Page 21 - Energize August 2022

NEWS

MOKE goes electric, sells shares

OKE International is to sell up to 100% of its shareholdings to the era of e-mobility, ensuring generations to come will be able to enjoy
EV Technology Group (EVTG), bolstering the famous British the sense of fun and freedom that made it such a hit with famous faces,
Mmarque as it prepares for an exciting and expanding future as travellers and coastal resorts six decades ago.
a fully electric global brand. Production of the Electric MOKE is already underway, with customer
EVTG specialises in electrifying iconic automotive brands and the deliveries arriving in the coming weeks. The Electric MOKE covers up to
strategic move comes as MOKE International launches the new British- 80 miles of range on a single charge – enough for four round trips from
built Electric MOKE – an emissions-free continuation of the legendary Cap-Ferrat to Monaco - and a full charge takes just four hours via a Type
1964 Mini MOKE that is already building long waiting lists in France and 2 port.
the UK. MOKE International will benefit from EVTG’s world-class product
development, engineering, and manufacturing capabilities, and will be About MOKE International
perfectly placed to expand rapidly into global markets. MOKE and the MOKE logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of
Wouter Witvoet, CEO of EV Technology Group, says: “This exciting MOKE International Limited in the European Union and other territories.
investment is extremely close to my heart. I first became interested in MOKE International, a company registered in England, is the only
MOKE International when I tried to rent a MOKE in the South of France – manufacturer of genuine MOKE vehicles worldwide. The mark was
I quickly discovered the joy of driving this vehicle in beautiful locales – but acquired from Casti S.p.A. and derives from the original 1964 British
also the commercial opportunity to reimagine MOKE as a global brand. Motor Corporation registration. The MOKE is a revitalised, re-engineered
“EV Technology Group’s mission is to revitalise iconic brands and version of the iconic Mini Moke that was originally designed by Sir Alec
rediscover the joy of motoring in an electric age. This applies brilliantly Issigonis, the designer of the 1959 Mini, and launched in 1964. The Mini
to MOKE International as it forms the perfect start to EV Technology Moke was created as a low-cost and easy to maintain recreational and
Group’s strategy to acquire heritage brands that have a loyal following utility vehicle, but it quickly gained cult status in fashionable resorts.
and substantial brand equity. I am looking forward to helping the MOKE International has brought the Mini Moke into the modern age by
business expand as it enters new markets, especially in the USA. MOKE integrating up-to-date driving technologies, including full electric power,
International has a superb future and EV Technology Group has the while remaining faithful to the iconic design which made it a global hit
capabilities to support it every step of the way.” in the 1960s. True to its heritage, MOKEs today are engineered and built
Isobel Dando, CEO of MOKE International, says: “I am proud and in Northamptonshire, England. Production takes place at a 500,000sq
excited that MOKE International is becoming part of the EV Technology ft state-of-the-art facility owned and operated by British automotive
Group. It is the perfect company to take our rapidly growing business manufacturing services company, Fablink Group.
to the next level with the right balance of expertise, investment, and
ambition. EV Technology Group’s in-house expertise, and customer- About EV Technology Group
centric technologies will also be invaluable to us as we continue EV Technology Group was founded in 2021 with the vision to electrify
to develop the Electric MOKE and more pioneering products. I am iconic brands – and the mission to redefine the joy of motoring for the
also looking forward to working closely with Wouter and the entire electric age. By acquiring iconic brands and bringing beloved motoring
EV Technology Group leadership team to further develop MOKE experiences to the electric age, EV Technology Group is driving the
International and other exciting brands to come.” EV revolution forward. Backed by a diversified team of passionate
In a cash and stock transaction valued at $51,6-million, EVTG will own entrepreneurs, engineers and driving enthusiasts, EV Technology Group
approximately 65% of MOKE International and will maintain an option to creates value for its customers by owning the total customer experience
acquire up to 100% of the remaining shares. The deal represents EVTG’s — acquiring and partnering with iconic brands with significant growth
first full purchase of a major automotive brand and fits with its strategy potential in unique markets and controlling end-to-end capabilities. To
of reinventing brands through electrification with a mission to create and learn more visit: https://evtgroup.com/
redefine the joy of motoring in the electric age. MOKE International’s
management team will all be retained as part of the deal and will Contact MOKE International, https://mokeinternational.com/contact-us/
continue to lead the brand’s expansion.
The new Electric MOKE is a continuation of the 1964 Mini Moke,
created by the father of the Austin Mini, Sir Alec Issigonis. It quickly
became a global icon and an enduring symbol of the swinging 60s after
being seen in the hands of celebrities including The Beatles, Bridget
Bardot and James Bond, in glamorous locations like the French Riviera
and the Caribbean. It replaces the combustion engine version of the
MOKE which makes MOKE International the first heritage brand to go
fully electric. By reinvigorating the MOKE as an electric vehicle, MOKE
International has brought the world-famous road and beach car into

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