G-Wiz Virus Spreading Fast
by Sami Grover, Carrboro, NC, USA 
on 07.21.07
GoinGreen is the London-based company behind the success of the quirky-looking, but increasingly popular, G-Wiz electric car. As we saw in our interview with GoinGreen Managing Director Keith Johnston here and here, the company has followed a radically different model compared to the average car dealership, using viral marketing techniques, and refusing to invest in either advertising or showrooms.
Looking at the news section of the company’s website (and the streets of London), it seems that this approach may be paying off. May and June were apparently record months for deliveries of the G-Wiz, with over 150 vehicles hitting the streets in these two months alone. While these number would be pitiful for any regular car dealership, GoinGreen’s low-overheads approach is allowing them to slowly but surely increase their sales of a radically different product. The cars popularity is being helped by celebrity endorsements - Jerry Hall has just become a proud owner, and TV presenter Jonathan Ross has just taken delivery of his second G-Wiz. For the first time since the car began being marketed in London, the company is claiming that there is currently no wait for one of these efficient, nippy town cars. It looks like the G-Wiz virus may be in danger of becoming an epidemic. ::GoinGreen:: via site visit::
Follow @TreeHugger on Twitter & get our headlines with @TH_rss!
Thirsty for more? Check out these related articles:
- Nissan Electric Cars are Coming to Your Town!
- 7 Ways the Troubled Automotive Industry Could Change Your Car and Your Commute
- How to Electric Car Charge Anywhere with a 50-Foot Extension Cord
- Increase the Life of Your Car, Gas Mileage by Using The Correct Motor Oil
- Green Glossary: Green Super Model
- Will London be the World's Greenest City?
Little electric cars are cool, but I'd like to see a compromise: A two seater with enough space for 4 grocery bags in back. Is anyone doing that?
-------
Author's comment
The G-Wiz is actually a 4 seater, though the rear seats are really only designed for small children, or grocery bags we guess. Certainly should be enough room to take your shopping home in - I know of a friend who squeexed four adults into one, though she said it wasn't much fun.
The G-Wiz isn't a car, it's a quadricycle, which means it doesn't have to meet crash test standards. I'd encourage many more people to drive them, so long as they're not somebody I love, because bad things will happen to them - http://www.topgear.com/content/news/stories/1832/
When will we get decent electric cars like this in the US? I'm really tired of reading about non-existant green options. Affordable solar anyone?