WHEEGO ANNOUNCES GRAND OPENING OF SUNCOAST ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Susan Nicholson
Wheego Electric Cars
January 3, 2011

ATLANTA, GA (January 3, 2011) – WHEEGO ELECTRIC CARS, a U.S. manufacturer of all-electric cars, today announced their newest dealer, Suncoast Electric Vehicles, will hold a Grand Opening January 20-24, 2011 in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Grand Opening kicks off with a VIP reception on January 20 from 5:30pm to 8:30pm at the dealership, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Mayor Bill Foster of St. Petersburg at 1:30pm on January 22. Suncoast EV will offer test drives of the Wheego all-electric vehicles to the public throughout the Grand Opening. The new Suncoast EV dealership is located at 2401 4th St. N, St. Petersburg, on a street that was known as the “St. Pete Auto Mall” in the 1920’s and 1930’s.

“This area has a rich automotive history,” says Suncoast Electric Vehicles owner Richard Nimphie. “We are excited to usher in a new era, as we launch Florida’s first all-electric car dealership. Wheego offers an all-electric car that’s fun to drive, at a very affordable price. They have a two-seater now, and plan to roll out a 5-seat car in 2011 followed by a light truck. We will carry all of their models here, and are certain they’ll have broad appeal in this very ‘green’ area of the country.”

Wheego President Jeff Boyd is confident that Suncoast EVs will offer excellent service to the Tampa/St. Pete area. “Richard Nimphie began his career in the fleet leasing industry almost forty years ago and he and his son Jonathan started a fleet and equipment leasing company two years ago which they will utilize for commercial and municipal funding for electric vehicle deals. Both Richard and Jonathan understand all aspects of customer satisfaction and that will be the cornerstone for their new business.”

Suncoast EVs will initially carry the low-speed Wheego Whip and the highway-ready Wheego LiFe. The Wheego LiFe travels approximately 100 miles on a single charge and retails for $32,995. It qualifies for a $7,500 Federal tax credit, as well as many state tax incentives. In Florida, it can be driven by a solo driver in the HOV lane. The Wheego LiFe comes fully-equipped with driver and passenger airbags, anti-lock brakes, power windows and locks, and optional air conditioning. The 115V lithium battery pack can be charged from a standard 120V outlet, a 240V outlet or any of the J1772 standard charging stations being installed in public locations throughout the United States. It is available in red, white, blue, black, silver, and green. The Wheego LiFe is a two-seat subcompact car with fit, finish and features designed for today’s environmentally-conscious commuters.

Richard Nimphie has over 39 years of extensive experience in all facets of the retail automotive, vehicle and equipment leasing environment. He began his career as an account executive for a fleet leasing company in Detroit in 1971 and went on to form a leasing company in Toledo, Ohio which became the largest dealer affiliated auto leasing company in the nation operating vehicles and equipment in 44 states. Upon selling his interests and relocating to Florida, he became the operating partner for Lexus of Tampa Bay and Lexus of Clearwater until its sale to AutoNation. He received his B.A. from Michigan State University and has served as president of: the Car and Truck Rental and Leasing Association of Ohio and The Toledo Auto Dealers Association. He currently serves on the boards of The ALS Association of Florida and The Krewe of Sant’Yago Education Foundation and has served on the Lexus Dealer Council, The Hillsborough County Education Association and Board of Governors of The Tampa Centre Club. He is married with two children and two grandchildren.

About Wheego Electric Cars

Wheego Electric Cars is an innovation-driven and environmentally-conscious manufacturer of Electric Vehicles (EVs). Under the leadership of Mike McQuary, CEO and former MindSpring entrepreneur, Wheego Electric Cars has become a leader in the integration of advanced technology components. Wheego Electric Cars is one of the first EV companies to deliver affordable fully capable, street legal all-electric cars for everyday consumer use. The Wheego line of electric vehicles is emission-free, making them an ideal choice for consumers and businesses who want to reduce their carbon footprint. Wheego is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The cars are assembled in Ontario, California.

For more information about Wheego, visit the company website at www.wheego.net. To inquire about dealership opportunities, email Jeff Boyd at jboyd@wheego.net.