Bluebird company file

Bluebird Technologies Ltd is the company behind the latest technological developments in electric-powered vehicles.

Using materials and technology tested in the record breaking Bluebird cars, the company has created a serious project to commercially develop its plans and create production jobs.

Company background: BTL was established in 1999 to develop and exploit the innovative electric powertrain and drive technology deployed in the Bluebird electric land speed record cars.

The company employs 15 people at its base on the DERA site in Pendine, Carmarthenshire

Its core competency is in the design and development of an integrated system of electric-powered, closed-cycle urban transportation.

Personnel: co-founder/managing director: Martin Rees

Co-founder/public affairs: David Hammond-Williams

Finance director: Jeffrey Lavington Chief designer: Paul Sparrow

Funding:The project relies on sponsorship for funding and volunteers for manpower: current sponsors include: LG Electronics, Hawker Energy and Sir Terence Conran

Technical:Bluebird captured the UK electric land speed record at Elvington, Yorkshire, in May 1998; it improved it twice in 2000 to its present mark at 137mph.

A further UK attempt is planned for the spring of 2001 with a world record attempt pencilled for autumn 2001 - in a new car.

The car was awarded Millennium Product status by the Design Council/Millennium Commission in recognition of its innovative technology.