Press releases
The Jordanian government selects Matra Light Electric Vehicles
Corporate & other activities, CSR
Paris, November 16, 2010
Matra has just signed a letter of intent with the Jordanian government concerning the deployment of its range of electric bicycles, scooters and quads in Jordan, together with a 100% solar electric charging system.
A consortium comprising the French companies, Matra and DBT, and the American company, AllCell Technologies, was chosen to install specifically adapted short-distance electric vehicles (bicycles, scooters and lightweight GEM cars) for operation on pilot sites in urban and tourist areas.
These vehicles will complement the Nissan cars already ordered by the Jordanian government for use over longer distances.
Matra will work with the Ministry of the Environment to:
- Define pilot sites slated to be operational as early as 2011,
- Set up the financing arrangements required to deploy the photovoltaic charging stations,
- Supply electric vehicles first to Jordan, and then to other Gulf countries,
- Set up networks of related services.
Matra has developed high-performance batteries and solar charging stations for its vehicles in cooperation with AllCell Technologies. The signing of this agreement marks Matra’s first successful bid against its competitors outside of Europe and demonstrates the soundness of Matra’s strategy for light vehicles, which are particularly well suited to electric power and nearly three times more economical than “traditional” electric cars, penalized by prohibitive battery costs.
The protocol of agreement, effective for a period of three years, will first involve equipping public-sector authorities, such as the municipality of Amman (Jordan’s capital), and certain tourist sites.
This is the first time that an Arab country has undertaken a project of this scale aimed at promoting clean and sustainable mobility. The Jordanian Environment Minister, Hazem Malhas, announced several months ago that the government intended to acquire electric vehicles beginning in early 2011. He also stressed that these imported electric vehicles would be exempt from customs duties and that the government would set up incentives to boost their distribution.
The deal was a direct consequence of Matra’s participation in the Paris Motor Show, during which the manufacturer presented its fully-electric range of two and four-wheeled vehicles, along with a new MSR solar roof available for its electric cars, as well as a charging terminal using the Matra Solar FLOW-R energy storage system.
Matra will work with the Ministry of the Environment to:
- Define pilot sites slated to be operational as early as 2011,
- Set up the financing arrangements required to deploy the photovoltaic charging stations,
- Supply electric vehicles first to Jordan, and then to other Gulf countries,
- Set up networks of related services.
Matra has developed high-performance batteries and solar charging stations for its vehicles in cooperation with AllCell Technologies. The signing of this agreement marks Matra’s first successful bid against its competitors outside of Europe and demonstrates the soundness of Matra’s strategy for light vehicles, which are particularly well suited to electric power and nearly three times more economical than “traditional” electric cars, penalized by prohibitive battery costs.
The protocol of agreement, effective for a period of three years, will first involve equipping public-sector authorities, such as the municipality of Amman (Jordan’s capital), and certain tourist sites.
This is the first time that an Arab country has undertaken a project of this scale aimed at promoting clean and sustainable mobility. The Jordanian Environment Minister, Hazem Malhas, announced several months ago that the government intended to acquire electric vehicles beginning in early 2011. He also stressed that these imported electric vehicles would be exempt from customs duties and that the government would set up incentives to boost their distribution.
The deal was a direct consequence of Matra’s participation in the Paris Motor Show, during which the manufacturer presented its fully-electric range of two and four-wheeled vehicles, along with a new MSR solar roof available for its electric cars, as well as a charging terminal using the Matra Solar FLOW-R energy storage system.
Press contacts:
HENRY CONSEIL - Gwénola Vilboux / Anaïs Lefaucheux - Tel.: +33(0) 1 46 22 76 43 - agence@henryconseil.com
MATRA MANUFACTURING & SERVICES - François Lombard - Press Relations and Events Manager - francois.lombard@matra-ms.com
About AllCell Technologies
AllCell Technologies, based in Chicago, is dedicated to improving the efficiency and safety of high power lithium-ion battery systems. The company offers an innovative range of customized thermal management solutions for applications such as hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, and electric bicycles and scooters. Its patented technology solves the safety issues that have prevented the use of lithium-ion batteries in high power applications and makes them a viable power source for electric vehicles.
- http://www.allcelltech.com
- http://www.dbt.fr
- About Matra Manufacturing & Services SAS
Building on over forty years of technological achievements and significant contributions to the European automotive industry, namely in racing (1964 - 1974), sport utility vehicles (1964 - 1982) and people carriers (1983 - 2003), in September 2004, Matra adopted and is actively pursuing an ambitious strategy aimed at the technological development and marketing of recreational, light electric and neighbourhood electric vehicles. Matra Manufacturing & Services has privileged the development of electric-powered and electric-assisted two-wheeled vehicles and quads as a major focus of its strategy aimed at the development, manufacturing and marketing in Europe of Neighbourhood Electric Transportation Solutions.
About DBT
DBT, a French company founded in 1990, is a leading provider of electric vehicle charging solutions. The company has developed a wide range of boxes and terminals suitable for use on public thoroughfares, as well as in the private domain.
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