New Matra (don't get excited!)

[Fred]

I was just ignoring the Channel 4 news (UK channel) and heard the phrase "Matra Gem-e 2" and glanced up, interestedly. 

This is it:



Apparently our Post Office may be using them.   See, I told you it wasn't really exciting!    I wonder where these will be built since the Romorantin site is no more and I thought that Matra were building no more vehicles since the Avantime.

[Titus]

Fred,

These vehicles are made in the North Yorkshire town of Greendale (UK). They are serviced in the nearby village of Pencaster at Ted's garage.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Postman_Pat#Characters

[Fred]

Fred,

These vehicles are made in the North Yorkshire town of Greendale (UK). They are serviced in the nearby village of Pencaster at Ted's garage.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Postman_Pat#Characters

Oh yes indeed Titus, how very foolish of me ....    

[andyowl]

But is there a connection with Matra?

Neat little car!

Andy

[Fred]

But is there a connection with Matra?

Neat little car!

Andy

I think Titus and I were just sharing a Post Office related joke, Andy.  This little electric vehicle is actually built by Matra after all:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lpBqVGI--U

[andyowl]

Brilliant!

Made by Matra but where? Greendale, North Yorkshire, sounds unlikely - or have I lost my sense of humour?

How much are they?

Who is the UK importer?

I dare not show these pics to my wife "Charlie" or she will want one NOW!

Andy

[Anders Dinsen]

Made by Matra but where? Greendale, North Yorkshire, sounds unlikely - or have I lost my sense of humour?

No you haven't! You just don't have kids watching Postman Pat on the telly!


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Postman_Pat

[andyowl]

GEM electric cars are made by a subsidiary of Chrysler.

This link shows Matra (with the "Coq" logo) on the same page!

http://www.gemelectriccars.co.uk/eco-friendly-cars.php

Now I am excited!

Andy

[andyowl]

More info on GEM...
GEM Cars Ltd was formed in 2008 to meet the growing consumer, business and political demand for zero emission battery-electric cars, vans and commercial vehicles. The automotive sector is changing rapidly and the business case for 100% electric cars and vans has never been clearer.

Our goal is to help businesses, organizations and individuals reduce their carbon footprint to help protect the planet by offering a comprehensive range of best in class electric vehicles.

We are the exclusive UK dealer of Global Electric Motorcars (GEM) a wholly owned subsidiary of the Chrysler Group. With over 40,000 GEM cars sold worldwide since 1998 GEM cars are available in six unique models and are seen in cities, urban communities, universities, industrial complexes, security companies, airports, and leisure resorts throughout the world.

GEM Cars are assembled in France by Matra MS........

So who is "Matra MS" and where are they?

Can we borrow one for the next Matra Enthusiasts Club meeting?

Andy

[suffolkpete]

So who is "Matra MS" and where are they?

You need to look no further than the history section of this site.  Apparently they are still based at Romorantin.  At the 45th Anniversary event last year, these vehicles were demonstrated at Romorantin, together with their range of electric bicycles.

[andyowl]

I didn't know there was a "History Section" on this site! Where will I find it?

Andy

[suffolkpete]

I didn't know there was a "History Section" on this site! Where will I find it?

Andy

Go to http://www.matrasport.dk/ and you'll find the link on the contents page.

By the way, I was intrigued to find that Postman Pat is watched in Denmark.  You should be aware, though, that it portrays a very idealised view of the Royal Mail and of English rural life in general 

[andyowl]

Suffolk Pete wrote.....you'll find the link on the contents page.

Thank you for the link. I don't recall ever seeing that page before!

Andy

[andyowl]

More GEM details..

- Price of the basic GEM e2 is GBP 8950 + VAT (Gulp!)

- The agent has a 500 mile used car at GBP 3750 +VAT (he doesn't say how old it is - but that depreciation is HUGE! Around GBP 10 per mile of use!

- Road legal in the UK but a full driving licence is needed.

- GEM is wholly owned by Chrysler but they are assembled by Matra MS in France.

- GEM UK is based in Southampton.

Maybe we won't be going out to buy one just yet.

Andy

[Anders Dinsen]

By the way, I was intrigued to find that Postman Pat is watched in Denmark.  You should be aware, though, that it portrays a very idealised view of the Royal Mail and of English rural life in general 

Danish kids beleive that Postman Pat is a true description of English life in the countryside. Adults here learn all about life in England from Midsomer Murders

Maybe we won't be going out to buy one just yet.

Probably not... but if they make a more weather proof version, I think it may become interesting here in Denmark, where electric cars are excused from the horrible 180% registration tax on new cars!