Vehicle production to begin in Tunica, MS, in July 2023, with deliveries and revenue expected in August and September 2023
Commercial EV production in Tunica, MS.
Class 3 vehicle line to begin in July 2023
BREA, Calif., May 17, 2023– via InvestorWire – Mullen Automotive, Inc. (NASDAQ: MULN) (“Mullen” or the “Company”), an emerging electric vehicle (“EV”) manufacturer, announces vehicle production will begin in July 2023 at Mullen’s Manufacturing Center in Tunica, Mississippi.
Mullen’s manufacturing group has partnered with NRTC Automation (“NRTC”) out of Birmingham, Alabama, for Class 3 assembly line installation and integration, which includes all robotics and automation systems for vehicle production. Recent capital expenditures in Tunica include addition of Automated Guided Vehicles to transport vehicles through assembly stations in the plant, installation of robotics, water test booth and end-of-line diagnostics. NRTC will support Mullen’s Class 3 operation through launch and also provide ongoing support of the production as Mullen ramps up to meet the full market demand from its commercial customers.
To date, the Company has received $279 million in purchase orders for Mullen Class 1 and Class 3 EV Vans and Trucks from Randy Marion Automotive Group. Randy Marion, based in North Carolina, is one of the largest commercial vehicle dealer groups in the U.S.
The headcount at the Tunica facility has grown steadily in anticipation of vehicle production. Mullen recently announced the hiring of an additional 35 plant staff to support production start of the Class 3 vehicle program.
“Finalizing the infrastructure and capital assets to support the operation on time is a critical task,” said John Taylor, SVP of global manufacturing operations for Mullen Automotive. “I have been through many start-ups, and the support that we have received from NRTC to-date has been extraordinary.”
Mike Vagi, president of NRTC Automation, said, “Working with Mullen’s team from the beginning of this project, and to be a key team member responsible to bring the Mullen THREE to market is a role that we take very seriously.”
“It’s gratifying to see our Class 3 vehicle production line coming together in Tunica and even more validating to know we will have vehicles coming off the line and delivered to customers later this summer,” said David Michery, CEO and chairman of Mullen Automotive.
Mullen’s Commercial Manufacturing Center is located in Tunica, Mississippi, and is in close proximity to all major rail lines, interstates, Mississippi river systems, and air logistics, placing it in a primary logistical center of North America.
Mullen THREE - Class 3 EV Cab Chassis Truck
Mullen team members training on Class 3 in Tunica
About Mullen
Mullen Automotive (NASDAQ: MULN) is a Southern California-based automotive company building the next generation of electric vehicles (“EVs”) that will be manufactured in two Company-owned United States-based assembly plants. Mullen's EV development portfolio includes the Mullen FIVE EV Crossover, Mullen Commercial Class 1 and 3 EVs and Bollinger Motors, which features both the B1 and B2 electric SUV trucks and Class 4-6 commercial offerings. On Sept. 7, 2022, Bollinger Motors became a majority-owned EV truck company of Mullen Automotive, and on Dec. 1, 2022, Mullen closed on the acquisition of all of Electric Last Mile Solutions' (“ELMS”) assets, including all IP and a 650,000-square-foot plant in Mishawaka, Indiana.
To learn more about the Company, visit www.MullenUSA.com.
About NRTC Automation
NRTC is an Alabama-based company and has been in the automation space for automotive manufacturing integration since 2012.
To learn more about the company, visit www.NRTCautomation.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Any statements contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed forward-looking statements. Words such as "continue," "will," "may," "could," "should," "expect," "expected," "plans," "intend," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential" and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, many of which are generally outside the control of Mullen and are difficult to predict. Examples of such risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to: (i) the timing of the production commencement, completion and delivery of Mullen vehicles; the timing of expected revenues from vehicle sales; (ii) whether the partnership with NRTC Automation will be a success; (iii) Mullen’s ability (or inability) to obtain additional financing in sufficient amounts or on acceptable terms when needed; (iv) Mullen's ability to maintain existing, and secure additional, contracts with manufacturers, parts and other service providers relating to its business; (v) Mullen’s ability to successfully expand in existing markets and enter new markets; (vi) Mullen’s ability to successfully manage and integrate any acquisitions of businesses, solutions or technologies; (vii) unanticipated operating costs, transaction costs and actual or contingent liabilities; (viii) the ability to attract and retain qualified employees and key personnel; (ix) adverse effects of increased competition on Mullen’s business; (x) changes in government licensing and regulation that may adversely affect Mullen’s business; (xi) the risk that changes in consumer behavior could adversely affect Mullen’s business; (xii) Mullen’s ability to protect its intellectual property; and (xiii) local, industry and general business and economic conditions. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements can be found in the most recent annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K filed by Mullen with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Mullen anticipates that subsequent events and developments may cause its plans, intentions and expectations to change. Mullen assumes no obligation, and it specifically disclaims any intention or obligation, to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by law. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and should not be relied upon as representing Mullen’s plans and expectations as of any subsequent date.
Contact:
Mullen Automotive, Inc.
+1 (714) 613-1900
www.MullenUSA.com