Is FTRC dead or just gone silent?

[rickb]

I don't know........but I do know that Derwin has left the building at least until there is an announcement from PM and that seems less and less likelyo:h"we"ll1. Unless, of course no news is good news. I am leaving too only to wait for any media news on PM announcements.

I had followed VV long before the birth of FTRC. Soon after FTRC got rolling it was the place to go for for VV info. So a final thanks to Derwin for your tireless effort to maintain enthusiasm for a vehicle that could still be a reality. Also, thanks to all the members that provided hours of intellignt, informative, and entertaining discussion. Maybe we will all meet at a FTRC Rally in the BlackHills of South Dakota on our Persu Mobility Vehicles but at present rate it will be Rally on my Pride Mobility Vehicle. Cheers!:wave:

[JoeU]

rickb,

Sorry to see you and Derwin leave. sadboycrying23230I will continue to monitor the club just to see what new ideas and information the members bring up. th:c:oo:l:202 It has been slow lately, but there seems to be something new to learn about every so often.che:ers:1

[wireman]

Sure will miss ya' Derwin. No, the club aint' dead, just into suspended animation!

[WarpedOne]

Well, I'm still checking the forum every day and I'm still working on my own design. This work has many faces, here are some of them.

The first scaled clay model (10:1, unfinished):
http://dl.getdropbox.com/u/1441816/Trike55.jpg
http://dl.getdropbox.com/u/1441816/Slika0053.jpg

The study of front suspension and tilting aparatus:
http://dl.getdropbox.com/u/1441816/Okvir%20%2B%20podvozje%20C.png

I abandoned that build thred of mine as I became the sole poster. I started writing "The MasterPlan" with all build details so I didn't need that thread as idea dump anymore. "The MasterPlan" is in Slovene language so no point in asking for it :)

[Derwin]

Well, I had to log in and respond to the title of this thread. It was just way too tempting!

Is this club "dead"? Well, No. And we never went "silent" either. It is the company, Persu Mobility, that has gone silent, and caused this club to become stagnant.

Although I may not be logging onto and monitoring this club on a regular basis, I will still be in contact with Persu Mobility in a constant effort to obtain any new information.

I am as eager (or even more so!) as all of you to find out more information about this incredible vehicle, and when it will be made available. I will continue to make calls, send emails, and do whatever else is in my power to find out anything that I can.

Again, I hope to FlyTheRoad with all of you in the not too distant future.

dr:ive1)

Derwin

[rickb]

Derwin...............it is good to see that you are in fact still "actively monitoring" the "closed" FTRC. I was worried. WarpedOne.........nice clay modeling and also good to see photos of somebody making creative progress. My guess is that you will have a tilting three wheeler before the rest of us.

[Derwin]

Derwin...............it is good to see that you are in fact still "actively monitoring" the "closed" FTRC. I was worried.

Well, I guess I should have said I wouldn't be "actively participating" in the club, since there really is nothing to participate in at this moment!

Again, I'm just waiting for some kind of information from the company. And I really desire to take this club to the next level. But with no vehicle/product to unite around and talk about, this club is essentially dead.

Let's just hope and pray that Persu Mobility comes out with some kind of information soon to revive this club.

Derwin

[pharuan]

The club might die if the wild fires in Ventura County burn up Persu HQ.

[rickb]

The club might die if the wild fires in Ventura County burn up Persu HQ.
I'm thinking that the Persu HQ could be hooked up behind a truck and towed out of any fire danger. I'm hoping the club's last breath would only be if PM announces officially no PH. We all know they are testing the production vehicle as we speak and are about ready to make a big announcement regarding production and availabilty dates. =y:

[JoeU]

"We all know they are testing the production vehicle as we speak and are about ready to make a big announcement regarding production and availabilty dates." u:n:s;ure;5(
And where did you get that tidbit from? :COP: Are you too near the fires that have also burned up some MJ plantations?457gfhdfghd334

[Derwin]

We all know they are testing the production vehicle as we speak and are about ready to make a big announcement regarding production and availabilty dates. =y:

Joe has a good question... Where did you hear that? Or are you just making a statement based on assumptions?

I was just on the phone with a member of the Persu Team last week, and he did not even HINT about any major announcement forthcoming.

Derwin

[rickb]

Just an overly optimistic assumption..............Persu has had plenty of time to build and test the actual production Persu Hybrid during their long period of silence. It is the only "logical" explanation. I can only hope some of that plantation smoke catches the currents and makes it to my home state of South Dakota.

[rickb]

Derwin.................sorry for posting an assumption and sparking false hope. If I ever state fact it would be followed by the source. I must be posting out of desperation.

[WarpedOne]

It is the only "logical" explanation

Unfortunately, "no money" is much better explanation.

[wireman]

True W1, and a possible reason for that could be that the "big guys" they were negotiating with don't want to pay out cash to create a competitor.

[rickb]

Unfortunately, "no money" is much better explanation.
I feel the original $6,000,000.00 was enough to get the actual production prototype built and tested.........maybe even 2 or 3. I also agree that they need additional money or an auto partner to get the vehicle into production. I feel this is happening because there has been no negative announcements during the prolonged silence. I believe this vehicle will materialize or I have to start saving for the 2012 ETracer and that will be a major financial stretch for a retired teacher. I am in major need of some driving fun over the next few years. dr:ive1)

[cearlnot]

I live in Ventura County. We’ve had lots of fires but we have no Persu HQ that I know of. Last I herd they were in Century City in Los Angeles county. If I’m wrong and they are in Ventura county, let me know and I’ll go climb over their fence. There Century city address is a 20 to 30 story building with no fence to scale.
Earl

[rickb]

True W1, and a possible reason for that could be that the "big guys" they were negotiating with don't want to pay out cash to create a competitor.
My original thought is they are partners not competitors. Then I thought about the fate of VW's GX3 reverse trike concept that was trashed because a lawyer suggested serious liability issues with this type of vehicle. Maybe that is why PM is having difficulty getting a major car manufacturer to partner with them.

[WarpedOne]

...that was trashed because a lawyer suggested serious liability issues with this type of vehicle.

What what what? What issues??

[Derwin]

What what what? What issues??

He is telling the truth. The VW trike was ceased because of serious liability issues. They just were completely unable/unwilling to move forward with that vehicle. I think we have a thread in the club somewhere where this was talked about a long time ago, but I'm not sure.

Anyway, that is absolutely true. You can do a google search on that vehicle to find out all the details.

Derwin

[Mike kZ]

I live in Ventura County. We’ve had lots of fires but we have no Persu HQ that I know of. Last I herd they were in Century City in Los Angeles county. If I’m wrong and they are in Ventura county, let me know and I’ll go climb over their fence. There Century city address is a 20 to 30 story building with no fence to scale.
Earl

http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=36377151

[WarpedOne]

I'm not saying I don't believe it, I'd just like to know what those concerns were. I can only google out

company’s internal lawyers had the product scrapped, citing liability concerns.

But then again, PM is run by lawyers ....

[rickb]

I'm not saying I don't believe it, I'd just like to know what those concerns were. I can only google out


But then again, PM is run by lawyers ....
WO............The old articles I read were stating "liability concerns" although nothing specific. My guess is that an "auto manufacturer" might have liability issues based on crash testing a light weight reverse trike concept vehicle. This would not be an issue at all with a motorcycle manufacturer rather only typical of the type of vehicles they build. Now BMW has both auto and cycle divisions so it may not be a concern for them. Just a thought. Yes there was FTRC discussion and some excitement about this vehicle as it was nearing actual production.

[WarpedOne]

I see, so it's more about company policies and public image than actual problems. I can understand that. Lawyers and concrete minds...

[rickb]

That is unfortunate but I can see where they want to manufacture cars not enclosed cabin motorcycles. But I can't figure out why a motorcycle company doesn't jump on the opportunity to build that type of vehicle for it's aging babyboomer customer base. Also, I hope if PM is working with a big name auto manufacturer it is in fact BMW because of their Motorcycle Division and their work on the C.L.E.V.E.R. Concept. Time will tell.

[wireman]

Also, I hope if PM is working with a big name auto manufacturer it is in fact BMW because of their Motorcycle Division and their work on the C.L.E.V.E.R. Concept. Time will tell.

My hope exactly RickB. As long as the (nit)WITS in D.C. don't screw us over by re-classifying 3 wheelers under 1500 Lbs as something other than motorcycles. If they do, what would you like to bet that new Fed/DOT requirements will kill, or at least seriously compromise, our fly the road dream?

Oh, one good thing about lawyers. Howard of PM and several others have been lobbying (fairly successfully) for our favorite mode of transport, and in this they are doing exactly what they (the lawyers) SHOULD be doing. Now if we can just get them out of the PR and Engineering offices!

[WarpedOne]

But I can't figure out why a motorcycle company doesn't jump on the opportunity to build that type of vehicle for it's aging babyboomer customer base.
When I expressed that thought out loudly in-front of a successful entrepreneur (http://www.popsci.com/bown/2008/product/pipistrel-taurus-electro) his response was "no market".

I would bet the real problem is "No vehicles".

[rickb]

You are right on that "no vehicles" problem. Harley Davidson's approved 2009 patent for a tilting reverse trike design tells me they might be thinking about their aging biker base future market. It would be interesting if they would design a high performance tilting three wheel cabin motorcycle. If it was enclosed, had heat/AC, leaned 45 degrees with cabin space for a driver and storage under $30k I would be purchasing my first Harley.

[wireman]

agr:1 Though I'm still looking for a delta, if a cool tadpole tilter comes out, I won't pass by without a good hard look!

[rickb]

agr:1 Though I'm still looking for a delta, if a cool tadpole tilter comes out, I won't pass by without a good hard look!
Maybe we should lobby Harley Davidson to get moving on a production design of their tadpole tilting trike patent (hopefully they have a design team working on that as we speak) or lobby for a tilting Spyder which is an interesting looking trike. I would prefer an enclosed cabin trike for all weather riding comfort while providing for maximum safety features. I talked with the local Harley dealer and he did say he would bring it up a the next regional meeting.

[wireman]

I would prefer an enclosed cabin trike for all weather riding comfort while providing for maximum safety features. I talked with the local Harley dealer and he did say he would bring it up a the next regional meeting.

Again, precisely! This baby boomer wants his comfort and safety. And also, that's exactly how to get the corporate wogs to take notice. If enough of US put the bug in the ears of the local guys, the itch will climb up the ladder. =y:

[rickb]

Again, precisely! This baby boomer wants his comfort and safety. And also, that's exactly how to get the corporate wogs to take notice. If enough of US put the bug in the ears of the local guys, the itch will climb up the ladder. =y:
We not only want it we deserve it! If I was an organizer we could figure a way to unite thousands of Boomer Bikers to not only contact the local dealerships but contact Mr. Harley Davidson directly. Now that is assuming a market for an enclosed cabin (one seater/storage), tilting tadpole trike with all the safety and comfort options. It would probably cost more than the PH. A poll to see if there is a market for this class of trike would be interesting. Maybe a survey form in an issue of the AARP Magazine is in order. Oh wait...... maybe that's Dagne,s job.

[wireman]

A poll to see if there is a market for this class of trike would be interesting. Maybe a survey form in an issue of the AARP Magazine is in order. Oh wait...... maybe that's Dagne,s job.

Sorry rb, disagree with you on that one! My reasoning thus: We don't want ANY of RM's money, or time, being spent on ANYTHING other than getting the Dagne in our driveways! That's what some of the 6M Persu spent went into... consulting fees and polls. If it is at all possible, WE, the people that really want these vehicles, should do this work. :IDEA: I'm going to see if AARP will print an article. Suggestions for format and inclusion, guys?

[Derwin]

What is all this talk about AARP? Are you guys saying that these 3-wheel tilting vehicles are going to be big sellers for old people? du:n:n:o(

Derwin

[Donald1800]

Well, they ARE a natural extension of the scooters used by many AARP members.

Donald1800

[Derwin]

Well, they ARE a natural extension of the scooters used by many AARP members.

Donald1800

Sorry, not taking the bait! LOL! :Beer:

Derwin

[rickb]

What is all this talk about AARP? Are you guys saying that these 3-wheel tilting vehicles are going to be big sellers for old people? du:n:n:o(

Derwin
Well I'm an old AARP Member and if PM doesn't get moving I may need a scooter and you will be eligible for an AARP membership. Perhaps PM will have a reciever hitch option for my SegVator so I can transport my Segway as I tour the country on winding roads traveling from Persu Rally to Persu Rally.

Yes, I am saying enclosed 3-wheel tilting vehicles will be off major interest to old, retired, baby boomer bikers who have to many aches and pains to continue riding their Harleys....particularly with the extra biker babe seat.

Oh wait........... maybe you are just trying to make us "old" enthusiasts holler.:)

[rickb]

Sorry rb, disagree with you on that one! My reasoning thus: We don't want ANY of RM's money, or time, being spent on ANYTHING other than getting the Dagne in our driveways! That's what some of the 6M Persu spent went into... consulting fees and polls. If it is at all possible, WE, the people that really want these vehicles, should do this work. :IDEA: I'm going to see if AARP will print an article. Suggestions for format and inclusion, guys?

Actually an article about alternative energy vehicles with emphasis on the PH & Dagne in the AARP Magazine is a brilliant idea. Maybe some "old" retired venture capitalists will read the article and get behind PM & RM and actually get something done.=y:

[Derwin]

OK. Now your going to get me to bite on the bait....

It is my very enlightened opinion (LOL!) that senior citizens will be no more interested in the Persu or the Dagne than would be the younger twenty-something crowd. Actually, I think the older retired people may have LESS interest in a "newfangled" tilting vehicle like this simply out of concerns for safety. And let's not forget that a lot of older people are "set in their ways" and may not like TILTING down the road at high speeds.

No. Sorry. I'm just not buying the idea that these vehicles are for "old" retired people. I know there are a whole lot that would indeed buy one in a heart beat, but I think they are in the minority.

That's my take on it.

OK, now. I'm letting the bait go.

Derwin

[rickb]

OK. Now your going to get me to bite on the bait....

It is my very enlightened opinion (LOL!) that senior citizens will be no more interested in the Persu or the Dagne than would be the younger twenty-something crowd. Actually, I think the older retired people may have LESS interest in a "newfangled" tilting vehicle like this simply out of concerns for safety. And let's not forget that a lot of older people are "set in their ways" and may not like TILTING down the road at high speeds.

No. Sorry. I'm just not buying the idea that these vehicles are for "old" retired people. I know there are a whole lot that would indeed buy one in a heart beat, but I think they are in the minority.

That's my take on it.



OK, now. I'm letting the bait go.

Derwin



Derwin..........I would be very curious to hear your definition of "old". Sorry, you are hooked.

[Derwin]

Derwin..........I would be very curious to hear your definition of "old". Sorry, you are hooked.


Yeah, I know you got me "hooked" on this, but I couldn't resist, and I think you knew that!

Since I turn 44 at the end of this month, I certainly DON'T think people my age are old! Seriously, though, I think what I would define as "older" people would be those at retirement age, say 65 and over. But don't get me wrong... I do NOT think that 65 is "old" in any way shape or form. Actually, I would NEVER call a person "old" until they reached at least 85. Then I would say a person is old in years. But in regards to THIS conversation, the "older" group would be 65 and up.

Like I said, I think there would be MANY "older" people who may want to purchase a vehicle like this, but it would in NO WAY match the appeal it would have to the YOUNGER crowd. That's my honest opinion. But, hey, I could be wrong.

Derwin

[rickb]

Derwin...............yes I did know. The population Baby Boom of 1946-1964 are the the Boomers I'm talkin about. Potential PM customers ranging in age from 45-63. I think the Boomers are a huge market demographic for PM, RM, or any other companies involved with the idea of enclosed 3-wheel tilters, particularly biker boomers. I am on the high end of that range at 62 which is why I am hoping PM gets moving with their production plans.

I bet most of the PM management team are AARP members and you will be getting your invitation to that club in only 6 years.

[Derwin]

Derwin...I bet most of the PM management team are AARP members and you will be getting your invitation to that club in only 6 years.

Well, I'll NEVER be a member of AARP. I just don't agree with the organization on a lot of issues, but I get your point.

Heck, I hope people of ALL AGES would like to buy vehicles like the Persu Hybrid or Dagne. I know I definitely want one now, and I think I would want one no matter how old I were to get.

At the rate things are going, I may indeed be a "member of AARP" (or at least eligible!) before these are brought to the marketplace!

Derwin

[rickb]

The people, irregardless of the age factor, who wouldn't purchase a vehicle like the Persu when they are young wouldn't buy one when they get "older" because they have the same stick up their butts in retirement. Thanks for your views on that subject. Hooked and released.

[Derwin]

The people, irregardless of the age factor, who wouldn't purchase a vehicle like the Persu when they are young wouldn't buy one when they get "older" because they have the same stick up their butts in retirement.

I think it's more just a personal preference for people. It's kind of like how some people like apple pie, and some like cherry. As for me, I'm in the apple pie camp. But I'll leave that for another debate. :wave:



Thanks for your views on that subject.

Hey, that's what I do! My wish is that all the other members of this club jump in and offer THEIR views on various topics. Heck, it's really why we're here to begin with! =y:



Hooked and released.

So you practice catch and release? Well, when we go fishing, we always KEEP what we catch! :bounce:

Derwin

[wireman]

Listening in on you D, and rb, I have come to think that the AARP bunch might be a bit further down the market segment than what we are looking for. Truly there will be some in the 60 to 70 year range who rode hogs back in the day, and would like to have that feeling again, minus the wear n' tear on an ageing (not decrepit) body. Around Dallas, Tx. you often see gangs of these very people on converted Harley three wheelers on the highways, and interspersed amoung them are the younkers on the regular bikes. However, 20 or 30 of them does not a market make. Most of the rest in this age group are fossils who won't be interested in ANYTHING less than an 800 Lb. gorrilla of a 4 wheeler. They can't see, or will not admit that something under 1500 Lbs., quick as lightning, utilitarian, AND FUN can be just as safe and comfortable as their living room upholstered tankmobiles.

[FlyinLongBeachCA]

I've been taking a break ever since PM shut down the forum there, but I'm seriously getting impatient.

Recently I started thinking about just getting a motorcycle. But this past Monday as I was driving to work from Long Beach to Irvine on the 405 south bound, I saw the horrific details of a sig alert involving a motorcycle. As I passed the incident I saw a paramedic and 2 firemen hovering over someone, and the paramedic was pumping that person right in the middle of the northbound HOV lane. So now I'm back to other means of transportation.

I took a serious look at the Tesla Model S. $50K sounds OK, Seating for 5+ sounds good, styling looks great. But then I remembered, it doesn't tilt!

Aptera... well, just not my cup of tea if you know what I mean.

Dagne to me is right up there with PM, except I'm not crazy about the joystick. Other than that, I'll take which ever one comes out first.

With that in mind, I'm just waiting for Eric to get back to Derwin on his question on whether RM will entertain the idea of making the Dagne a kit vehicle.

[rickb]

You guys don't see a Persu market demograhic with 78.2 million Baby Boomers estimated as of July 1, 2005? 20-30 gang member bikers? What about the attendance estimates of the Black Hills Motorcycle Rally: 754,844 in 2000, 514,00 in 2004, 525,000 in 2005 etc. etc.. Litterly thousands of bikers and a huge percentage of riders are in fact professional people, not old retired gang members. The Boomers also have the most disposable income for toys even after the current economic slump. We are talkin about two way different groups of people here.

[wireman]

Literally thousands of bikers and a huge percentage of riders are in fact professional people, not old retired gang members. The Boomers also have the most disposable income for toys even after the current economic slump. We are talkin about two way different groups of people here.
agr:1 No, you've got me all wrong "r"! The professionals ARE the ones tooling around town here. Sorry I didn't make that clear! The boomers you refer to are the exact market, plus any under 40's who are "with it", mid-or upscale,or upwardly mobile 20's/30's looking for FUN. After further thought, I have to go with Derwin because I don't believe a AARP article will reach them. At least not in the great numbers we need. It would mainly be the aforementioned fossils. I must confess I am hot to find a way to help move this idea to reality, but other than speaking to BMW/ Harley/ Conversion guys, I have no target to place my sights on.

[MVRacing]

I've been taking a break ever since PM shut down the forum there, but I'm seriously getting impatient.

Recently I started thinking about just getting a motorcycle. But this past Monday as I was driving to work from Long Beach to Irvine on the 405 south bound, I saw the horrific details of a sig alert involving a motorcycle. As I passed the incident I saw a paramedic and 2 firemen hovering over someone, and the paramedic was pumping that person right in the middle of the northbound HOV lane. So now I'm back to other means of transportation.

I took a serious look at the Tesla Model S. $50K sounds OK, Seating for 5+ sounds good, styling looks great. But then I remembered, it doesn't tilt!

Aptera... well, just not my cup of tea if you know what I mean.

Dagne to me is right up there with PM, except I'm not crazy about the joystick. Other than that, I'll take which ever one comes out first.

With that in mind, I'm just waiting for Eric to get back to Derwin on his question on whether RM will entertain the idea of making the Dagne a kit vehicle.

Welcome to the club, FlyIn! wel;co;m;e101))

We're happy to have you as a new member of our FTRC Team!

As you look through all of the past threads, I think you will notice that there are those here that have been VERY passionate about this vehicle, and it shows in their posts! The club is about 15 days shy of it's second anniversary, and we have talked about every imaginable thing there is to talk about pertaining to this vehicle.

Please look around the club, and if you ever have any questions, don't hesitate to give me a holler.

Again, welcome to our little group of Persu Hybrid enthusiasts! thu:mbs:up:22

MVRacing

[wireman]

Yes indeed, FLYIN! Glad to have you! Bring your friends! JOY!

[Derwin]

You guys don't see a Persu market demograhic with 78.2 million Baby Boomers estimated as of July 1, 2005? 20-30 gang member bikers? What about the attendance estimates of the Black Hills Motorcycle Rally: 754,844 in 2000, 514,00 in 2004, 525,000 in 2005 etc. etc.. Litterly thousands of bikers and a huge percentage of riders are in fact professional people, not old retired gang members. The Boomers also have the most disposable income for toys even after the current economic slump. We are talkin about two way different groups of people here.


Well, as I talk to many "bikers" about this vehicle, a whole lot of them are TURNED OFF by the very idea. In the bikers world, they want to be in the OPEN AIR, and call anybody that rides/drives anything other than a bike CAGERS. Well, all the Dagne or Persu Hybrid would be is a tilting cage for "cagers" to have fun with. So, again, I do NOT think that bikers will necessarily gravitate to these vehicles. And I certainly don't think that the elderly are a target demographic to go after either.

Again, these are my opinions.

Derwin

[wireman]

In the bikers world, they want to be in the OPEN AIR, and call anybody that rides/drives anything other than a bike CAGERS. Well, all the Dagne or Persu Hybrid would be is a tilting cage for "cagers" to have fun with. So, again, I do NOT think that bikers will necessarily gravitate to these vehicles. And I certainly don't think that the elderly are a target demographic to go after either.

Again, these are my opinions.

Derwin
agr:1Although I still think some of those three wheelers would be good candidates. No, the demo would be the "civilized" wannabe's. The ones who want the "thrill" without the "chill", or those who see it as a commuter vehicle (with fun factor added) that saves them money, and helps our country reduce it's oil dependence. I'm in the latter catagory D.

[Donald1800]

I think that many here are missing a large segment of potential buyers of ALL ages. I am 71, my only two-wheeler was a Vespa 150GS when I was 21, and NEVER had a desire for a 'bike'. However, I am a frustrated non-pilot who has always had flying dreams, wanted to buy into the ultra-light market except for their safety record, but never even invested in flying lessons because of the total flying costs and safety factor. THAT is why I was immediately drawn to the VV1 (I can't stand the name Persu Mobility). Don't limit the potential buyers to those who like 'bikes' - include those who would like to fly at low altitude barn-storming.

Donald1800

[rickb]

agr:1 No, you've got me all wrong "r"! The professionals ARE the ones tooling around town here. Sorry I didn't make that clear! The boomers you refer to are the exact market, plus any under 40's who are "with it", mid-or upscale,or upwardly mobile 20's/30's looking for FUN. After further thought, I have to go with Derwin because I don't believe a AARP article will reach them. At least not in the great numbers we need. It would mainly be the aforementioned fossils. I must confess I am hot to find a way to help move this idea to reality, but other than speaking to BMW/ Harley/ Conversion guys, I have no target to place my sights on.

Wireman........I understand.......AARP was mention inadvertantly and probably isn't the appropriate marketing publication for Persu. The circulation numbers are certainly impressive though: Ages 50+ (age median range 61.6) total circulation 24 million, Ages 50-59 (youngest group) 7.6 million.

Honestly, I hope to heck that PM & RM have have a strategy in place that doesn't require our help other than to buy one when they finally hit the dealerships. It was something to talk about while waiting and waiting for something to happen. Even Derwin chimed in the discussion.

[rickb]

Well, as I talk to many "bikers" about this vehicle, a whole lot of them are TURNED OFF by the very idea. In the bikers world, they want to be in the OPEN AIR, and call anybody that rides/drives anything other than a bike CAGERS. Well, all the Dagne or Persu Hybrid would be is a tilting cage for "cagers" to have fun with. So, again, I do NOT think that bikers will necessarily gravitate to these vehicles. And I certainly don't think that the elderly are a target demographic to go after either.

Again, these are my opinions.

Derwin

Maybe PM could design a Persu Hybrid SC........Sport Coupe Convertible. Removable Top w integrated roll bars for anyone who wants that open air feeling similar to the Mercedes Benz LifeJet Concept. Something else for PM designers to think about.

[rickb]

I think that many here are missing a large segment of potential buyers of ALL ages. I am 71, my only two-wheeler was a Vespa 150GS when I was 21, and NEVER had a desire for a 'bike'. However, I am a frustrated non-pilot who has always had flying dreams, wanted to buy into the ultra-light market except for their safety record, but never even invested in flying lessons because of the total flying costs and safety factor. THAT is why I was immediately drawn to the VV1 (I can't stand the name Persu Mobility). Don't limit the potential buyers to those who like 'bikes' - include those who would like to fly at low altitude barn-storming.

Donald1800

I agree. I think age is no barrier to the fun the PH will provide. I actually liked the idea of cycling as a kid but couldn't support the weight of a Harley and then there was that safety issue. That is what attracted me to this vehicle. The biker discussion came up only because we thought the idea of Harley Davidson developing their tilting tadpole trike concept would be good for their aging boomer biker enthusiasts. Buy aging/"old" I meant 50+. I also thought that market would find the Persu Hybrid a fun alternative ride. Does anybody like the name Persu Mobility?

[Derwin]

Does anybody like the name Persu Mobility?

Persu is not a bad name. But adding the word "mobility" to it was a complete mistake, in my honest opinion. Persu Motors would be nice. Heck, Persu ANYTHING would be better than Persu Mobility. I wish I were in on the focus group that came up with that name, because I would have definitely voiced my opinion against it!

But, as the saying goes, a rose by any other name would smell as sweet. And, yes, this tilting three-wheel vehicle by ANY name will be a blast to drive. 2thumb:up

Derwin

[rickb]

Persu is not a bad name. But adding the word "mobility" to it was a complete mistake, in my honest opinion. Persu Motors would be nice. Heck, Persu ANYTHING would be better than Persu Mobility. I wish I were in on the focus group that came up with that name, because I would have definitely voiced my opinion against it!

But, as the saying goes, a rose by any other name would smell as sweet. And, yes, this tilting three-wheel vehicle by ANY name will be a blast to drive. 2thumb:up

Derwin


I'm not sure the new VV or PM was focused on the opinions of any group at that time or even now for that matter..........which is ok because it may speed up the process by having fewer opinions involved. If it tilts and has 3 wheels I'm buying one and the name is insignicant. agr:1it will be a blast to drive.

[wireman]

Heck yeah! Lots of good reasons to have one, but Flying The Road is the REAL ONE!

[travisty]

I'll just place this little link here

http://gas2.org/2009/10/05/teenage-built-diesel-hybrid-does-0-60-in-4-seconds-soon-to-break-100-mpg/

http://gas2.org/files/2009/10/philly-xprize-students5.jpg

(Date of article: October 5th, 2009)

[Derwin]

Yep. We posted a few threads about this a long time ago when Ian was still with the company. Not only about this car, but about the "mock up" of the Persu Hybrid in the background. The article may be fresh, but the news certainly isn't.

Ian gave us a large amount of photo's from the Progressive XPrize show, where a lot of vehicles/prototypes were on display.

Just as a reminder.... Persu is registered to be in the Progressive XPrize contest. It's going to be interesting to see what they actually show up with.

Derwin

[rickb]

What I find a little disappointing is that kids from west philly have an actual get in and drive vehicle on a $low budget and Persu has a push around Foam mockup vehicle on a $6,000,000 budget. I believe Persu now has a working production concept vehicle but I want to see it already.

[wireman]

Too right, rb! But, ref'ing D's post above, it's almost a slam dunk that PM won't unveil the thing till the X-Prize competition. It might be a tad earlier if the auto show circuit starts next season... before the entrants must show the prize panel their entry to qualify. Any one know the respective dates?

[travisty]

darn, sorry. I should have done more research. I thought this was a different x-prize event.... and looking closer it does look like the mock-up o:h"we"ll1

[Antjel]

Too right, rb! But, ref'ing D's post above, it's almost a slam dunk that PM won't unveil the thing till the X-Prize competition. It might be a tad earlier if the auto show circuit starts next season... before the entrants must show the prize panel their entry to qualify. Any one know the respective dates?

Pretty sure we should know no later than August 2010......man I gotta wait til August 2010.

http://www.progressiveautoxprize.org/files/downloads/auto/PIAXP_Guidelines_V_1.0_20090110.pdf