Current Projects: Gashopper
Posted on Jan 15, 2009 by John Zegers, Director COI for Manufacturing |
The COI for Manufacturing has been working closely with The Georgia Department of Economic Development and Georgia Tech on the Gashopper project. Ultimately, Gashopper will be a local company that sets new standards in manufacturing processes and will serve as a major export company for Georgia. Please see below for further details on the Gashopper and how you can contact us if you’d like become a partner on this project.
The center’s involvement in the Gashopper project is as follows:
- Connected Moto America with Georgia Tech (GT) which resulted in 2 engineering courses this semester that focus on different aspects of the Gashopper. The final interior and exterior design will be developed in an Industrial Design class in GT’s College of Architecture. The composite material for the main body parts, along with the process by which these will be made, will be determined in a class in GT’s School of Polymer, Textile and Fiber Engineering.
- Sponsored a COI grant request.
- Assisted, and continues to assist, in locating manufacturers in Georgia who have the capabilities to become component suppliers for the Gashopper.
- Facilitated the transition of this project to a Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) statewide project manager who will assist Moto America in locating an assembly facility and home for the Gashopper in Georgia.
- Continued assistance to Moto America with the Gashopper project in regards to suppliers, understanding necessary facility requirements and other support activities.
To learn more about how you can be involved, call the COI for Manufacturing at 706.531.6350.
Company overview: Moto America is a privately-owned company that was founded in 1983 and operated by individuals with extensive experience in the automotive industry. The original goal of the company was to develop ultra-light 3-wheeled vehicle, called a Gashopper, for resort destinations. Today, Moto America has designed a new Gashopper with everyday commuting in mind. It will achieve over 80 miles per gallon (gasoline engine), reach 45 miles per hour, and have an affordable sales price around $3,500.
Worldwide economic and fuel concerns led to a revised vision for the Gashopper that is designed with the flexibility for alternative power and fuel sources. Gashopper will be affordable for most consumers, unlike many other alternative fuel vehicles.
The Gashopper will be marketed as the safest scooter on the road. It will offer full-body construction, seat belts, weather protection, dual headlights, and interior conveniences beyond any scooter or motorcycle. Besides the many uses in the U.S., the Gashopper has many export opportunities (Caribbean resort and local use, European countries, and emerging markets) as well as the chance for consumers to easily afford a “green” vehicle without having to forego their primary source of transportation.
Find more information or view a video at www.motoamericainc.com/gashopper.html. .
Tagged: coi for manufacturing, georgia tech, gdecd, moto america, gashopper, current projects
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