Revisiting Our Historic Partnership with DeLorean
Step back in time with us as we explore our groundbreaking collaboration with the iconic DeLorean brand.
It all started in 1976 when DeLorean’s engineers approached us with an ambitious project: the creation of the legendary DMC-12 sports car. This was to be the first and only model produced by DeLorean, assembled in their Northern Ireland factory. The DMC-12’s unique design, featuring its famous ‘batwing’ doors and electric wing mirrors, was as daring as it was futuristic.
Bringing Innovation to Life
The electric wing mirrors needed a 4-way toggle switch to operate—an innovation at the time. Though not the flashiest component, the 4-way toggle switch perfectly matched the car’s forward-thinking, ‘space-age’ design. As one of the few suppliers of this cutting-edge part in the UK, DAU Components was proud to partner with DeLorean. This project marked our entry into the automotive industry, where we’ve since worked with major brands like Fiat, Ford, and Land Rover.
DeLorean’s Legacy
Despite the DMC-12’s exciting design, the car’s performance didn’t quite meet expectations, and a major economic downturn in the U.S. led to the company’s downfall. Only 9,000 DMC-12s were ever produced before DeLorean closed its doors. Yet, far from being a failure, the DMC-12 earned a permanent place in pop culture and automotive history—largely thanks to its starring role in the Back to the Future movies.
For fans of the films (and of the car), the story doesn’t end there. In August 2022, DeLorean’s iconic vehicle is being reimagined for the electric vehicle (EV) era as the DeLorean EVolved. This sleek, all-electric version of the beloved classic brings futuristic touches like integrated LEDs and digital panels. While we’re thrilled about the innovation, there’s a part of us that hopes the new DeLorean keeps a few nostalgic elements—like the tactile satisfaction of a manual switch or a clicking button. After all, it’s the blend of innovation and nostalgia that makes the DeLorean truly timeless. As we look ahead, we’re excited to see how DeLorean Motors Reimagined takes us ‘back to the future’ once again, blending the past with the future in a way that continues to inspire automotive design.
