Following a recent trip to Shanghai by Aptera CEO Paul Wilbur, we heard news that the company was looking to build the sleek, three-wheeled vehicle in China. Because, "the message got somewhat lost in translation" with the interview Wilbur did with Automotive News China, the latest Aptera newsletter clarifies what he said to the Chinese media. Most importantly, while Aptera is looking for production help to build the 2e model in China, the vehicles built there will be sold in China. "We have no plans to build U.S. vehicles in China, and plans for the rest of the world markets have yet to be defined," the newsletter says.
Another important point regards crash testing. While the article said that the 2e has passed all crash tests, the reality is that the Aptera vehicles "are designed to meet crash test requirements. However, we still have a fair bit of testing left to do before we can say that 'all crash tests have been passed.'"
Finally, Aptera is talking to battery charger suppliers like Delphi and Delta-Q Technologies as well as "several others that we are evaluating that were not listed." So, there we have it. Read the full test after the jump. Thanks to Andrew for the tip!
[Source: Aptera]
From the March 2010 Aptera Newsletter, Vol. 2 : Issue 3
One of the most challenging things about traveling abroad can be the very same thing that we often take for granted - communicating. Aptera's CEO, Paul Wilbur, experienced this challenge first hand during a recent interview with Automotive News China (reprinted in the China Car Times). The message got somewhat lost in translation, so we thought that we would clarify some key points.
The article says - "...Aptera Motors is now in China looking for production partners,..."
Clarification - Aptera is looking for partners to help in the production of Aptera vehicles for the Chinese market. Building Chinese market vehicles in China will help Aptera to be more competitive in that market.
The article says - "We would build vehicles here (China) and send them back to the U.S."
Clarification - Aptera plans to manufacture Chinese domestic vehicles in China. North American market vehicles will be manufactured in the U.S. at one of two domestic, U.S., facilities. We have no plans to build U.S. vehicles in China, and plans for the rest of the world markets have yet to be defined.
The article says - "I think it would be pretty easy to start production in China as most of our suppliers are here.
Clarification - It would be pretty easy to start production in China as most of our suppliers have supply operations and branch offices in China. Most of our core system suppliers are in fact U.S. based companies, but nearly all of them have a global presence.
The article says - "Aptera's battery charger is made by Delphi automotive together with Delta-Q Technologies"
Clarification - Aptera is in conversations with several battery charger suppliers such as Delphi and Delta-Q Technologies. There are several others that we are evaluating that were not listed.
The article says - "All crash tests have been passed and this vehicle can drive on freeways today"
Clarification - Aptera vehicles are freeway capable in the U.S. today, and are designed to meet crash test requirements. However, we still have a fair bit of testing left to do before we can say that "all crash tests have been passed."
We hope this helps to clear up any confusion, and next time we will buy the boss a Rossetta Stone.
Another important point regards crash testing. While the article said that the 2e has passed all crash tests, the reality is that the Aptera vehicles "are designed to meet crash test requirements. However, we still have a fair bit of testing left to do before we can say that 'all crash tests have been passed.'"
Finally, Aptera is talking to battery charger suppliers like Delphi and Delta-Q Technologies as well as "several others that we are evaluating that were not listed." So, there we have it. Read the full test after the jump. Thanks to Andrew for the tip!
[Source: Aptera]
From the March 2010 Aptera Newsletter, Vol. 2 : Issue 3
One of the most challenging things about traveling abroad can be the very same thing that we often take for granted - communicating. Aptera's CEO, Paul Wilbur, experienced this challenge first hand during a recent interview with Automotive News China (reprinted in the China Car Times). The message got somewhat lost in translation, so we thought that we would clarify some key points.
The article says - "...Aptera Motors is now in China looking for production partners,..."
Clarification - Aptera is looking for partners to help in the production of Aptera vehicles for the Chinese market. Building Chinese market vehicles in China will help Aptera to be more competitive in that market.
The article says - "We would build vehicles here (China) and send them back to the U.S."
Clarification - Aptera plans to manufacture Chinese domestic vehicles in China. North American market vehicles will be manufactured in the U.S. at one of two domestic, U.S., facilities. We have no plans to build U.S. vehicles in China, and plans for the rest of the world markets have yet to be defined.
The article says - "I think it would be pretty easy to start production in China as most of our suppliers are here.
Clarification - It would be pretty easy to start production in China as most of our suppliers have supply operations and branch offices in China. Most of our core system suppliers are in fact U.S. based companies, but nearly all of them have a global presence.
The article says - "Aptera's battery charger is made by Delphi automotive together with Delta-Q Technologies"
Clarification - Aptera is in conversations with several battery charger suppliers such as Delphi and Delta-Q Technologies. There are several others that we are evaluating that were not listed.
The article says - "All crash tests have been passed and this vehicle can drive on freeways today"
Clarification - Aptera vehicles are freeway capable in the U.S. today, and are designed to meet crash test requirements. However, we still have a fair bit of testing left to do before we can say that "all crash tests have been passed."
We hope this helps to clear up any confusion, and next time we will buy the boss a Rossetta Stone.
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