Carbon Blog
Pins & Needles
Now I know everyone, including my team, are on pins and needles regarding our pending decision regarding the site location for the Carbon Campus. I get reminded of it every day and every hour! As I have said before, we have met some wonderful and extraordinary people through this process, and we certainly continue to hear from them as our decision nears. It is satisfying to know that there is a consistent interest in Carbon Motors, American Jobs, Environmental Responsibility, and in supporting our Homeland Security First Responders.
We have said in the past that we absolutely needed to have the decision done this year and would optimally want to make it this summer – and thus far we are on track to do so. If a few little miracles occur – we might be brave enough to do it in a few weeks time.
Putting aside the massive amount of technical, legal, business, political, and financial factors to keep in mind, this is not only going to be a life-changing impact long-term on the state and community we choose – but there is an entire team that is facing the life-changing impact of possibly needing to make a rather big move (thankfully we are all lucky to have very supportive and understanding families).
Rest assured, we have wrestled with almost every aspect of this decision left, right, upside-down, right-side up, sideways, on it, below it, beside it, and everything in between. We know the implications and are calculating carefully – not only the obvious items but the many not so obvious items that would not be readily apparent if some of us had not spent over a half-decade to get this point. I also have a fiduciary responsibity to our shareholders and moreover, after meeting thousands of law enforcement first responders across the nation, we unequivocally have a moral obligation as a country to provide them the same capabilities, efficiencies, and technical prowess that we provide our troops in harms way.
But at some point after all the debate, all the analysis, all the emotions, rants, raves, and all the advice from literally around the world – leadership and judgment must meet and make the decision we have all been waiting for, finally. Stay tuned. Watch this space. Same bat time, same bat channel…!
Tagged: william santana li, e7, south carolina, north carolina, georgia, indiana, michigan, law enforcement, cop car, police, carbon motors, site selection, american jobs
Comments
Any news on whether you'll have a drivable vehicle in time for the Los Angeles County Sheriff vehicle trials in October?
I hope you chose connersville. It would be great
Connersville would be a perfect fit for Carbon Motors. We are all on pins and needles for the decision you make. Its all we talk about. Our airport, huge facility, adjacent land, and close major cities would be perfect for your organization. I hope we are the chosen one!
can't wait for you to get to Greenville!!! ;)
Greenville is a fantastic area! Moved there 3 years ago and absolutely love it. I think your company would thrive in Greenville. Regardless of the decision, all the best to you!
To me Greenville is the best site since it is between two of the nations fastest growing states, it has cu-icar which will be a largely automotive campus in the future, it's not too far away from the national capital, it already has lots of companies ready to build automotive products, and lots more! It's just the logical choice atleast to me it is, it would benefit a state that needs those jobs too, and it's not too far of a move for the people who currently live in Atlanta working at your HQ! Happy Site Choosing, and have a great future wherever you choose because it will be overall good for the American Economy!
Connersville Indiana has a long and storied history in the automotive industry. Generations of Connersville Hoosiers have been born, raised and empolyed in this vital manufacturing sector. Sadly, Connersville fell victom like many other hard-working, industrious communities to the economic and political enviornments of the previous decade. One would be very hard pressed indeed to find a community more willing to realize it's place in the world through hard work and toil bringing America's manufacturing might back to the forefront! Rest assured, Hoosiers have high octane running through their veins and Connersville wasn't coined "Little Detroit" for nothing, the people live and breathe automotive. To combine that type of inspired work force and innovative technology like the E7 is a formula for success that will greatly improve Homeland Security and a hard hit middle class America at the grass roots level!
Dear Mr. Li, It's hard to add anymore than what's already been said about Connersville, In. My friend from California is visiting her parents and family this week in Connersville. We went for a ride out in the country near the lake last night. She said I forgot how beautiful it is. I don't get to see this in the city. Also look at the beautiful sunset. You've made my day, she said. If Connersville doesn't have what you or your family want or need, believe you me it isn't far away. Also Amtrak can zip you to Indianapolis or Chicago in no time. Amtrak stops in Connersville, IN. You'll really like it here. Your company will be blessed.
Carbon MOTORS + CONNERSVILLE INDIANA = SUCCESS. WE CAN AND WE WILL DO WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE TO INSURE CARBON MOTORS IS A SUCCESS.
If I had to choose any location it would be Greenville, SC. CU-ICAR, Clemson, Michelin, Timken, BMW, etc. They have it all and more.
Its true we are small town in Connersville. In a large city you can be one of many or thee one in a home town atmosphere.
I would say buy out the old GM plant up in Janseville Wisconsion. It's a nice central location (relative to the US) and the building is already there.
If that is the case, they might as well buy the GM Doraville, Ga plant and stay in metro Atlanta.
Aiken County would love to welcome you!!!!!!!!!!!
I recall standing in line to see this new Police car. I was running late for my kids game so had to go back after the game. At 7pm there were still people lined up to see what needed to be built. people in Connersville did not beg for jobs, in fact, over 7000 people showed up just to see the E7. I think Connersville left a lasting mark on Mr. Li. He seemed like he was really interested in our town. Besides this is where he will call home if he decides to start his company in Connersville, Indiana. I hope he and his board decide to move to connersville, His car will be built by people with pride, and people who want the world to look at this car and remember connersville, just like I know Mr. Li remembers this small town. thanks Mr. Li for being a part of our History.
Pins and needles...... That is where we are too. We await your decision everyday. We hope and we pray that Connersville is the place you decide to call "home". I would love to see Peyton Manning put that "Made in Indiana" sticker on the first car that rolls out the back door of the Carbon Motors Connersville facility at the 2012 Super Bowl in Indianapolis... This just screams American spirit!!
I live in the upstate of South Carolina and am very excited about the prospect of Carbon Motors moving to our state. As stated in other comments, we are between Charlotte and Atlanta and a perfect location for the production and distribution of your product. This area supports the automotive industry with many different local suppliers and with ICAR-a research and development campus. I grew up in Atlanta and came to SC for college and did not want to leave. However, my husband and I have moved several times over our married life as he moved up in the "corporate" world. One of the biggest hurdles he faced when recruiting new talent for his company was the location of the employment and what the area offered: ie-availability of housing, strength of schools, sources of recreation, easy accesibility, etc. Sirs, I believe that you will be pleased with all of the above if you choose to locate to the Greenville-Spartanburg location. We are close to the mountains and the beach. I work in the school systems and we have dedicated, well-educated employees with the desire to help students become successful in whatever they choose to do with their lives. We too, as a state, have lost jobs and we have a workforce that is willing and able to fill the needs of your company.
Should of chose Texas.
Connerville, Indiana, is the perfect location for Carbon Motors! Can't wait to see you there.
Why would you not want to be at the doorstep of the world's best automotive research/development center? GREENVILLE, SC -Only one choice!
Jackson County GA is the perfect spot for this business model. Local racetrack, Lake Lanier, ATL airport, roads and nice new developments to move into and build communities around. We appreciate your interest in our community and would welcome you to Jackson Co. GA!
I truly appreciate what Carbon Motors must be going through in trying to reach this most important decision. Being from Connersville I would really like to see them move to our community and be a part of life in a small midwest town. Connersville needs something positive to happen and this could begin to lift everyone's spirits once again. I am praying that God has His hand in their decision making and look forward to what July 29th will bring as Chairman/CEO Li and Mitch Daniels make another appearance in Connersville. God bless all who are involved in this!!!
Carbon Motors: Connersville, Fayette County,and all of our citizens warmly welcome you, your company,your families, and we wish continued success in your journey to find the RIGHT place. GOD BLESS!!!
Connersville is excited, UNITED, and proud to have opportunity to support Carbon Motors and be a active participant in homeland security.
Connersville Indiana!!!!!!!!!!!
CMC = Carbon Motors Connersville = CMC
Indiana is the "Crossroads of America". Close to the vendors you need and want. Trains, planes and lots of good roads and interstates. Skilled American labor, just waiting for the opportunity to manufacture the very best for the folks who lay their lives on the line for us each day. Looking forward to seeing you all at the "American Jobs Rally" in Connersville on July 29th!
I live very close to Connersville in nearby Centerville, Indiana. Just the fact that Carbon Motors has considered Connersville has brought about excitement in this area that I've never seen before. I can't imagine the excitement if/when you choose Connersville. It would be such a positive impact on not only Connersville, but all of the surrounding towns. Hope to see you in Connersville and I hope for the opportunity to work for Carbon Motors!!
Connersville, IN is a great location for Carbon Motors! If not for the abundance of an existing qualified and skilled talent pool; the hometown feel and proximity to strong community and business partners are a substantial bonus!
I too live in a city outside Connersville Indiana. In Richmond Indiana and I am very excited that you have considered Connersville, they have good hard working people. If and I pray you do choose us I will be one of the first in line for a job. We are proud of Connersville and all the surrounding towns that are willing to work hard, dedicated and proud.Hope your decision is Connersville, Indiana and pray I have the opportunity to work for Carbon Motors. Thanks To Your Great Company
I am driving down from Indy today for the announcement! Connersville is my home-town and I can't think of a better, all around place for you to establish your company!
I grew up in Connersville, Indiana and lived there all my life. I moved because of the job situation and would love to see Connersville get Carbon Motors. I could maybe come home. Connersville is a great place to live with good people. Thank You.
Thank You! Mr. Li & Carbon Motors Family for choosing my hometown Connersville. I need a job and would be proud to work for you.
Welcome to Connersville, we are honored to be chosen by your company and we intend to make your business a success!!
Wow I have never seen a man with that much energy. I,m talking about Mr. Li. I live in Connersville and I have seen this man 2 times, He motivates me. He makes me feel good about being from Connersville. I know he will be a person who will support our town. I talked to my son and he thinks Mr. Li is just the funiest and neatest person he has ever seen. If all of the people would have been in connersville during the two rallies you would know why they picked us. These are smart business people and they made a smart choice. thanks to all of the board members for helping put Connersville back on the map. conn
Connersville can have it! This company will be bankrupt in five years - or less. Law enforcement purchases vehicles based in very large part based on lowest cost. How many law enforcement vehicles actually get shot at? How many need to detect radiological and biological threats? The military does not even have vehicles that do this. While there might be demand for the E7, the question remains whether Carbon Motors can raise the $350 million it needs to get the production lines rolling. Getting investors to bankroll an auto company in the middle of a recession that has paralyzed the capital markets and spooked investors, will be a hugechallenge.
We hit bottom. The market is getting stronger and I believe by building a car that last longer will trump the cost. I have seen crown vicks after 100,000 miles in the mid west. they are a rust bucket and they suck fuel cost sky hi. Yes it is a gamble but Connersvill has little to loose. We have hit bottom also and it is time to take a chance and let this work it self out. WE had a chance to get a prison in this town and let it slip away and all the people like Bob who thought it would be a town of crime was wrong. we have a lot of people driving long ways to work for nothing and if we get a empty factory out of this so be it we tried and the rest of the businesses who move here after seeing the way this town came alive will balance it out. sounds easy but I'm an optimist.
needed here
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