New York 2008: Air Car in the house starting Thursday
Filed under: New York Auto Show, Green Daily, Automotive X-Prize
Tomorrow, MDI will show the Big Apple what an air car looks like. The unique compressed-air-powered vehicle will be unveiled during the Automotive X Prize's big announcement on Thursday. We've been following the progress of the Air Car for quite some time, and look forward to letting our cameras take a good look at this zero tailpipe emission vehicle, which might look different from the one you see above, if I'm reading the press release correctly. We won't be the only ones checking the car out, as the Air Car will be at the NYIAS through March 31. And, if you're not in town, you'll get your chance soon enough (if you're in America, anyway). Zero Pollution Motors (ZPM), the North American representative of MDI, will sell the six-seater in the U.S. some day, possibly 2010. Before then, though, MDI and ZPM will work together as a team in the Auto X Prize race. There's more after the jump.
Press Release:
New Compressed Air Vehicle to be Showcased at Automotive X Prize Exhibit at 2008 New York Auto Show
WHAT:
MDI Group, the French developer of a car that runs on air, and Zero Pollution Motors (ZPM), the North American representative of MDI, have announced plans to showcase MDI's newest compressed air vehicle at this year's New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). The vehicle will be unveiled at the Automotive X PRIZE (AXP) booth on March 20 for display through March 31.
WHY:
The new MDI car is one in a series of vehicles to be developed by MDI for production in various markets throughout the world. The vehicle is powered by the Compressed Air Engine (CAE) invented by Guy Negre, CEO and founder of MDI. Compressed air vehicles feature zero tailpipe emissions and high energy efficiency and represent an affordable, eco-friendly alternative to conventional gasoline powered vehicles and hybrids.
ZPM and MDI have entered a team to compete for the Automotive X PRIZE and will display the new vehicle at the AXP booth at NYIAS. The goal of the Automotive X PRIZE is to inspire a new generation of viable, super-efficient vehicles. The independent and technology-neutral competition is open to teams from around the world who can design, build and bring to market 100 mpg equivalent (MPGe) vehicles that people want to buy, and that meet market needs for price, size, capability, safety and performance. The size of the multi-million dollar prize purse, and the identity of the PRIZE's title sponsor will be announced on March 20 at NYIAS.
ZPM (www.zeropollutionmotors.us) plans to introduce a 6-seat, 4-door family-size compressed air vehicle to the U.S. market. The ZPM model is expected to achieve over 100 MPGe and over 90 mph, have zero to low C02 emissions, offer plenty of space for luggage, meet all safety requirements, and cost no more than an average economy to mid-size vehicle. The first ZPM manufactured compressed air car will roll off the production line in 2010.
WHO:
Guy Negre, MDI Group, CEO and inventor of the MDI compressed air vehicle
Shiva Vencat, Zero Pollution Motors, President
[Source: MDI]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
3-19-2008 @ 12:32PM
KarenRei said...
You'd be helping the environment more by driving a Hummer.
Reply
3-20-2008 @ 7:50AM
DJ said...
Looks are important, especially in the automotive world.
Creating disgusting visual muck like this devalues the whole air concept by making it appear amateurish and insensitive.
Reply
3-31-2008 @ 4:44PM
roger lewis said...
What a cute car. Perfect for little town trips. My 59 solar panels will give me free driving for life.
Reply
4-21-2008 @ 1:38PM
MARSCHNER said...
If you are interested to invest in the MDI company, my wife and I are willing to sell some of our shares of MDI. We support financially MDI since 1992 and hold then so 1 % of the capital.
After 16 years we decide to realise a part of our investment !
Our selling price will be less (market oblige) as the last transfers made by M Nègre himself (he held 2/3 of the capital). If you have a serious interest please write us : martinmarschner(at)hotmail.com
Reply
4-21-2008 @ 1:54PM
MARSCHNER said...
If you are interested to invest in the MDI company, my wife and I are willing to sell some of our shares of MDI. We support financially MDI since 1992 and hold then so 1 % of the capital.
After 16 years we decide to realise a part of our investment !
Our selling price will be less (market oblige) as the last transfers made by M Nègre himself (he held 2/3 of the capital). If you have a serious interest please write us : martinmarschner(at)hotmail.com
Reply