Just what it says on the tin.
YouTube tech reviewer and podcaster Marques Brownlee, who reviews cars on his Auto Focus channel, cut right to it: “This is the Worst Car I’ve Ever Reviewed.” Brownlee’s video pointed out disconcerting software issues, including an excessively slow response by the central display, irregular warning lights, and key fob issues. Fisker did itself no favors with its reaction to the video review, which involved trying to track down Brownlee’s borrowed Ocean and alternately chastising and cajoling the dealer who loaned it to him.
Brownlee posted on X (formerly Twitter) Tuesday that “everyone’s commenting that I killed them, but truth is they were doomed long before any of my videos.”
The second Fisker auto bankruptcy
Fisker is technically the second EV company started by Henrik Fisker to stall out of the gate. Fisker Automotive made the Fisker Karma, a plug-in hybrid (or “range extender”) sports GT, that broke down on Consumer Report’s test track before it could be actually tested and had a fire-risk recall. Fisker Automotive spent $1.4 billion making roughly 2,500 cars before it filed for Chapter 11 in 2013. This latest version of Fisker reported 6,400 vehicle deliveries by mid-April.
Fisker is seeking to sell its assets, worth between $500 million to $1 billion, with liabilities between $100 million–$500 million, according to its filing. The company, formed through a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), contracted Canadian firm Magna to manufacture its cars. Adobe and Google are among its largest creditors.
Fisker said in its filing that in limited operations, it would work at “preserving certain customer programs.” No specifics about parts, warranty, or software updates were included. Ars reached out to Fisker to inquire about these items and will update the post with a response.
