Coda - another one to watch...

Check out Coda Automotive. Claiming to launch a 4 door / 5 seater sedan in August 2010: http://www.codaautomotive.com

(marcopolo - check out their manufacturing model ;-) - plus at least one "big name" on the board)

Yes indeed, some of the board have impressive CV's, although the Web site is very short on detail. By business model, I presume you mean hiring an engineer from Fords electric program, and the Chinese connections? The low capital intensive-partnership program? I hope this works, although call me a cynic, but these models often get altered by the difinition of "low" in low capital! But the priciple is sound. Maybe they could buy Vectrix IP?

I wish them good luck! Although Miles Rubin has produced some awful EV's and failed more times than you can count as an EV maker, he is one very persistent and tenacious guy! Many years ago I had the pleasure of meeting, and listening to Miles. He is, if at times a little over optimistic, very inspiring and visionary . Surrounded by some sound engineers, he is the ideal person to advance EV acceptance.

Will the Coda succeed? It would depend on the ability of a small independent to match the quality, price and credibility of the established giants. I have my doubts, as the traditional 4 door sedan is really the province of high volume manufacturers. If as Coda hopes, the model achieves even modest success in China, then who knows?, it may just sufficient unit cost efficiency to compete! It is still my belief that the only room for a small specialist manufacturer, is in niche markets.

Maybe Coda will prove me wrong, they certainly have some well credentialed people who believe they've got it right!

Early days, but I would love to see a test on the prototype. Interesting to see a Joint Venture with lithiun-ion battery manufacturer, Tianjin Lishen Battery Joint‐Stock Co., Ltd.(Lishen). The range is ok, just enough to make the car a real competitor. This is a farmore promising concept than "better Place". Just on the off chance that this maybe Mile Rubins' breakthrough, I put my name down to buy one! I have also inquired about a left hand drive version.

We certainly live in exciting times!

I agree Coda has an uphill battle considering their past history. As a Miles ZX40S owner I can tell you that their sense of urgency and customer focus is non-existent. I think their intentions are good, but either that company is all chiefs and no indians, or all indians with no chief. Either way there isn't a unified, customer-focused strategy to sell and support electric vehicles to green-conscience consumers. This has been further confirmed by rumors that this venture has one foot in the grave and the other on a banana peel. I can't say I am surprised...