Embattled automaker Lordstown Motors is recalling 19 trucks and pausing all deliveries and production. The move comes after it found performance and quality issues with ‘certain components’. It currently doesn’t know when normal operations will begin again.
Lordstown has managed to maintain a sign of life despite one setback after another over the years. During 2022 it aimed to produce 50 trucks but to date has only built 31 retail units. Early production teething problems are setting in already as evidenced by today’s news.
The automaker says that the recall involves “a specific electrical connection issue that could result in a loss of propulsion while driving”. It also let on that it’s working with its supplier network to implement a solution. Interestingly enough, it sounds almost as though there are other problems that need to be addressed outside of the recall.
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According to Lordstown’s statement, it’s working with suppliers “on the root cause analysis of each issue and potential solutions, which in some cases may include part design modifications, retrofits, and software updates.” While those changes will likely result in a more reliable product it still stands to be seen whether or not they’ll remove or change some of the features that buyers most desire.
Edward Hightower, Lordstown Motors CEO & President went on the record to say that “While our experienced team has made significant progress in addressing the underlying component and vehicle sub-system issues affecting the Endurance build schedule, we remain committed to doing the right thing by our customers and to resolve potential issues before resuming production and customer shipments.”
We expect to hear more at the brand’s upcoming earnings call on the morning of March 6th, 2023 before the market opens. As of this writing, shares were down more than 12 percent to a price of $1.08.
The truckmaker’s Endurance model has a lot to prove, but hopefully, it can make a comeback and impress the world. It’s worth noting that although the NACTOY recognized it as a finalist for Truck of the Year in 2022, the competition was virtually non-existent. Only three candidates were selected in the preliminary phase, and all of them advanced to the finals. This is in stark contrast to the 13 models that competed for the North American Car of the Year and the over 30 models that vied for the Utility of the Year the Utility of the Year.
