Chinese-Made Imperium SEV Becomes Liteborne Aurium SEV
What’s going on with the Imperium SEV, the Chinese-made electric SUV being imported to Canada? We’ve seen it at a few EV shows and more than 1,500 people have made a reservation so far, but no units have been delivered yet.
That’s because Imperium Motors Canada (IMC), a subsidiary of DSG Global, has faced a number of legal troubles in the past few months, delaying the launch of the SEV and the opening of the first stores in the country.
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As reported by Le Soleil, another company in Canada has been operating under the Imperium brand since April 2018, more specifically in the Quebec towns of Chibougamau, Rouyn-Noranda, Dolbeau-Mistassini and Chicoutimi.
IMC was ordered to not only stop using the Imperium name but also to pay $25,000 in compensatory damages, destroy all promotional documents and replace its digital platforms.
Say Hello to Liteborne
The company formerly known as IMC now has a new name and a new image. It’s called Liteborne Motor Corporation. A website is live, though more or less operational, and contact information includes an address in Fairfield, California.
The electric SUV has also been rebranded to Aurium SEV. There are several pictures (once again showing the Chinese logo Skywell on the steering wheel) and people are invited to click on a button to reserve a copy with a $100 deposit.
The prices listed for Canada are the same—$37,995 for the base Comfort model with a 55kWh battery and $44,995 for the Premium model with a 72kWh battery. Some equipment details and specs can be found, too, although the range figures are based on the obsolete NEDC test cycle.
The Liteborne website features two more vehicles that were previously said to be coming after the SEV, namely the Terra-E pickup (three models) and Tradepro van (cargo and passenger). Pricing is not specified, but again, potential customers can make a reservation.