Iconic Carmaker Revives Its Legacy With Alpha5 and Onchain Innovation
DeLorean Motor Company is making a high-tech return to the automotive world with the launch of an onchain reservation system and NFT marketplace for its upcoming Alpha5 electric vehicle (EV). The system is built on the Sui blockchain, offering a digital-first approach to reserving and trading EV slots.
Holders of DeLorean’s Build Slot NFTs will gain priority access to purchase the Alpha5 — the company’s first car release in over four decades. The Alpha5 design is heavily inspired by the legendary DMC-12, made famous by the Back to the Future film series.
“By using blockchain technology, we’re setting a new standard for the automotive industry,” said Cameron Wynne, DeLorean’s Chief Brand Officer.
Many industry firsts coming out of @SuiNetwork Basecamp with @DeLoreanlabs😎
DLabs President @EvanKuhn takes the stage to discuss a few:
✅ First major car brand to ever launch a native token
✅ Largest brand to ever launch a native token
✅ First ever On-Chain vehicle… pic.twitter.com/lnbbc4o9oO— DeLorean Labs #wenDeLorean (@DeLoreanlabs) May 2, 2025
NFTs as Digital Passports for Vehicles
Each Build Slot NFT can be traded on DeLorean’s exclusive NFT marketplace, using USDC stablecoin on the Sui network. The NFTs not only represent early access rights but also come with rewards and resale options built into the onchain ecosystem.
In addition to reservations, DeLorean is deploying the FLUX protocol to record each vehicle’s history onchain. This includes data such as:
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Battery performance
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Maintenance records
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Accident reports
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Verified odometer readings
The company says this immutable data will enhance transparency and trust in the secondary car market, enabling enthusiasts and collectors to confidently buy and sell DeLorean vehicles with full historical provenance.
DeLorean Embraces Utility Tokens
Beyond NFTs, DeLorean also introduced its own utility token, $DMC, making it the first automaker to tokenize both reservation and ownership utility in the EV space.
This aligns DeLorean with a broader trend of blockchain adoption by luxury brands, where NFTs are increasingly used to verify authenticity, enable exclusive access, and provide lifecycle tracking of high-end goods.
NFTs in the Luxury Sector
DeLorean’s Web3 pivot follows in the footsteps of major luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, which launched exclusive digital collectibles tied to premium goods in 2023. Its blockchain-powered AURA platform tracks raw materials, production, and maintenance history via NFTs — a concept DeLorean is now applying to cars.
With the Alpha5 NFT system, DeLorean is positioning itself as a leader in automotive tokenization, merging nostalgia, innovation, and Web3 technology to appeal to a new generation of car buyers and collectors.
As the brand looks to deliver the first units of the Alpha5, it’s clear DeLorean isn’t just back — it’s aiming to drive the future of automotive ownership onchain.
