Malcolm Bricklin Details Innovative EV Plan for Detroit Three - VIDEO ENHANCED

Editors note: Originally published in July 2008 we believe that this is worth a second look. In addition, at the bottom of this page is a video interview with Malcolm Bricklin that took place earlier this week.

New York July 7, 2008; Malcolm Bricklin, CEO and Founder of Visionary Vehicles Inc., today called on the Detroit 3 to join him in moving the industry forward by shifting 20% of manufacturing capacity to Electric Vehicles by 2012 and 80% by 2020. In the wake of today’s bleak automotive earnings reports, Bricklin said that current conditions offer a unique opportunity to major automakers fighting a losing battle against economic and environmental issues.

"Our economy, consumers, and the auto industry are being held hostage by $4 gas.” said Bricklin. "But from desperation, should come inspiration. Our industry needs a collaborative approach that allows new entrants, like Visionary Vehicles, to work with established OEMs to open idled factories, share new technologies, grow US automotive jobs and deliver 100 mpg vehicles to consumers."

"I have a five point plan to return innovation to the American automotive industry," shared Bricklin.

· Allow consumer and global environmental needs to drive vehicle design

· Commit to shift 20% of manufacturing capacity to PHEVs and/or EVs by 2012

· Create innovative partnerships for outsource manufacturing, capacity, component sharing and distribution

· Collaborate to develop revolutionary technological breakthroughs in batteries, vehicle-to-grid, and more…

· Target 80% PHEVs and/or EVs by 2020

"I believe that by working together we can move America quickly into greater independence from foreign oil, while preserving US automotive jobs and revitalizing the industry," said Bricklin. "The US auto industry can and should take an economic and environmental leadership position."

Bricklin's Visionary Vehicles was founded to design and engineer an array of “clean and green” electric vehicles that will meet or exceed 100 mpg using contract manufacturing relationships. Visionary expects to bring its first vehicles to market for model year 2011. The first vehicle will be a sedan the size of a Mercedes S Class, with the same expected amenities, to sell for a price point of under $40,000. Visionary plans to leverage component manufacturing relationships through the creation of a research and development consortium for new entrant and existing OEMs so they can purchase already proven technologies at a favored national price.

"Our strategy is simple: incorporate new technologies and components purchased at high volume discounts that will enable us to deliver 100 mpg at a price point consumers can afford," continued Bricklin. "We will sell those vehicles through a dedicated 250 dealer network.”

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