About Segway
Press Releases
SEGWAY INC. SELECTS SGI JAPAN TO DISTRIBUTE NEW Segway® PT IN JAPAN
TOKYO - OCT. 20, 2006 - SGI Japan, Ltd. (”SGI Japan,” President: Norio Izumi, HQ: Tokyo) and Segway Inc. (President & CEO: James Norrod, HQ: New Hampshire) today announced that SGI Japan has been selected as a Segway Authorized Distributor in Japan and will begin selling Segway® products immediately. In its role as a Segway Authorized Distributor, SGI Japan will create Segway sales locations in Japan, offer service for Segway products, and work with regulators to determine where and when Segway Personal Transporters (PTs) can be used.
“We are pleased to welcome SGI Japan into our global distribution network,” said Jim Norrod, chief executive officer, Segway Inc. “SGI Japan has extensive expertise in robotics and high tech products, and an established sales network which they will leverage to build the Segway business in Japan.”
The Segway PT has garnered attention from all over the world for its advanced technology and design, as well as its eco-friendly, zero-emissions and energy-efficient qualities. In August, Segway launched the second generation Segway PT. The new line of Segway PTs introduces breakthrough LeanSteer™ technology and a wireless InfoKey™ controller, features that enhance the Segway experience by making the ride even more intuitive and adding new and useful functions. SGI Japan is the first distributor in Japan to market these new models, and will begin selling them immediately.
“SGI Japan is providing IT solutions based on the most-advanced technologies. As part of our robot business that we established in 2000, we decided to sell the new Segway PTs in the Japanese market, eyeing the possibility of integrating it with various new technologies,” said Norio Izumi, president, SGI Japan. “There is a large pool of companies in Japan who can benefit from the Segway PT to increase productivity and improve energy efficiency. We intend to focus on auto and electronic manufacturers, and warehouse and distribution centers. In addition, universities and research institutes with large campuses, airports and shopping malls are prospective target markets.”
The Segway i2 is the most versatile model, has a top speed of 20km/h and can travel up to 38 km. on a single charge. The Segway x2 model is designed for use off-pavement, has a top speed of 20 km/h and can travel up to 19 km on a single charge.
Early next year, SGI Japan will offer product packages such as the Segway x2 Golf, an innovative way to move around the golf course, and the i2 Commuter, a model optimized for urban transportation.
Tens of thousands of Segway PTs have been sold worldwide. More than 150 police departments and security firms around the world are using Segway PTs to patrol city streets, private facilities and airports, among other locations. In addition to commercial customers, more and more consumers are purchasing the Segway PT for commuting purposes.
About SGI Japan
SGI Japan was established in 1987 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Silicon Graphics, Inc. Currently, it develops independent businesses under the largest shareholder, NEC Corporation, NEC Soft, Canon Marketing Japan, Sony and Morgan Stanley. SGI Japan is providing advanced solutions mainly to the Research & Science, Media/Broadband and Manufacturing markets.
In the meantime, SGI has been involved in robotic projects since 2000 and developed a flower girl robot “Posy” and a mannequin robot ”Palette” with world-renowned robot designer Mr. Tatsuya Matsui in seeking the possibility of co-existence of human and robots. Also, it offers a four-wheeled rescue robot “BlackShip™” after executing business-academia joint researches, and other robotic autonomous software aggressively in the Japanese market. For more information visit http://www.sgi.co.jp/company_info/english/
About Segway
Segway Inc. develops intelligent motion control technology known as Segway® Smart Motion™ that is embedded in the light electric transportation devices it manufactures, such as the well-known Segway® Personal Transporter (PT). Segway Smart Motion provides intelligent motion control that enables a device to monitor its environment, control its motion and make decisions about how it should move.
Segway markets a full line of zero-emissions Segway PTs for sidewalk and cross-terrain use that deliver impressive energy efficiency – equivalent to 450 miles per gallon/191 kilometers per liter of fuel. The company’s line of Segway Robotic Mobility Platforms (RMPs) offers reliable, durable mobility solutions for robotic applications.
Segway Inc., based in Bedford, N.H., U.S.A, has a worldwide distribution network of more than 250 retail points in 61 countries. For additional information about Segway and to find retail locations, please visit www.segway.com or call 1-866-4SEGWAY. Media materials and digital images are available at the >Segway Press Center.