Carbon Motors to locate in Georgia

Georgia Department of Economic Development announced today that Carbon Motors Corporation, a new American automaker, has selected Georgia for its headquarters, research & development center, production center and its First Responder retail operations center. The company plans to develop the world’s first vehicle built specifically for law enforcement.

“We are honored that Carbon Motors has selected Georgia for its home,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “Georgia has the right business leadership, knowledge base, technical expertise and spirit of innovation to help usher in a new business model in the automotive industry.”

Carbon Motors chose Georgia as its location after a multi-state search, and will work closely with state, county and city officials as well as the private sector, including major developers, to decide the best location for a metro Atlanta campus to house the entire operation. The company anticipates collaborations with the Georgia Institute of Technology and the Savannah School of Art and Design for technology research, design and applied engineering support.

“The combination of a robust pro-business environment, international airport, logistics infrastructure, educational institutions, strong workforce, and the positive attitude of the people in Georgia made the decision clear-cut,” said William Santana Li, chairman and CEO of Carbon Motors Corporation. “With our primary focus on substantially improving the effectiveness and safety of our law enforcement first responders, we have a wonderful opportunity to create a significant number of new jobs, to support Homeland Security, and do so in an environmentally responsible manner.”

“Carbon Motors chose Atlanta because they wanted a city that could support a company’s headquarters, R&D center and manufacturing plant all in one place That’s a key strength for Atlanta – made possible by our international airport, high quality of life and status as the commercial center of the Southeast,” said Sam A. Williams, president of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. “This decision also will allow Carbon to collaborate with the great minds at Georgia Tech and create the kind of high-value jobs every city wants.”

“One of Georgia’s strengths is its research capabilities and the involvement of our universities in economic development,” said Craig Lesser, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development. “This is an exciting enterprise whose mission we are pleased to support. We look forward to helping Carbon Motors thrive in Georgia.”

Carbon Motors Corporation (www.carbonmotors.com) is a new American automaker with an innovative business model. Carbon is developing and will manufacture, distribute, and service an all-new purpose built law enforcement patrol vehicle. The Carbon mission includes developing a new lower-volume capable vehicle platform, establishing a direct and efficient end-to-end supply chain, and continuing to foster public and private sector collaboration.

The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state’s sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a location for film, video and music projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development. For more information, visit www.georgia.org.