Lucid aims to create over 300 jobs from Nikola’s former workforce

Lucid Motors has taken a significant step in its expansion efforts by acquiring several key assets from the bankrupt Nikola Corporation, including its manufacturing facility in Coolidge, Arizona.

The acquisition, made during a bankruptcy auction and awaiting approval from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware, does not include Nikola’s business operations, customer base, or technology specifically related to its hydrogen fuel cell trucks.

This strategic purchase adds over 884,000 square feet of state-of-the-art manufacturing space to Lucid’s existing footprint in Arizona, which also includes its Casa Grande factory situated just 25 minutes away.

Lucid Expands Manufacturing Footprint with Nikola’s Coolidge Facility

The newly acquired Coolidge facility will play a crucial role in supporting Lucid’s plans to produce its next vehicle platform, aimed at delivering more affordable electric vehicles. Additionally, Lucid intends to offer employment to more than 300 former Nikola employees, providing job opportunities across various technical and manufacturing roles.

Marc Winterhoff, Interim CEO of Lucid, expressed optimism about this transition, emphasizing the value of the experience that the former Nikola workers bring. He noted that this expansion aligns with Lucid’s ongoing production ramp, particularly concerning the Lucid Gravity and future midsize vehicles.

“Acquiring these assets is an opportunity to strategically expand our manufacturing, warehousing, testing, and development facilities while supporting our local Arizona community”, Winterhoff stated.

Despite facing its own financial hurdles, Lucid Motors is in a more stable situation than Nikola, which has struggled significantly over the past few years, ultimately leading to its bankruptcy. Lucid’s investment in these facilities not only aims to bolster its production capacity but also seeks to mitigate the local employment impact caused by Nikola’s downfall.

As Lucid continues to refine its product line—most notably with the launch of its high-end models like the Air and Gravity—this acquisition signals a pivotal moment in its efforts to solidify its position in the competitive electric vehicle market.