Melex
Melex is a Polish manufacturer of electric microcars based in Mielec, operating since 1971.[1]
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The company MELEX has gained such significant popularity that the name MELEX has become synonymous with small electric vehicles[citation needed]. Their rich tradition, history, and experience have earned them customer recognition and numerous awards and distinctions, such as the Forbes Diamonds, Qltowa Marka, TERAZ POLSKA,[2] and the Economic Award of the President of Poland in the category of International Product in the entire segment of the electric vehicle market[citation needed]. The MELEX brand holds certifications for top-quality products and advanced technological solutions, as evidenced by ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications.[3]
History
[edit]
Beginnings
[edit]Electric vehicles have been produced by the Wytwórnia Sprzętu Komunikacyjnego "PZL-Mielec" since 1971 in the newly established department of the aircraft factory in Mielec. Their production began with the intention of exporting to the American market.[4] Initially, they were produced as three-wheeled golf carts, and by 1973, the product range was expanded to include four-wheeled passenger, cargo, and golf carts. The design of the vehicle family was overseen by Janusz Zygadlewicz.[5]
The most popular variant in Poland became the two-seater cargo vehicle with an open body. In the Melex WGE-3 variant, it could carry 150 kg of cargo. Gradually, variants with enclosed cabins also appeared. By 1977, over 46,000 Melex vehicles had been produced, with a significant portion being exported; annual production reached about 10,000 units.[6]
Division
[edit]In 1993, as a result of the division and privatization of WSK PZL-Mielec, Melex began operating as a separate company. On 1 September 2004, the company was purchased by Andrzej and Dorota Tyszkiewicz and began operating as a general partnership under the name Melex A&D Tyszkiewicz.[7] In 2021, the company was acquired by the Danish manufacturer of golf vehicles, Garia A/S.[8] In 2022, the company Garia A/S, along with Melex, was acquired by the American company Club Car.[9]
Popularity
[edit]Nowadays, vehicles under this name are produced in several variations with different purposes, categorized into three groups: passenger vehicles, cargo vehicles, and special-purpose vehicles. They are used in various settings, including golf courses, historic city centers, airports, train stations, cemeteries, factories, logistics centers, parks, zoos, and other enclosed areas[citation needed].
Vehicles from Mielec are highly popular in their class—so much so that electric carts from other companies are often referred to as "Melexes."[citation needed] Melex is a registered trademark. It was registered in two graphic versions by the Wytwórnia Sprzętu Komunikacyjnego "PZL-Mielec" and in one by the company "Melex A&D Tyszkiewicz." Additionally, this company has registered "meleks" as a wordmark.[10]
Contemporary versions
[edit]- Cargo
- Passenger
- Special-Purpose
- Homologated
- Non-Homologated
References
[edit]- ^ "Melex - Forbes - wiadomości gospodarcze i finansowe". www.forbes.pl. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
- ^ "Melex". www.forbes.pl. Retrieved 14 August 2024.
- ^ "CERTYFIKATY I HOMOLOGACJA". Melex Polski (in Polish). Retrieved 14 August 2024.
- ^ Warzecha, Jakub (24 March 2023). "Melex: A Polish Electric Export Hit". 3 Seas Europe. Retrieved 14 August 2024.
- ^ "Zapomniany geniusz z PRL-u. Twórca słynnego Melexa chciał stworzyć auto przyszłości". Forbes.pl (in Polish). Retrieved 14 August 2024.
- ^ "Firma Melex uczciła 50 – lecie powstania". W Cieniu Jupiterów Mielec (in Polish). 7 July 2020. Retrieved 14 August 2024.
- ^ "Historia". 7 June 2019.
- ^ "Garia przejmuje Melex". Retrieved 4 September 2023.
- ^ "Club Car acquires Denmark-based electric vehicle manufacturer - Golf Inc Magazine". 23 May 2022. Retrieved 14 August 2024.
- ^ Reservations: TOW: (210) 74493, (220) 02-06-1975, TOW: (210) 74650, (220) 02-06-1975, Patent Office of the Republic of Poland.
External links
[edit]- Official website (in Polish and English)
- A Brief History of Melex Golf Carts at Vintage Golf Cart Parts
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