Summary
- Fisker Ocean owners won’t have to pay for recall costs out of pocket
- Final bankruptcy liquidation plan approved by Delaware judge
- Plan states Fisker’s estate will pay for parts and labor for recalls
- All costs covered by automaker for hardware-related recalls
- Fleet of Fisker Ocean EVs to remain connected to cloud for 5 years
Article
Fisker Ocean Owners to Have Recall Costs Covered
In a much-needed relief for Fisker Ocean owners, the automaker’s final bankruptcy liquidation plan was approved last week by a Delaware judge. This plan states that Fisker’s estate will cover the costs for both parts and labor for any recalls that may be required for the electric crossover vehicle. The decision comes after several filings, hearings, and closed-door meetings between Fisker, the Fisker Owners Association (FOA), and American Lease, the company that purchased the remaining inventory of Ocean EVs.
Recalls for Fisker Ocean EVs
The Austrian-built Fisker Ocean EVs, the only model sold by the company before declaring bankruptcy, are subject to five recalls in the United States. Two of these recalls require spare parts, while the other three are software-related and will be resolved through free over-the-air updates. Last month, Fisker announced that it would provide spare parts for the hardware-related recalls, including faulty outer door handles and a defective water pump that could affect drive power. Initially, the labor costs for these repairs were to be covered by the owners.
Conflict Over Recall Costs
After initially stating that it would cover all recall costs, Fisker later changed its position, indicating that owners would have to pay for repairs. This sparked a complaint from the U.S. Department of Justice, which was ultimately resolved. The approved liquidation plan now confirms that Fisker’s estate will cover all recall costs for the Ocean EVs. Additionally, the fleet of vehicles will remain connected to the cloud for the next five years, allowing owners to continue utilizing features like interior temperature preconditioning through the smartphone app.
Additional Funds for Cloud Connectivity
Buyer American Lease agreed to pay an extra $2.5 million to ensure the servers remain operational for the next five years, in addition to the $46 million paid for the remaining inventory of Ocean EVs. This investment will enable owners around the world to retain access to essential features and services. The Fisker Owners Association also secured control of the Ocean’s core software, the FAST diagnostic software, an engineering help desk, and the ability to phase out or upgrade outdated features.
Support for Fisker Ocean Owners
The decision to cover recall costs for Fisker Ocean owners is a significant win for those who invested in the electric crossover vehicle. With the repairs now being funded by Fisker’s estate, owners can rest assured that any necessary recalls will not come out of their pockets. Furthermore, the continued cloud connectivity for the fleet ensures that owners can maximize the functionality and convenience of their vehicles for years to come.
Future of Fisker Ocean EVs
The resolution of the recall cost issue and the commitment to maintaining cloud connectivity for Fisker Ocean EVs highlight a positive direction for the future of these vehicles and their owners. With ongoing support from the Fisker Owners Association and access to essential software and services, owners can look forward to enjoying their electric crossover vehicles with peace of mind. The approved bankruptcy liquidation plan ensures that Fisker Ocean owners will have the necessary support and resources to continue using and maintaining their vehicles effectively.
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