Lincoln Cancels Electric SUV Co-developed With Rivian

While rival GM has postponed the launch of its Cadillac Lyriq electric SUV due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ford has decided to cancel the one it planned to co-develop with Rivian for the Lincoln brand.

According to Automotive News, Lincoln dealers were told the bad news on Tuesday.

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Ford is apparently still interested in adding a fully electric SUV to its luxury brand’s lineup (the Aviator and Corsair are both available in plug-in hybrid variant), but it will likely have to work alone now, using the expertise gained with the Mustang Mach-E.

From what we can understand, a future collaboration with Rivian is not excluded. After all, the Blue Oval has invested $500 million USD into the electric car startup, which has facilities in the U.S., Canada and England. In fact, the AN report mentions something about an “alternative vehicle” based on Rivian’s skateboard architecture.

Designed for all-wheel-drive applications, said platform combines the electric motors, batteries, control modules and suspension in one integrated structure shaped just like a skateboard.

Rivian will use it for its own electric SUV, called R1S, which was supposed to go into production in late 2020 but has now been pushed to early 2021.

Other Ford models are affected, too. The all-new 2021 Bronco, Bronco Sport and F-150 will be revealed and manufactured at a later date. Last week, the automaker said it would have more details to share on the timing of its upcoming models once its factories and facilities are safely back online.