Midland firms to develop car for iPod generation

AUTOMOTIVE technology firms MIRA and GEVCO Ltd are to collaborate on a new venture with the intention of producing a zero-emission vehicle capable of matching the performance of petrol and diesel-powered equivalents.

The Government has already given its backing to the two Midland-based firms as the project meets the focus of its new low carbon, green technology manufacturing agenda.

The collaboration agreement, signed at the European Future Energy Forum in London, will see MIRA’s advanced engineering, research and testing expertise utilised in a concept Global Electric Vehicle (GEV).

Starting with the compact four-seat e-city, the eventual vision is to create a series of electric vehicle platforms with multiple applications – all of which follow GEVCO’s Zero Technology Compromise philosophy and incorporate lightweight, recyclable materials alongside next generation powertrain and energy storage technologies.

Unlike other concepts, the e-city is intended to be a commercially viable mass-market vehicle capable of competing with vehicles powered by existing technology.

MIRA chief executive George Gillespie said the project would herald a new generation of electric vehicles.

“Over the coming months a joint MIRA / GEVCO team, based at our global headquarters in Warwickshire, will be applying the advanced technologies and designing concepts capable of meeting global homologation as well as market specific needs,” he said.

The advantage of the collaboration is that GEVCO’s concept will dramatically reduce the cost and risk of entry into the competitive e-motive sector.

The ‘white label’ aspect of the design means major international corporations can ‘own brand’ the vehicles. This will give them the option of selling into any territory – the businesses do not even have to be traditional automotive manufacturers.

Steve Woolley, GEVCO founder and chief executive, said: “This collaboration will lead to the creation of a vehicle that achieves a step-change in the way society views personal mobility. We aim to create a Global Electric Vehicle that is technologically advanced, can be personalised to reflect people’s lifestyles and social values but is also cool and fun to drive – a car for the iPod generation.”

Mark Prisk, Minister for Business & Enterprise, added: “GEVCO’s partnership with MIRA will benefit from the British motor industry’s strong research & development skills and technical know-how and will produce a vehicle that could be successful all over the world. It is an example of the type of company the UK needs. I wish them luck in the future.”

 

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