Pioneering Electric Vehicle (EV) Producer THINK Puts in Place Top Leadership Team to Drive Growth

OSLO, Norway, Sept. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- THINK's top leadership team is further strengthened with the appointment today of Barry Engle as CEO.  Engle brings a global track record of success with extensive senior level experience in marketing, sales and general management.

Prior to joining THINK, he was President & CEO of New Holland Agricultural Equipment S.p.A in Turin, Italy.  He has also served in a variety of senior positions with Ford Motor Company, which he joined in 1992, including President & CEO Ford of Canada and President, Ford of Brazil & Mercosul.  

Engle also has first-hand automotive retail experience, having been a Chrysler Plymouth Jeep dealer in Salt Lake City, Utah.  Before becoming involved in the auto industry, he held finance and marketing positions in consumer-packaged goods with General Mills, Inc. and Nabisco Brands, Inc.  Mr. Engle holds an MBA from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania and a BA in economics from Brigham Young University.

Richard Canny returns to North America to support THINK's development in the US, with sales scheduled to start at the end of this year and the start of production in Indiana from early 2011 and to develop new revenue streams for THINK by leading business development efforts and strategic alliances.

These changes follow the recent appointment of Michael Lock as Chief Marketing Officer.  Lock was formerly CEO of Ducati North America and prior to that held senior positions at Triumph and Honda.  Lock is widely respected as an industry expert in brand, marketing and communication and has an impressive track record developing premium brands in new markets.

Barry Engle said: "I am very excited and energised by the opportunities that lie ahead.  THINK is perfectly positioned to capitalize on the growing consumer and governmental interest in EV vehicles.  THINK is already a true leader in this segment – with cars on the road today, rapid growth underway and the experience of more than 30 million customer miles of EV experience.  THINK has a unique blend of speed, agility, OEM experience and strategic alliances with Ener1, Valmet and Itochu.  There is no more compelling opportunity or company in the global automotive sector today.  I look forward to leading the THINK team and continuing to work with Richard who I commend for steering the company to the point where it is now poised for rapid growth."

Richard Canny said, "I am happy to be handing over the THINK CEO role to Barry, someone who I know well and respect highly.  We've worked together closely in the past, and I am confident Barry is the best person to guide and grow the company as we move into the next exciting phase.  This transition will also enable me to spend more time in the US at home after living mostly in Europe for an extended period."

Commenting on the new appointments, THINK Chairman Charles Gassenheimer, said: "I am delighted to welcome Barry as CEO.  He brings tremendous experience and know-how and a phenomenal track record of success.  He is the perfect person to lead the THINK team going forward.  These new roles together with the recent hiring of Michael Lock as Chief Marketing Officer put in place a world class management team at THINK as we expand our global reach and leverage our leadership in EV's and EV drivetrains."

About THINK:

THINK is a pioneer in electric vehicles and a leader in electric vehicle technology, developed and proven over 19 years.  It is one of the few companies that has a 'ready-to-market' fully electric vehicle – the THINK City.  With its market-leading range, driveability and recyclability, the THINK City is the first vehicle of its type to be granted pan-European regulatory safety approval and CE certification.  

THINK is also a leader in electric drive-system technology, and was the first to offer a modular and flexible EV drive-train solution in the business-to-business sector.

*High resolution images available upon request

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