Maranello goes electric (From South Wales Argus)

Maranello goes electric

9:47am Friday 16th June 2006

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IT'S ITALIAN, red and is called the Maranello - but it's not a Ferrari. A new all-electric city car is about to hit the streets of the UK's congested towns and cities. Designed and built in Italy, it has the cheeky name of the Maranello 4.

Designed around a stainless steel chassis with all independent suspension the compact two seater is less than nine feet long, has a surprising amount of storage space under the bonnet and behind the high back contoured seats, and the front opening doors makes it easy for even the tall people to get in and out of.

An all electric powered car that can reach 30mph and can travel 45 miles on a change .

The Maranello 4 is manufactured by the EFFIDI Automotive Group, and marketed in the UK by London based Sakura Battery Company.

The all electric powered car has a top speed of 30mph and a range of around 45 miles on a charge. It is exempt from the London congestion charge and parking is free in some areas. With the saving on fuel, the congestion charge, parking in London and zero road tax, the Maranello 4 could almost pay for itself in the first year for many London buyers.

"Due to the demand in Europe delivery times are typically around six to eight weeks, but our partners EFFIDI are working to increase production, so we hope by the end of this year no one will have to wait more than four weeks," said Sakura Battery's Dan Hornby.

For those looking for a longer range and higher top speed a hybrid diesel/electric version, with a top speed of 50 MPH and a range of 250 miles, will be available from September this year. For more information on the Maranello 4 visit www.sbsbsb.com.

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