Summary
- Fisker EV owners have a list of confirmed service points for their Ocean EVs
- Bankruptcy of Fisker continues, making production or brand restart unlikely
- Owners won’t have to pay for recall repairs
- Fisker filed for bankruptcy protection in Delaware in June 2023
- More than 800 Fisker owners have retained legal representation from Hagens Berman
Article
Fisker EV owners in North America can now have peace of mind knowing that there are confirmed service points available for their Ocean EVs. The Fisker Owners Association has been working diligently to identify shops that are interested in providing service for stranded Ocean owners. Initially, there are 20 locations in the U.S. and three in Canada that can handle repairs, including recalls, with plans for a list of service points in Europe in progress. Access to Fisker’s proprietary diagnostic tool, FAST, is crucial for servicing the vehicles, and the FOA has worked to ensure this access for owners.
In a positive turn of events, Fisker has adjusted its stance on recall repairs for owners, initially suggesting that they would have to pay for these repairs. After facing pushback and concerns about potential violations of federal law, Fisker quietly revised its language to include the provision of labor for these repairs. Despite the bankruptcy filing by Fisker in California, the Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in Delaware have ensured that the company must continue to operate in some capacity, with a plan to repay creditors. However, there have been ongoing court documents as creditors seek repayment and Fisker assets are approved for liquidation.
The future of Fisker’s Ocean EV brand looks bleak as the chances of production restarting seem slim, considering the circumstances surrounding the EV’s development and production. The brand relied on Magna Steyr in Austria as a contract manufacturer, with recall documents revealing unpaid engineering bills to Magna. Fisker’s bankruptcy estimated liabilities of up to $500 million, further casting doubt on the potential for a brand revival. Additionally, more than 800 owners have sought legal representation from Hagens Berman, the same firm that represented VW TDI owners and dealers in the diesel emissions scandal.
Despite the challenges and uncertainties facing Fisker owners, the news of established service points and adjustments in recall repair provisions offer a glimmer of hope for those who have invested in the Ocean EV. With ongoing Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings and the daunting task of repaying significant liabilities, the road ahead for Fisker remains uncertain. However, the efforts of the Fisker Owners Association and legal representation for owners indicate a commitment to protecting the interests of those who have purchased Fisker vehicles. As the situation continues to evolve, the fate of the Fisker brand and its Ocean EV model hangs in the balance, with the possibility of production restarting remaining highly unlikely.
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