Green Shoots.(V-Vehicle Co)

Byline: Dave Guilford

Ligocki brings credibility to green venture

When V-Vehicle Co. failed to get a federal loan this spring, the general assumption was that it had hit a significant -- perhaps fatal -- roadblock.

But the San Diego startup served notice this month that it is still in the game, changing its name to Next Autoworks and hiring Kathleen Ligocki as CEO. Ligocki, 54, brings significant credibility, having held senior positions at Ford Motor Co. and major suppliers.

Like a bunch of other seasoned executives moving to startups, Ligocki says she relishes the chance to reinvent the auto industry at a small, agile company. (See story, Page 1.)

"At …