History
THINK has been developing and producing electric cars since the early 1990s. Major investments made during the Ford ownership period contributed to an important infrastructural upgrade. New investors are now grooming THINK as “The Car Company of the 21st Century.”
The first prototype predecessor to today’s modern THINK City was developed in 1991. Drawing on 19 years of experience in electric vehicle development and production, THINK is not a typical car industry start-up. The THINK City was put in serial production in 1999, supported by American car giant Ford.
Ford became a major shareholder and invested USD 150 million in THINK during its four years as an owner. When Ford decided to leave the electric vehicle sector in 2003, THINK was sold out of the car manufacturing group. Though struggling to survive, THINK has always retained the basic infrastructure and acquired considerable competence from its American owners.
During recent years, a wave of environmentalist conscience and climate change awareness has ripened the market for alternative mobility solutions. In 2006, Norwegian investors bought THINK, and an experienced management team entered the scene. Both new and former staff members were added to the team, and a new strategy was outlined for the company. Further share issues during 2007 have prepared THINK to go into regular serial production of the 5th generation THINK City.