GM's Car Of The Future Unveiled: Two People, Range 25 Miles

Bertel Schmitt
by Bertel Schmitt


Shanghai is in the grips of pre-Expo frenzy. Shanghai’s Finest are closing down all world famous adult entertainment establishments to present a clean Shanghai from May 1 to October 31 – no red rope treatment, except at the show entrance . General Motors, corporate citizen of Shanghai, unveiled a new electric concept car to up its image as a supplier of non-polluting cars tailored to keep the crowded mega-cities of the future green and clean. Did I say “car?” It looks more like an overgrown Segway scooter. Or something that escaped the Sunday Funnies, AD 1968 …

According to Reuters, “GM showcased the EN-V, or “Electric Networked-Vehicle,” at a pavilion that it will share with its China joint venture partner, SAIC Motor Corp, during the World Expo.”

The two-seater EN-V, will communicate “with other cars” (if so equipped) “to help avoid accidents and ease traffic in congested major cities.” But don’t worry, it will “not hit showrooms for another 10 to 20 years, and would require regulatory changes for it to be allowed on roads.” Even if it would, it wouldn’t get far: “The three versions of the EN-V, powered by electric motors, can go about 40 km (25 miles) on a single charge.”

What’s wrong with GM? Come on, BYD wants to get 200 miles on a single charge this year with their E6 – if they ever deliver it. Can’t you do better, GM, in 10 to 20 years, at least on the press release? America’s future is looking at you, GM.

Bertel Schmitt
Bertel Schmitt

Bertel Schmitt comes back to journalism after taking a 35 year break in advertising and marketing. He ran and owned advertising agencies in Duesseldorf, Germany, and New York City. Volkswagen A.G. was Bertel's most important corporate account. Schmitt's advertising and marketing career touched many corners of the industry with a special focus on automotive products and services. Since 2004, he lives in Japan and China with his wife <a href="http://www.tomokoandbertel.com"> Tomoko </a>. Bertel Schmitt is a founding board member of the <a href="http://www.offshoresuperseries.com"> Offshore Super Series </a>, an American offshore powerboat racing organization. He is co-owner of the racing team Typhoon.

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  • Steven02 Steven02 on Mar 24, 2010

    It will be interesting to see if cars like this start to compete with bicycles and motorcycles in developing countries. I could see that happening.

  • Quentin Quentin on Mar 24, 2010

    It would be a better fit for me than the $40k Volt.

  • Accs Accs on Mar 24, 2010

    Are they going to put together a nice little song and dance routine for it? Or just take it out back and shoot it?

  • GarbageMotorsCo. GarbageMotorsCo. on Mar 25, 2010

    He looks embarrassed to be driving it.

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