Chrysler Group Global Electric Motorcars LLC Remains Segment Leader in Industry

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Jan 25, 2010, 09:00 ET

WASHINGTON, Jan. 25 /PRNewswire/ --

Global Electric Motorcars (GEM) has sold more than 40,000 electric vehicles worldwide, logging almost a half billion emissions-free miles
GEM vehicles have saved more than 19.5 million gallons of gasoline and reduced CO2 emissions by more than 93,000 metric tons
CO2 reduction is equivalent to planting nearly a half-million CO2 absorbing trees
Chrysler Group LLC celebrates 10 years with GEM subsidiary

Chrysler Group LLC's wholly-owned subsidiary, Global Electric Motorcars (GEM), has reached a milestone in the Low-speed Vehicle (LSV) industry by selling more than 40,000 GEM battery-electric vehicles. The GEM vehicle line is 100 percent electric and emits zero tailpipe emissions. GEM vehicles have been driven almost 500 million emission-free miles, saving more than 19.5 million gallons of gasoline. This translates into a CO2 reduction equivalent to planting nearly a half-million trees.

"GEM is a successful example of how Chrysler Group is reducing CO2 emissions while answering customer needs for alternatively powered vehicles," said Steve Bartoli—Head of Regulatory Affairs and Engineering Planning, Chrysler Group LLC. "GEM is directly responsible for cutting CO2 output by more than 93,000 tons by replacing gasoline-powered vehicles with electric vehicles."

The Fargo, North Dakota based manufacturer was acquired 10 years ago by Chrysler Group to assist the major automaker in their continuing efforts and commitment to developing, producing and selling environmentally-friendly vehicles.

GEM Battery-Electric Vehicles – The Eco-Friendly, Cost-Effective Transportation Alternative

Classified as Low Speed Vehicles (LSV) or Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs) by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the GEM vehicle line is street-legal in most states on roads posted 35 mph or less. With a top speed of 25 mph and a range of up to 30 miles on a charge, GEM battery-electric vehicles are perfect for short-distance transportation and are driven on medical and corporate campuses, universities, military bases, resorts, sports stadiums, gated communities and residential streets.

GEM battery-electric vehicles are available in six models and can be customized with a variety of options and accessories. They are used for running errands, driving to work or school, hauling equipment, or transporting people around work facilities, and with operating costs of only about two cents per mile, have become an eco-friendly and cost-effective transportation alternative.

Ten Years of Electric Vehicle Collaboration

Global Electric Motorcars was acquired by Chrysler Group LLC in December 2000. Since then, Global Electric Motorcars has grown to be the market leader in the LSV industry and benefits from working with Chrysler Group's design, engineering, and other resources as well as having access to the Chrysler Group's Proving Grounds to test vehicles.

GEM vehicles are sold through select Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep® dealerships as well as other select dealerships around the world. For more information on the GEM vehicle line, to learn more about available tax credits on low-speed electric vehicles, or to locate your nearest authorized GEM dealership, visit www.gemcar.com or call 1-888-871-4367.

About Global Electric Motorcars

As a wholly owned subsidiary of Chrysler Group LLC, Global Electric Motorcars is the market leader in the low-speed, Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) industry and has more than 40,000 GEM battery-electric vehicles on the road worldwide. GEM cars are used by local, state and national government agencies, resorts, master-planned communities, universities, medical and corporate campuses, as well as by sports teams, taxi-shuttle services and individual consumers.

The six GEM passenger and utility models are legal on most streets with posted speeds of 35 mph or less and have many of the same features of regular cars, but are much more economical in price and fuel consumption. GEM cars are eligible for incentives and tax credits from clean-air districts and other governmental agencies.

About Chrysler Group LLC

Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 from a global strategic alliance with Fiat Group, produces Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, Ram Truck, Mopar® and Global Electric Motorcars (GEM) brand vehicles and products. With the resources, technology and worldwide distribution network required to compete on a global scale, the alliance builds on Chrysler's culture of innovation – first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925 – and Fiat's complementary technology – from a company whose heritage dates back to 1899.

Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., Chrysler Group LLC's product lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300, Jeep Wrangler and Ram Truck. Fiat will contribute world-class technology, platforms and powertrains for small- and medium-sized cars, allowing Chrysler Group to offer an expanded product line including environmentally friendly vehicles.

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SOURCE Chrysler Group LLC