[1/2] A Lordstown Motors sign is seen outside the Lordstown Assembly Plant in Lordstown, Ohio, U.S., June 21, 2021. REUTERS/Rebecca Cook/File PhotoNEW YORK, June 28 (Reuters) - U.S. electric truck manufacturer Lordstown Motors (RIDE.O) began its bankruptcy case embroiled in litigation, laying out disputes with estranged partner Foxconn, rival electric vehicle manufacturer Karma Automotive, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and several investor groups during its first court appearance. Lordstown has alleged that Foxconn broke its promises to invest $170 million in Lordstown and collaborate with the company on vehicle development plans. Lordstown had struggled with higher-than-expected costs, production shortfalls, and litigation risk well before Foxconn agreed to purchase Lordstown's Ohio manufacturing vehicle center in 2021, Murphy said. Several investor groups have also brought claims against Lordstown, alleging that the electric truck startup misled consumers and investors.

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Persons: Rebecca Cook, Foxconn, Lordstown, Thomas Lauria, Mary Walrath, Lauria, Walrath, Matthew Murphy, Murphy, Karma, James Sowka, Dietrich Knauth, Stephen Coates Organizations: REUTERS, Lordstown Motors, Karma Automotive, U.S . Securities, Exchange Commission, Taiwan's, U.S . Securities & Exchange, Lordstown, SEC, General, Thomson Locations: Lordstown, Lordstown , Ohio, U.S, Wilmington , Delaware, Delaware, Ohio, Foxconn, Delaware and Ohio, California