GEM Electric Cars Help Charlotte Residents 'Jump' the Pump

'Jump Charlotte' Shuttle Service Launches Gas-Free & No-Cost Rides

CHARLOTTE, NC - October 19, 2008: Jump Charlotte, a free, eco-friendly shuttle service using fully-electric GEM vehicles, launched recently to provide residents of Uptown Charlotte with free, "green" rides around town. The service could not have come at a better time; when Hurricane Ike hit Texas, it managed to wreck oil refineries along the Gulf Coast, depleting North Carolina's main source of petroleum, causing a state-wide gas crisis.

GEM cars are 100% environmentally-friendly vehicles, because they are battery-electric and zero-emissions. GEM cars drive the equivalent of 150 miles per gallon -- the kind of efficiency and green technology that Jump Charlotte owners Rushton Roddey and Brian Jambora needed in order to operate Charlotte's only free and eco-friendly shuttle service, with mobile advertising.

"To achieve our goal of providing 100% eco-friendly shuttles, we knew the GEM cars were the way to go as soon as we saw them," says Roddey. "All our passengers love the GEM cars, because they don't use any gas at all and they love the way they drive. They are also easy to get in and out of."

Jump Charlotte helps alleviate the petroleum panic by utilizing four GEM six-passenger vehicles (e6 models) to transport people around Uptown. By giving residents free rides to bars and bus stops, homes and hotels, and just about any other nearby location, Jump Charlotte is providing a genuine community service during this critical time.

"We just couldn't let Charlotte residents be held hostage by this gas crisis," adds Jambora. "People need to get on with their lives, and helping them avoid having to worry about gas, and show them these cool electric cars, is great fun."

Mayor McCrory had assured residents last week that a shipment of gas from Tennessee and Wilmington was on its way, but worries of transportation and fuel availability are still tangible. According to the Energy Information Administration, gas inventories in Charlotte are at their lowest since 1967.

"We're delighted that Jump Charlotte chose GEM cars to help Charlotte residents cope with their need to get around without using gas, especially during this time of shortage," says GEM President and COO Rick Kasper. "GEM provides a gas-free alternative -- a realistic solution to a very real problem -- and we're happy that our vehicles are being so well received by the 'Jump' passengers."

Jump Charlotte has 2 GEM e4 models, and 2 GEM e6 models, which transport four and six people respectively. The service is free to passengers. Local businesses buy advertising on the cars, which allows Jump Charlotte to offer the shuttles for free to passengers. Since they have the GEM fast-charger, the cars can run continuously because they only need 30 minutes to recharge up to 80%. Details on their schedule, or to buy advertising on the GEM cars, go to www.jumpcharlotte.com or call 704.713.JUMP (5867).

With lifecycle costs about one-third of gas-powered vehicles, GEM cars are much more economical in price and fuel consumption. GEM vehicles have many of the same safety features of traditional automobiles, such as three-point seat belts, automotive safety glass, and headlights. Additionally, GEM vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions, leaving almost no carbon footprint. To date, GEM cars have been driven over 250 million emission-free miles, and have saved over 12.5 million gallons of gas. They have also prevented over 150 tons of ozone-producing pollutants from reaching the air.

With companies like GEM and Jump Charlotte pioneering alternative transportation methods, residents no longer feel chained to the pump. GEM and Jump Charlotte have made getting around town in these electric green machines fun, fast, and free- steering us in the direction of a fully sustainable future.

About Global Electric Motorcars (GEM):
A 10-year old Chrysler company, GEM has over 38,000 neighborhood electric vehicles on the road worldwide used by local, state and national government agencies, and on resorts, master planned communities, and university, medical and corporate campuses, as well as by sports teams, taxi/shuttle services, and individuals.

GEM vehicles are legal on most streets posted 35mph and below and have many of the same safety features of regular cars (such as three-point seat belts, automotive safety glass, and lights), but are much more economical in price and fuel composition. The company produces six versatile, economical, eco-friendly and safe battery-electric vehicle models ranging from two-seaters plus three utility models, all available with a variety of options.

GEM is a winner of the prestigious 2007 Blue Sky Merit Award from WestStart-CALSTART. GEM vehicles are eligible for incentives and tax credits from clean-air districts and other governmental agencies. There are over 38,000 GEM cars on the road, and they have been driven over 250 million miles, saving over 12.5 million gallons of gas and over 150 tons of pollutants from reaching the air.