The Environmentally Friendly Tuk Tuk Lands in America

Chattanooga, TN, February 23, 2009 --(PR.com)-- “These vehicles have been manufactured for 50 to 60 years,” said Jamie Hendrix, chief operating officer of Tuk Tuk USA. (www.tuktukusainc.com) “It is a tested automobile all over the world except here.”

Tuk Tuk USA officials, as well as those from the company’s marketing arm, Tuk Tuk Mania, are hoping to change that by setting up the company’s corporate headquarters in Chattanooga. They are searching for a 7,500- to 10,000-square-foot facility for a showroom and assembly area.

“We are from here and want our company to stay here,” Mr. Hendrix said.

The vehicles are very popular in South and East Asia where they originated and are typically used as taxis, but Jeff Rohr, president of Tuk Tuk Mania, said the U.S. models are faster, safer and “the most fun thing you have ever been in.” The vehicles are made in Thailand.

Tuk Tuks will run up to 55 miles per hour and get between 40 and 50 miles per gallon. Some models run on propane, and officials are hoping an electric model is available soon.

Mr. Hendrix said they start at about $7,450 and can go up to $17,900 for a model retrofitted as a dump truck for example, as well as many other work vehicles.

There are two-passenger versions and 12-passenger models. The vehicles can come as box trucks, pickups, vans and even small garbage haulers.

“The models running around in the states are nothing like the models you see elsewhere,” said Bill Schultz, chief executive.

Officials envision a showroom here that will be similar to dealerships they plan to set up in other cities in several, and Mr. Hendrix said each dealership will have a full parts and service department.

Officials said they have invested “several hundred thousand dollars” into the company, which employs seven people.

Mr. Schultz said they hope to hire between 15 and 20 more people this year.

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