Munro Vehicles, the all-electric 4×4 manufacturer and Scotland’s only volume car company, has reached a significant milestone by completing its first pre-production model. The Series-M Utility, a robust five-seater 4×4 with a hardtop, recently rolled out of the factory in East Kilbride. This achievement comes just ten months after Munro introduced the MK_1 prototype in Edinburgh in December 2022, marking the revival of light vehicle mass production in Scotland, a feat last accomplished in 1981 when the Linwood car plant closed its doors.
The Series-M Utility launch signals Munro’s intention to expand its production facilities, grow its workforce, and create 300 new jobs in the region by 2027. Scaling up its operations will enable Munro to boost production from 50 vehicles over the next year to 200 units per year and a staggering 2,500 by 2027.
This ambitious roadmap positions Munro to capitalise on the global market opportunity for electric 4x4s. The company, recognised as a finalist in the Fully Charged awards for Best Innovative EV Manufacturer, is uniquely situated to cater to customers in demanding sectors like agriculture, construction, defence, disaster relief, and forestry. The Series-M Utility and Series-M Truck models will empower customers to transition to environmentally friendly 4×4 vehicle fleets without sacrificing off-road performance, practicality, or durability.
Marcus Mackle, Munro’s Head of Vehicle Sales, remarks on the historic occasion, stating, “Witnessing the first pre-production Munro Series-M Utility roll off the line is a momentous moment. Both for Munro and Scotland, as the Series-M Utility is the first light vehicle to enter mass production since the Linwood car factory closed in 1981. While it represents an undeniably historic occasion, Munro’s focus is firmly on the future. With a healthy, two-year customer pipeline worth £68 million for the innovative and sustainability-focused Munro Series-M Utility hardtop and Series-M Truck open-bed, we can look forward with confidence.”
The Series-M lineup was conceived during an intensive development phase that pushed the vehicle to its limits in Scotland’s challenging terrain. Valuable feedback was collected during an extensive customer test drive program, resulting in substantial improvements, including an adjustable steering column with steering wheel controls, ergonomic enhancements, and an array of safety features.
Munro has also made the vehicle more durable by introducing a longer-lasting Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery pack, which facilitates a faster 30-minute, 130 kW rapid charging time. The Series-M is designed to run efficiently by utilising waste heat from the drivetrain to heat the cabin. This, combined with enhanced sound-deadening measures, ensures a comfortable travel experience whether cruising on tarmac for up to 200 miles or tackling rugged off-road terrain.
The Series-M all-electric 4×4 workhorse, offering a unique blend of rugged reliability and repairability typical of full-time 4×4 mechanical drivetrains is seemingly set to be the UK equivalent of the Rivian R1T. It’s equipped with a state-of-the-art electric powertrain that guarantees zero tailpipe emissions. The vehicle is available in “standard” M170 170 kW and “high-power” M280 280 kW versions, as well as Utility (hardtop) and Truck (open-bed) configurations. Munro has received more than 250 pre-orders for both models, indicating strong market demand, especially in sectors such as mining, construction, utilities, agriculture, and defence, where innovative solutions are needed to meet decarbonisation goals.
So that’s where Sturgeon went…