MANILA, Philippines - Consistent with its thrust to promote the use of alternative fuel-fed vehicles, the Department of Energy (DOE) has expressed support for the Gitano electric sports car, a Filipino-designed vehicle that is expected to make waves in the European motoring scene.
In a letter addressed to Jan Kierulf, president of Gitano designer and prototyper Michel Motorsport, Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras said the e-sports car would bring pride to the Philippines and put it on the global map of e-vehicle development.
“It is a source of pride that our country is helping to lead the electric vehicle movement. As we informed you during our meetings, it is part of the department’s policy to support the development of the local electric vehicle manufacturing industry. As such, we fully support your plan to cause the manufacture of high quality electric vehicles,” Almendras said.
The Gitano, or the GT111, is now in Las Vegas for the Special Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show which runs from Nov. 1 to 4. The prestigious trade show will feature more than 1,500 customized and accessorized four-wheel and two-wheel vehicles from all over the world.
Kierulf said having a Filipino-designed e-sports car showcased at the SEMA Show is a huge opportunity for the Philippines to show the Filipino’s design talent, creativity, and craftsmanship. With the right support in place, the Philippines has the potential to become the “Milan of Asia” in the area of vehicle design.
The Filipinos’ competence in the design arena has been largely untapped in the vehicle sector, he said, so there is an urgency for local companies such as Michel Motorsport to step up and show the world what Filipinos are capable of in terms of conceptualization and design.
“At Michel, we do everything from auto business incubation, engineering, design, product development, prototype fabrication, and specialty low-volume production services for the mass transport, auto and architecture sectors. Our competencies are in styling, engineering, and conceptual design. All of these are done by Filipinos,” he said.
The GT111 is a joint effort among companies from different countries: the Filipino firm Michel Motorsport for the concept, design, pre-engineering activities, and business planning; a British company for the chassis, suspension, and vehicle standards; and an American firm, EV Drive Oregon, for the electric power train development.
Initially developed as a “halo project,” or an initiative to create awareness and attract investor attention, the GT111 concept car is intended to be produced in commercial quantities and sold in the European market.