AUTO Nikola Has a New WinGMan Francis Scialabba Yesterday, hallowed Detroit automaker GM announced a $2 billion investment in Nikola, the sexy electric truck shop that went public in June via reverse merger.  The details: GM will develop and manufacture Nikola’s new models in exchange for an 11% stake in the company and a seat on the board. Picture Timon and Pumbaa guiding Simba, but instead of eating bugs they’re teaching him how to install fuel cells.  GM stock popped almost 8% on the news; Nikola jumped nearly 41%.  One problem to solve later: Nikola’s Badger truck, which GM will help Nikola produce by late 2022, could eventually compete with GM’s trucks.  Zoom out: This is yet another example of an established automaker moving into the EV world via supplying components to younger rivals. Ford struck a similar agreement with Rivian last year, and EV startup Fisker also plans to outsource components. There is one exception though, and it’s a big one—Nikola’s last name/rival Tesla is vertically integrated, meaning it hasn't needed to strike the manufacturing partnerships that've become the industry norm.