Ssangyong out of money; what does it mean for Phoenix?
Click above for high-res gallery of the Phoenix SUT
Earlier this month, we found out that Phoenix Motorcars was still working on its all-electric SUT, but that its use of the Altairnano lithium titinate battery is currently in question. Even before that, Phoenix announced that it would be switching from its first motor supplier, UQM, to some other supplier. So, to recap, the SUT - if it's ever released to the public at all - will use different batteries and a different motor than originally stated. Now, news comes from Ssangyong, original suppliers of the chassis and bodywork for the Phoenix SUT, that it is in such poor financial shape that it cannot afford to make payments to its workers. All manufacturing has apparently been stopped. New guts: check. New bones: check?
Besides the obvious issue this raises with all of Ssangyong's future hybrids, we wonder what it means for the future of Phoenix Motorcars. We know that Phoenix just recently announced plans to deliver EVs to Hawaii for testing, but we're seriously beginning to wonder if all of these setbacks and changes will be enough to keep the SUT from ever seeing the light of day.
Gallery: AFVI Ride & Drive Phoenix SUT
[Source: Chosun via Autoblog]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
BoneHeadOtto 1:45PM (12/23/2008)
What does it mean? It means the Aztec defends its title. Thats all
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ug 2:08PM (12/23/2008)
This is what happens when you are totally reliant on outside suppliers and you have little to offer besides integration.
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Richard 4:24PM (12/23/2008)
With all the slumping SUV sales, why doesn't Phoenix hook up with a US company and just sell that? It would be a lot easier to bring to market an US SUV conversion than an outside one. Chrysler would love to hook up with them.
stevefazek 7:58PM (12/23/2008)
This company never developed anything they just put together off the shelf components.
Using a NON us approved chassis was just proof that this car is vaporware.
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