THE
Department of Energy (DOE) will support the Filipino-designed Gitano
(GT111) electric sports car to promote vehicles using alternative fuel.
The Gitano electric sports car is hoped to make waves in the European motoring scene.
In
a letter to Jan Kierulf, Michel Motorsport president and Gitano
designer, Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras said: “It is a source of
pride that our country is helping to lead the electric-vehicle movement.
As we informed you during our meetings, it is part of the DOE’s policy
to support the development of the local electric-vehicle manufacturing
industry. As such, we fully support your plan to cause the manufacture
of high-quality electric vehicles.”
The
GT111 is now in Las Vegas for the Special Equipment Market Association
Show from November 1 to 4. The trade show will feature more than 1,500
customized and accessorized four-wheel and two-wheel vehicles from all
over the world.
Kierulf
said having a Filipino-designed electric sports car showcased at the
Las Vegas show is a huge opportunity for the Philippines to show the
country’s design talent, creativity and craftsmanship.
With
the right support in place, Kierulf said the Philippines has the
potential to become the “Milan of Asia” in the area of vehicle design.
He
said the country’s competency in the design arena had been largely
untapped in the vehicle sector. “There is an urgency for local
companies, such as Michel Motorsport, to step up to the plate and show
the world what Filipinos are capable of in terms of conceptualization
and design,” he said.
At
Michel Motorsport, Kierulf said they do everything from auto business
incubation, engineering design, product development, prototype
fabrication, and specialty low-volume production services for the mass
transport, auto and architecture sectors.
Kierulf said the company’s competencies are in styling, engineering and conceptual design, which are done by Filipinos.
The
GT111 is a joint effort among Michel Motorsport for the concept,
design, pre-engineering activities and business planning, a British
company for the chassis, suspension and vehicle standards, and US-based
EV Drive Oregon for the electric power train development.
Initially
developed as a “halo project” or an initiative to create awareness and
attract investor attention, the GT111 concept car is planned to be
produced in commercial quantities and sold in the European market.
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