McLaren looking for OEM partners for its future

McLaren will be potentially creating a new "lifestyle-oriented" product.

Speaking in an interview, McLaren CEO, Michael Leiters, stated that the brand now wants to shift focus towards value instead of volume. To help with this, the British marque is open to partnering with other OEMs to help reduce its cost while also developing new products.

Leiters, mentioned that with the company's complicated equity structure now out of the way - 100% control by a Bahrain Sovereign wealth fund since March; the company can look at increasing revenue for the future. To do this, McLaren will be potentially creating a new "lifestyle-oriented" product, which could be in the form of either a 4-seater sports car or even an SUV.

Leiter mentioned, "But you can imagine that a sovereign wealth fund doesn’t aim to own 100% of an automotive company. They want to be an important investor in our company, but it would be good to have a financial/technology partner to unlock the full potential."

The CEO did confirm though that it could continue to be wholly independent & produce supercars as its core products. However, to make more money, it will have to expand its lineup which it doesn't want to do alone.

Leiter stated, "This is a heavy investment, and it’s not only about the investment. It’s also easier to get that with a partner that already has a platform or technologies. This is even more profitable." He further clarified, stating, "I want to do my own vehicle dynamics, my own lightweighting, my own aerodynamics. Whatever we will do, it will remain a true McLaren product."

Source: Automotive News