Lumeneo Semera? [Archive] - Fly the Road CLUB

Derwin

03-13-2008, 07:25 PM

I like the look of that car, but it has four wheels. I don't think it would pass all of the automobile regulations in America, but who really knows.

What I would like to know is this......Are all of the people in the UK rich? Do they all have a chest full of cash in their homes? I really don't understand how people can afford $50,000 and $60,000 for such a small vehicle like this and the Carver. I thought America was the "Land of Opportunity", and people come HERE to make money. From the prices of these cars in Europe, it makes me want to move over there since it seems everybody has money to burn. :rolleyes:

I'm sure I am missing something about this. Somebody help me with this!:(

Derwin

CelticFlyer

03-14-2008, 12:52 AM

Our dollar is too weak! :confused:

It's an interesting vehicle. It's not as appealing to me as the V1 (concept), and if it leaned, it would fall over!

Miracleman89

03-14-2008, 01:28 AM

Are they serious???? That is way to expensive! I would consider it if it were maybe a third of the price but no way I would touch one for any more then that!

Charles

03-14-2008, 07:42 AM

Hi All,

I can definitely confirm that people in the UK are not rich. Our tax burden is much higher than in the US, 40% income tax, so not much disposable income. I've recently moved back to the UK after living 20 years in the states. Let's not go into the reasons for the move, I'm trying not to think about it, doubts are setting in. Anyway, with Petrol (Gas) at £5 a UK gallon (approximately $7-8 per US gallon) most of which is tax, transportation is very expensive over here. This is why we all drive tiny little cars. Anything that can get us away from the gas pumps is highly sought after. Although, having said that $30,000+ for that French piece of s*$t is way too expensive as is the price of the Carver. These things have to be built in high numbers to get ecconomy of scale. Made to order will never be cheap. Just look at the Myers Motor (Corbin), great car but who in their right mind would buy one for $35,000? It's just not cost effective, even if you want to save the plant.

Cheers and be seeing you.

Regards,

Charles

RAN

03-14-2008, 12:15 PM

I have a girlfriend in the UK and most people there aren't rich. There are many 10-12 year old cars that you can buy reasonably, and since most of them are diesels, they have plenty of life left in them.

Frankly, as high as fuel prices are in the UK, I'm surprised that they haven't already led the way in bringing good series hybrid vehicles into the marketplace. It still seems that most of the innovation is happening here in the States. The Carver/V-1 is a perfect case in point. They've been making Carvers in Europe for years with average performance and below average mileage, but 5 minutes after Ian drives one, he's wanting to build hybrid and electric versions of it. Same with the Clever. They do all the design work, build a few prototypes, then park them and forget them.

I guess that, since fuel prices have been high for so long in the UK and Europe, they've kind of gotten used to it.

Derwin

03-14-2008, 12:43 PM

I have a girlfriend in the UK and most people there aren't rich.

Yeah, I really knew that, but thought I would say that kind of tongue-in-cheek!. America IS the land of opportunity, and money flows far more freely HERE than anywhere else in the world. It still is amazing, though, how they can ask such a high price for those vehicles.

By the way, do you keep a girlfriend in every port? ;)

Derwin

tugboatwilly

03-14-2008, 02:14 PM

You people have to pay attention to the current conspericy theory I am promoting. B.P., Dutch Shell and Occedental all have people sitting on Eourpeen Auto Manufacturers Boards of Directors, I would bet the farm it is a fact. They have become past masters at disguise so you may have to really search to find them, they are there. I only wish I had kept the publication we got yearly from corporate to brag on themselves for doing so good for the employees. It had cross referances as to which Tody was on what board of directors and how well he influenced Big Oil interests. It never occured to me to keep their published lies as I had already been convenced "if their mouth was moving, they were probably blowing smoke" by how they manipulated the stocks when they bought them for the hourly employees retirement funds.

RAN

03-14-2008, 02:15 PM

I try to find the best aspects of different cultures and accommodate them into my lifestyle. One I really like is the Harem Concept =D

MustardMan

10-09-2008, 11:45 AM

RAN

10-09-2008, 11:57 AM

The back seat looks mighty small, but overall, not bad! Didn't see any mention of price though...

rogwild

10-09-2008, 12:08 PM

Didn't seem to have much of a 'tilt', except perhaps a bit in that traffic circle at the end of the video. I wonder about stability in sharp turns and at higher speeds.

RAN

10-09-2008, 12:12 PM

The website says max tilt is 25º. With 4 wheels, and the batteries buried in the bottom for a low cg, that should be decent. The Tango is about as narrow, and has no tilt, and yet they claim it's stable in turns (not sure I believe them though lol).

Hardtime11

10-09-2008, 01:08 PM

Came across this one via autobloggreen today....

http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/09/video-lumeneo-smera-makes-a-promotional-appearance/

http://lumeneo.fr/welcome.html

They claim 90 miles per charge, and 80 mph. Smaller overall capacity than a V1, but I'd buy one tomorrow if I could get it for under 20k.

According to the website 20,000 euros ($27K US approx) to 30,000 euros ($47K US approx). It is not bad for a city car. I figure by the time VV gets to market it will be around the entry price (minimum) $27K-$30K. :-(

WarpedOne

10-09-2008, 02:30 PM

And it has left AND right door!
Venture Vehicles, in your face!

RAN

10-09-2008, 02:44 PM

HAHAHAHA I was wondering how long it'd take you to see that! :whoohoo:

WarpedOne

10-09-2008, 05:02 PM

About 5 seconds :)

Yeah, this one door thing was my major problem with V1. But it was not a showstoper after all. All this recent developements wary me much more. So much that I have started to look into Carver One EV-conversion.

Gary

10-10-2008, 01:51 PM

Personally, you'd have to knock all the common sense out of me before I'd ever consider purchasing a car designed and built in France. Remember Renault vehicles?

rogwild

10-10-2008, 02:27 PM

Being a 4-wheeler It would have to pass US automobile safety standards.......Doubt that it will ever get to the US.

Baja_Traveler

10-10-2008, 04:00 PM

Personally, you'd have to knock all the common sense out of me before I'd ever consider purchasing a car designed and built in France. Remember Renault vehicles?

Yea - but as the high-production-value video suggests - you'll be able to drive on completely empty roads and never see another person unless they are a super model! I'd pay for that!! 2thumb:up

RAN

10-10-2008, 04:40 PM

Yea - but as the high-production-value video suggests - you'll be able to drive on completely empty roads and never see another person unless they are a super model! I'd pay for that!! 2thumb:up

Baja, you're a genius! What more could anyone ask for???? che:ers:1hy:per1)

AZEqualizer

05-17-2009, 06:47 PM

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

05-17-2009, 07:03 PM

Wow! That's a pretty nice little bugger!

I found these videos about it...

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UXKa4xyFHPY

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

Derwin

AZEqualizer

05-17-2009, 09:30 PM

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

PHEVadvocate

05-17-2009, 11:55 PM

http://lumeneo.fr/welcome.html

Time is running short Persu!

http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/05/17/lomeneo-smera-new-french-electric-car-on-sale-for-24-500-euros/

WarpedOne

05-18-2009, 03:42 AM

Yet another lesser car. Fail.

VentureOne aka Persu Hybrid is a better bike! Whole new world.

beeson

05-18-2009, 09:11 AM

AZEqualizer

05-18-2009, 09:34 AM

Merged threds to keep info together

AZEqualizer

05-18-2009, 09:40 AM

Warped, I agree. The Persu would be a much better product, for what most of us here are looking for. But I think his point in saying "Time is running short Persu!" Is that more and more of these kinds of vehicles are showing up. Someone's going to come up with a vehicle that might be very close to what we are looking for. For example, what if the Dagne were to start production now. It would take a big hit out of the market that Persu would be, uhh, persuing.

I think there is plenty of room for multiples of these vehicles ... it certainly makes it easier to sell everything you make when there is no competition but I think the demand will be high enough that a bunch of these kinds of vehicles can be successful. As a matter of fact it will be hard for a manufacture to keep up with demand if they are the only one.

But the hard competition is for a unknown brand vs a known brand.

rogwild

05-18-2009, 09:55 AM

Warped, I agree. The Persu would be a much better product, for what most of us here are looking for. But I think his point in saying "Time is running short Persu!" Is that more and more of these kinds of vehicles are showing up. Someone's going to come up with a vehicle that might be very close to what we are looking for. For example, what if the Dagne were to start production now. It would take a big hit out of the market that Persu would be, uhh, persuing.
I totally agree that Persu Mobility needs to 'get the ball rolling'e3MoonWalk08s8 (or at least the prototype running):burning:rubber: in order to attract investors for their $25 mil "B" Funding.
By now they should have had their 'Concept Vehicle' (not a purchased Carver One) available to demonstrate for potential investors; perhaps with some 'body panels' made from the molds that they were constructing last June/July. It does not have to have all the 'fit and finish' items (electronics, stereo, AC, power windows, etc.) operational; but should be drivable and capable of making some 'promotional videos' (not just animations, we had those 1 1/2 years ago with the old body style) to 'seal the deal'!gath:er:2

Derwin

05-18-2009, 11:15 AM

I totally agree that Persu Mobility needs to 'get the ball rolling'e3MoonWalk08s8 (or at least the prototype running):burning:rubber:...

Well, I'm one of those silly and naive people that think they MAY be closer than we realize in having a running prototype. ;)

Derwin

WarpedOne

05-18-2009, 12:40 PM

It would take a big hit out of the market that Persu would be, uhh, persuing.
You mean like there are only about 10.000 people who would be prepared to buy such a vehicle per year?
You think this is such a bad idea that only 10.000 people would come out?
That only the first will be able to sell them and then it is game over for all the rest?

This is very shortsighted. I think such a vehicle is a good idea, so good in fact that even if Suzuki, Kawasaki and Honda all came out with their own variant, they could not make enough of them.

Such vehicles are going to be big, very big thing. Two companies producing them would only give additional credit to the concept.

But the hard competition is for a unknown brand vs a known brand.
Yes, this is true. It would suck for Persu if someone big comes out with something similar.

rogwild

05-18-2009, 01:37 PM

Well, I'm one of those silly and naive people that think they MAY be closer than we realize in having a running prototype. ;)
Derwin
By "they MAY be closer" are you saying that you don't believe that they have one YET? I would think that the 'silly and naive people' would believe that PM has had a 'secret' working prototype for some time already and is putting the 'final touches' on it for release and production.;)

Derwin

05-18-2009, 02:16 PM

By "they MAY be closer" are you saying that you don't believe that they have one YET? I would think that the 'silly and naive people' would believe that PM has had a 'secret' working prototype for some time already and is putting the 'final touches' on it for release and production.;)

You'll notice, rog, that I stated that they may be "closer than we realize" in regards to having a running prototype. The key words there are closer than we realize! As it stands now, most members of this club don't even think they ever had a running mule, but I was told that they have had SEVERAL up to this point. So, I guess it's all speculation until they decide to make it public.

Derwin

rogwild

05-18-2009, 03:09 PM

You'll notice, rog, that I stated that they may be "closer than we realize" in regards to having a running prototype. The key words there are closer than we realize! As it stands now, most members of this club don't even think they ever had a running mule, but I was told that they have had SEVERAL up to this point. So, I guess it's all speculation until they decide to make it public.

DerwinDerwin, I know what you wrote (that's why I [Quoted] it), but you did not answer my question. Does your post infer that you don't believe (speculate) that PM currently has an operational running/tilting prototype of the Persu Hybrid YET? "Closer than we realize" does not indicate to me that you think they are THERE YET. Just wondering what your thoughts are. Personally, I believe that once they have an operational prototype ready to show, it will be "FRONT PAGE NEWS" in order to attract Series "B" investors, and move to the next phase. With other vehicles starting to come on line (or have projected release dates of early next year); they need to act 'sooner' rather than 'later'. I would love to see a Persu Hybrid featured (as least an operational 'mock-up', and some videos) in some of the fall Auto Shows, so people would not 'leap' for a new less exciting vehicle coming out next year.

WarpedOne

05-18-2009, 03:12 PM

You two should get married.

pop:c:r:n12

Derwin

05-18-2009, 03:31 PM

You two should get married.

LOL! Good one! r:o:f:l:2:2:1

Does your post infer that you don't believe (speculate) that PM currently has an operational running/tilting prototype of the Persu Hybrid YET? "Closer than we realize" does not indicate to me that you think they are THERE YET.

Rog, I said what I said. I never "inferred" anything except that I believe Persu may be "closer than we realize" in regards to having a running prototype." I guess you can infer what you want from that, but the statement speaks for itself. Do I think they are "there yet"? Uh, no. But, Either way, it's just my belief.

But to be clear.... I just think they are further along than what most of us believe, and for some reason, they simply are not going public. Could I be wrong? You bet. And it wouldn't be the first time! But do I believe they have a working prototype ready to come to market? Absolutely not.

Derwin

WarpedOne

05-18-2009, 03:48 PM

and for some reason, they simply are not going public.

Could it be that the reason for their later stealth mode is as AZE said above:

But the hard competition is for a unknown brand vs a known brand.
Are they afraid of some big known company to steal the idea?

If I was to choose V1 from a known or an unknown company I would go for a known one. I'd say that would hold for a big majority. Hmmm, I think I'll stick to this explanation.

willk

05-18-2009, 06:45 PM

someone call persu and ask what the hold up has been, and specifically ask not to get the well-rehearsed monologue we have heard so much.

Derwin

05-19-2009, 06:57 AM

someone call persu and ask what the hold up has been, and specifically ask not to get the well-rehearsed monologue we have heard so much.

I spoke with people at Persu about a month ago, and posted what they said to this forum. At that time, they simply stated that they were continuing with the development, and are moving forward with funding initiatives.

In case a few of you missed it, we are in the middle of a complete meltdown of our economy and the automobile industry. I am not sure, but maybe that has a tiny bit to do with the "hold up" on getting this vehicle to market. Just a thought.

Derwin