REPORT: Pininfarinia, Bollore Bluecar still on track
Pininfarina B0 concept, the basis for the Bluecar - Click above for high-res image gallery
Leaving recent rumors that Pininfarina might be working with PSA to build the all-electric Bluecar (based on the Pininfarina B0 concept) untouched, Pininfarina S.p.A. CEO Silvio Pietro Angori told the Italian media that the original partnership between Pininfarina and French financier Vincent Bollore is holding fast. Pininfarina designed the car and Bollore is supplying the batteries. Each partner wants to use the Bluecar as a springboard to shop their design or battery skills to other automakers.
The Bluecar will be powered by a 68 horsepower (50 kW) electric motor and uses a lithium polymer battery pack that offers a range of about 155 miles. The car is due on the market next year, and Pininfarina is claiming it already has over 6,000 orders for the EV. We've heard that the Bluecar will be leased for €330 per month (about $485 USD).
Gallery: Pininfarina B0
[Source: Automotive News (subs req'd)]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
paulwesterberg 12:47PM (10/13/2009)
It's a great design, much as I hate leasing I would be sorely tempted if they offered the car here in the states.
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Alan 2:05PM (10/13/2009)
I wish they would sell it for... hmmm.. $25,000. Well I can dream I suppose!
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pabs333 4:50PM (10/13/2009)
All this talking is great but I've still not heard a peep from them about
our order
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ben.trovato 6:54AM (10/14/2009)
No, I've not heard anything more either. Just an initial acknowledgement, then silence. Meanwhile, my neighbour who works for Nissan is urging me to book a Leaf. Come on Bolloré, keep us happy.
pabs333 7:13AM (10/14/2009)
Hi Ben,
I'm worried at the latest statement regarding 'shop(ing) their design or battery skills to other automakers.' it seems like they haven't even started looking at facilities, plant etc to actually start building it. I read somewhere that they only have one actual working car.. and if thats the case if they are not already making up some more prototype cars then I highly doubt ANY of the 6000 peeps who've signed up will see a car come June.
Also, If they are just planning to shop the designs to other makers what happens ot the cars that thye lease/sell?... what about support and spares?
I've spoken to some of my friends who have also ordered and they are all of a similar mind.
If I don't hear something before Christmas stating that either I will or won't get one and when, I think i'll be switching my order to a Leaf.
Sorry Pininfarina. We've got such high hopes but the delays are starting to put people off. If you don't pull you're finger out and contact your customers with a roll out plan you will start to loose your customers.
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