GM Teaming Up With Segway Launches Project PUMA

Charged with laying out a vision of the future by President Obama’s Auto-Task Force last week, GM introduced Project PUMA to the public on Tuesday.

PUMA, which stands for Personal Urban Mobility and Accessibility, is the result of a partnership between GM and small vehicle company Segway. The 700-pound, two-seat vehicle can reach speeds of up to 35 mph and is powered by lithium ion batteries that can travel approximately 35 miles on a single charge. The easily maneuverable PUMA is ideal for crowded cities.

Not so much SUVs. According to GM, gas-guzzling SUVs average just over 18 mph and between 30-40 percent of fuel is wasted looking for a place to park. And you thought the meters were expensive!

The PUMA prototype is fully operational, and a next generation model is expected to be unveiled to the press later this year.