VICTORIA’S Premcar, which previously operated under the Tickford and Prodrive brands, has stepped up to the world stage after winning contracts to work on an electric vehicle built in China for the global market.

The new EV, built with expertise from the Melbourne automotive engineer, designer and manufacturer, comes directly on the back of Premcar’s growing international standing following its partnership with Nissan on the first-generation Navara N-Trek Warrior dual-cab ute.

It has also led it to be selected for the second chapter of the Warrior series, the Pro-4X Warrior, which is based on the latest Navara and due to be launched in August.

Premcar co-founder and engineering director Bernie Quinn told GoAutoNews Premium that the potential to populate other Nissan products with the Warrior-theme was “possible”, but he would not discuss details.

It is believed Premcar could look at using the Warrior genes to beef up the Patrol and even the Titan large-size ute made in the US. The Titan is rumoured to be a target for Nissan Australia and would require a local right-hand drive conversion.

Mr Quinn said the Pro-4X Warrior continues the Warrior nameplate for Navara and is “a logical extension” of the “tremendous success” of the first version launched in 2017.

“This is one of the fastest – if not the fastest – growing segments in the market,” he said.

“For Nissan, I think the Warrior gave Nissan a product in that space that helped the credibility of Navara and took on similar utes such as the Hilux Rugged X and Ranger Wildtrak.

“We made 1500 (1400 for Australia, 100 for New Zealand) and they sold out. It made good margins for the dealers and attracted people into the Nissan showrooms. It was a no-brainer to carry that into the latest Navara model.”

Mr Quinn said the Pro-4X Warrior definitely has potential to be exported.

“There is nothing in place at the moment for this to happen. Apart from a lot of interest,” he said.

“Stephen (Lester, Nissan Australia managing director) has said he is interested in having similar types of upgrades made to other models in the range.

“The Warrior has shown that the partnership between Nissan and us has proven to be beneficial to everyone, including the dealers and the customers.

“We think we have taken good care of the (Nissan) brand and it is logical that we are the ‘go to’ partner for future work.”

Premcar is also continuing its involvement in the military sector with a relationship with Thales, but has completed its work in aviation with a sophisticated helicopter project.

The company recently partnered with its German associate RLE, which owns 25 per cent of Premcar, to work on an electric vehicle platform for a customer based in China. The EV is expected to be launched in late 2022 or ealy 2023.

“Premcar is doing all the chassis development. So front/rear sub frames, or suspension components, all the motor mounting,” Mr Quinn said.

“We are developing all the modules that go under the front and the rear of the vehicle, while RLE is doing the rest – the crash structure, the battery integration to the body, all the electronics and electrics.

“It’s a pretty exciting venture and I think it proves to the world the credentials of Australian engineering.”

Premcar, which employs 185 people including 100 that are seconded to Ford Australia, has multiplied its revenue “by a factor of 10” since it started in 2012 and now generates about $30 million a year in revenue.

The company recently completed its 6300 square metre extension of the factory in Epping and Mr Quinn said the next step was to look for a second facility, just to keep up with demand.

Premcar began as a management buyout of Prodrive Auto Technology in 2012.

The management buyout was by Mr Quinn and his business partner and fellow director, Jim Jovanovski. Each owns 37 per cent of the company with RLE making up the balance.

Mr Quinn started working with Prodrive’s predecessor, Tickford Vehicle Engineering, in 1996 before Tickford became Prodrive in 2002.

By Neil Dowling