Terra Motors, Tokyo-based automaker of electric two and three-wheelers, has managed to raise funds totalling USD10 million from Japanese and American investors. Although a humble amount, it is sufficient for the start-up to begin executing plans to establish its manufacturing hub in the Philippines.
Terra Motors, Tokyo-based automaker of electric two and three-wheelers, has managed to raise funds totalling USD10 million from Japanese and American investors. Although a humble amount, it is sufficient for the start-up to begin executing plans to establish its manufacturing hub in the Philippines. With the expanded capacity, Terra Motors aims to sell a total of 100,000 electric-powered vehicles in the Asian markets, including India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Thailand and Taiwan, by 2015.
Within the few short months since November 2013, Tesla has received numerous deposits for their Model S and Model X SUV from buyers in China. Final selling prices had not even been determined until late last month. Such is the success of Tesla’s brand that the Chinese were willing to get a foot in regardless of the vehicle’s final price tag.
Despite the rising costs, higher loan interests and slow economic growth, Indonesia’s automotive industry is expected to experience a decent growth in 2014, largely due to the LCGC programme that continues to drive the industry by opening up the low-to-medium income market.
The Datsun brand faded into memory in 1981 after selling 20 million cars. Now, it’s back, baby! (Read also Datsun Returns). Rising from the ashes first in India, the Datsun made its much anticipated comeback with the launch of the Datsun GO in March this year. In the short time since, the model has reportedly garnered sales of 5000 units in the Indian market. In April 2014, Nissan achieved a 328% year-on-year improvement that is equivalent to 5031 vehicles, of which 2071 units were the Datsun GO.
Guest contributor, LILY, goes on a flight of fancy and implores others, especially automotive engineers, to join in.