Introduction
As well as two new models of their small battery powered city car (Reva NXG and Reva NXR), the Indian Reva (RECC) electric car company, also announced a partnership with General Motors India to develop electric vehicles for the Indian market. Here is a text version of the media release:
Details from Media Release
General Motors India and REVA form partnership to transform electric vehicle market
GM dealerships to sell REVA cars
Bangalore, September 29, 2009: General Motors India and Reva Electric Car Company (REVA) have entered into a collaboration agreement to develop electric vehicles for the Indian market. This unique partnership will bring together two companies, established in their own field to develop car platforms, electric vehicle technology and advanced control systems. Through this partnership, REVA will also leverage GM's large distribution network in India to market and sell REVA's next generation vehicles.
The agreement was announced jointly by Karl Slym, president and managing director, General Motors India and Chetan Maini, deputy chairman and chief technology officer, REVA.
Karl Slym, President and Managing Director, GM India said, "We are pleased to join hands with REVA to bring affordable small car platform based electric vehicles to the market in line with government objectives to reduce fossil fuel dependence. GM's ability to develop platforms and REVA's capability in developing electric drive-trains and control systems will result in, the consumer having a wider choice of EVs. We are going to be working closely with the Central and State Governments in India to develop infrastructure for electric vehicle charging and providing specific financial benefits to consumers, who make the choice to adopt an environment-friendly mode of personal transport. The sales and service of REVA cars through GM dealerships will further strengthen the partnership between the two companies."
Speaking on the occasion, Chetan Maini, Deputy Chairman and CTO, Reva Electric Car Company said, "This unique collaboration symbolizes a global trendsetter for partnerships that will result in far reaching changes in the industry. Each of the partners will use its strengths, with the aim of making India a global hub for the development and manufacture of electric vehicles and related technologies. I am extremely happy that we have found a partner in GM India that shares our passion for reducing carbon emissions. Further the distribution of REVA cars through GM dealerships will increase the geographical footprint of REVA and enable customers to have an easier access to points of sales and service across the country."
Development of small electric vehicles is a growth area around the global automotive industry and we are excited that this cooperation with REVA in India will accelerate GM's progress to meet the emerging needs in many parts of the world " , said Nick Reilly , President of GM International Operations . GM is pursuing several energy alternatives and advanced technology options to meet the varied needs of customers around the world. GM believes that electrically driven vehicles, based on battery and hydrogen fuel cell technology, offer the best long-term solution for providing sustainable personal transportation, he added.
The two companies have begun feasibility studies of GM's vehicle platforms sometime back to host the electric technology and they will announce more details about the vehicles soon.
About General Motors India
General Motors India, a wholly-owned subsidiary of General Motors Company, USA, has completed over 12 years of operation in India. GM India started its journey in 1996 and now offers products under the Chevrolet brand, which was introduced in India in 2003. Chevrolet had already emerged as one of the fastest growing automotive nameplates in India. GM India produces the Chevrolet Captiva, Chevrolet Optra, Chevrolet Aveo, Chevrolet SR-V, Chevrolet Aveo U-VA, Chevrolet Spark and Chevrolet Tavera for sale in India and operates state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Halol, Gujarat and in Talegaon, Maharashtra.
About REVA Electric Car Company Pvt. Ltd
Reva Electric Car Company, a Bangalore-based company with over 14 years of experience in electric vehicle (EV) research and development. It is the first company worldwide to successfully commercialize electric cars and was acclaimed by Business World India in 2006 as one of India's "Cool Companies" and technology innovators. Today, REVA is selling or test marketing its products in 24 countries across Europe and Asia, as well as Latin and Central America. It has the largest deployed fleet of electric cars on the market with over 3,000 EVs on the road and more than 70 million kilometers of user experience. In recognition of its technology leadership, REVA was the recipient of the Frost & Sullivan 2008 Automotive Power train Company of the Year award.
Edelman for General Motors India The PRactice for Reva Electric Car Company
Kanika Shriram / Prerna Korla Jamie Kaplan
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