Source: Florida Today
Space Florida prototype investment could help former space workers
ROCKLEDGE — Newly formed automaker Avera Motors has its first customer.
The board of directors at Space Florida has agreed “to purchase” for $500,000 a prototype of the ultra-efficient vehicle that the Rockledge-based Avera is designing and plans to manufacture. The delivery date for the vehicle to Space Florida is scheduled for early November.
The money from Space Florida isn’t exactly to buy a car, rather it’s a way for the agency to invest in Avera’s development of an energy-efficient, four-passenger sports car. Manufacturing of the car, if it ends up being made in Brevard, could help former space workers transition into new high-technology employment.
“Space Florida is always interested in playing a role in the advancement and application of aerospace and space-related technologies,” Space Florida President Frank DiBello said. “We see significant progress toward this goal with Avera Motors’s development of advanced energy conversation capabilities, hybrid propulsion, alternative fuel utilization and advanced materials research tied to their new vehicle fleet.”
Space Florida is negotiating with NASA to have its engineers study the Avera prototype’s design and power systems.
“The Avera Motors vehicle development team is very excited about our partnership with Space Florida and the potential to work with NASA on our ultra-efficient technology and innovative vehicle design,” said R.J. Scaringe, Avera Motors’ chief executive officer.
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