...it's time to make our planet The Better Planet

• Home
• Green Products
• Going Green Tips
• Resources
• Stocks
• Recycling

Too Little Too Late For GM?

04/07/2009

Struggling automaker General Motors announced a partnership with Segway to develop a two seat version of Segway's electric personal transporter. In order to receive additional bailout funds from the government, GM must present a new operating plan that the government agrees to. Teaming up with Segway is one step towards proving to the government that the company can start producing efficient alternative energy powered vehicles. But one must wonder if this is too little of an impact coming much too late. GM will need to do a lot more to revolutionize the way they do business and survive during this economic downturn.

The two seater Segway, nicknamed "Personal Urban Mobility and Accessibility" (P.U.M.A.), is targeted towards city driving and will have a range of about 35 miles. We view this as more of a niche product, kind of like the original stand-up Segway. With other electric cars like the Aptera 2e offering longer distances and (slightly) roomier accommodations, it might be difficult for P.U.M.A. to catch on in a large scale way. While P.U.M.A. is an innovative idea, GM needs to show the government innovative ideas that will be big sellers that will help them to survive as a business.