Think Global

Think Global was a Norwegian electric car manufacturer that operated under the TH!NK brand, marking an early foray into the electric vehicle market. The company's origins trace back to 1991 with the founding of Pivco Industri AS. A significant development occurred in 1999 when Ford Motor Company acquired the firm, rebranding it and investing substantially in electric vehicle technology. Under Ford's ownership, the TH!NK City, a small two-seater electric car, was produced, with 1,005 units made until 2002. These vehicles were primarily used in station car trials in California and New York.

Following Ford's divestment in 2003, the company passed through various ownerships, including KamKorp Microelectronics and later a group of Norwegian investors. The business focused on producing the Think City, a highway-capable electric city car. This two-seater (with a 2+2 option) had a top speed of 110 kilometers per hour (68 mph). The vehicle featured recyclable polypropylene body panels and was designed for urban mobility. Production of the second-generation Think City was handled in partnership with Valmet Automotive in Finland, starting in late 2009. The company also had aspirations to expand into the U.S. market, planning a production facility in Elkhart, Indiana, with former Ford executive Richard Canny as CEO.

Despite its pioneering efforts and partnerships, including investment from General Electric and a battery supply agreement with A123 Systems, Think Global faced persistent financial difficulties. The company's business model relied on the sale of its electric vehicles to consumers and fleets, but it struggled with sluggish sales and high production costs, with the car's price tag exceeding $30,000. This financial instability led to the company filing for bankruptcy four times over its 20-year history. The final bankruptcy was filed on June 22, 2011, after failing to secure adequate capital. Although the assets were purchased by Electric Mobility Solutions AS with plans to resume production, manufacturing ultimately ceased for good in August 2012.

Keywords: Think Global, Th!nk City, electric vehicle manufacturer, Norwegian automotive, EV startup, Ford TH!NK, Valmet Automotive, A123 Systems, electric city car, urban mobility, Pivco, early electric cars, EV history, automotive bankruptcy, sustainable transport, battery electric vehicle, Richard Canny, zero-emission vehicle, highway capable EV, Elkhart Indiana production