Lincoln cancels plan to develop EV with Rivian

KUALA LUMPUR: The COVID-19 pandemic has changed a lot around the world, and its impact is visible in the automotive industry as well. For example, a lot of new product launches have been delayed, and what we are about to discuss could be the first vehicle program cancellation.

As reported by Automotive News, Lincoln has abandoned its partnership with Rivian to develop an EV. The news was also confirmed by a Lincoln spokesperson in a statement to Motor1.com that read, “Given the current environment, Lincoln and Rivian have decided not to pursue the development of a fully electric vehicle based on Rivian’s skateboard platform. Ford Motor Company’s strategic commitment to Lincoln, Rivian, and electrification remains unchanged, and Lincoln’s plans will include an all-electric vehicle consistent with its Quiet Flight DNA.”

It was in late 2019 that rumors of Lincoln and Rivian teaming up to build a new Lincoln-badged car with later underpinning began circulating. Later, Joy Falotica, Lincoln Motor Company President, confirmed the news. Though back then details were limited, the car was believed to be a compact crossover standing on Rivian’s skateboard platform. The car was expected to arrive in 2022, with a bigger EV crossover scheduled for later that year.

The prospect of a Lincoln-Rivian product isn’t completely dead. While the original EV plan is called-off, the partnership between the two remains intact. Lincoln spokesperson further told Motor1.com that the strategic commitment between the two remains unchanged, and the brands would continue to work on an ‘alternative vehicle’. Other details on this ‘alternative’ project are undercover.

Last year Ford made half a billion-dollar investment in Rivian, with the original plan calling for an exclusive Blue Oval car built on Rivian’s skateboard platform. The latest news, however, suggests that Lincoln is the target brand for this partnership, as the forthcoming F-150 hybrid and Mustang Mach-E are the Ford-internal projects.

Source: Automotive News, Motor1.com

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