That Edison 2 chose to test its prototype Very Light Car at the North Carolina Center for Automotive Research in Garysburg is just what its officials are looking for.

“They came here on March 9 and did fuel economy benchmarking,” said Simon Cobb, chief operating officer of the center. “It’s the credibility both parties wanted.”

The center has two clients it is in final negotiations with, Cobb said, which means half the client garages will be taken. “That’s a big step.”

There were some 227 cars at the facility in September, which brought 497 visitors. Those visitors included members of Porsche clubs, BMW clubs, high speed driving students and the National Autosport Association.

“Edison 2 is a great example of the potential business development activity which can occur at NCCAR,” said Northampton County Economic Development Director Gary Brown.

Brown said sees the project as finally coming together and that Edison 2 did testing there is important. “It was begun by a team of entrepreneurs who brought with them a tremendous amount of talent and vision and commitment.”

Seeing the VLC again, Cobb said, reminds him of the mission of the center. “This is what this place is all about.”