GM: VP Pence was mistaken about funds for buying idled plant

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — General Motors says U.S. Vice President Mike Pence was incorrect in saying that a fledgling electric vehicle maker and a new affiliated company have secured funding to buy GM's shuttered Lordstown plant in Ohio.

Pence made the comments Tuesday while visiting Lancaster, Ohio.

GM spokesman Jim Cain tells The Vindicator in Youngstown that $25 million obtained by Workhorse Group Inc. from private investors is not directly related to a sale of the Lordstown plant.

The newspaper reported that Pence's office and a Workhorse spokesman didn't immediately respond to follow-up inquiries about the vice president's comments.

Cain says discussions about the details and conditions of a potential purchase are ongoing between GM, Workhorse and its new affiliated company. Cain says the buyer would be that affiliate, not Workhorse.