Life of Guangzhou - World's First "Solartaxi" Debuts in Guangzhou for Canton Fair Service

Guests at Shangri-La Hotel, Guangzhou used a "Solartaxi" to go the China Import and Export Fair, held at the Pazhou Complex and more commonly known as the "Canton Fair," on 28 April 2008.

During the trip, guests learnt more about the solar powered vehicle from Mr. Louis Palmer, the Swiss adventurer who ferried them there. The highlight, however, was the flexible steering wheel that could slide across the dashboard to allow passengers to take control of the vehicle, which runs at a maximum speed of 90 kilometres per hour.

The first passenger (L) enjoys the "Solartaxi"service.

Swiss adventurer Louis Palmer in his "Solartaxi" in Guangzhou.

The "Solartaxi," which took three years to build with involvement from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and three Swiss universities, consists of top-notch technologies. Since setting off for his first journey around the world in the Solartaxi on 3 July 2007, Mr. Palmer has travelled to over 25 countries and shared his two-seater cabin with ministers, journalists, backpackers and even a Jordanian prince. He will spend 39 days in China visiting universities, research institutes, environmental groups and also the Shanghai New Energy Expo.

The activity was a joint effort of the Consulate General of Switzerland and Shangri-La Hotel, Guangzhou.

Mr. Louis Palmer (L) introduces the "Solartaxi" at the press conference, which Mr. Reto Klauser, Shangri-La Hotel's General Manager (C) and Mr. Werner E. Nievergelt (R), Swiss Consul General in Guangzhou, also attend.

Shangri-La Hotel's General Manager Reto Klauser poses behind the wheel.

"We hope that by doing so, Shangri-la can emphasize to the world that global climate change requires individuals, families and companies to change. Every contribution, be it an energy saving practice or devise, an awareness enhancing campaign or new carbon friendly technologies, every activity, regardless how big or small, is needed today to preserve our planet." says Mr. Reto Klauser, the hotel's general manager.

[More Guangzhou News]