Unlike the current gas-electric hybrids, Zap says its "trybrid" designs run on three sources of energy: gasoline, electricity, and alcohol. Zap has contracted with Obvio for exclusive US distribution of Brazilian-made automobiles.
"The New York International Auto Show is the ideal opportunity for introducing the Obvio to forward-thinking drivers, media and investors. Americans are recognizing the importance of multi-fueled, environmentally friendly, and fun vehicles.
"Additionally, Brazil is gaining recognition as a leader in gas-ethanol engine technologies and conserving natural resources. The Obvio is a prime illustration of these concepts.
"Fuel-efficient vehicles are playing an increasing role on the highways and in our society. Through Zap’s automotive portal, we are pleased to offer consumers overseas vehicles, like the Obvio, for use in the US," remarked Steve Schneider, CEO of Zap.
Zap grabbed auto industry headlines recently by successfully pioneering a venture to import the Smart Car Americanized for Zap via registered importers and establishing an authorized dealer and service network that would serve as a portal for future vehicles. Zap is also exhibiting an all-electric city-car called the XEBRA planned for production and distribution this year.
Schneider pointed out some of the advanced features being planned for the Obvio 828, which include an integrated chassis and safety cage using composite materials as well as the "Niess" elliptical safety ring technology.
The Obvio 828 is designed with a three-passenger bench seat, an iMobile "car-puter" with Windows compatible platform, GPS navigation and more.
The Tritec power train is designed with an "Eco-Flex" ultra-low emission vehicle system that can use E100 pure corn ethanol, or any mixture with unleaded gasoline. The power train also utilizes a continuously variable transmission.
Dealers and consumers can visit the Jacob K. Javits Center April 18-20, 2006, Zap Booth Number D, at the New York International Auto Show. For show times and ticket information, visit http://www.autoshowny.com.
Zap has been a leader in advanced transportation technologies since 1994, delivering over 90,000 vehicles to consumers in more than 75 countries. Zap is at the forefront of fuel-efficient transportation with new technologies including energy efficient gas systems, hydrogen, electric, fuel cell, alcohol, hybrid, trybrid and other innovative power systems.
The Smart Car Americanized by Zap currently complies with regulatory requirements in all states except California and four other states. Zap is not affiliated with, or authorized by, smart gmbh, the manufacturer of Smart automobiles, or the smartUSA division of Mercedes-Benz LLC, the exclusive authorized U.S. importer and distributor of those vehicles.
Zap – www.zapworld.com