Wrightspeed Announces Expansion of Executive Team

SAN JOSE, Calif., May 13, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Wrightspeed, Inc., Silicon Valley's latest disruptive automotive technology startup, announced today the expansion of its team to include three key executive appointments. Jonathan Randall has joined Wrightspeed as Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Pete Patel as Vice President of Operations and David Wagenseller as Chief Financial Officer.  The new executives will support Wrightspeed as it evolves from proven startup to volume producer, assisting in the implementation of the company's accelerated go-to-market plan for its first advanced fuel-saving product, The Route™. The Route is a retrofit powertrain for medium duty commercial fleet trucks that uses electric drive with an onboard range-extending generator that reduces total operating costs while effortlessly meeting stringent emissions standards.

"I am thrilled to be joining such an accomplished team and look forward to contributing to the growth of these innovative products in a market which has already shown significant interest in Wrightspeed's offerings," said Randall, a 20-year veteran of the commercial vehicle industry. "The company's powertrain technology and integration approach provides fleets with a solution that meets their operational goals and provides the financial payback to support volume adoption."

Prior to joining Wrightspeed, Randall held executive sales, marketing and operations management positions with Idealease, Inc., Daimler Trucks North America, Freightliner Custom Chassis and Blue Bird Corporation.

Mr. Patel has a history of success as a Silicon Valley manufacturing and supply chain executive. He has extensive manufacturing management experience in both start-ups and public companies and is recognized for designing and implementing creative and efficient strategies for worldwide supply chain management, global distribution, quality improvement, ISO 9001 compliance and lean manufacturing.

"I couldn't be more pleased to be joining this high performance and highly motivated team of professionals," said Patel.  "The energy of the Wrightspeed organization and the excitement of the market behind our products suggest rapid growth for the company."

Patel will be instrumental in leading Wrighspeed in the implementation of its $5.8 million facilities and manufacturing grant from the California Energy Commission.

"It's exciting to be joining Wrightspeed and this juncture in the company's expansion," added Wagenseller, the comany's new CFO.  "Commercial fleet operators have indicated they're ready for our particular solution and we are positioned to deliver."

Before joining Wrightspeed, Wagenseller worked at Network Equipment Technology (NET), now Sonus, where ultimately he held the post of acting President and CEO.  He joined the company in 1986 and during his tenure held roles including Chief Financial Officer, Controller, Treasurer, and Director of FP&A.

"With the addition of these industry experts, Wrightspeed is prepared to meet the unique demands of our customers," said Ian Wright, Founder and CEO of Wrightspeed.  "Ensuring that, as we grow, we continue to build high quality, durable products that meet the rigorous requirements of commercial truck fleets."

About Wrightspeed
Wrightspeed is a powertrain company started by Tesla Motors co-founder, Ian Wright. Wrightspeed does not make vehicles, it makes them go. Built on a tradition of quality systems engineering, Wrightspeed's powertrains are the next step in the evolution of vehicle propulsion. Using electric drive with an onboard micro-turbine range-extending generator, Wrightspeed's powertrains deliver exceptional efficiency, powerful performance, and unlimited range.

Contact:
Maya Giannini
[email protected]
650.787.8729

SOURCE Wrightspeed