EV Electra’s Path to Manufacturing Emily GT by 2024: CEO Jihad Mohammad’s Vision

In a revealing interview with a Dutch Saab Club, Jihad Mohammad, CEO of EV Electra, shared his ambitious plans for the Emily GT project acquired from NEVS. This conversation sheds light on his strategies and the future of electric vehicle manufacturing. This interview marks his first detailed discussion about the future of Emily GT.

Production Strategy and Comparisons with Victor Muller

Contrary to initial expectations, Mohammad clarified that production would not commence in Trollhättan, at least in the beginning. He highlighted the advantage of inheriting a nearly complete car model, which needs only an additional five percent of development. This contrasts with the challenges faced by Victor Muller, who started from scratch.

Discussing the differences between his approach and that of Victor Muller, Mohammad said, “I inherited a developed car. Only about five percent is left to be done. So, I’d say Emily GT is a project that would cost around two to three billion to develop from scratch, which I got for change. I am not starting from zero but from above the surface, debt-free, and what I see ahead is a highway to success.”

Facing Skepticism and Building Trust

Addressing the skepticism he faces, Mohammad is confident about his vision. He sees only two possible outcomes: success or grand success. He believes firmly in the latter. Mohammad confidently addressed skepticism surrounding his plans, stating, “There are only two options going forward. Either we will succeed, or we will achieve great success. I firmly believe in the latter.”

The Challenges of Facility and Infrastructure

Despite lacking facilities that were previously owned by Saab, EV Electra has plans to start work with a team of engineers in a new location in Trollhättan. Mohammad plans to improve the Emily GT with the help of a team, including Frank Smit and Peter Dahl, aiming to rehire the team that was previously laid off.

Acknowledging the lack of ready-to-use facilities, Mohammad revealed, “We must make Emily GT a better product. I believe you are familiar with Frank Smit, Peter Dahl, and their team. The team that was laid off will be enticed back, and the team of engineers and developers will slowly return starting next year (2024).”

Challenges in Establishing a Factory

Mohammad acknowledges the absence of a ready-to-use factory and is considering building a new one, which could take up to two years. This timeline implies that production in Trollhättan might not commence immediately, but he assures that Emily GT will still be produced, possibly via Plan B. Mohammad commented on the need for a manufacturing facility, saying, “As I mentioned in other interviews, there is no factory today. There are buildings, empty warehouses, showrooms, but no factory in the true sense of the word.”

Alternative Manufacturing Approaches

Considering the constraints in Trollhättan, Mohammad is exploring contract manufacturing as a quicker alternative. He has discussed this with VDL, a Dutch contract manufacturer, and other hundreds of manufacturers, aiming to simplify the process and avoid delays in building a production line. Exploring other options, Mohammad said, “I’m in talks with VDL and others for contract manufacturing, which will make our lives much easier as we won’t have to build the line ourselves and lose time.”

Commitment to Trollhättan

Despite these alternatives, Mohammad remains committed to maintaining Saab’s legacy in Trollhättan. He wishes to build the factory in a modern way, turning the “house into a home.” However, he stresses the urgency in producing Emily GT and not delaying its market introduction. “It will make production something visible and beautiful. This is something that’s coming, and it’s what I promised. Let it take its time, let us build the factory this time, in a better and more modern way.”

Urgency in Producing Emily GT

Mohammad promises to start production by 2024 but warns that they will not have hundreds of thousands of Emily GTs parked outside the factory immediately. His focus is on starting production within his capabilities and ensuring the success of Emily GT.

Mohammad highlighted the importance of timely production, stating, “When Emily GT becomes old, no one will want it. The promise is to start production in 2024. We won’t have hundreds of thousands of Emily GTs parked outside the factory. That’s my promise, and it’s within my ability.”

A Vision for the Future

In his interview, Jihad Mohammad paints a picture of optimism tempered with practical challenges. His vision for EV Electra and the Emily GT is ambitious, balancing the legacy of Saab in Trollhättan with modern manufacturing realities. As he navigates these complex waters, the automotive world watches with anticipation to see if his promises will materialize into reality.

Watch the Full Interview

For a deeper understanding of EV Electra’s plans under Jihad Mohammad’s leadership, the full interview is available online on FB in the video player below: