You are welcome to watch the recording of the live TWIKE chat again on this page.
You will also find questions and answers here that could not be published during the TWIKE chat due to time constraints or that reached us afterwards.
Finance / SOP
The price increases of recent months and years cannot be overlooked. Will this also affect the anticipated final price of the TWIKE 5, and if so, how?
- The price trend in recent years has even risen so sharply in some cases that we also have higher costs, which we have also shown in our slides. We will therefore probably have to make adjustments, as our preliminary calculations are likely to increase slightly as a result. We do not want to get rich with our TWIKE 5 project, but rather for it to be self-sustaining. Accordingly, we will not set any further target prices, but simply hope to generate the surplus necessary to move on to the follow-up project, TWIKE 6.
And, of course, the unanswerable question: When will production start?
- We require the capital in advance or. the statements for corresponding payments in order to be able to settle our supplier invoices. Premises will be ready by, the development is the final one, it currently lies in the lack of capital / cash flow. This to achieve is but possible by either increasing the advance payment ratio to one vehicle or by supporting loans.
When will the first TWIKE 5 be available for driving?
- Expected end of the year if we can work through it smoothly without any problems . We would like to be on the home stretch, which however also involves the necessary capital is associated with.
Does it make sense to research government environmental subsidies in order to adjust the price?
- Unfortunately, small-series and vehicle manufacturers are at a significant disadvantage when it comes to subsidies. We have had to learn this the hard way on several occasions, as we have actively approached various ministries ourselves. This takes a huge amount of energy, which we currently do not have. If well-informed or experienced customers were to join forces, this would certainly be another way to apply for such subsidies, but it is very difficult for us because we have had destructive experiences in the past.
Where will the missing €6-8 million for series production come from? // What does the schedule look like if the 20,000 per order does not come in?
- As a result, the schedule will be postponed. At the latest with the presentation of the prototypes will the customers also increase their advance payments and investors will also participate.
What exactly is preventing production from starting?
- Production requires a sufficiently stocked warehouse right from the start. Each part must be available at least once. Various parts are delivered in quantities of 500 at the outset. Purchasing this inventory requires sufficient capital at the time of purchase. We would like to highlight this connection in this chat.
Is it still possible to invest in TWIKE?
- Yes, we are constantly engaged in serious discussions with interested investors. However, it is important to us that the TWIKE concept is not diluted. We are seeking investors who appreciate and wish to promote the unique selling points (USPs) of the TWIKE.
Based on the current situation, when will it be possible to test drive the TWIKE 5 in its near-final version?
- Based on the current situation, a prototype that allows test drives with customers will be available in early 2024.
When will the prototype of the press be unveiled?
- A press event has not yet been planned. For now, the focus is on our paying customers.
How do you intend to maintain the high acquisition costs compared to other cost-effective urban compact mobility solutions, such as Microlino, Renault Mobilize Series, etc.? The market will continue to change significantly over the next year, and delays in the roadmap are risky for investors and the company.
- The TWIKE 5 has unique selling points and, with a power-to-weight ratio of around 9 kg/kW, is more likely to be classified between a sporty car and a pure sports car in a different vehicle class. Whether a TWIKE 6 will be positioned more strongly in the L7e vehicle class will be decided after the TWIKE 5 goes into series production.
Why is there so little coverage of the TWIKE and the development of the new vehicle in car magazines (e.g. Auto Bild)?
- Auto Bild isn’t bad, but most interested trade magazines also want to test a vehicle for several days, which we cannot offer because our vehicles are essentially already sold. We want to focus primarily on our customers and refrain from public events such as trade fairs or advertising in trade magazines so as not to raise public expectations even higher. Our focus is on getting things done and taking care of our existing customers.
Features / Electronis
Has anything else been done to the seats, and has the pedal generator been calibrated?
- The pedal generator has been fitted with a control circuit, is functioning properly, and is undergoing further fine-tuning. There is an update on the seats—the milled shell can also be seen in the video—the core is in place, but further adjustments are being made to the shape and refinement of details, and the result will be impressive.
Will the TWIKE 5 have a a4> cover or a custom-fit tarpaulin available that can be used in winter when snow is falling to cover the vehicle?
- This will of course be possible and will be the task of a saddler, and can be commissioned relatively quickly. The exact design of this cover has not yet been decided; it is not our top priority at the moment, but it is definitely being considered.
Is there any research being conducted on small air conditioning systems for vehicles due to the increasingly hot summers?
- Unfortunately, we have not yet found a satisfactory option in the necessary small size and with the required cooling capacity, so we have put this project on hold for the time being. However, we do have the space available to install a system if we find a suitable one. For now, our focus remains on implementing what we can implement now.
Will it be possible to, or is it planned to install a new battery ? Keyword solid-state battery / updatability.
- It is possible to update this type of technology, and we are also in contact with the relevant manufacturers. However, we currently prefer to take a more conservative approach with new products so that we can gather long-term experience and allow them to prove themselves. At a later date, however, it will certainly be possible to update them.
