Travel company South Expeditions announced the development of its new vehicle, the southmobile, to be debuted on wine tours of Chile's Colchagua Valley this fall. The southmobile is the world's first two-passenger pedal and electric-powered hybrid vehicle to ride on roads and abandoned rail tracks. This fall, a fleet of the vehicles will be ready to take travelers on guided winery-to-winery culture tours.
Designed for active cultural travelers, the southmobile is reminiscent of a 1950's Formula One car. It operates on clean energy, whether by manpower or electric motor. According to a written release, the brainchild of South Expeditions, owner Juan Rodriquez said "I invented this vehicle because I always felt there was a better way for travelers of varying fitness levels to travel in style, comfort, immersed in the environment, and using clean energy."
The Colchagua Valley in central Chile will be the southmobile's first location. In the valley, vineyards are a short distance from one another and between them, one can enjoy the local culture, interact with locales and enjoy the region's amenities.
The southmobile is part of a four-day itinerary which will depart from Santiago and include visits to Bodegas RE in Casablanca Valley and Pablo Neruda's house (Isla Negra), before heading to the Colchagua region. South Expeditions has collaborated with the premier vineyards, wineries, and accommodations of the Colchagua Valley to create a culturally immersive experience for guests. Partners include: Viu Manent, Montes, MontGras, Noi Blend Colchagua, and Hotel Viña La Playa.
Commercial trips will begin in December 2017 and bookings can be made from July with prices starting from $1,998 per person.