Porsche Ups Stake in Croatian Electric Hypercar Maker

Porsche raises its stake in Croatian technology and sports car company Rimac Automobili to 15.5%.

Zagreb-based Rimac develops and produces electromobility components and also manufactures electrically powered hypercars.

Employing 550 people, it also focuses on high-voltage battery technology, electric powertrains and developing digital human-machine interfaces.

Porsche bought a 10% stake in Rimac in June 2018 and launched a development partnership with the company against the backdrop of its electric mobility campaign.

Lutz Meschke, Executive Board Deputy Chairman responsible for finance and IT, says, “We believe in what (Rimac founder and managing director) Mate Rimac and his company have to offer, which is why we have now increased our stake and intend to intensify our collaboration in the field of battery technology.”

Rimac, 31, began developing his vision of an electrically powered sports car in a garage in 2009.

He unveiled his most recent EV, the C Two, at the 2018 Geneva auto show.

The 2-seater generates more than 1,900 hp and reaches a top speed of 256 mph (412 km/h). It boasts a range of 403 miles (650 km) and can recharge 80% of its full battery capacity within 30 minutes using a 250-kW fast-charging system.

“Gaining Porsche as a stakeholder was one of the most important milestones in our history,” Rimac says in a statement. “The fact that Porsche now is increasing its stake is the best form of confirmation for our collaboration and represents the foundation for an even closer relationship."