Alan Gibbs is an entrepreneur from New Zealand, and for years he's dreamed of mass-manufacturing an amphibious car. He knew it would work; he successfully built a one-off for himself, the Aquada you see below, nearly two decades ago. But after setting up a company to mass produce them, he ran into problems ranging from engine supply to U.S. automobile laws.
The American auto laws were the tough thing to get around, as they require airbags for passenger cars; while in the water, waves slapping harmlessly against the vehicle's hull would constantly trigger the sensors.
So Gibbs changed tack. By creating a smaller, ATV-like vehicle not subject to automotive laws, his dream vehicle was realized, albeit at a slightly smaller scale.
His new product is called the Quadski, and it's going on sale later this year. Here's Gibbs himself narrating a demo:
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