Birth of a Manufacturer: Bollinger Motors Celebrates First Customer-Ready Production Electric Trucks

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Bollinger Motors celebrated its transition to a full-fledged Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) on September 20, 2024, with the launch of its first customer-ready all-electric Class 4 Bollinger B4 Chassis Cab. The company, founded by Robert Bollinger in 2015, pivoted from high-end electric SUVs to commercial vehicles in 2022. CEO Jim Taylor highlighted the readiness of the commercial vehicle segment for electrification.

Bollinger has achieved several milestones, including CARB certification, FMVSS compliance, and EPA approval. The company secured significant vehicle sales to Momentum Group, Doering Fleet Management, and EnviroCharge. It also established partnerships with dealers, battery suppliers, and service providers.

Government officials, including Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and House Speaker Joe Tate, praised Bollinger's commitment to Michigan and its role in advancing electric vehicle technology. The launch event emphasized Bollinger's impact on Detroit's automotive industry and its contribution to a more sustainable transportation future.

Employees, Suppliers, Government Leaders Share Historic Bollinger B4 Vehicle Launch

LIVONIA, Mich., Sept. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- It's not every day a start-up vehicle manufacturer gets to celebrate its ascension to full-fledged Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). For Bollinger Motors, that day came on Friday, Sept. 20, as employees, suppliers and government leaders gathered to recognize the company's first customer-ready vehicles, the all-electric Class 4 Bollinger B4 Chassis Cab, to go to market.

Bollinger Motors has been on a nearly decade-long journey from idea to finished product. For founder Robert Bollinger, the celebration was a culmination of vision, purpose and perseverance, for both Bollinger and the people who shared his dream of more sustainable transportation.

"The people here today and hundreds of others who have worked with us before – I want to thank you all so much for making this happen and believing in this dream," Bollinger said. "We've made an impact here in Detroit and I am proud of all the work this team has done to get to this day. We are launching a world-class electric truck that will be a leader in the commercial fleet business."

Bollinger's original vision in 2015 was to launch high-end all-electric pickup trucks and sport-utility vehicles, but Bollinger and his team recognized the electric SUV and pickup markets weren't quite consumer ready. In 2022, the company pivoted to develop a Class 4 all electric truck, the Bollinger B4.

"Robert Bollinger and his team made a gutsy call two years ago to pivot to an entirely different market segment," said Bollinger Motors' CEO Jim Taylor. "The commercial vehicle segment is ready for electrification and Bollinger Motors has developed a world-class truck that will meet the fleet needs for companies across the country. We are excited to see these vehicles roll off the line, head to dealer lots and find a home with our customers."

Bollinger Motors has passed numerous milestones in the past several months on its march to production, including, CARB certification, FMVSS compliance, providing a full warranty coverage of the B4 chassis cab; receiving the Certificate of Conformity from the Environmental Protection Agency; a 145-vehicle sale to Momentum Group; a 70-vehicle sale to Doering Fleet Management; a 50-vehicle sale to EnviroCharge; the addition of TEC Equipment, Affinity Truck Center, Nacarato Truck Centers, Nuss Truck & Equipment, and LaFontaine Automotive Group as dealers and service centers; Our Next Energy in Novi, Mich. to supply battery packs; Syncron as its warranty administration partner; and Amerit Fleet Solutions as its mobile service provider.

What government officials and community leaders are saying about Bollinger Motors:

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer:

"Bollinger Motors has once again decided to bet on Michigan as they lead the future of class-4 electric commercial trucks," said Governor Whitmer. "From their headquarters in Oak Park, the company designs, builds, and tests their cutting-edge tech in America, and I am proud that the Michigan Economic Development Corporation has worked with them to create even more good-paying jobs right here in our state. With incentives from the Biden-Harris administration and increasing demand for their products, Bollinger will continue to grow and because of that, Michigan will continue to lead."

Michigan House Speaker Joe Tate:

"It is fitting that this new vehicle production has made the leap from dream to reality right here in metro Detroit. Michigan is the home of automotive innovation. Michiganders are the dreamers and doers that put the world on wheels, and it makes sense that Bollinger Motors would be focused on opportunities to join the auto industry's electric vehicle revolution," Tate said.

Representative Haley Stevens (D-MI):

"Thanks to companies like Bollinger Motors, the Michigan manufacturing economy continues to advance. Revolutionizing the medium-duty commercial vehicle sector is a key piece to creating a lower-carbon future and seeing the Bollinger B4 come to market is an awesome continuation of the Michigan tradition of putting the world on wheels!"

Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation:

"As Bollinger Motors celebrates this exciting milestone here in Michigan, it underscores the strength of our talented workforce, our focus on sustainability, and our leadership in advanced manufacturing and an electrified mobility future. By executing our 'Make It in Michigan' economic development strategy and investing in our People, revitalizing Places and competing for Projects, we continue to demonstrate that the future will be made right here. Many congratulations to the team at Bollinger Motors for tapping into this success right here in Michigan. We're grateful for Bollinger's vote of confidence in our state and look forward to their continued growth and success in the years to come."

Justine Johnson, Chief Mobility Officer for the State of Michigan:

"Bollinger Motors' decision to build its new line of electric commercial trucks right here in Michigan is a testament to our thriving mobility and electrification supply chain. Electric commercial fleets will play a key role in reducing carbon emissions from the transportation of goods. Bollinger is a company that shares our state's vision for a sustainable future and we are proud that the company chose to Make It In Michigan."

About Bollinger Motors:

Founded in 2015 by Robert Bollinger, Bollinger Motors, Inc. is a U.S.-based company headquartered in Oak Park, Michigan. Bollinger Motors is developing all-electric commercial chassis cab trucks, Classes 4-6. In September of 2022, Bollinger Motors became a majority-owned company of Mullen Automotive, Inc. (NASDAQ: MULN). Learn more at www.BollingerMotors.com and www.MullenUSA.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT

Certain statements in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Any statements contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed forward-looking statements. Words such as "continue," "will," "may," "could," "should," "expect," "expected," "plans," "intend," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential" and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, many of which are generally outside the control of Bollinger Motors and are difficult to predict. Examples of such risks and uncertainties include: (a) Bollinger Motors' ability to finalize a sales agreement with Doering Fleet Management, EnviroCharge, and Momentum Groups and deliver purchased vehicles on schedule; (b) Bollinger Motors' continued partnership with Nacarato Truck Centers, Nuss Truck & Equipment, and LaFontaine Automotive Group as dealers and service centers; (c) Bollinger Motors' continued partnership with Our Next Energy as a battery supplier; (d) Bollinger Motors' continued partnership with Roush Industries as a contract manufacturer; (e) Bollinger Motors' continued relationship with Syncron as its warranty administration provider; and (f) Bollinger Motors' continued relationship with Amerit Fleet Solutions as its mobile service provider.

Additional examples of such risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to: (i) Bollinger Motors' ability (or inability) to obtain additional financing in sufficient amounts or on acceptable terms when needed; (ii) Bollinger Motors' ability to maintain existing, and secure additional, contracts with manufacturers, parts and other service providers relating to its business; (iii) Bollinger Motors' ability to successfully expand in existing markets and enter new markets; (iv) Bollinger Motors' ability to successfully manage and integrate any acquisitions of businesses, solutions or technologies; (v) unanticipated operating costs, transaction costs and actual or contingent liabilities; (vi) the ability to attract and retain qualified employees and key personnel; (vii) adverse effects of increased competition on Bollinger Motors' business; (viii) changes in government licensing and regulation that may adversely affect Bollinger Motors' business; (ix) the risk that changes in consumer behavior could adversely affect Bollinger Motors' business; (x) Bollinger Motors' ability to protect its intellectual property; (xi) the vehicles developed will perform as expected and (xii) local, industry and general business and economic conditions. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements can be found in the most recent annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and current reports on Form 8-K filed by Mullen Automotive, Inc., of which Bollinger Motors is a partially owned subsidiary, with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Bollinger Motors anticipates that subsequent events and developments may cause its plans, intentions, and expectations to change. Bollinger Motors assumes no obligation, and it specifically disclaims any intention or obligation, to update any forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as expressly required by law. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and should not be relied upon as representing Bollinger Motors' plans and expectations as of any subsequent date.

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SOURCE Bollinger Motors

FAQ

What is the Bollinger B4 and when was it launched?

The Bollinger B4 is an all-electric Class 4 Chassis Cab truck. It was launched as Bollinger Motors' first customer-ready vehicle on September 20, 2024.

How did Bollinger Motors pivot its business strategy?

Bollinger Motors pivoted from developing high-end electric SUVs and pickup trucks to focusing on the Class 4 all-electric commercial truck market in 2022.

What major certifications has the Bollinger B4 received?

The Bollinger B4 has received CARB certification, FMVSS compliance, and a Certificate of Conformity from the Environmental Protection Agency.

Which companies have placed significant orders for Bollinger B4 trucks?

Momentum Group ordered 145 vehicles, Doering Fleet Management ordered 70 vehicles, and EnviroCharge ordered 50 vehicles from Bollinger Motors.

Who is supplying battery packs for Bollinger Motors?

Our Next Energy, based in Novi, Michigan, is supplying battery packs for Bollinger Motors.