McLaren Begins Major Restructuring Backed by Abu Dhabi Investor

British supercar manufacturer McLaren is launching a large-scale business overhaul financed by its Abu Dhabi–based owner. According to the Financial Times, sovereign wealth fund CYVN Holdings plans to invest more than $2 billion in the company over the next five years. The funding will be used to expand McLaren’s model lineup and push the brand beyond its traditional focus on two-seat sports cars.

The need for deep restructuring follows a prolonged period of losses in McLaren’s automotive division. CEO Nick Collins has acknowledged the company’s critical financial position, noting that persistent cash outflows at one point even threatened the development of new models. A turning point came in April 2025, when McLaren merged with British electric-vehicle startup Forseven Holdings. That move triggered immediate steps to cut debt, reduce inventory levels, and reorganize the entire group.

According to management, the measures already delivered tangible operational results: the number of vehicles ready for sale has been reduced by 40%, while warranty claims have dropped by 80%. At the same time, the merger created internal uncertainty and skepticism among parts of the workforce, leading to the departure of several senior executives, including the chief financial officer.

Despite that turbulence, McLaren’s leadership says the company is now shifting into an offensive phase. It plans to leverage investment from CYVN—also a shareholder in Nio and a previous investor in Gordon Murray Technologies—to drive long-term, profitable growth. A key pillar of the strategy will be diversification. According to current plans, McLaren will introduce a hybrid version of its first SUV in the coming years, as management believes sustainable profitability in the premium segment is no longer possible without entering this category. Development of a fully electric luxury model, however, has been postponed until there is clear market demand.