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Munro Vehicles (Munro) builds first pre-production model

Munro has assembled its first pre-production model: The white Series-M Utility, a 4x4 with a fixed roof and five seats, leaves the factory in East Kilbride only ten months after Munro presented the MK_1 prototype model in Edinburgh in December 2022.

Munro has now produced the first pre-series model. In 2024, 50 units are set to be built, and by 2027, up to 2,500 per year. | Photo: Munro
Munro has now produced the first pre-series model. In 2024, 50 units are set to be built, and by 2027, up to 2,500 per year. | Photo: Munro
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Gregor Soller

The British (and Scots) are still grappling with the creeping deindustrialization: According to a press release, the start of production for Munro marks "a significant moment in British automotive history" as the company initiates the return to mass production of light vehicles in Scotland. This is the first time since the closure of the Talbot-Sunbeam assembly in Linwood in 1981.

The introduction of the Series-M Utility marks the next phase of Munro's strategic vision to expand its production facilities and increase the number of employees: By 2027, 300 new jobs are expected to be created in the region. The difference compared to Linwood: While back then, sometimes less motivated employees were brought to the assembly line, this time, it's enthusiasts who will build the all-wheel-drive vehicle.

And unlike before, the planning is very cautious: The scaling will allow Munro to increase production from 50 vehicles in the next twelve months to 200 units per year and to 2,500 per year by 2027. A very realistic number for an electric hardcore 4x4.

The company, which was nominated as a finalist for the best innovative EV manufacturer at the Fully Charged Awards, is uniquely positioned to support customers in demanding industries including agriculture, construction, defense, disaster relief, and forestry. The Munro Series-M will enable customers to decarbonize their 4x4 vehicle fleets without sacrificing off-road capability, practicality, and durability.

Marcus Mackle, Head of Vehicle Sales at Munro, links history and future:

"The production of the first pre-series Munro Series-M Utility, rolling off the line, is a significant moment. Both for Munro and for Scotland, as the Series-M Utility is the first light vehicle to enter mass production since the closure of the Linwood car plant in 1981."

He points to an order backlog of more than 250 pre-orders worth £68 million for the innovative and sustainably-oriented Munro Series-M Utility Hardtop and the Series-M Truck with open bed. He is pleased:

"In the next two years, we can confidently look to the future."

Extensive feedback was gathered during a comprehensive customer test drive program. Accordingly, improvements have been made. Russell Peterson, CEO and co-founder of Munro, explained:

"After listening to our customers, we have introduced numerous enhancements. These include an adjustable steering column with steering wheel controls as well as a range of ergonomic improvements. Full safety equipment, including airbags, ABS brakes, stability, and traction control, will also be offered."

The switch to high-quality body panels allows for easier exchangeability of components. This strengthens Munro's philosophy of eliminating obsolescence to create fully electric 4x4 vehicles that can provide fifty years of eco-friendly, emission-free service.At the rear of the vehicle, an "exoskeleton" attached to the hardtop of the utility models enables easy mounting of equipment.

Electric motors also generate heat that can be used for heating

The introduction of a more durable LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery pack allows for a faster 30-minute charge with up to 130 kW. Munro has also significantly improved the thermal efficiency of the vehicle: The waste heat captured from the drivetrain can now be used to heat the cabin.

Combined with more effective sound insulation measures, the Munro Series-M offers a more comfortable travel experience, whether driven on asphalt with a range of up to 200 miles or tackling the world's most challenging off-road terrain for which it was designed.

The vehicle is offered in the "Standard" M170 version with 170 kW and "High Performance" M280 with 280 kW as well as in "Utility" (hardtop) and "Truck" (open cargo area) configurations.

What does it mean?

It remains to be seen whether Munro can make the leap from pre-production model to mass production! The planning is very cautious and the niche is very narrow, so it could work out with the future Scottish production cars.

Translated automatically from German.
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