Humble, Texas, January 14, 2026
DeLorean Motor Company, based in Humble, Texas, is facing a $4.6 million judgment due to unpaid work for the design of the Alpha5 electric vehicle. Italdesign Giugiaro S.p.A. secured the judgment through an international arbitration court and is now enforcing it in a U.S. District Court. Despite the financial challenges including the potential impact on the Alpha5’s production, DeLorean is still showcasing the vehicle actively, raising concerns among customers regarding production timelines.
Humble, Texas – DeLorean Motor Company Faces $4.6 Million Judgment Over Alpha5 Electric Vehicle
Humble-based DeLorean Motor Company is facing a $4.6 million judgment after failing to pay for work on the Alpha5 electric vehicle, a reimagined version of the iconic DeLorean DMC-12. The Italian design firm, Italdesign Giugiaro S.p.A., secured this judgment through an international arbitration court and has now filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas to enforce the decision. The lawsuit targets DeLorean Motor Company, which owns the DeLorean brand, but does not include DeLorean Reimagined LLC, the San Antonio-based company behind the Alpha5 project.
Background of the Dispute
In 2022, Italdesign was contracted to design an electric version of the DeLorean, known as the Alpha5. The collaboration aimed to produce a four-seat sports car featuring the brand’s signature gull-wing doors and a top speed of 155 mph. However, after an initial payment of $500,000, DeLorean failed to fulfill the remaining financial obligations. Despite multiple promises to settle the debt, payments were not made, leading Italdesign to seek legal action. In April 2025, the arbitration court ruled in favor of Italdesign, ordering DeLorean to pay the outstanding amount along with interest. The recent filing in federal court seeks to enforce this judgment.
DeLorean’s Financial Challenges
The legal issues with Italdesign are part of a series of financial difficulties faced by DeLorean. In January 2024, the company withdrew its commitment to create 450 jobs in San Antonio, a promise tied to tax incentives. The company cited a shift in the economic landscape and a strategic redirection of its business as reasons for this decision. Additionally, DeLorean has faced criticism for not updating customers who had made deposits for the Alpha5, raising concerns about the vehicle’s production timeline.
Future of the Alpha5
Despite these challenges, DeLorean continues to promote the Alpha5. The vehicle was showcased at the 2022 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, and the company has announced plans to produce a limited number of units. However, the ongoing legal and financial issues have cast uncertainty over the project’s future. As of now, a final model and official pricing have not been announced, and the production timeline remains unclear.
FAQ
What is the DeLorean Alpha5?
The DeLorean Alpha5 is an electric vehicle designed to reimagine the iconic DeLorean DMC-12, featuring gull-wing doors and a top speed of 155 mph.
Who is Italdesign Giugiaro S.p.A.?
Italdesign Giugiaro S.p.A. is an Italian automobile design company contracted by DeLorean to design the Alpha5 electric vehicle.
What is the $4.6 million judgment about?
The judgment is the result of DeLorean failing to pay Italdesign for work completed on the Alpha5 project, leading to legal action and a ruling in favor of Italdesign.
Has DeLorean faced other financial issues?
Yes, in January 2024, DeLorean withdrew its commitment to create 450 jobs in San Antonio, citing a shift in the economic landscape and a strategic redirection of its business.
What is the current status of the Alpha5’s production?
As of now, a final model and official pricing for the Alpha5 have not been announced, and the production timeline remains unclear due to ongoing legal and financial challenges.
Key Features of the DeLorean Alpha5
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Design | Electric vehicle reimagining the iconic DeLorean DMC-12 with gull-wing doors. |
| Performance | Top speed of 155 mph. |
| Production | Limited number of units planned; production timeline currently unclear. |
| Pricing | Official pricing has not been announced. |
| Legal Issues | Facing a $4.6 million judgment from Italdesign for unpaid work on the project. |
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