Gerald Wiegert

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Gerald Alden "Jerry" Wiegert is an automobile designer and manufacturer. Born in Detroit, Michigan, he is most famous for creating the Vector, a high-performance sports car intended to be America's answer to European cars such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Porsche. Wiegert also created the Aquajet personal watercraft. His black suit and wraparound sunglasses have become his trademark outfit.

1 The early years
2 Vector Motors
3 Takeover
4 Uncertain Future
- 4.1 Aquajet
5 Controversy/Criticism
6 Quotes
7 References
8 External links

[edit] The early years

As a child, Wiegert developed an interest in automobiles and aerospace. During his high school years, he won a design contest that both financed design courses in college and encouraged him to pursue engineering as a career. In 1971 he began his career in the automotive industry when he teamed up with Lee Brown to create Vehicle Design Force. The first car to be built by this company was called "The Vector." As is common with concept cars, the first Vector was a mockup with no engine, and it had to be pushed onto its display. Wiegert announced that the car would use the Wankel engine from the Mercedes-Benz C111, and that it would be priced at $10,000. The car appeared in Motor Trend shortly after its debut, but never saw production.

[edit] Vector Motors

Main article: Vector Motors

Wiegert is best known for creating Vector Motors, an American exotic manufacturer, and is considered America's first attempt to compete in the superexotic class. The Vector's design and appearance evolved slowly until the 1990's, when the W8 entered production, but its glory was cut short when a car sold to Andre Agassi caught on fire. Vector claimed that Agassi demanded the car be delivered before completion, and that he ignored Vector's instructions. The resulting news coverage still managed to damage Vector's reputation, and the company's operations barely progressed until Megatech's takeover, resulting in Wiegert's ouster, in the late 1990s.

[edit] Takeover

Initially a major investor seen as Vector's savior, MegaTech gradually wrested control of the company from Wiegert, whom Megatech wished to retain only as the head of design. Wiegert performed a lockdown of the company's Wilmington, California headquarters, changing all the locks, laying off all of his employees, and hiring armed guards to secure the building. Operations resumed, however, and Wiegert was fired. Under MegeTech, the company built only a few production Vectors before low sales and alleged embezzlement caused the company's bankruptcy and closure.

[edit] Uncertain Future

Following litigation that saw him assume control of the company's assets, trademarks, and copyrights, Wiegert has revived the brand name, but as of 2008, is still seeking investors. Wiegert now holds all Vector assets, including the W8 prototypes, the WX-3s, and the M12 molds. Wiegert has renamed his company several times — Avtech Motors, Vector Supercars and then Vector Motors — but neither he nor partner American Aeromotive have produced cars. It remains unclear whether Vector Motors will complete any more production automobiles.

[edit] Aquajet

In the 2000s, Wiegert founded Aquajet, a personal watercraft company. Company literature claims that Aquajet's Jetbike models handle like "motorcycles for the water," with many motorcycle styling cues and the handling and feel of a motorcycle.

[edit] Controversy/Criticism

Wiegert has faced heavy media criticism for some of his decisions and behavior during his run at Vector. He has developed a reputation for exaggerating the capabilities of his cars, and in turn, disappointing fans and customers when the vehicles do not deliver as promised. When the W8 was unveiled to the public, he claimed that it was able to outperform respected supercars of the era, such as the Ferrari F40, Lamborghini Diablo, and the Jaguar XJ220. Critics, however, point to the dramatically lower engineering budgets and lack of wind testing on the Vector line as evidence that Wiegert's claims are not sustainable. For example, the W8's lack of downforce — early models reputedly had a problem with the front ends leaving the ground at high speeds — likely limits it to 190 mph (310 km/h) at best, despite a claimed top speed of 230 mph (370 km/h).

[edit] Quotes

"The Vector is advanced aerospace technology for the street."

"I wanted to be a Jet Pilot, but I didn't have the eyesight for it, so I decided to make a car that is just like a jet." (When asked why he created Vector)