2027 Perseus compact SUV teased
British start-up EV to ride on Euro platform, built by third party in Europe with Italian design and engineeringA team of former Bentley, Lotus, INEOS Automotive and Jaguar Land Rover executives have announced they have partnered to launch a new EV start-up, which will launch its first car in 2027 under the new Perseus banner.
Confirming the first vehicle to be a “performance and technology-focused compact UV”, Perseus says that instead of starting from scratch it will source a “proven state-of-the-art EV platform from a European OEM Group”.
It’s not been confirmed but it’s thought Perseus might be in talks with the Volkswagen Group to win a licensing deal that will allow it to use the MEB architecture currently used by cars like the VW ID.4 and ID.5 mid-sized SUVs.
Teasing a picture of the car it will launch, the British-based car-maker says it has already commissioned an Italian design and engineering firm that will style its first model and develop it for sale, including the crucial prototyping and testing.
Instead of building it themselves, Perseus says it will contract a Europe-based third-party manufacturer to build it on their behalf.
By outsourcing almost every part of the inbound compact SUV’s gestation Perseus reduces its profit margin but lowers its risk.
Most start-ups run out of cash and go bankrupt before a single production car runs off the line.
No more information has been released about the inbound EV but it’s thought Pininfarina might be in the running for the design and engineering aspects, while Austrian-based Magna Steyr could handle the build.
While the executives largely remain tight-lipped, they have suggested the firm’s first model will come with “inspirational and emotive design, groundbreaking technology, engaging performance, and exceptional user experience with compelling value”.
Part of the tech offering will include what’s been described as best-in-class Artificial Intelligence (AI) software, which is said to give the inbound SUV the edge over rivals from traditional brands.
The thrifty approach will also apply to how the fledgling firm sells its vehicles, with Perseus announcing it will employ a direct-to-consumer sales model, while commissioning a service and maintenance specialist to provide Europe-wide coverage.
“The launch of Perseus marks an exciting new chapter in global automotive innovation,” said Perseus Motor Corporation Founder and CEO, Mohammed Yehya El Bakkali.
“Our ambition is clear: to create a premium-value British EV brand that delivers emotionally captivating design, cutting-edge performance and a best-in-class intelligent AI-enabled and software-defined customer experience.”
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