AURSKOG, Norway (AFP) – Despite a winning and timely concept amid global climate concerns, Norwegian electric car maker Think may see its dreams come to a screeching halt due to a lack of financing.

Only two months after it launched production of its hitherto sole model, the Think City, the company has decided to temporarily lay-off more than half of its 200 employees until the end of January.


It is in dire need of cash to pay suppliers, who are exercising caution and demanding up-front payment, and has asked the Norwegian government for either a line of credit, loan guarantees, or a capital injection in exchange for a stake in the company.

But to no avail, so far.

Contrary to the Big Three carmakers in the United States -- Chrysler, Ford and General Motors -- who cannot find buyers for their gas-guzzling models, Think's problem is not a lack of buyers but a lack of financing for production