Back to the Future: DeLorean making 2022 comeback with electric vehicles

SAN ANTONIO (WOAI) — The future is looking bright for DeLorean. And this time ... it's going electric.

The DeLorean Motor Company announced Monday not only its plans for a comeback but that San Antonio has been selected as its home base.

“We are grateful for the tremendous support we’ve received from the community. San Antonio boasts a growing component and vehicle manufacturing sector as well as a wide array of global advanced manufacturing operations. This allows us countless synergies between established companies and suppliers in the broader region. A deep talent pool and a strong local academic ecosystem will foster further innovation,” said Joost de Vries, CEO of DeLorean Motor Company.

The comeback plan features the iconic carmaker to grow a new electric vehicle production enterprise.

“In an increasingly competitive electric vehicle market, San Antonio is ready to lead,” said San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg. “By planning to establish their global headquarters in San Antonio, DeLorean is validating the talent, strategic preparation, and adaptability our region provides for EV manufacturers to thrive.”

The company’s return as an active DeLorean manufacturer was teased during the Super Bowl LVI pregame.

“The future of automotive innovation is here in San Antonio. We have invested in building the ecosystem with the engineering, tech, and cyber talent, infrastructure, and supply chain that companies need. We’re about to see those investments pay tremendous dividends. I look forward to officially welcoming DeLorean to San Antonio,” said Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff.

The DeLorean was made famous when it was featured in the Back to the Future trilogy as Doc Brown's time machine. DeLorean never got to profit off that amazing product placement, as it closed down in 1982 - three years before the first film was released.

There are still about 6,000 Deloreans out of the initial 9,000 made still out on the highway. The company says it provides services for those original cars.

DeLorean also plans to work in partnership with regional educational institutions like Texas A&M University-San Antonio, The University of Texas at San Antonio, Trinity University, Texas State University, and others to continue growing a pipeline of skilled professionals and leverage the research and development expertise of San Antonio-based institutions like Southwest Research Institute.

The City of San Antonio and Bexar County are considering incentive packages to support the company’s growth in San Antonio.