Filed under: Legislation and Policy, On Two Wheels, USA
Tuk Tuk coming to American roads near you?
We recently reported on the unfortunate demise of the Bajaj 3-wheeler from the American market due to slow sales. Happily, a new brand of funky 3-wheelers is set to make its debut in the U.S. by way of Thailand. Tuk Tuk North America (TTNA) reports that its vehicles are currently undergoing EPA and NHTSA testing for road-use approval, though its line of trikes is reportedly already for sale for off-road use. Available in a number of passenger, cargo and truck body styles, the Tuk Tuk comes equipped with either a 200cc or 650cc version of a newly-designed, liquid-cooled four-stroke powerplant. This replaces the original two-stroker from which the vehicle received its funny-sounding name. TTNA also reports that its vehicles are available with both automatic and manual transmissions. Interestingly, the options page of the TTNA site shows an LPG kit which would convert the engine to run on dual fuels -- both liquefied petroleum and gasoline.
[Source: Tuk Tuk North America]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Throwback 4:30PM (5/12/2008)
Who is going to buy this?
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marz 5:25PM (5/12/2008)
And why is it sitting in front of the Oakley monolith??
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Kevin Nugent 9:10PM (5/12/2008)
OMG ARE THESE PEOPLE SERIOUSLY INSISTING ON BRINGING THAT JUNK OF A CAR TO AMERICA !!! THATS NOT WHAT WE MEAN BY BRING US FUEL EFFICENT CARS . We are talking about all the new audi ,merecdes bezne and bmw diesels that get 34 mpg at 80 mph easily on the freeway . cars with actual bodies/airbags etc and creature comforts such as air conditioning etc. Not this junk , That thing was created in india and personally needs to stay there. I can tell you now they will make very little money
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Wave54 9:32PM (5/12/2008)
Maybe the title is misleading people. These will never be true road cars or commuting vehicles for suburbanites.
Expect to see these at resorts, theme parks, campuses, etc. Some people are getting their panties in a twist over nothing!
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Jeremy Korzeniewski 12:34AM (5/13/2008)
This vehicle is not meant to be driven daily for long stretches. Think of this as an around town errand runner.
JK
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Bman 8:50AM (5/13/2008)
About as needed as a Honda Goldwing Trike!
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blackstripe77 10:16AM (5/13/2008)
hey at least its comfortably a 7 or 8 seater.
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Max 1:10PM (5/13/2008)
Mr. Nugent,
If you call that junk, then make the same argument against motorcycles. Its not a car. Furthermore, 34 MPG is not good fuel economy. We need more diesel and compact cars that can reach 40-60 MPG.
P.S. Learn to spell jackass.
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Tuk Tuk USA 11:37PM (5/13/2008)
To review and supply answers from viewers in a POSITIVE VIEW.
Response 1- Over 4000 ordered NOW
Response 2 - Why Oakley, to show they are here in USA, great job at indentify the building.
Response 3 - Creature comforts are what is blocking the minds of the future, and making our vehicles expensive to the consumer. The Tuk Tuk is made in Thailand simple and basic. It as large as a Ranger Truck, not a little toy!
Response 4 - Yes the Tuk Tuk will find its way into the resorts and nitch areas while also proving to be a productive vehicle in the work place and recreation play spot. After all it can go cross country pulling a RV if you want to make the trip.
Response 5 - Yes the Tuk Tuk is more at home as a local use vehicle, however is capeable of long distance. One left Thailand in 2000 and drove all the way to Germany.
Response 6 - Yes some would think that, however Honda did feel like Americans were ready for a trike as well as Harley. Proves that some minds are seeing the future.
Response 7 - Yes all the way to 15. AND SAFE !!!!
Response 8 - The MPG at this time is the result of testing in Thailand, the fuel is different there not to mention conversion from KL to MPG, EPA will be issuing the Mileage Accumulation Report soon for the Tuk Tuk and we do expect to see a much higher Official MPG Report.
I am not here to respond to all the negative responses about the Tuk Tuk, this is not the forum for that. I can only say that for one to offer undocumented, un-educated comment, and only post points of the mind as your own is a selfish act. I do recall the Vespa, (or the scooter)it did not make the cut when it first arrived, however is now a very successful company. So negative opinions obstruct positive thoughts in a non productive way. I remember when America was the King Of Industry, now it is 3rd world. I wonder if the negative outlooks are the creator!!!!!
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Chris Yonts 3:14AM (5/14/2008)
I'd buy one. I love the two-tone paint. I love scooters. I love Neighborhood Vehicles. I love specific-use vehicles. I love LPG. I love fuel efficiency. I love clean air. I love driving at lower speeds on city streets. I love being able to park anywhere. I love taking up less room on the road.
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eriktz perez 12:25PM (7/08/2008)
I am looking for information on this tuk tuk.
please send me Prices or a catolog where I can purches.
My address is 2500 biscanepark 25 street apt 2202
miami FL 33137.
cell # 305-801-3983
please respond.
best regards
Eriktz Perez
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Rick Stilwell 4:05PM (7/24/2008)
I just purchased one from Tuk Tuk North America 1971 model one used as a taxi in Thailand, this thing is (COOL) every where I go people stop me. What I like is nobody has one !!!
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