GEM Electric Cars Celebrate (Energy) Independence Day

June 30, 2008 , Fargo, N.D. -  Americans are declaring their independence from rising gas prices by buying Global Electric Motorcars (GEMs) in record numbers this year. With gas prices over $4 a gallon, GEM owners across the country are taking to the streets to parade in their GEM vehicles in celebration of July 4th.

Thomas Friedman of The New York Times has described “green” as the “new red, white and blue,” and GEM car owners are proving his point.

“Being green is becoming as American as baseball and apple pie,” says GEM President and COO Rick Kasper. “GEM sales are increasing every day with the rapid rise of fuel costs, and we are delighted to see such enthusiastic pride in GEM ownership.”

“GEM owners get very creative in our July 4th parade,” says Kathleen Montgomery, General Manager of Bay Harbor Yacht Club, which is hosting it’s seventh annual July 4th parade at Bay Harbor, Mich., one of the largest and oldest GEM communities. “GEM car families enjoy decorating their GEM cars for our parade, showing their pride in being both American and eco-friendly.”

Cities across America that will include GEM vehicles in their 4th of July parades and festivities include: 

• Michigan: Bay Harbor, Mich. - Parade of decorated GEM cars; Sharyn Olliffe at www.bayharbor.com or 231.838.2100
• Texas: Houston, Texas – Parade, games, prizes - Shadow Creek Ranch - with Radio Disney AM 1590 - 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. at Hwy 288 and Pearland Pkwy; Shannon Tracy at Shannon@uvcountry.com or 713.649.0556 / 800.649.0556 
• North Carolina: Oriental, N.C. - Croaker Festival - Featuring Ride ‘n’ Drives with GEM cars www.croakerfestival.com; Jill Mongelli: 704.607.2805 
• North Carolina: Belhaven, N.C. - Annual July 4th Festival Parade on Main Street; www.belhavennc.us; Jill Mongelli at 704.607.2805 
• North Carolina: July 4th Youth Parade and Party - Pool clubhouse at Shannamara subdivision in Stallings, N.C., sponsored by Holden Realty: Holdenrealty.net or Lisa Holden at 704-893-2134 or Jill Mongelli at 704.607.2805 
• South Carolina: Butler, S.C. (Community will display their GEM cars) (www.palmetto-bluff.com); Jill Mongelli at 704.607.2805 
• Georgia: Jekyll Island State Park, Ga. - Fireworks display; Red Bug Motors; rbmllc@bellsouth.com, (912) 635-9330) or Lenny Szabo at 407.340.8012 
• Hawaii: Kailua 4th of July Parade. Sponsored by the "I Love Kailua" Association and the Kailua Chamber of Commerce. This event is a special event, in dedication and memories to all of Hawaii’s soldiers. 808-233-6000 
• Ohio: Lancaster County Fair Grounds July 4th - Parade – Rick Arledge at 614.917.9012 
• California: Santa Monica NEV Club – Parade - (www.santamonicanevclub.com) or Mike Eldridge at 909.912.2671 
• California: Lincoln Hills – Parade includes GEM cars decorated – Downtown Lincoln, Calif.; Roger Oldencamp at 916.295.4812 
• Florida: The Villages - Lake Sumter Landing and Spanish Springs – Parades; Lenny Szabo at 407.340.8012.

For more information on GEM vehicles, please visit www.gemcar.com.

About Global Electric Motorcars (GEM)
A 10-year-old Chrysler company, GEM has manufactured and distributed more than 36,000 neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs) worldwide that are being used by local, state and national government agencies, and on resorts, master planned communities, and university, medical and corporate campuses.

GEM was recently recognized by WestStart-CALSTART with the 2007 Blue Sky Merit Award for its positive impact on air quality in the state of California. GEM vehicles have driven a combined 200 million miles and have spared over 150 tons of ozone-forming tailpipe pollutants from reaching the air, while saving nearly 10 million gallons of gasoline (and counting)

GEM vehicles are eligible for incentives and tax credits from clean-air districts and other governmental agencies.

For more information, to build your own GEM or to locate a dealer, visit www.gemcar.com.