Iwis Invests in and Cooperates with Clean Mobile in e-Mobility

MUNICH, Germany – Iwis Motorsystem GmbH & Co. KG - a global operating manufacturer of mechanical drive control systems based in Munich/Germany – has joined a group of existing investors to acquire a ten percent stake in Clean Mobile AG, the Germany based maker of LEV drive trains. Together the two companies announced to form “A strategic partnership in the growing market for electric mobility”.

According to a recently published press release the cooperation between Iwis and Clean Mobile consists of: “The implementation of Iwis’ extensive production know-how in production processes, which will improve the cost effectiveness, quality and durability of Clean Mobile systems even further”.

Iwis mechanical drive systems are said to be used by virtually every vehicle manufacturer worldwide. Next to the automotive industry, Iwis also supplies precision roller chains for the global machinery and plant & equipment sectors. Applications include the paper and printing industries, the packaging industry, conveyor technology, general mechanical engineering and the agricultural machinery industry.

Iwis is a family business founded in 1916 and has a global workforce of over 1,000 employees. For 2011 the company is targeting sales of 260 million euro. The company operates four production facilities in Germany as well as in the Czech Republic, China and the USA. All in all, the company maintains a presence at 45 locations/branches around the world.

Since 2006, Clean Mobile has been developing efficient electric drive train systems, including battery and management systems, for renowned bicycle manufacturers like KTM and Ghost. Clean Mobile’s drive train solutions distinguish themselves “with superior performance – speed, acceleration, range and battery life, which translate to an exceptional overall driving experience. These system advantages are the result of technology leadership as demonstrated by over 100 patents and patent applications”, is mentioned in a press release. Currently Clean Mobile AG employs about 30 people.

 “Our strategic partnership is an important step in the advancement of the worldwide commercialization of electric drive train systems”, says Johannes Winkelhofer, Iwis MD. “Clean Mobile has cultivated a comprehensive portfolio for drive train systems for electric vehicles. In combination with Iwis’ production potential and market access, we are confident that we will be able to offer the most competitive drive trains in the electric mobility market”.

“We are pleased about our partnership with Iwis and the continuing support of our existing investors. This round of financing ensures the future development and expansion of Clean Mobile and enables a successful market launch for our revolutionary and high performing ‘Harmonic Chain Drive’ system’ for e-bikes and pedelecs,” states Clean Mobile co-founder and CEO Werner Gruber. Clean Mobile showed first prototypes of its ‘Harmonic Chain Drive’ system’ (see photo) at last March’s Taipei Cycle Show.