT typically takes eight to ten hours to charge at a 110/220 volt outlet and consumes about one kilowatt hour of energy while recharging .
Considering a rider can travel up to 24 miles on one battery charge the Segway PT consumes .0.052 kilowatt hours per mile on average. The production of 52 watt-hours of electricity creates 0.081 lbs. of carbon dioxide – that is 70 to 80 percent less than the emissions created by other individual transportation devices such as gas-powered scooters or motorcycles, respectively2 . Moreover, the Segway PT is four to five times more energy efficient than a motorcycle or scooter.
The Opel Flextreme concept with Segway PT prototypes will be on display at IAA Sept. 13 – 23, 2007 at the Messe Frankfurt in Germany.
2“The Role of the Segway PT in Emission Reduction And Energy Efficiency” www.segway.com/green
About Segway
Segway Inc. develops intelligent motion control technology known as Segway® Smart Motion™ that is embedded in the light electric transportation devices it manufactures, such as the well-known Segway® Personal Transporter (PT). Segway Smart Motion provides intelligent motion control that enables a device to monitor its environment, control its motion and make decisions about how it should move.
Segway markets a full line of zero-emissions Segway PTs for sidewalk and cross-terrain use that deliver impressive energy efficiency – equivalent to 450 miles per gallon/191 kilometers per liter of fuel. The company’s line of Segway Robotic Mobility Platforms (RMPs) offers reliable, durable mobility solutions for robotic applications.
Segway Inc., based in Bedford, N.H., U.S.A, has a worldwide distribution network of more than 250 retail points in 61 countries. For additional information about Segway and to find retail locations, please visit www.segway.com or call 1-866-4SEGWAY. Media materials and digital images are available at the Segway Press Center.
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