Testing the Potential impact on Your Environment

New Electric Commercial Utility Vehicle Being Produced in Nevada

Oct. 28, 2014
The Citelec, which has a range of up to 200 miles on a single charge, a payload of 1,400 pounds and a top speed of 50 mph, is expected to retail in the U.S. for under $20,000.

Cenntro Automotive Corp. announced last week the launch of the Citelec, an all electric light commercial utility vehicle, at its Sparks, Nevada facility.

The company added the Citelec to its product portfolio with the acquisition of Brant Motors (Lyon, France). The acquisition, valued at $50 million, included the all-electric utility vehicle, the Citelec, which has been sold in Europe since 2013. 

"Our 80,000 square foot facility opened in the third quarter and we have been pleased with our ability to quickly set up our manufacturing facility, find local talent that underscores commitment to quality and bring the Citelec to the United States," said Marianne McInerney, executive vice president. Both the Citelec and Kombi EV are produced at this plant.

"The Citelec launch will fulfill an important void in the U.S. market – an affordable, versatile vehicle that can meet varying needs of multiple customer bases at an affordable price point," said McInerney.  "The Citelec platform can support local delivery needs with its spacious van box, and is available in nine configurations ranging from the van box, to a refrigerated unit to three flatbed configurations." 

The Citelec, which has a range of up to 200 miles on a single charge, a payload of 1,400 pounds and a top speed of 50 mph, is expected to retail in the U.S. for under $20,000 for a base unit initially, and is already in demo programs for U.S. fleets. 

About the Author

Adrienne Selko | Senior Editor - MH&L, IW, & EHS Today

Adrienne Selko has written about many topics over the 17 years she has been with Endeavor Business Media and currently focuses on workforce development strategies. Previously Adrienne was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank.

She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck? which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list. She is a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics, EHS Today, and IndustryWeek. 

Editorial Mission Statement:

Manufacturing is the enviable position of creating products, processes, and policies that solve the world’s problems. When the industry stepped up to manufacture what was necessary to combat the pandemic, it revealed its true nature. My goal is to showcase the sector’s ability to address a broad range of workforce issues including technology, training, diversity & inclusion, with a goal of enticing future generations to join this amazing sector.

Why I Find Manufacturing Interesting: 

On my first day working for a company that made medical equipment such as MRIs, I toured the plant floor. On every wall was a photo of a person, mostly children. I asked my supervisor why this was the case and he said that the work we do at this company has saved these people’s lives. “We never forget how important our work is and everyone’s contribution to that.” From that moment on I was hooked on manufacturing.

I have talked with many people in this field who have transformed their own career development to assist others. For example, companies are hiring those with disabilities, those previously incarcerated, and other talent pools that have been underutilized. I have talked with leaders who have brought out the best in their workforce, as well as employees doing their best work while doing good for the world.