I guess we can take the Quant off the table (if it wasn't already)

We examined the NLV Solar Quant. Later, we took a closer look at the car and it's owner and figured it probably wasn't a starter in the near future.

Now, I guess maybe we can call it official, at least where Koenigsegg (and maybe Saab) is concerned.

4Wheels News are reporting that Koenigsegg has made an announcement confirming that the Quant is purely NLV Solar's baby, and that it's role in designing and constructing the prototype seen in Geneva earlier this year is the full extent of their involvement.

The report is unsourced and unattributed and dated July 8. My dodgy hotel internet connection won't load up K-Segg's site to see if there's an official release, but here's what 4Wheels News have to say:

The press release reads: "The NLV Quant program was initiated and is wholly owned by NLV-Solar AG in Switzerland. The Quant is not a Koenigsegg Automotive car and was never intended to be." Koenigsegg enumerates that its contributions include the body and interior design, chassis conceptualization, and a feasibility study for low volume production. While NLV-Solar AG's responsibilities include the photovoltaic and electrical accumulator storage system, as well as owning and driving the whole project. Having completed its agreed contributions to the program, Koenigsegg added that if NLV sees a need then it may consider rejoining the venture.

I'll keep hunting around for some more official looking news......

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Thanks Radulf!

15 Comments

none | July 10, 2009 4:26 AM | Reply

Very strange release. Very strange transaction.

Me replied to comment from none | July 10, 2009 6:53 AM | Reply

After reading who is behind the Quant, doing so is the only right move.

Me | July 10, 2009 6:55 AM | Reply

Official press release from Koenigsegg, dated 2009-07-06

http://www.koenigsegg.com/pressreleases.php?view=55

Kroum | July 10, 2009 8:41 AM | Reply

No mention of Saab anywhere on the PR secion on Koenigsegg's website. Weird.

none | July 10, 2009 8:47 AM | Reply

curiouser and curiouser!

turbin replied to comment from Kroum | July 10, 2009 8:51 AM | Reply

Recognition that it's not over til the fat lady sings?

PT | July 10, 2009 9:42 AM | Reply

Taken at face value, this is pretty straightforward PR to me. We made a one-off, we've had lots of enquiries and so we're taking a minute to clarify things. Thats it. Of course, its tempting to look deeper into the whole issue and there are many things that could be assumed or not if you do. But, I'd lean towards a simplistic interpretation. Its probably also designed to ensure that no-one is assuming that NV Solar are party to the Saab deal.

It would be great to see a Saab-related Press Release from Koenigsegg but I'm guessing that they're keeping their powder dry until the news is really significant and signatures are on contracts. As Turbin says, its not over yet.

raquettelaker2 | July 10, 2009 9:42 AM | Reply

I wouldn't mind if the Quant was ditched... it's very ugly IMHO.

turbin replied to comment from PT | July 10, 2009 9:57 AM | Reply

Hey PT, get yourself a Gravatar! Maybe a 50/50 SAAB/BMW badge just so everyone knows your true colours? Knowing you though, you'd have to change it a few times a week, Koenigsegg/Porsche, SAAB/Audi, Hyundai/Alfa. etc.

PT | July 10, 2009 10:10 AM | Reply

Turbin, I will ignore your spurious commentary as everyone knows that Swade is the one who has more sideways glances than a guide dog in a butcher shop......

and simply respond that I don't know how to do such things. Seriously. Perhaps best - what would I use afterall? Happy to take hints on Gravatar attachment if you have some.

zippy | July 10, 2009 10:38 AM | Reply

Lol @ PT re Swade! I only hope by agreeing with you PT I dont 'spend time in the penalty box'?

Karen | July 10, 2009 10:45 AM | Reply

PT +1 about the public relations unspinning, and the gravatar thing.

glad K-egg has p.r., they need to try to control the speculation over the next few weeks.

BTW, the NLV Quant story is only slightly more bizarre than some of the other stories in eco-car development these days. Maybe NLV can team up with V-Vehicle :)

turbin replied to comment from PT | July 10, 2009 10:51 AM | Reply

I disagree PT, you are the sideways glancer, Swade follows through and has the one night stand.

PT | July 10, 2009 11:00 AM | Reply

Ok, in that sense, fair enough. But I don't glance at Hyundia's - ok? As for Swade ( who is conveniently off-line at the moment.....) perhaps we should just clarify in case Mrs Swade is reading this that we are talking about cars and the purchasing there-off. Swade makes purchases. PT windowshops with the loyalty of a gnat.

Me | July 10, 2009 3:13 PM | Reply

At least they have some links to external articles in their newsfeed referring to K-segg buying SAAB.