Oregon Public Broadcasting

People hoping to turn Oregon into a hub for electric cars got a shock this month as the Norwegian company Th!nk announced its production would be moving to Finland.

But as Kristian Foden-Vencil reports, that’s only its European production – and Oregon is still in the running for a U.S.  factory.

Th!ink emerged from bankruptcy last week with several new backers. One, Valmet, provided money on the provision that Th!ink move its factory to Finland – where Valmet assembles cars like the Porsche Boxter.

Th!nk spokesman, Andrew James, says the bankruptcy agreement is good news for the U.S. too.

Andrew James: “It means that we can continue in Europe and therefore continue our search for a partner in the U.S.”

James says Th!nk is waiting for a loan guarantee from the U.S. Energy Department before deciding which state to move to: Oregon, Michigan, California or elsewhere.

The decision will depend on tax breaks and proximity to a strong electric car market.