Another automotive company eyes Upstate

Thursday, 02 July 2009

Francis B. Allgood This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it GREENVILLE -- South Korean-based CT&T Company Ltd. is exploring locations to establish its U.S. operations, which will include its headquarters, research and development and manufacturing facilities. The short list includes the Upstate, along with locations in North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Southern California. “We just outlined what our facility requirements will be, our growth projections and what we think we are going to need in terms of work force,” said Senior Director of Marketing Curt Westlake. “With that in mind, we’ve begun some discussions with all the respective parties in those states.” Both Westlake and CT&T’s chief operating officer, Joseph White, live in Greenville. The company has established offices in Greenville and Atlanta. “At the end of the day, it’s a business decision” where the company locates, Westlake said. CT&T produces low-speed electric vehicles that can travel up to 35 mph. Vehicles meet the international crash standard and will be priced as low as $10,000 for the base model. According to Westlake, 80% of people drive 35 mph or less. Operating cost of the vehicle is about $5-$10 per month. “This is a great zero emission transportation alternative,” he said. Westlake wouldn’t comment on the investment CT&T plans to make in the U.S. The company plans to create 2,500 jobs. Another 10,000 jobs would be created through retail and distribution networks by 2014. The company plans to make a decision on its headquarters by September. “The availability of suppliers in the Upstate makes it a viable target,” Westlake said. Young Gi Lee, a former executive of Hyundai Motor Corp., founded CT&T in 2002. CT&T joins Carbon Motors Corp. and XP Vehicles Inc. as electric-powered vehicle companies scouting sites in the Upstate for potential sites. Published July 2, 2009