UQM Technologies Inc (NYSE: UQM) were flat Friday, following news of a joint venture with China National Heavy Duty Truck Group late Thursday.
A news release out Thursday revealed that under the JVA, UQM will acquire a 25% ownership share of the joint venture with CNHTC and its affiliate collectively acquiring a 75% share. UQM has the option to increase its ownership position to 33% in the next one to three years.
The initial total capital of the joint venture will be $24 million, with UQM contributing $6 million in three installments during the next year.
UQM’s funding requirement is contingent on the closing of the Second Stage Investment with CNHTC, in accord with the terms of the Stock Purchase Agreement signed by both parties last August.
The purpose of the JV will be to serve the China market for commercial vehicle E-drives and the global market for E-axles. The annual production capacity which the JV intends to establish is 50,000 systems, and it is anticipated to commence commercial operations in 2019.
Said CEO Joe Mitchell, “We are very excited to have signed a joint venture agreement with CNHTC. Our strategy for many years has been to align ourselves with a Chinese partner that would enable us to have a local manufacturing presence in China.
"This JV agreement gives us the opportunity to manufacture and sell our electric propulsion systems to the largest market in the world for electric vehicles.”
Shares were flat at $1.53 by noon hour Friday.
