ECD Automotive Design Continues ECD x Chelsea Truck Company Defenders Following Strategic Alliance

Rhea-AI Summary

ECD Automotive Design (OTC:ECDA) and Chelsea Truck Company continue their alliance with the ECDxCTC Defender 02, a factory-new Defender 110 P525 V8 finished in Carpathian Grey. The build pairs CTC’s Series 2 Wide Track body kit and 22-inch Type 52 wheels with BFGoodrich Trail Terrain tires, exposed carbon fiber elements, a vented bonnet, quad roof shield with integrated LED lighting, and Chelsea-styled exterior upgrades. Power is from Land Rover’s 5.0L P525 supercharged V8 with a non-resonated GT 90 exhaust and active valve control. Interior is Volcanic Black leather with 3D modular stitching. The release states this vehicle is among multiple builds planned under the ECD x CTC collaboration.

News Market Reaction

-14.63%

19 alerts

-14.63% News Effect

-17.6% Trough in 7 hr 6 min

-$95K Valuation Impact

$554,831 Market Cap

0.2x Rel. Volume

On the day this news was published, ECDA declined 14.63%, reflecting a significant negative market reaction. Argus tracked a trough of -17.6% from its starting point during tracking. Our momentum scanner triggered 19 alerts that day, indicating notable trading interest and price volatility. This price movement removed approximately $95K from the company's valuation, bringing the market cap to $554,831 at that time.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Key Figures

Model: New Defender 110 P525 V8 Engine displacement: 5.0L V8 engine Wheel size: 22 Inch wheels +5 more

8 metrics

Model New Defender 110 P525 V8 ECDxCTC Defender 02 base vehicle

Engine displacement 5.0L V8 engine Powertrain specification for ECDxCTC Defender 02

Wheel size 22 Inch wheels Type 52 RS Satin Black wheels on Defender 02

Exhaust tips GT 90 black tips Non-resonated V8 exhaust configuration

Tire model BF Goodrich Trail Terrain T/A Tires fitted for road-focused stance

Interior color Volcanic Black leather Defender 02 interior finish

Stitch style 3D modular stitching Interior upholstery detail

Body kit Series 2 Wide Track Chelsea Truck Company body kit on Defender 02

Market Reality Check

Price: $0.0153 Vol: Volume 13,385,277 is 1.73...

high vol

$0.0153 Last Close

Volume Volume 13,385,277 is 1.73x the 20-day average of 7,717,467, indicating elevated trading interest ahead of this update. high

Technical Shares at 0.4006 are trading below the 200-day MA of 39.21 and sit close to the 52-week low of 0.38, far from the 52-week high of 200.

Peers on Argus

ECDA fell 14.86% while only one peer in the momentum set, EVTV, was also down (a...

1 Down

ECDA fell 14.86% while only one peer in the momentum set, EVTV, was also down (about 4.24%). Other peers in the broader list showed mixed moves, suggesting ECDA’s decline was more stock-specific than sector-driven.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Jan 08 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Jan 08	Strategic financing talks	Positive	-14.9%	Lender discussions on $2M–$10M strategic transactions to improve equity.
Jan 05	Product launch	Positive	+7.2%	Unveiling of Project Wrangler, a bespoke manual Defender 110 build.
Dec 29	Sales channel expansion	Positive	-40.4%	Launch of Luxury Agent Program to expand sales reach and production.
Dec 26	Product lineup update	Positive	+46.5%	Announcement of expanded 2026 product lineup and safety innovations.
Dec 24	Commercial traction	Positive	+12.1%	Report of six initial orders under a third-party build agreement.

Pattern Detected

Recent news has produced mixed reactions: several product and growth updates led to strong rallies, while equity and capital-structure related announcements coincided with sharp selloffs, indicating unstable sentiment around the story.

Recent Company History

Over the past few weeks, ECDA has issued multiple strategic and product announcements. On Dec 24, it highlighted early traction from a third-party build agreement with six initial orders. This was followed by an expanded 2026 product lineup on Dec 26 and a new Luxury Agent Program on Dec 29. In early January, the company introduced Project Wrangler and then disclosed discussions on potential $2M–$10M strategic transactions to improve shareholder equity. Today’s alliance-focused vehicle continuation fits into this broader push to diversify offerings and bolster the business model.

Market Pulse Summary

The stock dropped -14.6% in the session following this news. A negative reaction despite alliance-re...

Analysis

The stock dropped -14.6% in the session following this news. A negative reaction despite alliance-related news fits ECDA’s mixed pattern, where some growth updates coincided with selloffs. Recent filings pointed to a working capital deficit and going concern concerns, and large registered share volumes may weigh on sentiment. The stock traded near its 52-week low and well below the 200-day MA, so investors had already been discounting substantial risk even as the company expanded collaborative product offerings.

Key Terms

supercharged v8, carbon fiber, led lighting, air ride, +3 more

7 terms

supercharged v8 technical

"Power comes from Land Rover’s P525 supercharged V8, enhanced by a non-resonated"

A supercharged V8 is an eight-cylinder internal combustion engine that uses a mechanical blower (supercharger) to force extra air into the cylinders, producing noticeably more power than an ordinary engine of the same size. For investors, this matters because such engines shape a vehicle’s performance profile, fuel use, emissions and production cost—factors that influence pricing, brand positioning, regulatory risk and profit margins in automotive and parts businesses.

carbon fiber technical

"Carbon fiber elements, including an exposed vented bonnet, gloss rear roof wing, and"

Carbon fiber is a material made from very thin strands of carbon woven together and bonded with resin to create a lightweight, extremely strong composite. Think of it as a high-strength fabric that replaces heavier metals: it improves fuel efficiency, performance and durability in products from vehicles to wind turbines, so its cost, availability and technological advances directly affect manufacturers’ production costs, product competitiveness and profit margins—key factors for investors.

led lighting technical

"quad roof shield with integrated LED lighting, underscore the vehicle’s aggressive"

LED lighting uses tiny semiconductor chips to turn electricity directly into light, making fixtures much more energy-efficient and longer-lasting than traditional bulbs; think of it as swapping short-lived candles for a durable, low-energy lamp. Investors care because lower energy use, reduced maintenance and growing regulations drive steady demand, create cost-saving opportunities for businesses and homeowners, and shape where manufacturers, installers and suppliers will earn future revenue.

air ride technical

"highlights include a 6.2L LT1 V8, Magnum T56 6-speed manual, Brembo brakes, ECD Air Ride"

Air ride is a type of vehicle suspension that uses compressed air bags instead of metal springs to cushion trucks, trailers and buses, giving a much smoother, gentler ride—think of it like switching from a rigid bench to a soft sofa. For investors, it matters because smoother transport reduces cargo damage, lowers maintenance and insurance costs, and can improve on-time delivery and customer satisfaction, all of which affect a carrier’s profitability and asset value.

reverse stock split financial

"adjusted for a 1‑for‑40 reverse stock split"

A reverse stock split is when a company reduces the number of its shares outstanding, making each share more valuable. For example, if you own 100 shares worth $1 each, a 1-for-10 reverse split would turn your 100 shares into 10 shares worth $10 each. Companies often do this to boost their stock price and appear more stable to investors.

working capital deficit financial

"Cash and cash equivalents were $157,682 with a working capital deficit of $6.0 million"

A working capital deficit occurs when a company's short-term obligations—like bills, supplier payments and near-term debt—are larger than its readily available short-term resources such as cash, money expected from customers, and inventory that can be sold. Like a household whose monthly bills exceed its checking account, it signals potential difficulty paying immediate expenses, which matters to investors because it raises the chance the company will need outside financing or cut operations, affecting risk and value.

going concern financial

"conditions raise substantial doubt about the company’s ability to continue as a going concern"

A going concern is a business that is expected to continue its operations and meet its obligations for the foreseeable future, rather than shutting down or selling off assets. This assumption matters to investors because it indicates stability and ongoing profitability, making the business a more reliable investment. Think of it as believing a restaurant will stay open and serve customers, rather than closing down suddenly.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

KISSIMMEE, Fla., Jan. 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ECD Automotive Design, the world’s largest Land Rover and Jaguar restoration company known for its bespoke Defenders, Range Rovers, Jaguar E-Types, Ford Mustangs, Toyota FJs, and the ECDXCTC INEOS Grenadier and Defender II, proudly announces the continuation of the ECD x Chelsea Truck Company (CTC) Defenders with the ECDxCTC Defender 02, marking a major milestone since the official alliance between the two brands was announced in November. This factory-new Defender 110 P525 V8 is one of many vehicles to roll out under the ECD x CTC collaboration, setting the tone for a new era of globally influenced design and performance.

Images of the ECDxCTC Defender 02

Video of the ECDxCTC Defender 02

Finished in Carpathian Grey, the Defender features Chelsea Truck Company’s Series 2 Wide Track body kit and 22-inch Type 52 Satin Black wheels, paired with BFGoodrich Trail Terrain T/A tires for a commanding, road-focused stance. Carbon fiber elements, including an exposed vented bonnet, gloss rear roof wing, and quad roof shield with integrated LED lighting, underscore the vehicle’s aggressive yet refined character.

Power comes from Land Rover’s P525 supercharged V8, enhanced by a non-resonated V8 exhaust with GT 90 black tips and active valve control, allowing the driver to tailor sound and presence to the moment. Inside, the Defender is finished in Volcanic Black leather with 3D modular stitching, maintaining a premium, performance-oriented interior that complements the exterior’s bold design.

“This ECD x CTC Defender represents exactly what this alliance was created to deliver,” said Scott Wallace, CEO of ECD Automotive Design. “It combines Chelsea Truck Company’s signature design language with ECD’s execution, attention to detail, and client-first approach. This is just the beginning of what we’ll be building together.”

The debut of this vehicle showcases the continued production under the ECD x CTC alliance, with additional builds and expanded offerings planned across modern Defender platforms. Together, ECD Automotive Design and Chelsea Truck Company aim to deliver vehicles that stand apart, bold in design, confident in performance, and unmistakable in presence.

For more information on the ECD x CTC collaboration or to inquire about upcoming builds, visit www.ecdxchelseatruckcompany.com or schedule a consultation with ECD Automotive Design.

ECDxCTC Defender 02 Specifications

Model — New Defender 110 P525 V8
Engine — 5.0L V8 engine
Exhaust — Defender 110 v8 Exhaust with Non Resonated GT 90 Black Tips
Exterior Color — Carpathian Grey
Tires — BF Goodrich Trail Terrain T/A
Roof — New Defender Quad Roof Shield with LED Lights
Arches— Series 2 widetrack arches
Leather — Defender 2 Comfort Leather Interior Color Volcanic Black
Stitch Style — Stitching 3D Modular
Wheels — Type 52 RS in 22 Inch
Additional features — New Defender Exposed Carbon Oversized Rear Wing, Exposed Carbon Fiber Vented Bonnet, Active Valve Exhaust Control, Milltek sport exhausts, Landmark front end styling kit

About ECD Automotive Design
ECD, a public company trading under ECDA on the Nasdaq, is a creator of restored luxury vehicles that combines classic beauty with modern performance. Currently, ECD restores Land Rovers Series, Land Rover Series IIA, the Range Rover Classic, Jaguar E-Type, Ford Mustang, Toyota FJ, the ECDxCTC INEOS Grenadier and Defender II and highly specialized vehicles from its Boutique Studio. Each vehicle produced by ECD is fully bespoke, a one-off that is designed by the client through an immersive luxury design experience and hand-built from the ground up in 2,200 hours by master-certified Automotive Service Excellence (“ASE”) craftsmen. The company was founded in 2013 by three British “gear heads’ whose passion for classic vehicles is the driving force behind exceptionally high standards for quality, custom luxury vehicles. ECD’s global headquarters is a 100,000-square-foot facility located in Kissimmee, Florida, that is home to 95 talented and dedicated employees who hold a combined 80 ASE and five master level certifications. ECD has an affiliated logistics center in the U.K., where its five employees work to source and transport 25-year-old work vehicles back to the U.S. for restoration. For more information, visit www.ecdautodesign.com.

Media Inquiries:
Dia Stewart
dia@ecdautodesign.com
(407) 483-4825

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/838c6dec-d82c-49ec-aa63-03d497c7e6aa

FAQ

What is the ECDxCTC Defender 02 model announced by ECDA on January 9, 2026?

The ECDxCTC Defender 02 is a factory-new Defender 110 P525 V8 featuring a 5.0L P525 supercharged V8 and bespoke Chelsea Truck Company bodywork.

What exterior upgrades does the ECDxCTC Defender 02 include?

Exterior upgrades include CTC Series 2 Wide Track arches, 22-inch Type 52 Satin Black wheels, BFGoodrich Trail Terrain tires, exposed carbon fiber bonnet and rear wing, and a quad roof shield with LED lights.

What performance and exhaust features are on the ECDxCTC Defender 02?

Performance features include Land Rover’s P525 supercharged V8 and a non-resonated V8 exhaust with GT 90 black tips plus active valve control for adjustable sound.

What interior specifications are listed for the ECDxCTC Defender 02?

The interior is finished in Volcanic Black leather with 3D modular stitching and Defender 2 comfort leather trim.

Is the ECD x Chelsea Truck Company collaboration a one-off or ongoing for ECDA?

The announcement describes the Defender 02 as part of continued production under the ECD x CTC alliance, with additional builds and expanded offerings planned.

How can interested buyers inquire about ECDxCTC builds from ECDA?

Interested buyers can visit www.ecdxchelseatruckcompany.com or schedule a consultation with ECD Automotive Design as indicated in the announcement.