Hivec on track to developing electric vehicle

Japan’s Hivec Inc. a start-up founded in 2003 by a group of what were 16 Mazda-affiliated local auto parts makers, is on track to developing an electric vehicle, a state-of-the-art two-seater incorporating solar-powered batteries and in-wheel motors. The goal is to build a prototype model in 2011. Hivec is still working mainly on parts production. However, President Toshihide Deguchi has revealed that his company was recently approached both by China and South Korea about production of a prototype electric car. (April 19, 2010)