Denver: They’re ubiquitous in Asia, swarming the bustling streets of Bangkok, New Delhi and Beijing. Now, a company that manufactures the tuk-tuk — the three-whee-led motorised rickshaws that have moved the masses for more than half a century aims to make inroads in the United States.
The Tuk Tuk Factory, based in Amsterdam, has signed a licensing agreement with Denver-based eTuk USA to allow the company to manufacture and sell an electric version of the vehicle. The company’s founders hope the eco-friendly vehicles, a far cry from the loud, pollution-spewing versions common in Asia and South America, will beco-me the next hip mode of transportation for urban dwellers and tourists across the country.
It’s too soon to know if Americans will embrace tuk-tuks, but Michael Fox, director of sales and marketing for eTuk USA, says the company has been selling the vehicles across the country to individuals, marketing companies and food vendors for bet-ween $16,950 and $25,000.
The three partners’ other company, eTuk Denver, launched a shuttle service in Denver after receiving approval from the Colorado Public Util-ities Commission. Mr Fox is banking that the tuk-tuk’s open-air design will help it stand out.
