Moke (revival)

MOKE
Moke America
Overview
Manufacturer
  • Chery
  • Cruise Car Inc.
  • Moke International[a]
  • Nosmoke SAS
Also called
  • eMoke
  • Nosmoke
  • Moke Californian
Production2013–present
Assembly
DesignerMichael Young
Body and chassis
Class
Body style4-seat convertible
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel-drive
RelatedMini Moke
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,260 mm (89.0 in)
Length3,460 mm (136.2 in)
Width1,530 mm (60.2 in)
Height1,540 mm (60.6 in)
Kerb weight
  • 820 kg (1,810 lb) (petrol)
  • 1,050–1,140 kg (2,310–2,510 lb) (electric)

The MOKE is a recreational vehicle manufactured by Chery Automobile in China since 2013 and assembled by a variety of companies in the United States, United Kingdom, France, and others. The design, by British industrial designer Michael Young, evokes the classic Mini Moke built from 1964 until 1993. The name "Mini Moke" combines Mini with Moke, an archaic term for mule.[1][2] The new version is simply called "MOKE".

The original Mini Moke was conceived and manufactured as a lightweight military vehicle by British Motor Corporation (BMC), and subsequently marketed for civilian use by that company's various successor companies and subsidiaries. It was known for its simple, straightforward, doorless design, and for its adaptability. While the original design was also sold for utility purposes, the new Moke is mainly meant for recreational use, as a beach car, or as a neighborhood vehicle.

The MOKE revival began as a joint venture between Jaguar Land Rover and Chinese automaker Chery Automobile,[3] although ownership of the "Moke" trademark is disputed.[4] Moke America LLC distributes the vehicle in the United States,[5] while British production by Moke International Ltd. restarted in 2018 (this company was subsequently acquired by EV Technology Group in 2022).[6][7][8]

History

[edit]

The original Mini Moke was designed by Sir Alec Issigonis[9] and John Sheppard.[10] The more rugged Mini Moke was an attempt to take a portion of the military vehicle business from Land Rover, but poor ground clearance and a low-powered engine did not meet the most basic requirements for an off-road vehicle.

The Mini Moke entered production nonetheless, as a utility and recreational convertible for private use under the Austin, Morris and Leyland brands. The Mini Moke was built in Australia from 1966 until 1981, and was then gradually moved to British Leyland's Portuguese subsidiary beginning in 1980. Italian motorcycle manufacturers Cagiva took over the rights to the Portuguese operation in 1990 and built the Moke there (styled "MOKE" without "Mini" in the name) in small numbers until 1993. Various companies have built replicas and recreations over the years; the car's simple design has also allowed enthusiasts to create entire new Mokes from parts.

Revival

[edit]
Rear side view of 2019 eMoke (USA)
MOKE special at the 2018 Paris Motor Show

In 2013, Chery Automobile began manufacturing the Moke in China.[11] This evocation was designed by industrial designer Michael Young and several companies in the United Kingdom, France,[12] and the United States assemble the Chery-made car locally. The local assemblers also use locally sourced parts like glass, tires, and electrical engines to various degrees.

The last petrol powered Moke of this design was sold at the Blenheim Palace Ball auction in 2022.[clarification needed] The proceeds of the event were donated to the charity Starlight UK.[13]

Electric versions

[edit]
2022 Nosmoke Original

Since 2014, an electric version based on the original Moke design was assembled in France under the name "Nosmoke".[14] Built by a company called Nosmoke S.A.S., they originally operated out of the old Heuliez plant in Cerizay but later relocated to an old printing plant in the same town.[12] Nosmoke has also developed a 2-seater box truck version with a closed cabin called the Truckï, which is set to enter production in 2023.[15] An Electric Moke (styled "eMoke") low-speed vehicle based on the Chinese MOKE has been assembled in the United States by Cruise Car Inc.[16] for MOKE America since 2017. It uses a mix of Chinese-made and locally sourced parts.[17] An electric E-Moke built in France was also offered for a few years, but production moved to Britain in 2021.[18] In 2021, a second electric version based on this design was launched,[19] with a limited-edition US highway certified version called "MOKE Californian" following in 2022.[20][21]

In 2022, Moke International[22] agreed to a takeover by EV Technology Group (EVTG[23]). The Canadian electric transportation company bought 67 percent of the shares, with an option to increase this to full ownership.[24][25] In a related purchase, EV Technology Group also purchased 76 percent of Fablink,[26][27] which manufactures the e-Moke electric vehicle, with an option to acquire the remainder of the company.[28]

Currently, the Electric MOKE retails at $41,900 with three color options available.[29]

Design

[edit]
Another MOKE at the 2018 Paris Motor Show

The MOKE has a front subframe and other mechanical items such as the front strut suspension and transmission adapted from Chery's other cars. The engine is a 1.1-liter, 50 kW (68 hp) four-cylinder unit built by Chery subsidiary Acteco Powertrain and commonly seen across a wide range of Chinese-built compacts and subcompacts. The Chinese drivetrain has necessitated a larger front end with a much more substantial front overhang than the original Mini Moke's Alec Issigonis design allowed.

Aside from the petrol-powered version, numerous electric versions have also been developed by local assemblers. These engines offer a variety of outputs, with some models being certified for highway use while some are only sold as low-speed vehicles (LSV), limited to a top speed of 40 km/h (25 mph).[30]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Rees, Chris (2003). Complete Classic Mini 1959–2000. Motor Racing. ISBN 1-899870-60-1.
  2. ^ The dictionary definition of moke at Wiktionary
  3. ^ Ernst, Kurt (2013-10-10). "Chinese automaker Chery restarts Moke production". Hemmings. Retrieved 2022-09-23.
  4. ^ Jahner, Kyle (9 May 2024). "Dueling 'Moke' Sellers Tell 4th Cir. Trademark Isn't Generic". Bloomberg Law. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  5. ^ Hill, Joshua S. (2022-06-28). "Remember the Mini Moke? It's back in the USA, and it's electric". The Driven. Retrieved 2023-02-10.
  6. ^ "Maker of electric Moke sold to EV Technology Group". Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology International. 2022-07-22. Retrieved 2022-09-21.
  7. ^ Hill, Joshua S. (2022-07-21). "Moke maker bought by EV Technology to spur global expansion". The Driven. Retrieved 2022-09-22.
  8. ^ "EVTG:CN (EV Technology Group Ltd.)". Bloomberg. Retrieved 2022-10-01.
  9. ^ Wood, Jonathan (2005). Alec Issigonis: The Man Who Made the Mini. Breedon Books Publishing. ISBN 1-85983-449-3.
  10. ^ John Sheppard, car designer – obituary. The Telegraph, 11 May 2015. Retrieved 15 May 2015
  11. ^ Chalcraft, Emilie (2012-10-08). "Moke car by Michael Young". dezeen. Retrieved 2022-11-02.
  12. ^ a b Gouault, Fabien (2021-10-05). "Ressuscitée en Deux-Sèvres, l'emblématique Mini-Moke au cœur d'une concurrence féroce" [Revived in Deux-Sèvres, the iconic Mini-Moke is at the centre of a fierce competition]. Ouest-France (in French). Archived from the original on 2022-10-28.
  13. ^ Burgos, Matthew (2022-05-24). "from gasoline to electric: MOKE auctioned off last petrol vehicle for charity". designboom | architecture & design magazine. Retrieved 2023-02-10.
  14. ^ "Electric cars for individuals and professionals". NOSMOKE SAS. Retrieved 2022-11-03.
  15. ^ "Le Truckï arrive bientôt en ville" [The Truckï is coming to town]. La Nouvelle République (in French). 2021-06-03. Retrieved 2022-10-29.
  16. ^ "eMoke". New – Cruise Car. Retrieved 2022-11-23.
  17. ^ Ferguson, Grier (2017-09-01). "Like a Bird". BusinessObserverFL. Observer Media Group, Inc.
  18. ^ Tovey, Alan (2021-09-22). "Mini Moke comes back to Britain". The Telegraph.
  19. ^ "Mini Moke production kicks off". electrive.com. 2022-05-31. Retrieved 2022-09-24.
  20. ^ "Moke Californian Is Electric, Costs $42K. How about a Trip to the Beach?". Car and Driver. 2022-11-10. Retrieved 2022-11-12.
  21. ^ Toll, Micah (2022-10-17). "MOKE International returns to US with street-legal 50 mph open-top electric vehicle". Electrek. Retrieved 2022-11-23.
  22. ^ "Introducing the Electric Moke". MOKE. Retrieved 2022-09-21.
  23. ^ "EV Technology Group". www.bloomberg.com. Retrieved 2022-09-21.
  24. ^ Smith, Adrian (2022-07-20). "Maker of Iconic Electric MOKE Acquired by EV Technology Group". Auto Futures. Retrieved 2022-09-21.
  25. ^ "Maker of electric Moke sold to EV Technology Group". Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology International. 2022-07-22. Retrieved 2022-09-22.
  26. ^ Maher, David (2022-08-03). "EV Technology Group announces agreement to acquire up to 100% of Fablink Group, spearheading future global growth". EVTG. Retrieved 2022-09-21.
  27. ^ "Fablink". www.fablink.co.uk. Retrieved 2022-09-21.
  28. ^ "EVTG Strategic Brands Group". EVTG. Retrieved 2022-11-23.
  29. ^ "Order US2". MOKE®. Retrieved 2024-09-26.
  30. ^ Bell, Jonathan (2022-11-10). "Revived cult classic all-electric Moke makes it to the States". wallpaper.com. Retrieved 2022-11-11.

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Susidiary of EV Technology Group (EVTG).
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