The Fisker affair continues to trouble customers after the company’s bankruptcy last June. With after-sales service halted, many owners face functionality issues with their vehicles. A leasing company has now mandated the return of cars for safety reasons, impacting users, including cab drivers. While some progress is being made with software updates to keep cars operational, the prospect of vehicles being auctioned off raises further concerns for customers, who risk losing their investments without recourse.
The situation surrounding Fisker continues to be troubling for affected customers. Despite the company’s bankruptcy last June, several issues remain unresolved, impacting consumers significantly.
Customers Face New Challenges
In May, it was revealed that the automaker had ceased all after-sales services and maintenance for its vehicles, leaving many owners to navigate issues independently. This abrupt cut-off resulted in malfunctioning features, including the inability to operate windows and sunroofs. Thankfully, proactive drivers rallied together to keep their Fisker Ocean models operational, but further unfortunate news soon surfaced.
According to the Automobile Propre website, an email from a leasing company informed drivers who leased the electric SUV that they must return their vehicles due to Fisker’s liquidation. The email stated, “following my voicemail regarding Fisker’s liquidation, we are obliged to collect the vehicles put on the road for safety reasons.” This announcement spells trouble for customers.
Owners will now be forced to return their vehicles before their lease contracts end, leaving them without transportation options. This is particularly concerning for those who rely on their Oceans for professional purposes, such as taxi drivers, who could lose their primary income source overnight. Furthermore, many leases were offered at attractive rates, as the manufacturer had aggressively marketed its electric SUVs to boost sales.
Moreover, clients may never recover their initial investments due to the brand’s bankruptcy status. However, Fisker is under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, allowing it to manage its assets and continue offering software updates that help maintain vehicle functionality. This recent decision to reclaim vehicles has caught many by surprise.
Vehicles Up for Auction
Adding to the complexity, the association representing Fisker Ocean owners has secured the right to utilize the company’s software for ongoing vehicle maintenance. Nevertheless, numerous individuals have encountered issues, such as getting locked out of their cars. In one notable incident, a driver had to call firefighters for help, which may have pressured the leasing company to retrieve their vehicles.
These cars are expected to be resold at auction, a move intended to help the leasing company recoup some of its losses from Fisker’s bankruptcy. Owners find themselves with limited options unless they choose to pursue legal action to negotiate a settlement. Meanwhile, drivers are receiving a much-needed software update.
The owners’ association has reported that they now have access to the “vehicle software, Fisker After Sales Tool (FAST) diagnostic tools, and technical assistance service.” The first 25 vehicles in Europe are set to receive this test update, which may be extended to all cars on the road. This upgrade aims to “progressively remove or update obsolete functionalities“, among other enhancements, with ownership and management entirely in the hands of the vehicle owners—a significant change in the experience for Fisker customers.