MOKE International, producer of the new Electric MOKE, a continuation of the iconic 1960s Mini Moke, has partnered with Blue Marine Foundation to support its crucial conservation work on the world’s oceans. The first step in the long-term partnership will see a bespoke Blue Marine edition of the Electric MOKE, created by leading design studio Steve Edge Design, auctioned at the Monaco Yacht Show in September. Funds raised will help go towards supporting the work of Blue Marine in the Mediterranean, home of MOKE International’s newly opened flagship store, Casa MOKE in St Tropez.
The Electric MOKE is a revitalised and re-engineered version of the original Mini Moke – the 1960s automotive icon that quickly became synonymous with sea and sand after being driven by leading lights including The Beach Boys and Bridget Bardot in fashionable coastal resorts like the French Riviera and the Caribbean. By replacing the combustion engine version of the MOKE, the Electric MOKE not only futureproofs a British icon for generations to come, but also plays a part in keeping some of the world’s most beautiful destinations clean. MOKE International is the first and only heritage brand to go completely electric, demonstrating its commitment to a greener planet.
MOKE International’s support of Blue Marine will begin in the Mediterranean, home to the Casa MOKE flagship store, located in St Tropez. Money raised from the auction at the Monaco Yacht Show (September 28th – October 1st) will go towards Blue Marine’s conservation programmes to protect the world’s oceans from overfishing, as well as protect endangered marine species and preserve carbon-trapping seagrass beds.
Clare Brook, CEO, Blue Marine Foundation, said: “We at Blue Marine are thrilled that MOKE and Steve Edge Design are supporting our vital ocean conservation work through an electric custom designed Blue Marine MOKE. Funds raised from the sale of this exclusive ocean MOKE will support Blue Marine’s projects around the world, including our work in the Mediterranean to create marine protected areas, protect endangered species and preserve carbon-trapping seagrass beds. We must protect the ocean to secure our future and thanks to partnerships like this one, we are moving a little closer to restoring the ocean to health.”
Blue Marine aims to ensure the protection of at least 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030, restoring damaged marine habitats and developing models of sustainable fishing. To help it in its mission, the one-off Blue Marine Electric MOKE will be created by Steve Edge Design, one of the world’s leading design studios and branding agencies that has worked with brands including Cartier, Christian Dior and Fortnum and Mason.
The Electric MOKE upholds the legacy sparked by the original Mini Moke, created in 1964 by the father of the Austin Mini, Sir Alec Issigonis. Despite initially being designed as a lightweight military vehicle, the Mini Moke quickly achieved cult status in beach resorts and coastal towns across the world. It was an affordable, easy to maintain and road legal buggy which had no problem traversing sand dunes. Its open design meant drivers and passengers could get around without leaving the fresh air and sunshine. The Electric MOKE retains the iconic design of its forefather and is as capable as ever, but now also plays a part in improving air quality wherever it finds fans.
Production of the Electric MOKE is already underway, with customer deliveries arriving in time for summer 2022. The Electric MOKE covers up to 80 miles of range on a single charge – enough for four round trips from Cap-Ferrat to Monaco – and a full charge takes just four hours via a Type 2 port. The Electric MOKE is built in the UK, and over 70% of its parts come from Europe, helping reduce the distances travelled by components, while also allowing tariff-free access to EU markets.
Robin Kennedy, Commercial Director, MOKE International, said: “We’re very excited to be embarking on a voyage with the Blue Marine Foundation. MOKE has been synonymous with the sea and the sand since the 1960s. To be helping raise funds for their marine conservation and seagrass restoration initiatives, right next door to our first distribution partners in places like St Barth and St Tropez, feels like the natural thing to do.”
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