New York Mayor Bloomberg test drives Miles Automotive's Javlon in China
According to CNET, the first prototypes of Miles Automotive's Javlon have come off the production line in China and New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg got a chance to test drive one of them. CNET also reports the prototypes will come to the states in a few months, the Javlon will cost $35,000 and come out early 2009. Here is Bloomberg talking about Javlon before taking the test drive:
After my remarks, I look forward to going outside and seeing some of the latest-model battery-powered all-electric cars that an American company-Miles Automotive Group-is developing in partnership with the Chinese Automotive Technical and Research Center or 'CAT-ARC,' the Chinese Electronic Technology Group Corporation, Lishen Battery Company, and the city of Tianjin.
I will be joined by the chair of Miles Automotive Group, Miles Rubin, and its chief operating officer, Kevin Kiley. As well as by their Chinese partners: Zhao Hang, director of CATARC; Wang Xi Wen, vice-superintendent of Chinese Electronic Technology Group Corporation; Qin Xing Cai, general manager of Lishen Battery; Liang Rui, deputy general manager at Lishen Battery; and Wu Zhi Qin, general manager of Tianjin Qingyuan Electric Vehicle Company.
Assembled here in China, the cars they are making can be marketed to drivers in both our nations, and in South America and the European Union, too. The result is a marriage of U.S. and Chinese technology that is taking us forward-toward 100 percent electric-powered vehicles that drastically reduce air pollutants, cut carbon emissions, and are less expensive to operate.
Mayors have all the fun.
Related:
- AutoblogGreen videos: Tesla Motors and Miles Automotive at Green the Capitol Office Expo
- Video interview: Miles Automotive on Javlon
- Miles Automotive plugs in an all-new web site
- AFVI Show: Tell me, is the Miles Javlon $30,000 all-electric sedan for real?
- Miles Rubin, eternal optimist, interviewed on NPR
- Miles Automotive appoints initial dealer network
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Michael 4:51PM (3/04/2008)
If America made cars that were all-electric, stylish and affordable I'd buy one. LOTS of people would buy one. They don't so we have to look elsewhere.
For an interesting different angle, see the Jalopnik article on real-world test of two European diesel cars that got 33 and 72 mpg!! There are fuel efficient and stylish cars out there! There's just not available in the US!
http://jalopnik.com/356497/hypermiling-the-2007-honda-civic-22-i+ctdi-and-2007-audi-q7-42-tdi
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Dave 9:31PM (12/19/2007)
Excellent news! Can't wait to see the revews of the prototypes.
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Domenick 5:05AM (12/20/2007)
2008 is shaping up to be a great year for electric cars.
Hopefully Mayor Bloomberg can take steps to help foster their use in NYC.
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Andrew 9:11AM (12/20/2007)
This is a great step for Miles....I just cant wait to buy the car!
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Tim 12:44PM (12/20/2007)
What’s Bloomberg doing in China? Asking for campaign contributions?
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Victor 2:38AM (12/21/2007)
Completely and totally legitimizing. Exciting news, too! Mayor Bloomberg is no pushover and if he and Miles are this serious about it, then it gives me a little more hope that this is finally going to happen: An affordable, everyday, practical electric car for the masses!
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Bill 5:22PM (12/20/2007)
Crash test results?
they may look nice, but all Chinese-made cars so far have folded up like they were made of aluminum foil in U.S. crash tests.
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Nick Baumho 6:29PM (12/20/2007)
Nice to see some real news about this car. As much as I want to see VIDEO of it, I suppose I understand why they are laying low. Ultimately it may be better to avoid vaporware *puke* and wait to announce something until you actually HAVE it. I agree with Dave, this is going to be a nice year for electric cars with all the neat stuff going on.
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Al Kemps 6:26PM (12/20/2007)
Yeah that's what I'd like to see too. But you figure they are only prototypes right now. And from what I read on another blog, they are going to NCAP the car on top of the usual crash testing this summer. I would have to believe that they won't bring it to market without a five star rating, or at least a four star rating. Doing a 3 star or less would be suicide. At least they are trying to be transparent. My Tahoe probably has a 3 star, or worse...
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Al 6:28PM (12/20/2007)
I meant US-NCAP crash tests, not CN-NCAPs, obviosly.
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Adrian Akau 2:24PM (12/21/2007)
I am saving up my money to purchase a Javalon. Gas prices are presently $3.45/gallon for regular in Hawaii and I expect that they will reach $4.00/gallon by 2009. Since I drive about 10.000 miles per year, the fuel needed at 35mpg (new US standards) would be about 280 gallons/year and cost about $1100. If fuel costs should go up to $8/gallon as in Norway, the cost of driving 10,000 miles per year would go up to about $2200 even at 35 mpg.
Electric cars are known to require only about 25% maintenence costs as compared to ICE's (internal combustion motors) so there should also be a savings in that area as well.
I think that the Javalon would prove to be a good investment. At least it will provide me a sense of reassurance in the event that the political situation in the Far East ruptures. I have no wish to wait in long lines for gasoline.
adrianakau2aol.com
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steve 2:33PM (1/18/2008)
you mean he looks at a chinese car over american? This is a sorry state and why some cities have troubles. To me this is a outrage
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