Aehra, an Italian startup that revealed a carbon-bodied, battery-powered SUV concept in November, has hired Franco Cimatti. Cimatti used to be one of the Chief Technical Officers at Ferrari and also worked for Lotus designing a modular electric car platform.
The professional took part in developing the Ferrari 456 GT and 550 Maranello, and had headed the Ferrari concept car division for many years. Even so, Aehra stressed that it appointed him to the position of Chief Engineer for his experience in Lotus first and foremost. Aside from developing the electric platform mentioned above, Cimatti worked on the EV strategy for Lotus that the company has yet to start implementing in a few years’ time.
Later this year, Aehra intends to expand its staff to two dozen employees. The first road-worthy prototype of the Aehra SUV should emerge by late 2023, and the sales are expected to start in early 2025. Later on, the company plans to recycle the same platform for a sedan.
The all-electric concept car debuted in November 2022 with an unusual exterior and three motors designed to propel it forward with 800 PS (789 hp / 588 kW).