This
is probably one of those stories that might be getting too much press,
but I’m covering it anyway for those who haven’t heard. Essentially,
General Motors and Segway have teamed up to create Project PUMA.
PUMA stands for Personal Urban Mobility and Accessibility, and it is
essentially the next step up for Segway. The PUMA can hold two or more
passengers, and everyone always asks how in the world a third person
could ride this without being dragged.
Is anyone still amazed at the perfect balance? I admire that they
figured out how to put two people on it. Anyway, the PUMA can reach
speeds of up to 35 miles an hour, at a cost of 35 cents per charge.
A recent press release has stated that
this versatile vehicle will be good for “social networking”. Man,
everyone wants to dip into that Kool-Aid these days, don’t they? PUMA
drivers may not be able to update their Facebook sites as they go, but
the OnStar system will inform the PUMA drivers or other PUMA drivers in
the vicinity.
PUMA will be on display at the New York Auto Show this week, and is
certain to draw a crowd. As far as my sources are concerned, there
doesn’t seem to be any word about a price or availability.