Lucid Establishes R&D Hub near The Big Three’s Headquarters

The electric vehicle company is challenging traditional automakers for market dominance.

Lucid Motors is set to build a fresh engineering and research and development center in Michigan, resulting in the generation of hundreds of fresh job opportunities. According to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, this move will lead to overall capital investments reaching $10 million.

The electric vehicle company is planning to establish a fresh installation in Southfield, which will soon accommodate a staff of 200 engineers. As Lucid expands, it will need approximately 50-75,000 sq ft more for labs and business operations.

The objective of the project is to generate 262 “high-wage” employment opportunities within the next three years and secure a total of $10 million in capital investments. Funding for this endeavor will be provided by a $6 million grant from the Michigan Business Development Program. Although Lucid’s headquarters are located in California, the company manufactures its vehicles in Arizona and has recently established a facility in Saudi Arabia.

Instead of establishing a business in Arizona or California, Lucid opted for Michigan, the birthplace of America’s automotive industry. But why? The explanation is quite straightforward. Michigan, known as the Great Lake State, boasts a plethora of automotive suppliers and a skilled workforce specialized in this sector.

Surprisingly, the state of Michigan accounts for 19% of all vehicle manufacturing in the United States and takes the top spot in terms of automotive and mobility research and development. It is possible that Lucid will establish a new production facility in Michigan to manufacture its upcoming models. While the Air sedan is currently being manufactured at both the Casa Grande and Saudi Arabia facilities, the former plant will be responsible for producing the Gravity SUV.

If Lucid manages to effectively navigate the difficult year ahead, there is a great chance for expansion. We may even witness the release of more cost-effective options, such as the speculated competition for the BMW i4 set to launch in 2022. Lucid faces a challenging path ahead, but if they can overcome these obstacles, the potential for growth is substantial. With the possibility of new and more affordable models, like the rumored rival of the BMW i4 expected to debut in 2022, the future looks promising for Lucid.

According to Maureen Donohue Krauss, president and CEO of the Detroit Regional Partnership, “This is precisely the type of company we aim to include in our automotive and mobility industry. Their advancements will lead to growth, an increase in their reach, job creation, and the attraction of other innovators, solidifying our role as the leading hub for mobility worldwide.”

Lucid is making significant enhancements to its Advanced Manufacturing Plant located in Arizona, as it gears up for the launch of its highly-anticipated Gravity SUV. These upgrades will include the construction of a new warehouse and manufacturing complex spanning over three million square feet, with the intention of accommodating a new assembly line and upgraded facilities for both the body and paint shops.As an American-based automaker, Lucid is dedicated to expanding and improving its production capabilities. The expansion of its Arizona plant highlights the company’s commitment to providing high-quality vehicles to consumers. By adding a larger warehouse and manufacturing facility, Lucid aims to streamline its production process and meet the demand for its upcoming Gravity SUV.The upgraded assembly line will allow for more efficient vehicle production, while the improved body and paint shops will ensure that the vehicles are built with the highest level of precision and quality. This expansion also signifies Lucid’s dedication to creating jobs and boosting the local economy in Arizona.CEO Peter Rawlinson expressed his excitement about the advancements, stating, “We are thrilled to expand our presence in Arizona and prepare for the production of the Gravity SUV. This expansion will not only benefit our company but also the community by providing job opportunities and boosting the local economy.”With the expanded Advanced Manufacturing Plant, Lucid is

The car manufacturer intends to manufacture around 9,000 automobiles in the current year, which is a slight uptick from the 8,428 vehicles produced in 2023. With the upcoming release of the powerful Sapphire and the introduction of more budget-friendly Air models, it is expected that there will be a surge in demand in 2024.