Breathing new life into what was once a classic utility vehicle, Chinese auto manufacturer Chery Motors along with its subsidiary, Sicar Engineering, is bringing back the Moke. Designed by Michael Young, the new version called the Classic Moke retains many of its original design features in addition to updated mechanics and safety provisions.
The compact open air car was originally built in 1959 from Mini parts, with the intention to rival Land Rover and become a small military vehicle which could be delivered to the field via a parachute drop. However, the Mini Moke was soon deemed much too impractical for military use and later became a popular means of transport in warm and trendy holiday destinations around the world where it gained a "beach buggy" status.
Twenty years on since the last Moke was manufactured in Portugal, the 21st century version is soon to be released in automatic or manual transmission. The new Classic Moke comes equipped with a series of upgraded features including a new fuel injected engine; safety design; braking system and full rust proof body. Moke International will start out with a short production run of 1000 Classic Mokes in 2013, with firm sights on the Australian market.
Moke International has also announced plans to go green with an electric version. The E-Moke will have a top speed of 60 km/h (37.3 mph) and a range of up to 120 kilometers (74.5 miles) on a full charge. Prices for both versions are yet to be confirmed.
Source: Moke International, Michael Young via Designboom
http://www.volteis.com/en/x2-vs2-x4-vs2/its-character-traits
They also have a version called the V+ that's designed by Philippe Starck, but manages to look more like a golf buggy.
I see a lot of old WWII Willy's and Hotchkiss Jeeps around the French alps. They're great mountain runabouts, even though many are over 60 years old. I'd love to see a modern, lightweight electric version, or at least one with a small, modern engine like a Ford Ecoboost or a Fiat Twinair.
This new version does look very like its forebear, however its use would probably be limited to certain markets outside the European Union for instance, as there is no way that this vehicle would pass a modern crash test, let alone the requirements for pedestrian safety.