On November 16, Canoo announced that it will deliver its first model, the Lifestyle Vehicle, ahead of schedule. But how is this considered “ahead of schedule” when Canoo originally planned to start delivery in the fourth quarter of 2022?
To answer this question, we need to know about Canoo’s unique mass production model – contract manufacturing plus self-built factories. The self-built factory, the “Mega Microfactory,” was originally planned to start production in 2023. So under the planned production schedule, Canoo relies entirely on contract manufacturing by VDL Nedcar. However, in reality, this contract manufacturer in the Netherlands is actually “exporting” to the United States.
Recently, due to inflation, transportation, and tax issues in Europe, Canoo has started pushing forward with its production plans in the United States.
Coincidentally, VDL Nedcar suffered a cyber attack in October. In a document submitted by Canoo to the securities exchange on Monday, it stated that “we cannot yet determine whether any proprietary information or intellectual property that we share with VDL Nedcar has been accessed, disclosed or stolen in connection with that event.”
There are reports that Canoo is moving its headquarters from California to its birthplace, Bentonville, Arkansas. Canoo has stated that it will establish a new manufacturing plant in Bentonville, but has not disclosed what will be produced there or who will build it.
On Monday, Canoo also announced that it will accelerate the timetable for production of its first batch of electric vehicles to “before the fourth quarter of 2022”.
In my article “The American Upstart Canoo, Digging into the Life with Difficulties,” I have provided a comprehensive analysis of Canoo’s products, history, production model, and personnel changes. For a deeper understanding, please feel free to read it.🔗Information source:electrive;theverge
This article is a translation by ChatGPT of a Chinese report from 42HOW. If you have any questions about it, please email bd@42how.com.