Munro Vehicles, the Glasgow-based 4×4 electric vehicle (EV) company, have today announced a deal with Wyre, an all-electric vehicle sales and leasing specialist that’s targeting major industries and utilities throughout the US. This collaboration could see upwards of 3,000 vehicles built and shipped Stateside over the next three years.
Vehicle production will start at a purpose-built factory in East Kilbride at the end of this year ready for shipment in 2023. Munro Vehicles is now Scotland’s only mainstream car manufacturer since the Chrysler plant at Linwood in Renfrewshire ceased production in 1981. The first 50 units will be delivered next year, with 500 in 2024 and 2,500 in 2025.
The Munro 4×4 EV is seen by some as Scotland’s answer to the famous American Humvee. It is being targeted by Wyre for customers in major US utility companies, oil field operators in Texas, farmers in Florida, forestry businesses in Canada and the gold mines of Nevada.
Russ Peterson, Munro’s CEO, said: “North America is a key growth market for Munro, and we’re pleased to be able to partner with Wyre to realise our ambitions ahead of our original timeline.
“We’re dedicating half of our 2023 production to left-hand-drive vehicles developed specifically for the US market, which Wyre will deliver to customers throughout the year.
“This opportunity demonstrates that Munro Vehicles has the potential to be a global player in the automotive industry, with a product that is clearly desirable around the world. These vehicles and their owners will also feedback valuable data to our team as we develop our product further. This is just the beginning.”
Munro Vehicles and Wyre have signed an agreement that secures exclusive rights for the sale, leasing and distribution of the Scottish-built electric vehicle in the US and Canada. Wyre also owns the disruptive TryWyre electric vehicle leasing and management platform.
Rebecca Hansen, Wyre managing director, said: “We see the Munro 4×4 EV as a serious and compelling opportunity for a wide range of our customers across the USA. One which will see us go from an initial order book of 50 vehicles next year to around 2,500 in 2025.
“One particular customer market we have/are targeting in the States is the huge electric utility sector where companies need to show their customers that they are taking the provision of EVs seriously in their own fleets.
“Oil and gas industry customers are also on our radar. The price point of the Munro vehicle at around £75,000 (US$ 88,500) is compelling. The Munro is a great multi-purpose vehicle and one that has a great future. We are delighted we have the opportunity to make it a big success in the United States.
Munro’s design, development and manufacturing operations were originally set up by Russ Peterson and Ross Anderson at their base in the Dalmarnock area of Glasgow. They recently opened an assembly operation in nearby East Kilbride ready for full-scale production to begin.
Ross Anderson, Munro Vehicles co-founder, said:“This is a fully electric 4×4 utility vehicle with exceptional off-road capabilities. It is designed to carry personnel and equipment across difficult terrain.”
Jen Walls, Electric Vehicle Association Scotland director, said: “This sales and leasing opportunity in the USA is a tremendous achievement. It shows that the level of innovative thinking by these two entrepreneurs is exactly what we wish to see here in Scotland.
“The Munro 4×4 is a truly unique concept, bringing together the latest EV and off-road technologies. It’s simply an amazing vehicle and I’m sure the company can look forward to a high level of world sales success.”
