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(Adds Nikola CEO, GM comments, background)
DETROIT, Sept 30 (Reuters) - Nikola Corp Chief
Executive Mark Russell said on Wednesday he remains confident
the electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicle startup will close a
deal with an energy partner and talks to finalize an alliance
with General Motors Co continue.
There had been reports Nikola's talks with energy firms
including BP Plc had stalled, but Russell told Reuters he
is confident Nikola will still announce by year-end a
collaboration with an energy firm to build hydrogen-refueling
stations.
"We've talked to all of those folks and those discussions
are continuing," he said in an interview. "We're confident that
we're still going to hit the milestones laid out there of
announcing a partner by the end of the year and getting stations
going starting next year."
Short-seller Hindenburg Research released a scathing report
on Sept. 10 that called Nikola a "fraud" and on Wednesday the
company released a statement defending its business model,
technology and partnerships.
Russell repeated Nikola's comments from Tuesday that talks
with GM continue but declined further comment. Nikola had
previously said it expected to finalize terms prior to Sept. 30.
GM affirmed on Wednesday that the talks with Nikola continue.
(Reporting by Ben Klayman
Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Lisa Shumaker)
