Chinese automaker BYD is rumored to be in talks to bring back to life the Norwegian electric-vehicle manufacturer Think Global. Istanbul based BD Otomotive has started the procedure of saving the Think electric vehicle brand from bankruptcy.
Think Global,which until March produced a battery electric car that was sold across Europe and the U.S., stopped production of the Think City soon after Think’s American partner abruptly severed ties, forcing the automaker to file for bankruptcy protection for the fourth time in 20 years. Think would not confirm nor deny the report, though Think’s European spokesman James Andrew acknowledged talks are occurring between Think and the Turkish group.
BD Otomotive has invested an undisclosed size in Fisker Automotive and has an agreement with the American startup to sell Fisker plug-in cars (once available) in Turkey and Greece. The Turkish Company is also an appointed distributor of BYD commercial electic vehicles and buses in Turkey.
"Our intentions are simple -- to bring Think out of bankruptcy and make it the affordable urban EV for Europe it was always designed to be. We have the manufacturing capabilities and sales network to do this, and combined with a core group of retained Think talent in Norway we aim to launch new platforms and the next generation of vehicles if successful in our bid. We know our aspirations are realistic and are extremely hopeful for the future of the brand." said BD Otomotive Chairman Osman Boyner, as Autoobserver.com reports.
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