MORGAN JUST A TOY!
LATEST MODEL TO ROLL OUT OF COVENTRY FACTORY IS AN £8,000 PLAYTHING
MORGAN’S latest model is being made in Coventry it has been revealed.
The Morgan Motor Company might be synonymous with Malvern but a new partnership with a fast-growing Coventry automotive firm will see an electric Morgan vehicle built in the city for the first time.
But before anyone gets too excited, this Morgan is strictly for children – and with a price tag of £7,995 is strictly for those with deep pockets.
RDM Group, which has been hitting the headlines for its work in driverless vehicles, has been appointed to manufacture and assemble the EV3 Junior, a direct replica of Morgan’s popular 3 Wheeler.
A team of eight engineers build each car to order at the firm’s Bilton Road Industrial Estate factory, with each one taking between four to six weeks to complete.
To date, 14 have rolled off the production line, with one being sent to a customer in California. Launched six years ago, the 3 Wheeler represented something of a revival for Morgan as it was inspired by a cyclecar launched in 1910 which first got the company going. Tim Lyons, RDM Group’s chief operations officer, said: “Our Advanced Manufacturing Centre in Coventry is set up to do very niche build work and assembly so we are delighted to be working with Morgan on this exciting project.
“We currently do a lot of bespoke trim work for the actual full-size 3 Wheeler so they knew we were capable of reaching their high standards.
“The EV3 Junior features a bonded carbon fibre monocoque, a natural wooden dashboard and hand-stitched leather trim.
“It also has functioning headlights, a real suspension system and each order can be custom built to the tastes of the customer, who can specify colour and additional extras.”
Mr Lyons added: “The EV3 Junior is powered by dual lead acid battery and is capable of going 10mph and over a ten-mile range before needing to be recharged.
“I suppose you could say it’s the ultimate in children’s cars.
“They were on sale in Selfridges last Christmas and they are now available via the Morgan website and their dealership network across the world.”
RDM, which employs 66 people in Coventry, has enjoyed a significant period of growth this year, with sales set to rise by 15 per cent in 2017.
The company’s growth has been achieved through an increase in volumes with existing customers and the addition of new clients looking for a supplier that offers design, prototyping, precision manufacturing and expertise in wiring harnesses and trim – all under one roof.
The EV3 Junior is capable of going 10mph and over a ten-mile range. You could say it’s the ultimate in children’s cars. Tim Lyons