WASHINGTON — As Lordstown Motors continues the development of its Endurance, the world's first all-electric commercial pickup truck, the company had a chance to show off its progress for President Trump at the White House on Monday.
The president met with Lordstown Motors CEO Steve Burns on the South Lawn of the White House for a look inside the Endurance. Trump was joined by U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Rep. Mike Turner (R-OH), and White House Director of Trade and Manufacturing Policy Peter Navarro.
"It's an incredible piece of science and technology," the president said during remarks after his tour of the Endurance. "It's going to happen more and more with cars and trucks."
The Trump Administration has followed the progress of the Endurance closely. In June, Vice President Mike Pence was in Lordstown for the official unveiling of the truck.
Last week, Lordstown Motors announced that it has received 40,000 preorders for the Endurance. The non-binding preorders, which can be cancelled or delayed, equal $2B in potential revenue for the Ohio-based original equipment manufacturer. The model is expected to fully launch next summer.
Although he was not at Monday's event, Rep. Tim Ryan (D-OH), who represents Lordstown in his district, was pleased to see the company be showcased at the White House.
“The incredible innovation and craftsmanship of the Mahoning Valley was on full display today. I was excited to see Lordstown Motors visit the White House today and show off the Endurance truck. I applaud Lordstown Motors in creating an incredible truck and giving our community the opportunity to continue to do what we do best – build world-class vehicles. I will continue to use my position to assist Lordstown Motors in whatever they need to get to the next level,” Ryan said in a statement.
PHOTOS | President Trump welcomes Lordstown Motors to White House
The event at the White House occurred on the same day that the state of Ohio announced General Motors must pay back millions of dollars in tax incentives as part of its decision to close the Lordstown plant in 2019. GM will be required to invest $12 million in the Mahoning Valley by the end of 2022, and refund $28 million in tax credits.
You can watch the Lordstown Motors event at the White House in the player below: