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After abrupt departure of Lucid CEO, here are the EV maker's top priorities
LCIDLucid (LCID) CNBC·2025-02-26 18:43

Core Viewpoint - Lucid Motors' stock has declined over 10% following the downgrade by Bank of America and the unexpected departure of CEO Peter Rawlinson, raising concerns about the company's future direction and product development [1][3]. Company Leadership - Peter Rawlinson, who was pivotal in Lucid's operations and public listing, has left the company, creating uncertainty among investors and analysts [2][3]. - Interim CEO Marc Winterhoff aims to maintain the company's trajectory and focus on increasing vehicle production, reducing losses, and enhancing customer awareness [4][5]. Financial Performance - Lucid reported a net loss of 636.9millionforthefourthquarter,equatingtoalossof636.9 million for the fourth quarter, equating to a loss of 0.22 per share, on revenues of 234.5million[7].ThecompanysGAAPgrossmarginimprovedtonegative114234.5 million [7]. - The company's GAAP gross margin improved to negative 114% in 2024 from negative 225% in 2023, indicating progress in narrowing gross losses [6][7]. Product Development - The company continues to produce the Air sedan while ramping up production of the new Gravity SUV, with customer orders for Gravity starting in Saudi Arabia [8][9]. - A new midsize vehicle platform is under development, expected to launch by the end of 2026, which is deemed critical for growth [9]. Marketing Strategy - Winterhoff plans to significantly increase marketing efforts to boost customer awareness as production scales up [11]. - Selling, general, and administrative expenses reached 900 million in 2024, with a notable increase in sales and marketing expenses [12]. Technology and Partnerships - Lucid's Air model has faced criticism for lacking advanced driver-assistance systems compared to competitors, but a new hands-free driving system is expected to be released later this year [13]. - The company is recognized for its battery efficiency and is in discussions to sell its battery technology to other firms to enhance revenue [14].