Ahhh, you can almost breathe in the cleaner air, not only good for your lungs and heart, but also for the environment. We’re talking about a car that runs on air, not gasoline and not hydrogen, but air.

MDI Group, the French developer of the compressed air vehicle, and Zero Pollution Motors (ZPM) showcased MDI’s newest compressed air vehicle at this year’s New York International Auto Show (NYIAS)  in March.

The new MDI economy/utility car is one in a series of vehicles to be developed by MDI for production in various markets throughout the world. The vehicle is powered by the Compressed Air Engine (CAE) invented by Guy Negre, CEO and founder of MDI. Compressed air vehicles feature zero tailpipe emissions and high energy efficiency and represent an affordable, eco-friendly alternative to conventional gasoline powered vehicles and hybrids.

ZPM and MDI have entered a team to compete for the Automotive X PRIZE and will display the new vehicle at the AXP booth at NYIAS. The goal of the Automotive X PRIZE is to inspire a new generation of viable, super-efficient vehicles. The independent and technology-neutral competition is open to teams from around the world who can design, build and bring to market 100 mpg equivalent (MPGe) vehicles that people want to buy, and that meet market needs for price, size, capability, safety and performance. The size of the multi-million dollar prize purse, and the identity of the PRIZE’s title sponsor will be announced on March 20 at NYIAS.

ZPM plans to introduce a 6-seat, 4-door family-size version of the compressed air vehicle to the U.S. market. The ZPM model will achieve over 100 MPGe and over 90 mph, have zero to low C02 emissions, offer plenty of space for luggage, meet all safety requirements, and cost no more than an average economy to mid-size vehicle. The first ZPM manufactured compressed air car will roll off the production line in 2010 and will cost around $18,000.

MDI and ZPM will enter two vehicles in the Automotive X Prize: the U.S. production 6-seat, 4-door family-size model will compete in the Mainstream Class; and the 2-door, 3-seat economy/utility model on display at NYAIS will compete in the Alternative Class. The economy/utility model will be produced by MDI for sale in France and elsewhere 2009 at a price of beginning at around $5,000-$6,000 for the basic model.

Enjoy this Article? Get More in our Weekly Newsletter

Sign up to receive Weekly Health Tips + Special Product Offers - FREE!
PLUS, Get a Coupon for $5 OFF at our Online Store just for signing up!

Want to see some of our past newsletters before signing up? Click here.