By John Rogers
Orem-based VIA Motors International has signed an agreement with China’s Zhejiang Geely New Energy Vehicle Co. Ltd. to co-develop a medium-duty, extended-range electric truck, that will incorporate VIA’s proprietary vehicle software and systems control technology. The companies hope to have the vehicle ready for launch in China and the Americas by 2019.
As part of the partnership agreement, VIA will be responsible for manufacturing, sales and distribution in North and Latin America.
The Chinese partner is a subsidiary of Zhejiang Geely’s Commercial Vehicle Group and is a leader in electric and hybrid drive systems with a variety of extended-range and electric commercial vehicles. Its stated mission includes “producing the safest, most environmentally friendly and most energy-efficient new-energy commercial vehicles,” the company said in a recent release.
VIA has also made news in Canada with the inking of a $80 million contract with Sun Country Highway, a Canadian company dedicated to the adoption of zero-emission transportation. Sun Country will purchase VIA-produced plug-in hybrid trucks and work vans for businesses across Canada. An order for the first 100 extended-range utility vehicles with an $8 million deposit has been placed with VIA. The vehicles are converted General Motors vehicles that are converted in VIA’s Orem plant.
Sun Country Highway has installed 1,000 charging stations across Canada, many at Best Western hotels, allowing electric vehicle owners to travel coast-to-coast with access to free charging. The purchase of the VIA vehicles is part of the nationwide Sun Country project.
“VIA Motors is honored to partner with Geely Commercial Vehicles. This agreement allows VIA to execute our strategy with the launch of an expanded portfolio of advanced drive systems and vehicles,” said Peter Guile, CEO of VIA Motors. “We are excited to be working with our new global partners to electrify the future of the world’s working vehicles.”
“Geely is the ideal strategic partner for VIA Motors, as the fastest-growing global vehicle company, with a demonstrated commitment to the electrification of their portfolio of award-winning vehicles,” said Bob Lutz, chairman of VIA Motors and former vice chairman of General Motors. “The alliance between Geely and VIA Motors combines technology, access to their industry-leading suppliers and a mutual entrepreneurial spirit dedicated to accelerating the global adoption of extended-range electric commercial vehicles.”
Nathan Yu Ning, Zhejiang Geely Holding vice president of international business and executive advisor to the board, said, “Geely selected VIA Motors due to the company’s advanced commercial vehicle software and control systems technology, specifically developed to meet the demanding duty cycle and performance requirements of commercial vehicles.”
“I believe that range-extended hybrid drive systems are a leading technology for the next 5-10 years and the co-developed truck will utilize proven technology such as a Volvo engine for the range extender,” contined Yu. “VIA Motors provides technology plus an engineering and management team that can support GCV to accelerate to be global- leading commercial vehicle company and assist the introduction of GCV trucks into North and Latin America through our newly formed joint venture.”
VIA Motors develops and markets extended-range electric and all-electric power-train systems, incorporating VIA-developed vehicle software and control systems technology in vehicle classes from light duty through Class 8. The company was founded in 2010 and has production facilities in Orem and Mexico. The company employs about 250.
Zhejiang Geely New Energy Vehicle consists of many well-known international automotive brands, including Geely Auto, Lynk & Co, Volvo Cars, Polestar, PROTON, Lotus, London Electric Vehicle Co., Yuan Cheng Auto and Terrafugia, with global operations spanning the automotive value chain, from research, development and design to production, sales and servicing. ZGH also recently announced acquisition of 8.2 percent of Volvo AB. Zhejiang Geely Commercial Vehicle has two sub-brands: the London Electric Vehicle Co. and Yuan Cheng Auto. The division has 2,000 engineers and 3,000 total employees.