... again, the winner is: Torqeedo
The Torqeedo Travel 1003 has again been chosen "Green Product of the Year" – by West Marine,world's largest boating industry retailer.
Watsonville, California, 17 August 2011
Once a year West Marine invites the most important boat equipment suppliers from all over the world to its VIV (very important vendor) meeting and everyone who is asked attends. A major highlight of the gathering is the presentation of the awards for the best suppliers at the company headquarters of the world's highest selling retailers in Watsonville, California.
The Travel 1003 made it to top place in the "Most environmentally friendly product" category, just like the predecessor model Travel 801 back in 2007. In his presentation speech, Dave Ungerecht, Senior Category Manager at West Marine, not only listed all the advantages of the efficient electric outboard, which represents a genuine alternative to a 3 HP petrol outboard, but also emphasised the reputation that the Travel 1003 enjoys among users, "We are more than satisfied with the feedback from our customers. The Travel 1003 is a great product that is without doubt gaining greater market share."
Dr Christoph Ballin, founder and CEO of Torqeedo GmbH based in Starnberg, who accepted the prize to the great applause of over 200 guests, saw the award as an acknowledgement of the e-mobility movement and of what is today offered to users on the water.
West Marine draws a parallel between the Travel models and German cars. While the Travel 801 has the look and design aesthetics reminiscent of a VW Beetle, the Travel 1003 is in the BMW class. The multiple award-winning outboard with integrated lithium battery can travel for up to 15 nautical miles with a single charge, which believe it or not corresponds to only 43 g of petrol and which can propel not just inflatables and dinghies but also sailboats up to 1.5 tons. The tiller display, which also provides information on remaining range and battery charge status, shows up to 5 knots at full throttle. And all this as an environmentally friendly outboard motor that as an option can also be charged from a solar source – even while travelling. A genuine "Green Product of the Year" – and not just on green waters. With its IP67 protection class the Travel 1003 is also 100% seawater proof.