Some tidbits found on the web in regards to the Persu Hybrid

[AZEqualizer]

http://flytheroadclub.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=843&d=1241381724
Plug-in Hybrids -Vehicle of Tomorrow (http://www.floyd-associates.com/phev2.pdf) by Floyd Associates. (this is a link to the PDF file. (http://www.floyd-associates.com/phev2.pdf))

A Brief Look at Today’s Plug-in Hybrid and Electric Vehicles and the Companies that Are Revolutionizing an Old Industry
Plug-in Hybrids: Vehicles of Tomorrow
Los Angeles – Monday, April 20, 2009 – Floyd Associates, a privately held consulting firm with operations in strategic development, investment banking, and mergers & acquisitions, has published a research report (http://www.floyd-associates.com/phev2.pdf)briefly analyzing plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles that are currently in development or being produced. The report classifies various types of “clean” vehicles (http://www.floyd-associates.com/phev2.pdf)and reviews the strengths and weaknesses of some of the old and new players in the sector.
The battery capacity that is needed for an all-electric vehicle is currently very costly. A Deutsche Bank study cites an average of $11,000 of additional cost for an all electric vehicle compared to a comparable gasoline powered vehicle. Also due to limitations in current technology the range for most all-electric vehicles is limited to about 100 miles and to up to 250 miles for high-end electric vehicles.
Compared to a gasoline powered vehicle a hybrid (http://www.floyd-associates.com/phev2.pdf)uses less fuel, has a smaller carbon footprint, and has a comparable range and performance. Due to the unpredictability of gas prices and increasing consumer demand for more fuel efficient vehicles the report projects that the demand for hybrids shall increase dramatically in the coming years.


ABOUT FLOYD ASSOCIATES
Floyd Associates is a privately held consulting firm with expertise in corporate
finance, business strategy, and mergers and acquisitions. Our expert team advises
companies of various sizes on capital raising instruments, optimal capital
structures, and formation of strategic alliances. We offer complete solutions
customized to meet the specific needs of each of our clients. Solutions include
equity financing, business expansion plans, global corporate finance solutions, and
international trade strategies.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
Except for historical information contained herein, the statements in this report are
forward-looking statements that involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties,
which may cause any or all actual results, performances and achievements in
the future to differ materially from forecasted results, performances, and achievements.
Floyd Associates undertakes no obligation to publicly release the result of
any revisions to these forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect
events or circumstances after the date of this report, or to reflect the occurrence of
unanticipated events or changes in the Company’s plans or expectations.
DISCLAIMER: FLOYD ASSOCIATES AND PERSU MOBILITY ARE
FORMALLY ENGAGED IN AN AGREEMENT PURSUANT TO WHICH
FLOYD ASSOCIATES SHALL ASSIST PERSU MOBILITY WITH
POTENTIAL CAPITAL RAISING AND/OR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
ACTIVITIES.
9595 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 700, Beverly Hills, CA 90212, USA T +1 (310) 300-0890 F +1 (310) 273-2662 info@floyd-associates.com (info@floyd-associates.com) floyd-associates.com

[AZEqualizer]

OpenSecrets.org had this lobbying effort to report by Persu Mobility via Holland & Knight- Lobbying report (http://soprweb.senate.gov/index.cfm?event=getFilingDetails&filingID=CB052623-A591-44AA-86B1-76874F3DE978)

So, it would seem there is some activity going on in the background.

Plug in America had this to report on Stimulus Federal Incentives (http://action.pluginamerica.org/t/5960/content.jsp?content_KEY=5591)

Stimulus Bill Breakdown - $14.4B for Plug-Ins


10% separate consumer tax credit for 2-3 wheeled vehicles (up to $25,000 for a $2500 tax credit). This incentive helps the most affordable and already available vehicles including electric motorcycles (Zero Motorcycles, Vectrix, Brammo, Mission Motors, etc.) and enclosed 3 wheelers like Aptera, Persu Mobility, and Myers Motors. Vehicles must have a minimum of 2.5 kWH or battery energy. Sunsets 12/31/2011. (H.R.1 - Section 1142)

[WarpedOne]

Persu is led by James Selwa, an industry veteran who has
served as an executive in many very successful luxury
brands. He has also orchestrated the development of two
standalone businesses‐one for Maserati N.A. and the other a
start up for Rolls‐Royce Motor Cars N.A. He was also the
former President/CEO & Owner of Lotus Cars USA. The other
members of the executive team are all composed of
successful automotive veterans with extensive industry
experience.

Did we know of this James Selwa or is this a news?

[AZEqualizer]

News to me.... lots of different info in the PDF... and it must be pretty new data as the dating in it is has info from:

On March 19, 2009 President Obama unveiled a $2.4 billion grant
program to aid electric cars while visiting a testing center in
Pomona, CA.
I do see an article on Autoblog (http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/25/maserati-na-chief-selwa-quits/) showing that: Maserati North America revealed that its CEO James G. Selwa was leaving the company, dated Feb of 2008

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/02/james_selwa.jpg


The part I didn't like from the PDf was the projected date of production-

The Persu Hybrid is projected to go into production in 2012 and will have an
estimated base price of about $25,000.

But who knows I just hope it doesn't go further out than that (my real hope is that I can have one sooner but oh well we wait and see) and of course we don't know the parameters of this info (Nation wide vs Calif or who knows) After all this is fluff to get investments I would guess. At least the pricing is still in the projected good range. But like I said the whole discription is a bit different from other stuff we have found - again it could all be financing hype of one form or another:


Persu Mobility (Los Angeles, California) is the manufacturer of
the Persu Hybrid a two‐passenger, three‐wheel plug‐in hybrid
vehicle. It is expected to have a zero‐to‐sixty of less
than 6 seconds, an all electric range of 20 miles, a hybrid
range of approximately 500 miles and fuel efficiency of approximately 100
mpg. It is produced by Persu Mobility in collaboration with world
class strategic partners and employs the innovative “tilting”
technology licensed from Carver Engineering. The Persu Hybrid is
projected to go into production in 2012 and will have an
estimated base price of about $25,000.

[cobraphx]

I find it encouraging that James G. Selwa is now CEO of Persu Mobility. Ian was the Visionary that brought the idea from napkin through to design, and it looks like James is the choice to take the design to production. This often happens in startup companies, it isn't unheard of for them to go through 3-4 CEOs getting from the inspired spark to volume production. Each stage requires a bit different skill set. The guys that are great at managing suppliers and thousands of employees, usually aren't great at or satisfied running a small team of designers taking an idea through design.

[Mark Tomlinson]

I bet I know why Ian left.

From the PDF (http://www.floyd-associates.com/phev2.pdf):

Persu Mobility is planning to outsource most of the
production of the Persu Hybrid to experienced firms in the
automotive industry and so will be less capital intensive than
most of its competitors and will be able to provide a faster
time to market.

[Derwin]

I bet I know why Ian left.

From the PDF (http://www.floyd-associates.com/phev2.pdf):

I don't get it, Mark. Why would Ian leave because of this?

[Mark Tomlinson]

Ian appears to me like I guy who wouldn't want to out-source everything. Remember the early assembly plant ideas? The vision was that assembly plants would pop up all over - even in the backs of stores. But when talk of moving work to Detroit came up, Ian grew unhappy. I think he saw this as his baby, and when the drive train design started getting out-sourced we could feel the tension. Visionaries are like that; ideas are children and it's hard to let them go.

[AZEqualizer]

Posted - May 12, 4:28 AM (http://www.examiner.com/x-7102-LA-Alternative-Transportation-Examiner~y2009m5d12-Pursuing-Mobility-3wheels-at-a-time) Another source giving "a projected debut in 2012":

Pursu-ing Mobility, 3-wheels at a time
LA Alternative Transportation Examiner (http://www.examiner.com/x-7102-LA-Alternative-Transportation-Examiner) Matt Kelly
http://image.examiner.com/images/blog/wysiwyg/image/Splash_8.jpg
This past week while chatting with The Courage Group (http://www.couragegroup.com/)'s urban planner Ray Gordon (http://twitter.com/RayJGordon), who writes a blog Courageous Futures (http://www.courageousfutures.com/blog1/), I had the good fortune to meet Howard Levine (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/03/21/new-york-2008-venture-vehicles-howard-levine-on-the-future-of/), founder and COO of Persu Mobility (http://www.persumobility.com/). Formerly Venture Vehicles (http://xprizecars.com/2008/06/venture-vehicles-ventureone.php), the company is working on producing a PHEV (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plug-in_hybrid), similar to the U.K.'s Carver (http://www.carver-worldwide.com/Home/Index.asp?nc=1), yet using a totally new platform significantly more advanced and specifically engineered to OEM-type standards, making it street legal in the USA.

Powered by a hybrid power plant, the company's ULV or Urban Life Vehicle (http://www.examiner.com/x-7102-LA-Alternative-Transportation-Examiner~y2009m4d16-The-Evolution-of-Personal-Mobility-Vehicles) is rated at 75 miles per gallon (the actual figure is expected to be closer to 100mpg) with a top speed approaching 100mph, and at about four feet wide, it also can maneuver in traffic much like a motorcycle, while the enclosed cabin keeps the elements at bay.

The 3-wheeler uses a patented Dynamic Vehicle Control (http://www.atlc.nl/technical/dvc.html) system or DVC™ tilting technology, utilizing a combination of hydraulic and mechanical technologies, thus eliminating the stability issue inherent in non-tilting three wheel vehicles and providing high reliability and quick response. The advantage of these vehicles is that they are lighter weight, use less materials and smaller batteries, and are more aerodynamic.

http://image.examiner.com/images/blog/wysiwyg/image/persu-technology.jpg
It's low drag coefficient and plug in capabilites provide an all electric range of at least 20 miles and a total driving range at least 400 miles on a six-gallon tank of gas, and has a rumored price tag of around $25k.

The company remains in stealth mode as it works to solve it's main challenge: engineering the vehicle's production methods to achieve U.S. reliability and durability standards in volume.

You see, it's incredibly expensive to build a vehicle to U.S. standards. We Americans sometimes forget the millions of dollars it takes to tool a plant for precision metal fabrication, or other materials for that matter, for seamless fit and finish, let alone the R&D costs.

Two key elements to the company's success came when Gov. Schwarzenegger signed a bill giving their vehicle HOV lane access in California and President Obama’s stimulus package that includes a tax credit (against income and alternative taxes) for consumers who purchase 2-wheel or 3-wheel plug-in hybrid or electric vehicles having an onboard battery capacity of at least 2.5 kilowatt hours. The credit is for 10% of the cost of any qualified vehicle up to $2500. This is a significant policy step for the advancement of alternative vehicles and 3-wheel plug-in hybrids in particular.

With a projected debut in 2012, we'll be waiting and watching to learn more about this ULV, a vehicle I already LUV.

For more info: Visit the company's website www.flytheroad.com (http://www.flytheroad.com/) or to sign on to their preregistration list (at no cost) to learn more about their future plans.

[AZEqualizer]

This PDF (http://www.projectgetready.com/docs/Companies%20in%20the%20plug-in%20space%2004:20:2009.pdf) dated April 17, 2009 shows a only in CA 2010 Date. The site is Project Get Ready.

Vehicles

2010
Pininfarina B0 (EV)
BYD E6 (EV)
Chevy Volt (EREV)
Daimler Smart EV (pilot testing now in the U.K.) (EV)
Ford Transit (EV)
Lightning GT (available in the U.K.) (EV)
Miles Electric XS500 (EV)
Optimal Energy Joule (EV)
Persu Mobility (only in California) (PHEV)
Saturn Vue (PHEV)
Toyota Prius Plug-in (PHEV)
Visionary Vehicles (PHEV)


What is Project Get Ready? (http://projectgetready.com/uncategorized/what-is-pgr)

Project Get Ready is a non-profit initiative led by Rocky Mountain Institute, in conjunction with a wide array of partners and technical advisers. Project Get Ready will:
* Create a dynamic “menu” of strategic plug-in readiness actions including the “business case” for each action.
* Provide a web database of American and international plug-in readiness activities.
* Convene at least 20 cities as well as technical players regularly to discuss their lessons learned and best practices, and report these conversations on our website and materials.

[AZEqualizer]

Here’s another video pitch (May 7, 2009)that has come in for Virgin Atlantic’s PitchTV. This one is for the Persu Hybrid (http://blip.tv/play/AfulL5P_dA):http://blip.tv/play/AfulL5P_dA looking for Schedule B funding.

Richard Branson - Business Stripped Bare (http://entrepreneur.virgin.com/2009/05/07/pitchtv-persu-hybrid/)


Ian Bruce - May 12th, 2009

“Intensive”: Not that we’ve noticed. In fact, the typical reaction we get from people who’ve driven it is that it’s the best of both. (motorcycle and car)

Diana B: It’s being engineered and built in Michigan. Way ahead of you. (response to:Would be great if it were to collaborate with Detroit )

Mark P: It’s a meter wide, and classified as a motorcycle. Two Persu’s fit in one parking slot.(response to: it lacks the advantages a motorbike)

[Derwin]

Well, since it has now been made public, I guess there's no harm in me saying that Scot told me "off the record" that they were making the rounds in search of more funding. He specifically told me not to post anything about it, but it's obviously out there now, so I see no harm in verifying it. I just hope that they succeed!

[AZEqualizer]

Funny attitude... but I guess that is the funding arena!!!??!!

I guess not having to go out for an investor in these times I have no clue. But I would have thought you would want to spout the advantages of this thing and throw it out there as much as possible to get that evasive money to get invested in the Next Generation of Vehicles.

I guess I just don't get it ... I would be on every TV show that had anything to do about Cars, News, Environment etc. And get every Celebrity Gear head behind me -Like Jay Leno etc. Why can't the conservative old school vehicle idiots get the heck out of the way and let someone with new eyes help develop something like this. As a matter of fact I would pitch it to every motorcycle manufacturer ... especially US ones (cough* Harley *Cough) because this would make all of their big touring bikes mostly dinosaurs and they could kill their competition (and they don't have the 'Liability' mind set since they make something less safe than this). I mean it's not like anytime something like this has been shown at a car show or the repeated design studies have come out with a similar thing that the interest hasn't been there ... and I mean big time. But then what the heck do I know.

[rogwild]

I guess also since it was made public, I can confirm that Ian told me that BMW Designworks did the initial design (almost two years ago).

Perhaps this is Very GOOD news, since it would seem to indicate that Series 'A' is complete (which would include an 'OPERATIONAL' Prototype),.......but you know what they say about people who 'ASS-U-ME'!
But then again, IF they do in fact have an OPERATIONAL PROTOTYPE, why use an animation to 'sell' the vehicle? You would think that people would be more apt to invest in an actual 'moving/tilting' vehicle; than a 'cartoon' and a foam mockup.

[Derwin]

Your sarcasm kills me, roger! r:o:f:l:2:2:1

I have gained the confidence of some at Persu, and we have had several discussions about things that are going on behind the scenes. This is one of the reasons I have not been "crucifying" them for the lack of information! I'm still upset as to the timetable, but I am very confident that this will come to market.

But, yes, AZE, I don't get it either. If they would simply go around town with one of the Carver vehicles they have (as Ian did on a few shows!), and tell people that they are creating a Hybrid version, I think it would stirr people up quite a lot. Financing would/should not be a problem. But, hey, what do we know, right?

Derwin

[AZEqualizer]

yea but the operational prototype may not have a skin at this point so A it looks ugly and B it may give away to much of the guts. But that is just a SWAG

[MVRacing]

Here’s another video pitch (May 7, 2009)that has come in for Virgin Atlantic’s PitchTV. This one is for the Persu Hybrid (http://blip.tv/play/AfulL5P_dA):http://blip.tv/play/AfulL5P_dA looking for Schedule B funding.

Richard Branson - Business Stripped Bare (http://entrepreneur.virgin.com/2009/05/07/pitchtv-persu-hybrid/)

Great find AZE. I did some interesting reading on the Magna Steyr web site ... unfortunately nothing specific on the Persue.

Also interesting in the video was the flash of "20,000 + preorders as of 4/15/2009"

[Derwin]

Also interesting in the video was the flash of "20,000 + preorders as of 4/15/2009"

Is that 20,000 preorders for the Persu Hybrid?

[MVRacing]

Is that 20,000 preorders for the Persu Hybrid?

I would say so... it was in the Pursue video. I put in quotes what was on the screen.

[rogwild]

First I've heard of Magna Styer, but seems like a nice 'fit' if they are working on the project.
http://www.worldcarfans.com/9090302.027/magna-steyr-mila-ev-concept-details-and-photos-released

Home to the expertise in system integration built up over many years, complete-systems provider Magna Steyr of Magna International, Canada, offer the industry a platform requiring no further development and a concept optimised for alternative drive technology, be it electric power or natural gas, fuel cells or hybrid drive. Its immediate availability shortens lead production times and with Magna Steyr at the helm as manufacturing partner, all versions can be made on Magna's well-proven Flex Plant concept single production line.

[rogwild]

Seems like they also have expertise in the EV/Hybrid area:


Component and system development: drive for electric vehicles
As early as in the 1980s, MAGNA STEYR looked into the option of alternative drives. An innovative drive concept for electric vehicles was then developed, for example. It included the engine and transmission control prototype with integral charging function and microprocessor control, development of the entire software required and specification of the engine performance data. Its transmission was an electronically controlled, mechanically shifting two-gear model based on a manual gearbox without a clutch and synchronous elements with an integral parking lock. The electric motor was a rugged, quiet-running and cost-effective asynchronous motor, which was liquid cooled like the electronic system. Its electronic system consisted of a central control and monitoring unit for all functions in the motor, gearbox, battery, charger and driver information. The motor passed the on-road test in an electric taxi that operates in Graz.

Also good to see that PM's 'estimated' selling price has not 'creeped-up' too far ($23,000)......yet!

[AZEqualizer]

If The Lumeneo Smera, can get the money to bring this little tilting, electric skateboard, (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/05/17/lomeneo-smera-new-french-electric-car-on-sale-for-24-500-euros/) to market- albeit over priced at 24,500 euros ($33k US) I am amazed that Persu isn't fending off backers with a stick. There is something wrong with that they aren't. Lack of foresight or two much holding back competitive tech?

(0-60 in eight seconds, has a top speed of 80 mph and has a range of about 90 miles from a 144 volt lithium ion battery LWH: 8ft /2.6ft /4.8ft)

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/2008/03/smera.jpg
There have been a couple of threads on the club site about it. Autobloggreen has a new article stating that it is making the rounds in France and Monaco and can be purchased today in Paris and the rest of Europe in 2010.

[Derwin]

Wow! That's a pretty nice little bugger!

I found these videos about it...

GGtbg0Skv8o

UXKa4xyFHPY

Only a 20 degree tilt, though. But still nice.

Derwin

[AZEqualizer]

Wont ever see it here unless they turn it into a NEV... got 4 wheels so it is a car.

[AZEqualizer]

This article on Autobloggreen: (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/02/calmotors-launches-into-the-electric-and-hybrid-powertrain-marke/) Jun 2nd 2009

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/2009/06/calmotors-components-from-parker.jpg

...the folks at CalMotors have also designed the hybrid powertrain for the "Urban Life Vehicle (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/08/venture-vehicles-is-now-persu-mobility-and-makes-an-urban-life-v/)" by Persu Mobility (http://www.autobloggreen.com/category/venture-vehicles/) (formerly Venture Vehicles) as well as other unique electric vehicles.

This is from the Calmotors site: (http://www.calmotors.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=394)

Venture Vehicles :Ultra high mileage, two passenger comfort, fun to drive; these are a few of the goals of this ambitious program from Venture Vehicles (now called Persu Mobility). CalMotors designed the hybrid powertrain for this three-wheeled sporty vehicle. Persu Mobility has the goal of reaching 100mpg at a price point under $20,000 with its base model. This application required an extensive engineering effort to design components that would fit inside its tiny powertrain compartment and would meet the high volume price points necessary to offer the entire vehicle at such a low price.
http://www.calmotors.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=397&g2_serialNumber=2
http://www.calmotors.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=401&g2_serialNumber=2

I don't know how relevant this is to the current design since things are kept mostly in the dark right now.

[ziggy951]

Wont ever see it here unless they turn it into a NEV... got 4 wheels so it is a car.

Doesnt Clooney have one of those? Or was it a different one that just looked similar?


Z

[rogwild]

Clooney had a TANGO (0-60 in 4 sec.) back in 2006.:burning:rubber:
http://www.electrifyingtimes.com/ClooneyTango_Woodbury1.jpg
I believe he now has a TESLA (instead of, or probably in addition to)
The Tango, which does NOT TILT (at least not on purpose) has a very low CG due to the batteries down low.dr:ive1)

[cobraphx]

Certainly looks like things are still progressing at Persu.

[WarpedOne]

Looks like Ian Bruce is stil lurking around. He posted this at autobloggreen as a reply:

CalMotors is terrifically talented in all aspects of hybrid/electric vehicle drive systems -- I hired them to develop the first hybrid prototype for VentureOne (Persu), and have every confidence they'll be successful here. They're smart, resourceful, and simply great people to work with.

[ziggy951]

So yeah, lets use the techniques used at the Aussie university to make a 500-700lb chassis and put one of these (http://www.calmotors.com/products.php?category=products&page=sportscar) in it. Now all we need is a battery system, or are we going with some sort of genset. :) Yum Yum, 6.2lb per horsepower (constant, not max). That beats a few Ferraris!


Z

[rogwild]

Certainly looks like things are still progressing at Persu.
I sure HOPE so, but Cal Motors, was brought on board back in the 'Ian Era' and all their pictures and data (100mpg and under $20,000) are from the 'Series Hybrid' stage with the OLD SANDRAIL. The AutoBlogGreen article was really about their dealings with Parker Hannifin Corporation, and not about any current progress on the Persu Hybrid.

A 'ray of hope' is that they also produce 'parallel hybrid' systems, and Ian still has confidence in them.

[wireman]

'Nother ROH in the quote Rog: "and other electric vehicles". This could be a way for us Open Source guys to get a fully designed and integrated powertrain off-the-shelf. Since it was meant for the PH, and we're trying to do a cheaper kit version, if they will offer the package to the public then it would be JUST WHAT WE NEED! Then "our engineering team" would be way ahead. I hope it's so!

BTW, I will be posting to Open Source shortly with a description of my design. Everybody feel free to critique.
Sorry I can't give you drawings yet, but i'm dancing as fast as I can!

[rogwild]

'Nother ROH in the quote Rog: "and other electric vehicles". This could be a way for us Open Source guys to get a fully designed and integrated powertrain off-the-shelf. Since it was meant for the PH, and we're trying to do a cheaper kit version, if they will offer the package to the public then it would be JUST WHAT WE NEED! Then "our engineering team" would be way ahead. I hope it's so!

I also like their 'array of power options', from the 'sub-compact', through the 'mid-sized', up to the 'sports car' applications. Hopefully, it would be an easy 'swap out' option to go from an economy kit, to a performance kit. Or maybe choose an all EV, serial or parallel hybrid power train. Just make sure that the 'plans' allow room for the different sizes, and that the frame/steering/tilt/brake components can be 'beefed-up' to handle the extra weight/power.

[wireman]

10/4 ROG. Ref. Open Source.