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Former auto exec takes wheel at Segway

Larry Dignan CNet

Published: 22 Apr 2002 14:18 BST

The company behind the two-wheeled, high-tech Segway Human Transporter has named a onetime automobile industry executive as its president.

Segway said on Monday that George T. Muller, former president of Subaru of America, will take over as its president effective 1 May. The company's Human Transporter, formerly known as Ginger, made its debut in December with much fanfare.

The Segway HT is a self-balancing, electric-powered transportation device that generated a great deal of buzz while under development and, more recently, on the online auction circuit. Amazon and Segway kicked off an auction in February for three of the devices.

Those auctions closed last month with three six-figure bids.

Part of Muller's job will be to turn that buzz into a real business. According to Segway, Muller will be responsible for building an organisation, expanding commercial applications, continuing product innovations and establishing the distribution channels for the company.

From 1993 to 2000, Muller was president at Subaru of America, where he revamped the organisation and focused on all-wheel-drive vehicles. In his most recent job, he was an advisor with CMS Private Equity.

"George brings a wealth of experience to Segway," said Segway's chairman and founder, Dean Kamen. "His proven leadership skills and financial and marketing prowess will be a critical asset as Segway starts the creation of a new product category."

Segway is funded by Credit Suisse First Boston Private Equity and Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers.

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