THE RE-IMAGINING of an iconic motoring classic is set to hit the streets of Britain thanks to an Evesham based motor company.
Morris Commercial who designed and manufactured the beloved Morris J-Type have reinvented the vehicle as an all-electric functional and sustainable van.
The motor company’s new Morris JE takes direct inspiration from the original, which was the go to van for small businesses in Britain during the 1950s and 1960s.
Development of the Morris JE began in 2017. The design retains classic features from the original J-Type such as the unique pear shaped grille and iconic silhouette.
The JE, which is made partly from recycled materials, can cover up to 250 miles per charge thanks to its lithium-ion battery and regenerative braking. It can carry up to one tonne in weight and boasts six cubic metres of space.
Its aluminium chassis and carbon fibre body, make it one of the lightest light commercial vehicles on the market. It also features a unique hinge design which makes loading in tight spaces easier.
Two prototypes have been produced which have been used to travel the UK on the BBC’s Road to Recovery series, featured by a social media influencer and exhibited at various venues.
Demand for the new vehicle is high with thousands of pre-orders coming in from across the globe.
The company is now looking to secure premises to begin production of the JE, with a pledge that the van and its materials will be built and sourced in the UK along with a commitment to making the vehicle carbon neutral.
Wychavon District Council has backed the business with a grant of just over £11,000 from the Wychavon Rural Fund to update the prototype manufacturing workshops at the company’s Hinton-on-the-Green base.
Councillors and officers from Wychavon recently visited the company to get an update, as part of Wychavon’s 50th anniversary tour.
Wychavon District Councillor Richard Morris said: “The owner and staff at Morris Commercial have a real passion for what they do and it is fantastic we have been able to support them.
“I hope we will see high streets across the UK once again filled with this iconic van. It will be a source of pride to know it was an idea born and developed in Wychavon.”
Julian Bremner-Smith, marketing manager for Morris Commercial, said:
“Welcoming councillors and officers from Wychavon was a pleasure.
“Showcasing the project progress, how their support is helping, and raising awareness of the all-electric Morris JE, was an opportunity not to be missed.
“What a fine way to celebrate the Council’s anniversary and the success stories within the district.”
Visit https://morris-commercial.com/ for more information.
