Phenix is one of California’s largest providers of work trucks, equipment and speciality truck bodies, working with long-term customers such as Southern California Edison, Southern California Gas, Los Angeles County Fire Department, SDG&E, USDA Forest Service and LA County Department of Public Works

Majority of all commercial vehicles sold in the United States are sold through upfitters like Phenix

BREA, Calif., June 12, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via InvestorWire -- Mullen Automotive, Inc. (NASDAQ: MULN) (“Mullen” or the “Company”), an emerging electric vehicle (“EV”) manufacturer, announces today development of a light-weight truck body for its Class 3 EV with Phenix Truck Bodies & Van Equipment (“Phenix”). Phenix will develop a unique, light-weight body configuration designed to satisfy the needs of Class 3 service body truck fleets, with the goal of offering an EV alternative to ICE vehicles. Upon upfit completion, the Class 3 vehicle will be made available to Phenix commercial fleet customers for evaluation and pilot programs.

Phenix Truck Bodies & Van Equipment, based in Southern California, is one of California's largest work truck, van equipment and specialty truck body manufacturers. For 45 years, Phenix has designed and manufactured custom work trucks and fire apparatus for the most selective customers. Long-term customers include: Southern California Edison, Southern California Gas Company, Los Angeles County Fire Department, San Diego Gas & Electric, USDA-Forest Service and the cities of Los Angeles and San Diego. Phenix is a California Public Utilities Commission (“CPUC”) Clearinghouse Certified Minority Business Enterprise (“MBE”).

The Mullen THREE features a tight turning diameter of 38 ft. and excellent visibility for superior maneuverability on narrow city streets. Its versatile chassis provides a clean top-of-rail for easy upfitting with bodies up to 14 feet in length and over 5,800 lbs. of payload.

“Since revealing our Mullen THREE all-electric tilt cab in March, we have had very positive feedback and strong interest,” said John Schwegman, chief commercial officer, Mullen Automotive. “With availability later this year, we are excited to have fleet customers begin piloting our Class 3 product and experience how an all-electric truck can work in their fleet of vehicles.”

“Phenix, in its 45-year history, has outfitted vehicles for some of the largest commercial public utility customers in the western U.S. with focus on Southern California,” said David Michery, CEO and chairman of Mullen Automotive. “Having the opportunity to add our commercial EVs into the mix with Phenix and their large fleet business is a great step forward for our commercial business.”

Pre-production units of the Mullen THREE are available nationally for customer demos and test drives. Fleets, municipalities and small businesses can request a demo of Mullen’s commercial vehicles here.

Production of the Mullen THREE will take place at Mullen’s manufacturing facility in Tunica, Mississippi, with deliveries expected in August and September 2023.

About Phenix Truck Bodies & Van Equipment
Since 1978, Phenix Truck Bodies & Van Equipment has been manufacturing specialty custom work trucks for Southern California municipalities, utilities, fire departments, and the U.S. Government. Phenix offers complete vocational fleet solutions by providing both custom manufactured and distributed equipment, and accessories configured to customers’ exacting specifications.

To learn more about the company, visit www.Phenixent.com

About Mullen
Mullen Automotive (NASDAQ: MULN) is a Southern California-based automotive company building the next generation of electric vehicles (“EVs”) that will be manufactured in its two United States-based assembly plants. Mullen's EV development portfolio includes the Mullen FIVE EV Crossover, Mullen I-GO Commercial Urban Delivery EV, Mullen Commercial Class 1-3 EVs and Bollinger Motors, which features both the B1 and B2 electric SUV trucks and Class 4-6 commercial offerings. On Sept. 7, 2022, Bollinger Motors became a majority-owned EV truck company of Mullen Automotive, and on Dec. 1, 2022, Mullen closed on the acquisition of all of Electric Last Mile Solutions' (“ELMS”) assets, including all IP and a 650,000-square-foot plant in Mishawaka, Indiana.

To learn more about the Company, visit www.MullenUSA.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Any statements contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed forward-looking statements. Words such as "continue," "will," "may," "could," "should," "expect," "expected," "plans," "intend," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential" and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, many of which are generally outside the control of Mullen and are difficult to predict. Examples of such risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to: (i) whether the Company’s relationship with Phenix Truck Bodies & Van Equipment will be a success and whether the development of a light-weight truck body for its Class 3 EV will materialize and, if so, prove beneficial; (ii) the timing of manufacturing, production and availability of Mullen vehicles to customers; (iii) Mullen’s ability (or inability) to obtain additional financing in sufficient amounts or on acceptable terms when needed; (iv) Mullen's ability to maintain existing, and secure additional, contracts with manufacturers, parts and other service providers relating to its business; (v) Mullen’s ability to successfully expand in existing markets and enter new markets; (vi) Mullen’s ability to successfully manage and integrate any acquisitions of businesses, solutions or technologies; (vii) unanticipated operating costs, transaction costs and actual or contingent liabilities; (viii) the ability to attract and retain qualified employees and key personnel; (ix) adverse effects of increased competition on Mullen’s business; (x) changes in government licensing and regulation that may adversely affect Mullen’s business; (xi) the risk that changes in consumer behavior could adversely affect Mullen’s business; (xii) Mullen’s ability to protect its intellectual property; and (xiii) local, industry and general business and economic conditions. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements can be found in the most recent annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K filed by Mullen with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Mullen anticipates that subsequent events and developments may cause its plans, intentions and expectations to change. Mullen assumes no obligation, and it specifically disclaims any intention or obligation, to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by law. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and should not be relied upon as representing Mullen’s plans and expectations as of any subsequent date.

Contact:
Mullen Automotive, Inc.
+1 (714) 613-1900
www.MullenUSA.com

Corporate Communications:
IBN (InvestorBrandNetwork)
Los Angeles, California
www.InvestorBrandNetwork.com
310.299.1717 Office
Editor@InvestorBrandNetwork.com

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• Mullen and Phenix to Develop EV Truck Body for Commercial Fleets