Green Automotive Company (GAC) announced that it has acquired 21.63% of Viridian Motor Corporation (VMC), a US-based electric truck manufacturer.
With its experience in the electric truck market in the Europe thanks to their Liberty Electric Cars business, GAC decided that the American electric truck market was the next sector in which they should develop.
According to a recent market study led by Navigant Research, the global annual unit sales for hybrid and electric trucks – including light duty trucks used by commercial fleets and all medium and heavy duty on-road trucks – will rise from under 10,000 in 2013 to more than 100,000 in 2020.
Viridian Motor Corporation is a company devoted to advancing twenty-first century transportation technology using alternative fuels and propulsion systems. This Virginia-based company, is building fully electric, light duty trucks using their own electric drive train and unique battery packs.
Ian Hobday, CEO of GAC, states: “There are an important number of synergies to explore especially with regards to supply chain management and commercial activities with our existing Californian bus manufacturing business Newport Coachworks, who plan to launch their first electric shuttle bus this February. This combination should be very beneficial for both businesses. Viridian would become our support partner for electric buses on the East Coast, where we currently do not have any presence.”
Terry Langhorn, CEO of Viridian, is confident that this deal will help both businesses strengthen their positions in this growing market: “We are very pleased to partner with the Green Automotive team, who have incredible experience in electric vehicle engineering thanks to their Liberty Electric Cars business. We look forward to working with them and providing a comprehensive support structure for the East Coast as they introduce their pure electric shuttle bus.”
