Lucid Motors’ interim CEO Marc Winterhoff said the company is seeing growing interest from Tesla owners, particularly those dissatisfied with the brand’s aging vehicle lineup. Speaking in an interview with the Financial Times, Winterhoff said Lucid has recorded “an uptick, that’s definitely the case, in Europe and also here in the US,” as former Tesla drivers switch to its premium EVs.
Winterhoff pointed to the Model S, Tesla’s long-running luxury sedan, as one of the reasons buyers are exploring alternatives. “The Model S, nothing has changed in 12 years now. . . (customers) are actively looking for other options,” he said, suggesting that customers are drawn to Lucid’s Air sedan as a fresher choice in the premium electric market.
The comments come as Lucid continues to face challenges scaling production and sales. Winterhoff admitted the company is “climbing an uphill battle,” though he said its next stage of growth will hinge on the release of an upcoming $50,000 EV aimed at competing with Tesla’s Model Y, one of the world’s best-selling electric vehicles.
Winterhoff also highlighted Uber’s growing role as a strategic partner. The ride-hailing giant has placed an order for 20,000 units of the Lucid Gravity, the company’s upcoming electric SUV designed to compete with the Tesla Model X. He described Uber’s involvement as a significant signal of confidence in Lucid’s long-term roadmap.
While Tesla’s Model S and Model X have undergone updates, including the Plaid upgrade in 2021 and a refresh earlier this year, both vehicles have seen sales decline from their peaks. Lucid’s interim CEO believes this creates an opening for his company, though Tesla recently launched a “Luxe” package for the two models in an effort to maintain appeal among buyers.
