0
Mini car leads to massive boost for Alton firm
Immediate Release
11 January 2008
It may be small in size, but an electric-powered mini has sparked interest from one of the world’s
biggest car manufacturers and led to a massive deal for Alton firm PML FlightLink. The firm is being
recognised by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) at 6.30pm on Wednesday 16
January at Brooklands Museum Weybridge Surrey.
Media are invited to film and interview Andrew Vallance, from PML FlightLink, as guest speaker at
the IMechE Farnborough & Guildford lecture, jointly organisation with the RAES Weybridge. PML
FlightLink has been especially chosen to give a presentation because its green motors are in line
with the IMechE’s key themes of Transport and Environment and the overall vision ‘Improving the
world through engineering.’
This week PML FlightLink, based in Alton, Hampshire, sent its first shipment of electric motors to
Volvo as part of a significant deal sparked by the development of its electric-powered mini. The Mini
QED was designed by the firm to showcase the best electric drive system in the world. It is carbon
free and capable of 0-60mph in approximately 4 seconds and is the result of seven years of
research and development on in-wheel electric motors by PML FlightLink
PML FlightLink expects to more than double its 30 staff to approximately 80 as a result of the
significant interest and investment generated from the mini. It is about to embark on a recruitment
drive for mechanical engineers and staff across the firm.
Andrew Vallance said: ‘’The Mini QED was the result of seven years of
innovation on in-wheel electric motors. Most of today’s electric or
hybrid electric vehicles substantially under perform when compared
with high performance gasoline cars and also with theoretical limits of
electric drive systems. We felt it time to demonstrate what really can
be achieved today using the best technology available.’’
He added: ‘’The QED Mini, first la