The CEO of McLaren, Michael Leiters, has emphasized the need for substantial investment and support in the UK automotive supply chain to develop electric vehicles (EVs) and sustain low-volume manufacturers. In a speech at the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Summit, Leiters called for a clear industrial strategy and investment in the domestic supply chain to drive growth, create jobs, decarbonize the economy, and secure the future of the UK performance car industry. However, Leiters expressed concern about the structure of the supply chain, citing trade restrictions and government initiatives as obstacles to technical progress.
Leiters highlighted that McLaren is currently facing challenges in finding battery suppliers who can fulfill the “rules of origin” to avoid tariffs. He emphasized the need for more investment in the supply chain to catch up with other countries. Despite these challenges, Leiters sees a golden opportunity for high-performance cars in the UK, as it is home to most Formula 1 teams and various global sports car manufacturers.
McLaren is working with recognized innovators in the industry and focusing on high-performance technologies that can later be scaled for higher volumes. Leiters believes that investing in R&D and engineering will enable McLaren to develop lightweight EVs with the same performance and dynamic objectives as their V6- and V8-powered models. However, he acknowledged that current battery technology does not yet meet their standards and further R&D is needed.
Leiters also addressed the skepticism of McLaren’s core customer base regarding EV supercars. He emphasized the importance of creating a convincing EV supercar that is lightweight and credible to the brand. He also mentioned the commercial concern around residual values for EVs, highlighting the need to address this issue for customer satisfaction.
Despite the challenges, McLaren remains committed to building its supercars in Woking, UK. Leiters dismissed the idea of foreign production due to the company’s specific skill requirements and the capabilities of its Surrey workforce. In addition to EVs, McLaren is investing in a new V8 hybrid powertrain, and Leiters expects that 90% of the company’s sales will be hybrid in the next three to five years.
Regarding the long-rumored McLaren SUV, Leiters mentioned that current-generation battery technology could fit its more lifestyle-oriented use case, but the company has not yet decided whether it will be electric or plug-in hybrid. McLaren may consider basing the SUV model on a platform supplied by another manufacturer to achieve economies of scale and minimize capital expenditure.
In conclusion, McLaren is actively working towards developing electric and hybrid vehicles while facing challenges in the supply chain and meeting customer expectations. The company sees an opportunity to lead in high-performance EVs and is committed to building its supercars in the UK. With further investment and R&D, McLaren aims to develop lightweight EVs that meet their performance standards and satisfy their discerning customer base.
