DaimlerChrysler Media

Global Electric Motorcars Partners With Matra Manufacturing and Services to Offer GEM Electric Vehicles in France

-Four models available: two-passenger, four-passenger, utility vehicles
-Best-selling electric vehicle in the U.S. fits niche for short-trip, zero emission travel
-More than 30,000 in use worldwide


Paris, Mar 27, 2006 -
Global Electric Motorcars, LLC, (GEM) a DaimlerChrysler company headquartered in Fargo, North Dakota, will partner with Matra Manufacturing and Services to market all-electric GEM vehicles in France.

The GEM line of vehicles will be a major part of Matra MS's involvement in the Light Electric Vehicle market in France. The extensive range of GEM light electric vehicles will be modified to meet European Union regulations for light and heavy quadricycles and will be available in two-passenger, four-passenger and utility versions.

Matra MS will operate as the exclusive distributor of GEM vehicles in the French market. The GEM vehicles will bring an immediate solution to the European customer looking for alternative transportation for short distances and to reduce emissions and fuel consumption.

"We are pleased to announce this new relationship with Mantra," said Rick Kasper, President of Global Electric Motorcars. "GEM electric vehicles have proven themselves with American consumers, and we look forward to providing the benefits of these clean, fun-to-drive vehicles to a new group of consumers in France."

The partnership between GEM and Mantra also includes the establishment in Romorantin, France, of a European Manufacturing and Services platform for GEM vehicles, to establish the highest quality and service for its European dealers and customers.

Over 30,000 GEM vehicles have been produced and distributed across the United States and internationally, and are in use in settings such as city centers, master planned communities, rural areas, military bases, local, state and national parks, industrial developments, airports and college and university campuses.

"GEMs provide clean, quiet, efficient and affordable transportation. As a zero-emission alternative to petrol and diesel-powered vehicles, they can have a significant impact on air quality. And best of all, GEMs are fun to drive," Kasper says.

Information on GEM electric vehicles is available at www.gemcar.com