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Oct 31, 2011 2:05 PM

Bright  Automotive, Inc. announced that it has entered into an agreement for AM General  LLC to be Bright's exclusive North American assembler for the vehicle platform  of Bright IDEA, an all-new, plug-in hybrid electric work truck that uses  innovative technologies to provide businesses with a new economic solution  focused on the lowest total cost of ownership.  

AM  General, a long-established contract vehicle assembler, military vehicle  manufacturer and services provider, will build the Bright IDEA in its  Commercial Assembly Plant in Mishawaka, Ind.,  under a contract assembly agreement with Bright Automotive.

"We  look forward to finalizing our funding to kick-start the introduction of our  world-class PHEV work-truck, saving U.S. businesses millions of dollars and  creating new jobs in the heart of America," said Reuben  Munger, Bright Automotive CEO.

The  selection of AM General as the contract assembler is one of the necessary steps  Bright Automotive has to take in order to meet current manufacturing plans to  make the Bright IDEA platform available for sale as early as 2014 to government  and commercial fleets. Production of the Bright IDEA is contingent on the  completion of Bright Automotive's funding.  This potential funding is a  blend of substantial private equity commitments and a loan through the  Department of Energy's Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program.

"We  are excited to work with AM General, whose proven manufacturing expertise and  state-of-the-art assembly facilities will enable us to focus our resources on  design and engineering, and work jointly to deliver class-leading quality,  reliability and lowest total cost of ownership to our customers," said Mike Donoughe, Bright Automotive Chief Operating Officer.

The  Bright IDEA platform is a clean-sheet plug-in hybrid electric vehicle that  addresses the key economic and functional challenges facing commercial fleet  operators. The Bright IDEA delivers fuel economy and efficiency, maximizes  utility, and significantly lowers fuel costs — the key pain point of fleet  managers — while providing a superior range of 400 miles.

"AM  General's experience in the assembly of alternative powertrains and lightweight  materials, combined with our decades of vehicle manufacturing know-how are a  perfect fit for the production of this next generation vehicle," said Rick Smith, President of AM General Commercial Business.   "Our ability to leverage a strong management team, proven production  facilities and an experienced UAW workforce, gives Bright a low-risk  manufacturing solution, with minimal investment, which is key to successfully  introducing a competitive product in today's automotive market."

In 2010,  the company formed a strategic partnership with General Motors, which is  providing engines, parts, and investment. Bright has several working prototypes  of its PHEV powertrain in the field, including one operated by the Department  of Defense that showcases Bright's unique powertrain and vehicle-to-grid  technology.