@ReeAutoOfficial / Twitter.com
The Israeli start-up REE which produces cutting-edge electric vehicles (EV’s) is set to invest in a new manufacturing hub in the UK, named the Coventry Integration Centre. REE’s founder praised the cooperation between Israel and the UK in producing new EV technology and highlighted the opportunities Brexit has provided global companies hoping to invest in the UK.
The new Coventry based manufactory will be worth £12.1 million in investment with REE doubling its workforce in the area from 150 to approximately 300. The site will be primarily dedicated to producing the bases of its vehicles.
The company has already partnered with companies across the globe, such as JB Poindexter in the United States, Magna Steyr in Austria and the Toyota subsidiary Hino. The Israeli company follows the likes of Nissan, Stellantis and Ford, which have all invested into the production of electric models or components in the UK.
REE received over £41 million from the Government backed Advanced Propulsion Centre last year, to further develop its new advanced “corner” technology. These “corners” allow all the critical vehicle components (steering, breaking, suspension and powertrain) to be integrated into the arch of the wheel. The Founder of REE, Daniel Barel, said although the technology was developed in Israel, the UK was the brains behind the breakthrough. The Coventry site will begin production later this year, building bases designed for walk-in delivery vans, buses and recreational vehicles. REE’s COO, Josh Tech, stated: “This is an important milestone on our path to commercial production next year”. Adding: “The automated and connected capabilities at our Coventry site are a great foundation for our global operations”.
Barel has also implied Brexit encouraged the company to invest, saying that the companies that left the UK after Brexit handed the company an open goal. He stated: “Our employees have worked for Honda, JLR, Lotus, Aston and others, which made it very easy for us with Brexit to tap into that far more”. He continued: “I am not saying it could not have been done without Brexit, but competing for resources [would have been much harder] “.
