Melex is a Polish manufacturer of electric microcars based in Mielec, operating since 1971.[1]
The company MELEX has gained such significant popularity that the name MELEX has become synonymous with small electric vehicles. 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. In 2021, they celebrated the 50th anniversary of the company’s operations. A major advantage of Melex is their ability to customize each model to meet the individual requirements of their clients. The MELEX brand holds certifications for top-quality products and advanced technological solutions, as evidenced by ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications.[3] Melex vehicles have European homologation in the L7e category, which allows them to be driven on public roads. In Poland, there is a regulation regarding low-speed vehicles – for most of the models we produce, there is no obligation for registration.
History
edit
Beginnings
editElectric 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
editIn 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
editNowadays, 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.
Vehicles from Mielec are highly popular in their class—so much so that electric carts from other companies are often referred to as "Melexes." 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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