Lucid Motors, the luxury electric vehicle company significantly backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, has announced a key software update for its new Gravity SUV. The update will bring highly anticipated phone-mirroring features, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, to the vehicle’s interface.
Middle East Release Scheduled for Late March
The software update is scheduled to roll out to North American owners of the Gravity SUV this week. Following the initial release, owners in Europe and the Middle East can expect to receive the update in late March.
While these popular features have previously been available on the company’s flagship sedan, the Lucid Air, their arrival on the newer Gravity SUV marks a significant step. The launch follows a period where the company has been focused on resolving a number of software issues on the new model.
Addressing Software Challenges
The introduction of this update comes after a challenging period for Lucid’s software division. The initial software issues with the Gravity SUV were significant enough to prompt an apology to owners from the company’s interim CEO.
In a move to address these challenges, Lucid recently saw the departure of several top software leaders and announced a layoff affecting 12% of its workforce. This new update signals a renewed focus on delivering a stable and feature-rich user experience.
Strategic Timing with Investor Day
The announcement coincides with Lucid Motors’ investor day in New York City. During the event, the company is expected to outline its future strategy, including details on its upcoming mid-size EV platform, its roadmap to profitability, and the launch of a luxury robotaxi service in partnership with Uber and Nuro.
About Lucid Motors
Lucid Motors is a US-based luxury electric vehicle manufacturer with a mission to inspire the adoption of sustainable energy by creating the most captivating electric vehicles, centered around the human experience. The company’s first car, the Lucid Air, is a state-of-the-art luxury sedan with a California-inspired design. Lucid has a strong connection to the MENA region, with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) as its majority shareholder and a manufacturing facility located in the Kingdom.
Source: TechCrunch
