Ex-Mitsubishi Boss Pierre Gagnon leaves Malcolm Bricklin's Visionary Vehicles

Bricklin wants the head office in New York, and Gagnon, who lives in California near his old Mitsubishi headquarters, wanted to

While Gagnon told reporters that he resigned from Visionary, Bricklin (shown being interviewed) said Gagnon was "terminated" in April. (Photo: Visionary Vehicles)

house the company in Southern California, an area he considers a better source of experienced automotive executives and designers.

"I felt strongly the West Coast is where it needed to be, given that's where all the talent was," commented Gagnon.

While Gagnon told reporters that he resigned from Visionary, Bricklin said Gagnon was "terminated" in April. Why the childish, "he did it", "no he did it" banter?

Gagnon said that Bricklin "reneged" on his commitment to locate the company in California.

"A few weeks ago, Malcolm and I hit a crossroad," said the 49 year old Gagnon. "He reneged on some commitments he made to me, and as a result, I felt it was time to start looking for some other kind of opportunity."

Some auto analysts say that Bricklin's Chery Automobile venture, which plans on a 2007 U.S. launch (see automotive news

Some auto analysts say that Bricklin's Chery Automobile venture is one of the best opportunities in the auto sector, while others are not as bullish of the company's prospects. (Photo: Visionary Vehicles)

section for Apr 30, 2005 Chinese Automaker Chery and Its Visionary North American Retail Division to Debut New Models at Auto Shanghai 2005), is one of the best opportunities in the auto sector, while others are not as bullish of the company's prospects, given the current competitive nature of the auto industry. Bricklin believes the ability to come to market with prices up to 30 percent lower than the industry average, will be on his side. He might have a point.

Bricklin agreed with Gagnon, that the relationship didn't work out "because we decided not to have our headquarters in Southern California."