REPORT: Karmann saved by VW's multi-million euro order for electric vehicles
DuraCar Quicc! Diva - Click above for high-res image gallery
Volkswagen has struck a deal worth "at least 10 million euros" with Wilhelm Karmann GmbH to keep the insolvent coachworks and specialty builder alive so it can reorganize a new company and "focus on building electric-powered cars." That's according to an unsourced report in the Neue Osnabruecker Zeitung that can be found on Bloomberg. A separate report on HLN.be says that the EV deal is worth 20 million euros, the fruits of which are expected to go on sale in 2011.
Earlier this year, Karmann showed off an EV concept called the E3 Limosine, co-developed with utility company Oldenburg Energy Group (EWE). Last October, Karmann said it would help build some of DuraCar's Quicc! DiVas EVs. Thanks to Frederik for the tip!
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[Source: Bloomberg, HLN.be]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
dukeisduke 6:12PM (7/08/2009)
Who knows, with this shot in the arm, they might eventually be able to get back into the niche car construction business.
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zamafir 6:24PM (7/08/2009)
here's hoping they will.
James 7:26PM (7/08/2009)
Volkswagen has struck a deal worth "at least 10 million euros" with Wilhelm Karmann GmbH to keep the insolvent coachworks and specialty builder alive...
I'd rather see a VWAG takeover of Karmann...
Don 6:22PM (7/08/2009)
I sure hope electric cars take off.
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zamafir 6:25PM (7/08/2009)
Doubtful, VW doesn't think they will... which kind of makes this cash injection a little odd.
Don 6:31PM (7/08/2009)
They must have some belief they will...
zamafir 6:34PM (7/08/2009)
Some belief? Sure. in the distant future:
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/03/vw-ceo-daily-use-of-electric-cars-very-far-away/
Alan 8:20PM (7/08/2009)
Of course EV won't succeed, there is *nothing* wrong with the current crop(sometimes it really is a crop!) of liquid fuels and the ICE, it's SOOOOO efficient and perfect and has no environmental impact whatsover. But, if, oh woe of woe, we cannot use GAS anymore we have HYDROGEN to save the day, it's the most abundant element in teh universe doncha know?
*HAHHAHAHAHAHAA - sorry I couldn't carry on my sides hurt too much*
Don 8:31PM (7/08/2009)
I'm sorry, but people aren't using EV's every day?
Protzenegger 7:00PM (7/08/2009)
That E3 looks like Ford's Airstream had babies with some student-designed Saab.
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Maverick Saturn 10:48PM (7/08/2009)
Tell me about it, lol
David 8:49PM (7/08/2009)
Looks like the offspring of a Fiat Multipla and an Audi A2.
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