Fisker, a once-prominent player in the electric vehicle market, has officially filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection following a series of setbacks, including financial troubles and operational challenges.
The company, known for its Ocean SUV, had already halted manufacturing amidst mounting difficulties. The decision to seek bankruptcy protection marks a significant downturn for Fisker, which had seen better days when it was valued at $2.9 billion. However, persistent high costs and underwhelming sales took a toll on its financial health over time.
Unlike many of its competitors in the electric vehicle sector, Fisker’s leadership under Henrik Fisker had previously navigated a similar bankruptcy with Fisker Automotive in 2013. In its recent filing, Fisker disclosed owing substantial sums to a wide range of creditors, estimating debts ranging from $100 million to $500 million owed to between 200 and 999 companies.
Among the notable creditors listed were several prominent Bay Area tech firms, indicating the widespread impact of Fisker’s financial woes.
Debts included $2 million to Adobe for IT and software services, $1.2 million to Google for sales and marketing, $1 million to Tessolve for research and development, and $527,600 to Salesforce for IT and software support.
The specifics of how Fisker’s bankruptcy will affect its employees and unsold vehicle inventory were not immediately clarified, although a company spokesperson expressed pride in its sales accomplishments despite challenging market conditions.
In a statement, the spokesperson acknowledged the industry-wide challenges faced by electric vehicle manufacturers due to market dynamics and macroeconomic pressures. The decision to pursue Chapter 11 and sell off its assets was framed as the most viable option following a thorough evaluation of available strategies to sustain the business.
