RDM Group, globally renowned for its work in driverless vehicles, has been appointed to manufacture and assemble the EV3 Junior, a direct replica of the Malvern-based company’s iconic and popular three-wheeler.
A team of eight engineers build each replica of the British sports car to order at the firm’s Bilton Road Industrial Estate.
Each one takes between four to six weeks to complete and to date, 14 have rolled off the production line with one being sent to a customer in California.
Tim Lyons, chief operations officer, explained: “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 three-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.”
The EV3 Junior is powered by dual lead acid battery and is reportedly capable of reaching 10 miles per hour and has a range of more than 10 miles before needing to be recharged.
RDM, which employs 66 people in Coventry, has enjoyed a significant period of growth in automotive this year, with sales set to rise by 15% in 2017.
This has been achieved through an increase in volumes with existing customers and the addition of new clients who are looking for a supplier that offers design, prototyping, precision manufacturing and expertise in wiring harnesses and trim – all under one roof.
There are also plans to transition into a Tier 1 supplier with JLR and other major car manufacturers looking for a technology partner on new models.
Sales and marketing director, Miles Garner commented:“We have been making headlines with our PodZero driverless vehicle range, but this has not been at the expense of our core automotive business. There has also been sustained investment in new machinery, design software and assembly, not to mention recruitment of skilled engineers.
“By the end of the year we will have added a further £1m of new business and there’s no reason why we can’t continue to be delivering double digit growth in this area alone.”