G8 Leaders to Drive GEM Cars at Sea Island Summit

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Savannah , GA – Today the Sea Island Summit Planning Organization (SISPO) unveiled the custom-designed GEM cars G8 Leaders will use during the Sea Island Summit. Joining the event were representatives of the GEM Corporation, Savannah Mayor Otis Johnson, Savannah City Council members, and Chatham County Commissioners, who paraded the G8 GEM cars under police escort into Telfair Square in Savannah 's historic district.

Each vehicle is wrapped in custom graphics representing the colors of its respective leader's country. The custom flag designs were created and applied by Digital Image, a Savannah-based graphics company.

„These cars look fantastic,“ said Barry Bennett, SISPO Director of Communications. „We are incredibly pleased with the results. Each leader has his own design that clearly labels his country.“

Mayor Johnson led the parade with one of the GEM cars designed for President Bush. Other Savannah officials followed in cars designed for the leaders representing Canada , France , Germany , Italy , Japan, Russia , the United Kingdom , and the European Union. Two GEM cars were designed for each leader, making a grand total of 18 custom vehicles.

After the short parade, SISPO Communications Director Bennett and Mayor Johnson joined GEM representatives Larry Oswald and Rick Kasper in a presentation. The cars were then transported to Sea Island in preparation for next week's G8 Summit events.

„We thank Mayor Johnson and all of the area's elected officials for their continued hospitality and assistance,“ Bennett said. „Today's event is fitting symbolism for all the cooperation that has gone into preparing for the Summit . From federal planning to local organization, the Sea Island Summit is truly a combined effort, and we look forward to a very successful event.“

GEM vehicles are classified as Zero-Emissions Vehicles. Designated by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration as Low Speed Vehicles, the electric cars measure over 10 feet in length and weigh over 1,200 pounds. They travel at speeds up to 25 mph and last 30 miles on a full charge.