Carbon Motors : News Releases

Carbon Motors Begins Taking Orders Globally for 2013 Carbon TX7

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 07:05:00 -0500

INDIANA — In a bold strategic move forward, Carbon Motors announced today that it will begin taking orders for the Carbon TX7 – a breakthrough, Multi Mission Vehicle (MMV) offering integrated incident command, surveillance, prisoner transport and personnel carrying capabilities in an innovative and flexible package not available in the marketplace today (photos here). Production is slated to begin in late 2013 ahead of full-scale production of the Carbon E7.

The TX7 is powered by a V-8 clean diesel engine and 6-speed automatic transmission driving all four wheels in 4×4 configuration with 10-person seating capability. For communities promoting an environmentally responsible approach, the Company is planning to offer a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powertrain as an option. Innovations in power management, including piloting of certain solar array technologies, are also planned.

Law enforcement agencies currently deploy a variety of singularly focused, specialty vehicles in situations such as disaster management, search and rescue, warrant service, perimeter security, etc. These vehicles can range in price from several hundred thousand dollars, up to $2 million and carry extremely high operating costs.

The TX7 is positioned to bridge the gap between patrol vehicles and these highly specialized vehicles with a starting price of only $149,950. Its diversity allows for a more affordable and flexible vehicle that is deployable more frequently and under a broader scope of scenarios reducing government expenditures. Infrared, thermal imaging and weapons of mass destruction sensors – chemical, biological and radiation – further enhance its mission readiness.

The lower price point makes it more accessible to smaller agencies that may not consider purchasing one of the more specialized, premium positioned carriers or coaches. In some cases, the TX7 will increase the market opportunity for joint jurisdiction purchases among smaller agencies.

For the 638 law enforcement agencies that have already placed 24,442 reservations for the purpose-built Carbon E7 Pursuit and Surveillance Vehicle (PSV), Carbon Motors will offer special TX7 pricing. Deliveries of the TX7 are planned to commence during the second half of 2013. Orders may be placed at www.carbonmotors.com by authorized law enforcement authorities globally.

“As we announced in March, we have committed to secure the financing for the Carbon E7 privately, and the Carbon TX7 is an integral strategic part of moving Carbon Motors from a start-up company to a full operating company ahead of producing the highly sought after Carbon E7. We are focused on our long-term mission of becoming the global authority on law enforcement technology with a portfolio of purpose-built vehicles,” said William Santana Li, chairman and chief executive officer, Carbon Motors Corporation.

First Pure Justice Tour Stop Outside of the USA to be in Dubai

The Company also announced today its first stop on the 2013 Pure Justice Tour. After completing 73 stops in 25 states, Carbon Motors will make its first stop outside of the USA at the Intersec Conference being held in Dubai during January 15 – 17, 2013. Over 35 countries have requested exports of the Company’s products to date.

About Carbon Motors Corporation
Carbon Motors Corporation’s long-term mission is to be the world leader in law enforcement vehicle technology by producing a portfolio of innovative purpose-built specialty vehicles for the global market. Learn more at www.carbonmotors.com.

Carbon Motors Announces James E. Queen to Join Board of Directors

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 06:00:00 -0400

CONNERSVILLE, IN — Carbon Motors Corporation announced today that Jim Queen will join its Board of Directors effective 01 July 2012. With 30+ years of automotive experience, Queen is a top senior automotive operating executive who most recently headed the entire product development organization for the world’s largest automaker.

Jim served as Group Vice President of Global Engineering of General Motors Corporation from 2005 to 2009 with responsibility for an $8 billion budget, 20,000 people and 11 engineering centers worldwide. He served as Vice President of vehicle systems of GM North America Car Group since 2001, and also served as its Vice President and Group Director since 1999. He served as Group Director of engineering of the GM Small Car Group since 1997.

“Jim’s significant automotive expertise will not only instill further investor confidence and provide a strong operational perspective as it relates to corporate governance – but will also help us maintain a laser focus on execution of the plan,” says William Santana Li, chairman and chief executive officer, Carbon Motors Corporation. “Jim’s global experience will be invaluable as we position Carbon Motors to be the world’s leader in law enforcement vehicle technology.”

Queen began his career with General Motors in 1977 as a salaried employee-in-training with the Buick Motor Division in Flint, Michigan. While at Buick, he held a number of engineering assignments with increasing responsibility. He served as Manager of customer satisfaction and engineering activities of Buick since 1985. Mr. Queen transferred to the Buick-Oldsmobile-Cadillac Car Group Powertrain Division in Detroit in 1986 where he served as Senior Staff Engineer, and in 1988, he joined the Powertrain Division’s operations in Lansing, Michigan, and served as its Assistant Chief Engineer.

He subsequently served as Chief Engineer of the Quad-4 engine, and in 1991, he served as Assistant Chief Engineer of the Buick-Oldsmobile-Cadillac Lansing Automotive Division. In 1995, he was promoted to the position of Engineering Director for North American operations chassis/electrical/interior engineering activities of GM Technical Center in Warren, Michigan.

“Law enforcement needs this effort to be successful, and we will make it so,” stated Queen. “This is about American jobs and national security – and it is about being part of what will certainly be a great American success story. I served my country prior as a United States Marine and I am honored to have this unique opportunity to once again serve our country in the capacity as a Board member of Carbon Motors.”

Queen served with the United States Marine Corps from 1971 to 1977. He participated in the Amos Tuck Executive Development Program at Dartmouth College in 1990. He earned a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical and aerospace engineering at the United States Naval Academy in 1971.

About Carbon Motors Corporation

Carbon Motors Corporation’s long-term mission is to be the world leader in law enforcement vehicle technology by producing a portfolio of innovative purpose-built specialty vehicles for the global market. Learn more at www.carbonmotors.com.

Carbon Motors Announces H. Ronald Nash to Join Board of Directors

Wed, 30 May 2012 14:27:00 -0400

CONNERSVILLE, IN — Carbon Motors Corporation announced today that Ron Nash will join its Board of Directors effective 1 June 2012. Nash’s appointment brings more than 25 years of experience in high growth companies and critical executive leadership in turnaround situations in both multi-billion dollar technology companies like Perot Systems and EDS, and in multiple breakthrough technology companies.

“Ron’s expertise in start-ups, technology, fundraising, corporate governance and successful IPOs will be of great value in the board room,” stated William Santana Li, chairman and chief executive officer, Carbon Motors Corporation.

Nash is a member of InterWest Partners, a Silicon Valley headquartered, technology venture capital partnership with practices in information technology and life sciences. As a Partner at the Dallas office of InterWest, he invested in multiple new technology start-up companies and serves as a director to help chart their growth and increase their market value. His investments have created companies with a current market value of more than $500 million. He is also a board member of the Defense Venture Capital Initiative, which aims to connect various units of the US Department of Defense with breakthrough technology companies at very early stages in order to accelerate technology adoption.

“Carbon’s mission to provide law enforcement with a long overdue, purpose-built product is not only noble but an opportunity to build a tremendously successful business worldwide,” said Nash. “The Company has a breakthrough product on its hands, has customers waiting, the management team is in place, it has established a distinguished advisory board, key suppliers are engaged and the first phase of refurbishing the factory in Connersville has been completed. I could not be more excited to help with next phases of growth.”

Previously, Ron had a successful tenure at Perot Systems (now Dell Services) where he was a senior Vice-President from 1993 to 2000 with revenue growth from around $100 million to $1.2 billion, and was a member of the team leading their IPO process in 1999. At Perot Systems, his responsibilities included managing their industry group worldwide with revenue from healthcare, utilities, transportation and insurance verticals, managing sales and marketing worldwide, managing their overseas business operations, and being a member of a team which managed their business in North America (the majority of the company at the time). He was a Director of HPS, their joint venture in India for software development with HCL Technologies. His career at Perot Systems included in-depth business experience abroad with a multi-year assignment leading the European & Asian divisions of Perot Systems and living in London, England.

Ron began his career at EDS (now HP Enterprise Services), serving in both technical and business management positions over six years, and served in the U.S. Army in the 1st Battalion, 3rd Infantry (The Old Guard) in Washington, D.C. He has been recognized as a member of the Academy of Distinguished Engineering Alumni at Georgia Tech, as a Distinguished Alumnus of the School of Industrial and Systems Engineering at Georgia Tech, a Distinguished Alumnus of the Jindal School of Management at the University of Texas at Dallas, and a Distinguished Alumnus of the University of Texas at Dallas.

About Carbon Motors Corporation

Carbon Motors Announces General Jim Jones (USMC-Ret) to Serve on Advisory Board

Wed, 16 May 2012 09:00:00 -0400

CONNERSVILLE, IN — Carbon Motors Corporation announced today that General James L. Jones (USMC-Ret), 32nd Commandant of the United States Marine Corps and former National Security Advisor to the President of the United States, has joined the company’s advisory board alongside the Honorable Lee H. Hamilton, Governor Thomas J. Ridge, and Dr. Lee P. Brown. The advisory board provides strategic guidance to the company relating to the development of the world’s first purpose-built vehicles designed exclusively for law enforcement operations.

With over four decades of distinguished and highly decorated service to the Marine Corps, General Jones brings to the advisory board an extensive background and global reputation as a leading international security and strategic energy initiatives expert. “We are truly honored that General Jones has made it his mission to place this technologically advanced tool in the hands of law enforcement globally,” stated William Santana Li, chairman and chief executive officer of Carbon Motors Corporation. “I am looking forward to collaborating with him as we move forward in this exciting new chapter of our story.”

General Jones is the founder of Jones Group International, an international advisory firm dedicated to finding solutions to today’s complex issues in areas ranging from national security and international affairs, to foreign policy, international market access, trade promotion and energy security.

On his recent appointment to the Carbon Motors Advisory Board, “Carbon Motors is a highly capable, innovative enterprise that is performing an enormously important and long-overdue service,” said General Jones. “Our law enforcement and first responder community needs and deserves vehicles tailored to execute their difficult and critical public security and safety mission. I’m proud to be a part of this vital and exciting venture.”

General Jones has spent his life serving and protecting America and American ideals. As the former commander of U.S. European Command and Supreme Allied Commander Europe, he led all military operations for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and later, as National Security Advisor, he brought clear vision and steady leadership to America’s mission in Iraq, the war in Afghanistan, and the country’s interests around the world.

General Jones attended the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service and was commissioned into the Marine Corps in January 1967. He served in Vietnam, rising from platoon and company commander to first lieutenant. On returning to the U.S., he pursued a career in the Marines, attending the Amphibious Warfare School in 1973 and the National War College in 1985, and serving as Marine Corps liaison officer to the U.S. Senate. He was also commanding officer of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit in Northern Iraq and Turkey on Operation Provide Comfort; chief of staff, Joint Task Force Provide Promise, for operations in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Macedonia; and commanding general, 2nd Marine Division, Marine Forces Atlantic. He became the 32nd commandant of the United States Marine Corps in July 1999.

Upon retirement in February 2007, the combat veteran became the president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for 21st Century Energy. During his NATO assignment from 2003-2006, he advocated energy security and the defense of critical infrastructures as a core part of NATO’s future missions. With the Chamber, Jones worked to unite energy consumers and producers for a common goal—to increase the variety of the U.S. energy supply and associated infrastructures, to advance international cooperation on energy issues, to protect national energy security, and to promote better understanding of changes to the global climate and its effects on the environment.

About Carbon Motors Corporation

An Open Letter to President Obama’s Cabinet - December 15, 2011

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 00:38:00 -0500

The following is an open letter from William Santana Li, chairman and chief executive officer, Carbon Motors Corporation, to select members of the President’s Cabinet:

The Honorable Eric H. Holder, Jr., Attorney General, U.S. Department of Justice
The Honorable John E. Bryson, Secretary, U.S. Department of Commerce
The Honorable Hilda L. Solis, Secretary, U.S. Department of Labor
The Honorable Ray LaHood, Secretary, U.S. Department of Transportation
The Honorable Steven Chu, Secretary, U.S. Department of Energy
The Honorable Janet A. Napolitano, Secretary, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
The Honorable Lisa P. Jackson, Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency
The Honorable Jacob J. Lew, Director, Office of Management & Budget

cc: The Honorable Joseph R. Biden, Jr., Vice President of the United States

Dear Members of the President’s Cabinet,

I am writing to you about a matter of national significance and of great importance to our country’s law enforcement first responders generally, and specifically each of the departments for which you have responsibility. We share concerns expressed by countless law enforcement professionals to us over the last nine years:

our brave first responders are asked to secure our country, patrol our streets, and protect our communities without the appropriate equipment to empower them to do so in a manner that is safe for the officer and the public at large;
the vehicles being used today are highly inefficient – both economically and environmentally; and
the vast majority of the vehicles in the existing law enforcement fleet use passenger cars intended for retail consumer use and which were not manufactured on U.S. soil by American workers.

Carbon Motors Corporation is a homeland security technology company that is developing the world’s first and only purpose-built law enforcement patrol vehicle. Over two years ago, Carbon Motors filed an application for a loan of over $300 million with the Department of Energy’s Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing (ATVM) program. The ATVM direct loan program was established in a bi-partisan manner by the Bush Administration and has been carried on by the Obama Administration.

We have secured a mothballed automotive facility located in a town with unemployment at rates significantly higher than the national average – Connersville, Indiana – a victim of the fallout of automotive industry at the end of the last decade. With the ongoing criticisms aired concerning the U.S. Department of Energy’s loan guarantee programs and the ATVM direct loan program, our country faces a critical decision now that will have significant impact on our first responders, taxpayers, environment, highways, our manufacturing employment base and the security of our homeland.

There are 840,000+ law enforcement first responders – sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters – who get up every morning and put themselves in harm’s way to protect and serve each and every one of us, over 18,000 of them have already made the ultimate sacrifice. They patrol our streets and neighborhoods using gas-guzzling retail passenger cars that were not designed for this relentless mission and which, after the necessary aftermarket retrofitting process, do not meet federal safety standards applicable to all other passenger vehicles on the road.

While we know each of you join in our nation’s unwavering support for its first responders, we wanted to highlight certain significant issues facing each of your respective critical missions and Carbon Motors’ contribution to a comprehensive solution:

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY; Secretary Steven Chu
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY; Administrator Lisa P. Jackson

ISSUE: The largest and most visible combined fleet of vehicles deployed by our federal, state and local governments is among the most inefficient consuming over 1.5 billion gallons of fuel every year and emitting over 14 million tons of CO2. This at a time when our country is desperately trying to reduce its dangerous dependence on foreign oil and reduce its greenhouse gas footprint.

SOLUTION: Approve the Carbon Motors ATVM loan and our country can begin to reduce these figures by 40%.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE; Attorney General Eric H. Holder, Jr.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY; Secretary Janet A. Napolitano

ISSUE: Presently, our over 19,000 law enforcement agencies fend for themselves in an uncoordinated manner as they cobble together passenger vehicles meant for retail consumers with the vast array of aftermarket equipment necessary to successfully carry out their mission, while our country provides purpose-built vehicles for nearly every other unique public function – fire trucks, ambulances, postal services, trash collection, and a massive fleet of purpose-built vehicles of all types and sizes for the military.

SOLUTION: Approve the Carbon Motors ATVM loan and our country will finally have the world’s first truly purpose-built homeland security technology platform to better secure our country – inclusive of roving WMD threat detection capability. Let’s focus our law enforcement resources on protecting our citizens, and put an end to the inefficient practice of operating 19,000+ uncoordinated automotive assembly operations by law enforcement agencies nationwide.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR; Secretary Hilda L. Solis
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY; Administrator Lisa P. Jackson

ISSUE: With the nation hovering near double-digit unemployment rates and virtually everyone in our country rightly focused on American jobs, our state, local and federal law enforcement agencies imported the over 500,000 patrol vehicles used by our law enforcement personnel from foreign soil. This is an unacceptable use of U.S. taxpayer dollars.

SOLUTION: Approve the Carbon Motors ATVM loan and we will bring these jobs home to America, where they rightfully belong. It is estimated that our project will create 10,000+ new American jobs of national importance by building a technological breakthrough on U.S. soil in a region decimated by the automotive downturn – and we will do so in a mothballed brownfield facility we have already begun restoring.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION; Secretary Ray LaHood

ISSUE: The over 500,000 law enforcement vehicles patrolling our neighborhoods today do not meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, putting both our first responders and citizens on the road at risk. We, as a country, would never stand for the placement of a U.S. soldier in a similarly haphazardly-equipped vehicle and it is unacceptable to do this with our nation’s brave first responders.

SOLUTION: Approve the Carbon Motors ATVM loan and our first responders will be driving a vehicle that will meet or exceed all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards inclusive of all the law enforcement and homeland security equipment integrated into the vehicle platform.

OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT & BUDGET; Director Jacob J. Lew

ISSUE: Today’s practice of allowing over 19,000 law enforcement agencies across the country to individually retrofit consumer-oriented vehicles is extremely costly and inefficient, with expenditures at the local, state, and federal level expected to be on the order of $100 billion over the next decade.

SOLUTION: Approve the Carbon Motors ATVM loan and we will provide the nation with the only product presently in the ATVM loan program that will save the government a significant amount of money. The purpose-built, turn-key distribution of the Carbon E7 will reduce maintenance costs, improve durability, and, combined with the fuel savings and the extensive capabilities of the vehicle, result in dramatic savings for U.S. taxpayers nationwide. If the entire fleet were to be converted to Carbon E7 vehicles, the country could save over $10 billion taxpayer dollars over a period of ten years.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE; Secretary John E. Bryson

ISSUE: Our nation continues to run unacceptably high trade imbalances, as American manufacturing has eroded and the nation has continued to devolve into an importer of foreign goods rather than an exporter of American innovation.

SOLUTION: Approve the Carbon Motors ATVM loan allowing our company to complete our project and respond to the nearly three-dozen requests by countries around the world for export of our breakthrough American product helping to put even more Americans to work.

As one of our Senior Advisors, The Honorable Lee H. Hamilton (vice-chair of the 9/11 Commission), has often remarked: the first role of government is to protect its citizens. There are lives at stake and we stand ready to do our part to better enable our first responders to meet their critical mission and, in the process, improve officer and highway safety, reduce harmful emissions and dependence on foreign oil, and put Americans back to work.

We need your help in making this happen, especially as the matter we have raised is a cross-cabinet or interagency concern. The first step to take is the timely approval of our ATVM loan as it is in the national security and socioeconomic interests of the United States of America.

On behalf of the 840,000+ first responders across our great country we thank you in advance for your timely support of this critical national initiative.

Relentless,

/s/

William Santana Li

Chairman and CEO

Carbon Motors Corporation

MSN Autos - Carbon Motors is Relevant

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 16:24:00 -0500

Sam Smith with MSN Autos blog “Exhaust Notes” comments on Carbon’s recent open letter to President Obama’s Cabinet. The fully integrated, purpose-built Carbon E7 will ultimately address the issue of officers being displaced by law enforcement equipment, and give agencies a viable option for the preferred large rear-wheel drive sedan with vastly improved fuel economy.

Read the complete article on MSN Autos here.

Debunking the Misguided Assessment of Clean Car Investments

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 17:22:00 -0500

A comprehensive understanding of the Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing (ATVM) program is imperative to paving the road for 21st century vehicles like the Carbon E7. Daniel J Weiss and Jackie Weidman from the Center for American Progress clarify exactly what the ATVM program is and why it is so important – it creates new American jobs, promotes technological advancements and healthy competition, and it stimulates energy independence from foreign sources of oil.

Read the complete article here and see exactly why Carbon Motors is such a great fit for the ATMV program.

U.S. Department of Labor Visits Carbon Motors

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 11:07:00 -0500

Dear Secretary Solis,

Thank you for dispatching Executive Director Jay Williams to visit with us at Carbon Motors in Connersville, Indiana last week. We understand he is operating under the directive of the President of the United States to coordinate the development of Federal programs and policies needed to strengthen the U.S. automotive industry and revitalize automotive communities. We intend to not only do our part for the automotive industry but we will also strengthen our country’s defenses against threats both foreign and domestic with the Carbon E7 – the world’s first and only purpose-built law enforcement patrol vehicle – a new homeland security technology platform for the nation.

Connersville has suffered greatly from the loss of automotive jobs – with a population of just over 14,000 hard working Americans, the loss of nearly 5,000 automotive jobs over 4 years ago was catastrophic. Unemployment in the area is at an all-time high and among the worst in the State of Indiana. Carbon Motors offers a unique opportunity to rebuild the region, help reduce our nation’s dependence on foreign oil, strengthen U.S. automotive innovation, create new American jobs of national importance and support those who “protect and serve” this great nation.

At this time, the vast majority of the half-million law enforcement vehicles deployed for duty in the U.S. were manufactured on foreign soil. Spending U.S. tax dollars on foreign-manufactured law enforcement vehicles for public sector use is unacceptable, especially as the nation struggles with untenable unemployment figures. We are supportive of actions by the Administration that are designed to marshal federal resources to support towns decimated by the recent downturn in the automotive industry.

In order for this project to succeed in putting significant numbers of people back to work, we need a number of constituents, regardless of political stripe, to come together including local, state and federal government agencies, the private sector, and the local community. We are pleased to have the U.S. Department of Labor as an integral part of that unifying effort.

We look forward to continuing to work with you and Executive Director Williams to help put Hoosiers back to work on behalf of our country’s 840,000+ law enforcement first responders as we await the Department of Energy’s approval of our loan under the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing (ATVM) program. We have already ordered new building materials and will begin refurbishment of the mothballed auto plant in Connersville in the coming weeks. We have begun the next chapter of an American success story and are honored to have you on the team.

Relentless,

/s/

William Santana Li

Chairman and CEO

Carbon Motors Corporation

Carbon Motors Continues Recruiting Seasoned Executives

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 11:03:00 -0500

Arthur A Rogers is joining Carbon Motors as director Carbon Careers. With more than 35 years of experience in human resources, Art will oversee all Carbon Careers Center activities including recruiting, on-boarding, talent management and, with the Carbon Leadership Group, help continue to drive the development of our culture.

“It is the first role of government to protect its citizens, and it is time that our country protect those that protect and serve our nation – the brave 840,000+ first responders that get up every morning and put themselves in harm’s way,” said William Santana Li, chairman and chief executive officer, Carbon Motors Corporation. “I am honored to have an executive of Art’s caliber join the team with a laser focus on recruiting the best our country has to offer to deliver on that mission of national importance.”

Carbon Motors Begins Rebuilding “Little Detroit”

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 19:17:00 -0400

CONNERSVILLE, IN — Carbon Motors Corporation announced today that it has commenced refurbishment of the idled brownfield site in Connersville, Indiana, and will be turning it into a modern, 21st century, highly efficient and environmentally responsible redevelopment to be known as the Carbon Campus. In an area of Indiana that is among the hardest hit by the lingering economic crisis, this is an appreciable move towards putting Americans back to work as well as accelerating the production of the Carbon E7 – the world’s first and only purpose-built law enforcement patrol vehicle. Teams of architects, engineers and contractors are finalizing the detailed, multi-year construction plans and have begun the first of several phases of work on the Carbon Campus.

“We are fully aware of the severe economic conditions impacting our community, and we have been working relentlessly for the past two years with the local, state, and federal authorities to bring this project to fruition,” said William Santana Li, chairman and chief executive officer, Carbon Motors Corporation. “We wish to thank the State of Indiana, Fayette County, and the City of Connersville for their continued and unwavering support. Redevelopment of the site is yet another step forward in the ongoing process of turning Connersville into the police car capital of the world and providing our country’s 840,000 first responders with the appropriate equipment to better secure our homeland.”

Connersville has deep roots in the automotive industry. Some of the biggest and most recognizable vehicle names have come out of Connersville, which used to be known as “Little Detroit” – Ansted, Auburn, Cord, Duesenberg, Empire, Lexington and McFarlan. In addition to the many automakers, Connersville was also home to a number of automotive suppliers that supported the industry.

“Despite all obstacles and challenges of building a company in the current economic environment, the team at Carbon Motors continues to persevere and has consistently pushed towards restoring Connersville and Fayette County to their former glory on behalf of the nation’s law enforcement community,” commented Sheriff William Wayson, Fayette County, Indiana. “Their dedication is steadfast, and the renovation of the site will prove to be an iconic landmark to all that enter Fayette County on Indiana’s State Road 1.”

The renovation work was awarded to Shook Construction, Inc. and Moody Nolan, Inc. Founded in 1926, Shook Construction is recognized as a regional leader in the industry for its strength in traditional construction methods and for its creative, fresh approach to cutting edge technologies and delivery systems. Moody Nolan is an award-winning design firm that prides itself on designing projects that positively impact and revitalize communities ravaged by economic or natural setbacks. Shook Construction and Moody Nolan are ideally located and suited to lead the redevelopment efforts with strong local ties to the community.

About Carbon Motors Corporation

Carbon Motors Corporation is a bold homeland security technology company on a critical mission to design, develop, manufacture, distribute, service, and recycle, the world’s first and only purpose-built law enforcement patrol vehicle. Learn more at www.carbonmotors.com.

Carbon Motors Supplier Conference Invitation

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 13:41:00 -0400

Carbon Motors Corporation will be hosting its first Homeland Security Technology Conference in July (invitation attached). The purpose of the Conference is to conduct private meetings with the top providers of homeland security and law enforcement technologies for possible integration into Carbon’s E7 technology platform.

A link to the online appointment scheduler is included in the attached invitation, or you may go directly to the scheduler here. Attendee/presenter groups should be able to present a comprehensive overview and answer all business and technical related questions during their scheduled meeting. If we have not yet executed a mutual NDA and your company requires one prior to the meeting, please reply to the FINAL CONFIRMATION email notification you will receive after booking your meeting indicating such.

We are expecting available meeting times to go fast, so please select your preferred appointment time today! Carbon Motors reserves the right to reject or propose a new time, but we will do our best to accommodate your request. Please be aware that everyone will be expected to attend the Carbon Motors Overview between 9-10am on the morning of your scheduled meeting. This will help answer the most common questions asked and make your meeting the most efficient use of your time.

Depending on response rates and turnout, it is likely that we will host another conference in the future although no plans have been formalized at this time. We look forward to working together to make the Carbon E7 the most advanced crime fighting tool in law enforcement history.

When Basic Physics Trumps High Technology

Sun, 13 Mar 2011 21:21:00 -0400

The National Transportation Safety Administration attributes 10 percent of all fatal accidents to driver distraction, and a squad car cockpit is cluttered with distractions. That is exactly why a purpose-built patrol vehicle is essential to the safety of our law enforcement first responders!

The Carbon Motors E7 is the first and only purpose-built vehicle for law enforcement. And an integral part of the E7 will be the deployment of the proprietary On-board Rapid Command Architecture (ORCA), which will drastically improve the driver interface to all emergency vehicle operations and integrated law enforcement equipment.

Jim Donahue and John Demand recently wrote a great article on in-vehicle officer distractions that may be found here on PoliceOne.com. Have a quick read and remember – BE SAFE OUT THERE!

Carbon Motors: Redefining the American Police Cruiser

Wed, 05 Jan 2011 11:42:00 -0500

For the uninitiated, it might appear as though police and deputies already drive ‘police cars’. But how much thought and consideration has actually been given to the brave women and men who serve our communities in retrofitted retail cars? Not much!

Carbon Motors is out to change that and will finally give our heroes the vehicle they deserve – the Carbon E7. Gerard Hetman’s analysis in his latest blog post is spot-on, leading him to conclude that “…any agency or governing body which would dismiss the E7 may be making a serious mistake.”

Read the full story and his interview with Stacy Dean Stephens, Carbon’s Co-founder and Director Communications, here.

Carbon Motors Makes Fortune Magazine's 'Top-10' List

Sun, 17 Oct 2010 09:34:00 -0400

Carbon Motors continues to make extraordinary progress in the development of the world’s first and only purpose-built law enforcement patrol vehicle. So much so that Fortune Magazine has named Carbon Motors in their latest edition as one of their picks of the 10 brands to watch. Read the full article here.

E7 - Cruiser of the Future

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 08:36:00 -0400

The Protector, Journal of the Police and Firemen’s Insurance Association, just released their Summer 2010 edition. Carbon Motors Corporation is featured as the cover story and Alicia Fire explores the many reasons that the Carbon ‘E7’ will turn the manufacturing (and law enforcement) industry “on its ear.”

Read the entire article in the PDF below.

Carbon Motors Recruits Two Additional World-Class Suppliers

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 10:41:00 -0400

CONNERSVILLE, Ind. — Carbon Motors Corporation announced today that it will team up with Bosch Engineering and Inteva Products, LLC, to develop the electrical architecture and cockpit of the Carbon E7: the world’s first and only purpose-built law enforcement patrol vehicle – designed by law enforcement, exclusively for law enforcement.

Bosch Engineering, with offices in Farmington Hills, Mich., will lead the development of the electrical architecture for the Carbon E7 including integrating key aspects of the law enforcement vehicle such as emergency lights, communications equipment, WMD threat detection capabilities, automatic license plate recognition systems, radar, and sirens as well as Carbon’s own proprietary ORCA™ (On-Board Rapid Command Architecture). Currently in police vehicles law enforcement components are retrofitted to existing retail passenger cars. By integrating these elements and others into the original design of a truly purpose-built vehicle, it will greatly enhance officer safety, substantially improve ergonomics yielding a world-class human-machine interface, reduce vehicle down-time, provide breakthrough improvements in functionality while reducing overall repair costs and provide for game-changing developments in service diagnostic capabilities.

“Carbon Motors is delighted to announce Bosch as its partner in key areas of the Carbon E7’s development,” said Trevor J Rudderham, executive vice president and chief development officer. “Dependable and reliable electrical function in law enforcement vehicles is a critical requirement for our first-responders – especially when in harm’s way. Having the world’s leading experts in this field from Bosch on our team will be a huge asset and will further support the successful execution of this critical part of our program.”

According to Keith Andrews, president of Bosch Engineering North America, designing the electrical architecture for a police vehicle from the ground up is a world’s first, and a challenge that is well-suited to the Bosch team. “Bosch has an in-depth understanding of automotive systems and we are applying that knowledge to ensure the systems of the Carbon E7 communicate with one another while reducing complexity and improving functionality,” said Andrews. “Knowing the importance of the end user and the critical job they do gives this project even greater meaning and purpose for our team. We are excited to work with Carbon Motors.”

Carbon Motors is also partnering with Inteva Products, LLC, on the interior design and development of the Carbon E7. Inteva, with its world headquarters and technical center located in Troy, Mich., has an excellent track record in high quality interior systems and also brings extensive experience in development for arduous usage and high mileage applications, such as Class 8 trucks. This level of durability is key to ensuring the longer and less expensive life cycle costs for taxpayers and the law enforcement customer.

“Inteva is a great addition to the growing list of partners that Carbon Motors has selected to develop the Carbon E7 purpose-built law enforcement vehicle,” said Rudderham. “The team at Inteva has shown great enthusiasm and creativity that will insure we deliver the key attributes of superb ergonomics and high durability in the purpose-built cockpit of the Carbon E7.”

“Inteva is proud to be a part be a part of the Carbon Motors team,” said Lon Offenbacher, chief executive officer, Inteva Products. “We are confident that together we can provide better, more robust, high performance solutions to our law enforcement first responders, while supplying products that are environmentally friendly.”

In addition to the selection of electrical and interior partners, Carbon Motors is promoting William F McAtamney to director product planning. McAtamney began working at Carbon Motors Corporation in 2007 and had the lead responsibility for translating customer requirements into product actions. As program manager, he was instrumental in bringing the running Concept Demonstration Vehicle (CDV) to reality. Since its completion, the fully functional CDV has been on over 50 Pure Justice Tour stops across the country where it has been met with critical acclaim from law enforcement officers, police chiefs, fleet administrators, government and civic leaders and members of the news media. McAtamney will report to Trevor J Rudderham, executive vice president and chief development officer.

“Carbon Motors Corporation is incredibly proud of Bill McAtamney and his accomplishments as the Company continues its laser-focused mission to put more Americans back to work in support of homeland security and reducing our dependence on foreign oil,” said William Santana Li, chairman and chief executive officer, Carbon Motors Corporation. “The addition of Bosch and Inteva to the team further solidifies our ongoing commitment to support our nation’s first responders with the ultimate law enforcement tool – the Carbon E7.”

Bosch and Inteva join a growing team of world-class partners and suppliers to Carbon Motors including BMW, Lotus Engineering, Lear, L-3 Communications, BASF, Federal Signal, Snap-on, Autoliv, Tomar Electronics, and Dürr Systems.

Carbon Motors will make its much-anticipated debut to the nation’s sheriffs on the 52nd stop of the Pure Justice Tour in Anaheim, California, at the National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA) Conference and Exhibition on the 28th and 29th of June 2010. The NSA, now in its sixty-eighth year of serving law enforcement and other criminal justice professionals of the nation, is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising the level of professionalism among those in the criminal justice field. Information and directions may be found at www.carbonmotors.com/tour.

About Bosch Engineering

Bosch Engineering is one of the world’s largest automotive engineering service providers, with about 1,400 associates in the United States, Germany, Japan, France, and Austria. Its services range from initial studies to series production, and focus on the specific software development for engine management, safety, and comfort systems, and their electrical or electronic integration. Bosch Engineering’s services for cars, studies, and special models of series-produced vehicles have also been transferred to related areas such as commercial vehicles, construction and agricultural machinery, ships as well as industrial applications.

About Inteva Products, LLC

Inteva Products, LLC has more than 90 years of experience and expertise, empowering some of the best minds in the industry with global resources supported by a team at 17 facilities on three continents. Inteva designs, engineers, manufactures, and assembles Interior Systems, Cockpits, Latch and Closure Systems, Door Module and Window Lift Systems, and Advanced Materials for leading OEMs around the globe. Inteva’s integration capabilities provide everything from small component parts to fully integrated vehicle subsystems. Inteva is committed to execute to the highest level possible for all customers to create solutions that meet quality and technical specifications while remaining on time and on budget. For more information visit www.intevaproducts.com.

About Carbon Motors Corporation

Carbon Motors Corporation is a bold homeland security company on a critical mission to design, develop, manufacture, distribute, service, and recycle, the world’s first purpose-built law enforcement patrol vehicle. Learn more at www.carbonmotors.com.

Putting Perfume on a Pig

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 10:10:00 -0400

Carbon Motors is truly THE world’s first purpose-built law enforcement patrol vehicle – designed by law enforcement, exclusively for law enforcement. And the law enforcement community recognizes this fact.

In a no-nonsense, tell it like it is blog on Officer.com, Mr. Donahue gives his eloquent point of view and pulls no punches doing so. His insight as both an officer and a multi-generational product of the automotive industry (he and his father both worked for one of the Detroit Three) is refreshing and factual. It just goes to show that you cannot hide the truth from your customers… ahem.

Read the full story in the PDF below.

Police Power

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 11:47:00 -0400

In the June edition of Roundel magazine, Carbon Motors receives recognition as “the first to seriously develop a vehicle specifically for the law enforcement community.” Roundel is the magazine of the BMW Car Club of America, a not for profit corporation located in Greenville, SC, that is dedicated to promoting camaraderie and encourage social awareness and responsibility within the BMW community.

Read the full article in the PDF below.

Carbon Motors Receives Top Honor

Fri, 21 May 2010 09:32:00 -0400

In the cover story of Site Selection magazine’s May edition, Carbon Motors Corporation was named one of the Top Deals of 2009 in North America. Among the thousands of deals consummated globally each year, Carbon Motors, the City of Connersville, Fayette County and the State of Indiana are all honored to have been selected for such prestigious recognition.

Read the full story here.

Any Police Cars You See May Be Used Against You

Thu, 20 May 2010 11:35:00 -0400

When the last in a long line of an outdated, re-purposed taxicabs rolls off the Canadian assembly line, many police officers will be elated by what’s in store for them. The New York Times examines three other family sedans being offered for use by police, and one vehicle built from the ground-up exclusively for law enforcement. As the only true all-inclusive, purpose-built law enforcement vehicle, we think you’ll agree that Carbon Motors is the clear winner!

Read the article in The New York Times here.