New GEMs Launched For 2011

Chrysler Group Global Electric Motorcars LLC (GEM) has announced their new product line for 2011.  New features for the six model product line include:

An energy monitoring system, which allows drivers to determine the total amount of energy in kilo-watt-hours (kWh) that the GEM vehicle has removed from the grid. By using the trip meter, odometer switch in the vehicle, drivers can view the energy saving information right on the vehicle’s LCD screen. This feature is the first of its kind in the industry and allows drivers to actually see, and quantify, the positive impact that a GEM vehicle makes to the environment.
Also new for 2011 are four vehicle options including:

  • 12” turf tires for off-road applications
  • Right-hand-drive package that converts the GEM vehicle into the perfect police or security vehicle
  • Short-bed package that provides a 34” x 48” cargo bed on the GEM e4 four-passenger coupe or the GEM e6 six-passenger shuttle vehicle
  • Utility tie downs that allow cargo to easily be secured in any of the GEM utility vehicles

Learn more:  Chrysler.com (pdf of press release)

Bad Boy Buggies Recall & Acquisition

Recently acquired Bad Boy Buggies announced a large recall to address ongoing acceleration problems with their Classic model.  The recall covers approximately 9,300 vehicles sold from 2003 to 2010 including models involved in a 2009 recall that unsuccessfully attempted to solve the same problem. The vehicles can accelerate without warning and have led to some injuries.  Learn more:  CPSC.gov

Bad Boy Buggies was acquired by E-Z-Go in October 2010 and now operates as BB Buggies, Inc.  Given the extent of the recall and assuming management new the recall was imminent, being acquired may have been the only recourse for the company.  For E-Z-Go the vehicle line adds a 4-by-4 electric platform to their extensive product line.  In our discussion with executives about the acquisition they remarked that they see potential in the platform beyond its current positioning as primarily a hunting vehicle.  In local newspaper reports E-Z-Go management has stated that for now they will be keeping manufacturing facilities in the Natchez, MS but will be analyzing the best course of action in the future.  Bad Boy Buggies CEO Skrabo noted the top-notch engineering and manufacturing facilities E-Z-Go brings to the situation.  Learn more:  Chronicle.augusta.com