Lucid Motors is transitioning to a mixed business model in Europe’s largest car market as it continues to face weaker than expected demand on the continent.
The EV maker sold 23 vehicles across its four European markets in August, with 17 of these being registered in Germany.
According to Lawrence Hamilton, Managing Director for Europe, the Newark-based EV maker plans to “be represented in 12 to 15 cities” during the initial phase of its mixed business model in Germany.
The executive told the outlet Automobilwoche that Lucid is seeking car dealership groups with established territories to partner with, aiming to grow its sales network to approximately 50–60 locations.
“We are giving dealers the opportunity to develop further,” with Lucid included in existing car dealerships instead of new ones.
The EV maker plans to expand the business model to other European countries after Germany, while preparing to enter eight new markets in 2026.
This expansion will cover Belgium, Denmark, the UK, France, Italy, and Spain, where Lucid had already announced the arrival exclusively via local dealer partnerships.
Adopted by most Chinese carmakers in Europe, the model supports rapid growth at a fraction of the cost.
Earlier this month, Lucid opened orders in Europe for its second model, the Gravity SUV.
The model made its debut on the Old Continent earlier this month at the IAA Munich Auto Show.
The starting price announced in Germany stands at €116,900 (nearly $137,000) for the Grand Touring variant, with a cheaper Touring version for €99,900 to follow.
Orders are now open in Lucid’s European markets: Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Norway.
Lucid also offers leasing options in Germany — earlier this month, it has partnered with Kazenmaier Leasing to expand access to its Air electric sedan in the country, ahead of the second model’s debut.
The EV maker registered 23 vehicles across the four European markets in August, down from 84 units in July, when registrations of the Air sedan reached a record high.
Of those, 17 were registered in Germany, one in Switzerland, four in Norway and one in the Netherlands — where its European headquarters are located.
In Germany, the continent’s largest car market, registrations increased by four units from the same period a year ago.
However, registrations fell sharply from July’s 46 units, KBA showed.
The results were reached as the brand launched a new fleet program in the German market, offering tailored mobility solutions, flexible pricing, and national or international framework agreements for business customers.
In the home market of its main premium rivals — BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Audi — Lucid sold 136 units between January and August.
The figures are 58.1% above the 86 units in the first eight months of 2024, however, Lucid‘s registrations in the country jumped in the last quarter of the year, which brought the yearly total to 392 vehicles.
