Charles Paglee (Chinese: 刘振华) is an American automotive executive, inventor and entrepreneur known for his significant involvement in both humanitarian efforts and work in the automotive industry, particularly focusing on electric vehicle technology and manufacturing in China.

Early Life & Education

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Paglee was born and raised in Annapolis, Maryland the United States. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from the Auburn University in 1992 and his Juris Doctor & MBA from University of Maryland in 1998.

Humanitarian Efforts

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Paglee gained notable attention for his role in the rescue of Marjorie Fuller, an American woman detained in China for more than three decades. His efforts, which included advocacy and securing influential support, led to Fuller's release and return to the United States in 1995. This act highlighted Paglee's commitment to humanitarian causes, showcasing his ability to navigate international relations for individual welfare.[1][2][3][4][5][6]

Automotive Industry

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Paglee has been deeply involved in the automotive industry, especially with a focus on electric vehicles. He has held positions such as CEO of Brannan Auto Engineering Co., Vice President for Fisker Automotive in China and Founder & CEO of American Bantam Car Corp.

  • Brannan Auto: Paglee opened the China division in 2007, indicating his early involvement in leveraging the Chinese market for automotive parts and technology. His leadership in Brannan Auto Engineering underscores his strategic vision in merging U.S. and Chinese automotive interests.[7][8][9][10][11][12][13]
  • Fisker Automotive: Paglee set up China operations for Fisker Automotive, establishing manufacturing, quality control, marketing and sales in China.[14][15]
  • American Bantam: In 2020, Paglee founded American Bantam, a company dedicated to reviving the brand that invented the original Jeep and reviving American manufacturing. American Bantam is building modern Plug-In Hybrid-Electric off-road vehicles, focusing on manufacturing in the USA with an emphasis on sustainability and job creation.[16][17][18][19] American Bantam reflects Paglee's commitment to bringing manufacturing jobs back to America while targeting a niche market with environmentally friendly Plug-In Hybrid-Electric Street-Legal Off-Road vehicles. Paglee believes manufacturing jobs are important to the US economy and Paglee has been vocal about the importance of maintaining and growing manufacturing skills within the US workforce.[20]

Professional and Public Engagements

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Paglee's activities have not been limited to business. He is engaged in various platforms, including industry related NGOs and speaking about electric vehicles and manufacturing differences between China and the U.S.[21][22][23][15]

Paglee founded the Shanghai International Auto Group (SIAG) NGO in September 2016 to foster collaboration, networking, and the exchange of market information among expatriates working in China's automotive industry. Under Paglee's leadership SIAG has grown to over 800 members, becoming a central hub for automotive professionals from around the world who are working in China's rapidly evolving automotive market.[24][25]

References

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  1. ^ Bock, James (1995-12-18). "Fuller rests in 'God's country' Helpers recount fight to get her out of China". Baltimore Sun. Retrieved 2024-09-29.
  2. ^ Hosler, Karen (1995-09-30). "High-level rescue offered to woman trapped in China". Baltimore Sun. Retrieved 2024-09-29.
  3. ^ "WHEELS TURNING TO EASE PLIGHT OF 'STATELESS' WOMAN". Deseret News. 1995-10-05. Retrieved 2024-09-29.
  4. ^ "72-YEAR-OLD GETS A HOMELAND SHE'S NEVER SEEN - U.S." Deseret News. 1995-12-16. Retrieved 2024-09-29.
  5. ^ Greta (2020-04-23). "Pecan Grove Cemetery, Marjorie Fuller comes home". Explore Dallas History. Retrieved 2024-09-29.
  6. ^ Sun, Baltimore (1995-12-21). "A home for the holidays Stateless woman: Marjorie Fuller arrives 'home,' a place she's never seen". Baltimore Sun. Retrieved 2024-09-29.
  7. ^ "China wanderer settles on a base in Jiading". archive.shine.cn. 2010-05-30. Retrieved 2024-09-29.
  8. ^ "Tesla se atreve con el gigante asiático". forococheselectricos (in Spanish). 2013-08-07. Retrieved 2024-09-29.
  9. ^ Paglee, Charlie (2014-08-23). "Q&A with HNO Green Fuels on their oxygen-creating LeefH2 device". Autoblog: Car News, Reviews and Buying Guides. Retrieved 2024-09-29.
  10. ^ Paglee, Charlie (2014-08-05). "Why battery electric vehicles will beat fuel cells". Autoblog: Car News, Reviews and Buying Guides. Retrieved 2024-09-29.
  11. ^ Paglee, Charlie (2014-07-25). "A window into China's low-speed electric vehicle revolution". Autoblog: Car News, Reviews and Buying Guides. Retrieved 2024-09-29.
  12. ^ Paglee, Charlie (2014-07-10). "Why Elon Musk is right about batteries being the future of automobiles". Autoblog: Car News, Reviews and Buying Guides. Retrieved 2024-09-29.
  13. ^ Paglee, Charlie (2014-06-27). "China sold only 7,000 electric automobiles in 2013". Autoblog: Car News, Reviews and Buying Guides. Retrieved 2024-09-29.
  14. ^ manager, Nils-Viktor Sorge (2014-08-14). "Mini-Elektroautos erobern China". www.manager-magazin.de (in German). Retrieved 2024-09-29.
  15. ^ a b "Silicon Dragon Beijing 2010 – Silicon Dragon Ventures". 2010-05-20. Retrieved 2024-09-29.
  16. ^ Staff, The (2022-07-07). "American Bantam returning to market". Powersports Business. Retrieved 2024-09-29.
  17. ^ "Podcast: The car company aiming to bring back US manufacturing". The Spectator World. 2022-07-20. Retrieved 2024-09-29.
  18. ^ "McKinsey Aabshar Conference Program" (PDF).
  19. ^ "July 22, 2022 - Chicago's Morning Answer with Dan Proft & Amy Jacobson". omny.fm. Retrieved 2024-09-29.
  20. ^ Mull, Teresa (2022-08-15). "America is forgetting how to make stuff". The Spectator World. Retrieved 2024-09-29.
  21. ^ "Speakers ⇽ 2018 Automotive Forum | AmCham Shanghai". Glue Up. Retrieved 2024-09-29.
  22. ^ www.amcham-shanghai.org https://www.amcham-shanghai.org/en/article/2018-automotive-forum-making-autonomous-vehicles-reality. Retrieved 2024-09-29. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  23. ^ "EVTec 2024". www.evtec-china.com. Retrieved 2024-09-29.
  24. ^ Green Industrial Policy: Concept, Policies, Country Experiences (PDF). United Nations (published 2018). 2017. pp. 192–193.
  25. ^ Paglee, Charles (2017). China's Huge Hidden Electric Vehicle Market (Vol. 12 No. 4 ed.). Beijing, China: China Automotive Review, (12). pp. 22–23.