Valmet Automotive Think City & Garia (2009–2011) History

As the Porsche contract was still running at full pace, Valmet Automotive moved into electric vehicles. In 2009 it reached agreement with Norwegian firm Think Global AS to transfer production of the battery-powered Think City city car from Norway to Uusikaupunki. Approximately 3,000 Think City units were manufactured at the Finnish plant.

Simultaneously, Danish premium golf-car brand Garia contracted Valmet to build its luxury electric golf car, with production launching in Q3 2009. The Garia contract ran alongside the Think City programme and signalled Valmet's interest in niche and EV segments beyond conventional passenger cars. Both programmes wound down by 2011.