The Rise and Fall of Fisker: A Timeline

2023
Fisker's Struggles Begin
- In July, Fisker falls short of its production target of Ocean SUVs, producing only 1,022 vehicles.
- To fund operations, the company sells $340 million in convertible debt in July.
Production Woes
- In December, Fisker cuts its annual production guidance to 10,000 vehicles, a quarter of its initial forecast.
2024
Sales Goals and Safety Issues
- In January, Fisker fails to meet internal sales goals, selling only a fraction of its daily target.
- Safety concerns arise with the Ocean SUV, including braking problems, sudden power loss, and rollaway incidents.
- In February, Fisker lays off 15% of its workforce and pauses production due to cash concerns.
- Negotiations with Nissan for investment fall through in March, jeopardizing rescue funding.
- Trading of Fisker's shares is suspended by NYSE in March due to low price levels.
- Fisker faces challenges with tracking customer payments and undergoes additional layoffs in April.
- Engineering firm alleges non-payment and IP retention by Fisker in May.
The Beginning of the End
- In June, as Fisker issues its first recall for the Ocean SUV, it also files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
- The company struggles to remain operational, seeking potential buyers for its assets.
The Lessons Learned
- Fisker's downfall highlights the importance of addressing production, sales, and safety issues in a timely manner.
- Financial distress and lack of effective processes contributed to the company's ultimate demise.
In conclusion, Fisker's journey serves as a cautionary tale for the electric vehicle industry, emphasizing the need for operational efficiency and financial stability to succeed in the competitive market.