|
New Car to Bring Jobs to Space Coast
Released 06/27/2010 |
|
|
The delivery date for the vehicle to Space Florida is scheduled for early November. The money from Space Florida isn't exactly to buy a car, rather it's a way for the agency to invest in Avera's development of an energy-efficient, four-passenger sports car. Manufacturing of the car, if it ends up being made in Brevard, could help former space workers transition into new high-technology employment. "Space Florida is always interested in playing a role in the advancement and application of aerospace and space-related technologies," Space Florida President Frank DiBello said. "We see significant progress toward this goal with Avera Motors's development of advanced energy conversation capabilities, hybrid propulsion, alternative fuel utilization and advanced materials research tied to their new vehicle fleet." Space Florida is negotiating with NASA to have its engineers study the Avera prototype's design and power systems. "The Avera Motors vehicle development team is very excited about our partnership with Space Florida and the potential to work with NASA on our ultra-efficient technology and innovative vehicle design," said R.J. Scaringe, Avera Motors' chief executive officer. "We sincerely appreciate the board's decision to get behind Avera Motors as we change the way cars are designed, manufactured and sold in the United States," Scaringe said. So far, Avera hasn't released any photos of the vehicle or disclosed fuel-efficiency details. The sticker price on the Avera vehicle will be about $25,000. The delivery of the prototype to Space Florida likely will be the public's first look at Avera's automobile. Rockledge-based Mainstream Engineering, the parent company of Avera Motors, has a long-standing relationship with NASA and the Department of Defense. Scaringe's plans for Avera include manufacturing vehicles off a shared platform and employing more than 1,100 people by 2015. The preference is to remain in Brevard. The company and its supporters think the space shuttle technical work force is ideally suited for Avera's manufacturing process. |
Related Link:
This article does not have any web links. Click to Enlarge
|
