SANYO 'eneloop bike' Testing Begins in Yosemite National Park by DNC Associates

SAN DIEGO AND YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, Calif., Sept. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- SANYO North America Corporation (SANYO), has provided 10 of its pedal-assist hybrid electric bicycles, the eneloop bike, to Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts at Yosemite, Inc. (DNC), the organization that operates hotels, restaurants and activities in Yosemite National Park located in east central California. SANYO, a world leader in environmental green technology, has introduced DNC associates to a new way of moving around the park without using gas powered vehicles. DNC received both the CY-SPA600NA and the new CY-SPH600NA models of the eneloop bike.

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On the use of the eneloop bike in the park, Mr. Colin Baldock, General Manager of Guest Recreation for DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite, Inc. said, "The eneloop bike is a product that has obviously taken the environment into consideration, and a product that can contribute to preserving the beauty of this natural environment. DNC associates are enjoying riding the bikes and we are reviewing the appropriate application within our organization." On a more personal note, he added, "I have been riding the bike for the last two months and love it. I sometimes look for a longer way to work just to spend more time on the bike. Riding up hills requires much less effort than on a conventional pedal bike. The eneloop bike hybrid pedal-assist concept certainly aligns itself with DNC's Green Path environmental stewardship initiatives."

Yosemite National Park became a national park in 1890, and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. With over 3.9 million people visiting Yosemite last year, it is not only one of the Unites States' most famous national parks, but it is also recognized by visitors from all over the world. With almost 95% of the park designated as wilderness, the majority of the visitors to the park spend time in Yosemite Valley, an area of seven square miles. This concentration of visitors to one location of limited size has led to concern over air pollution and the handling of waste in recent years.

SANYO's eneloop bike (CY-SPA600NA) received the "Best of Innovations" Award in the Eco-Design and Sustainable Technology Category at the 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show.

The eneloop bike features a regenerative charging system similar to hybrid automobiles, which allows the bike to re-generate energy, replenishing part of its power needs through regenerative coasting and braking. The bike is equipped to not only generate energy but to store energy as well, thereby eliminating emissions and encouraging the preservation of the natural environment. The power available from its engine is also powerful enough to assist weaker riders on hills and steep inclines, allowing for a light and pleasant riding experience.

Sam Murata, President of SANYO North America Corporation commented, "We feel honored to be able to contribute in providing one of our environmental solutions to one of the world's most famous spots of natural beauty, Yosemite National Park. With SANYO's environmental and energy-related technologies and products, we would like to deepen our relationship both with DNC and other national parks and monuments to help provide solutions that will offer enjoyment to cyclists while serving a practical purpose of preserving the environment."

About Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts

Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts is a leading hospitality provider in special places, with hotel, retail, food service, recreation and transportation operations at historic and scenic properties across North America. The company operates Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and at Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Sequoia and Yosemite national parks, including The Ahwahnee and other Yosemite lodges; Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite & the Cottages at Tenaya Lodge; Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa in British Columbia; Niagara Falls State Park; The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake in Ohio; Gideon Putnam Resort in Saratoga; Holiday Inn West Yellowstone; and The Queen Mary in Long Beach. To learn more about Delaware North Companies' hospitality management expertise, visit www.experiencednc.com.

About SANYO

SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. is a global company providing solutions for environment, energy and lifestyle applications. SANYO North America Corporation, a subsidiary of SANYO Electric Co., Ltd., is based in San Diego, and its products include solar, rechargeable batteries, digital solutions (such as digital cameras, projectors, home appliances), biomedical laboratory equipment, HVAC and refrigeration equipment, and Smart Energy Systems.  

For more information on SANYO, please visit http://us.SANYO.com .

SOURCE SANYO