Make the most of your shopping experience by creating
an account. You can:

Access your saved cars on any device.
Receive Price Alert emails when price changes,
new offers become available or a vehicle is sold.
Close
My Garage
Not registered? click here

Automotive Industry Bankruptcy Tales: Part 1

The automotive industry has always been a competitive and fast-paced environment, with companies constantly vying for market share and consumer attention. Unfortunately, not all companies are able to withstand the pressures of the industry and some eventually find themselves filing for bankruptcy. Recently, Fisker Automotive, RoboTire and EnerDel have all succumbed to financial difficulties and been forced to file for bankruptcy.

Fisker Automotive, known for its luxury electric vehicles, was once seen as a promising player in the green automotive market. However, the company faced numerous setbacks, including production delays, recalls, and funding issues. This ultimately led to Fisker filing for bankruptcy in 2013. In March 2024, Fox Business reported that Fisker was evaluating strategic alternatives, which may include bankruptcy. The impact of Fisker’s bankruptcy was felt not only by its employees and suppliers but also by the electric vehicle market as a whole, as it highlighted the challenges faced by companies trying to break into the industry.

RoboTire, a start-up specializing in automated tire changing technology, also filed for bankruptcy due to financial difficulties. The company had developed a revolutionary system that could change tires in a fraction of the time it takes a human technician. However, the high costs of production and lack of market demand ultimately led to RoboTire’s downfall. The bankruptcy of RoboTire serves as a cautionary tale for start-ups in the automotive industry, highlighting the importance of market research and financial planning.

EnerDel, a manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, also recently filed for bankruptcy. The company had struggled to compete with larger battery manufacturers and faced challenges in scaling up production. The bankruptcy of EnerDel is a blow to the electric vehicle industry, as it raises questions about the sustainability of the supply chain for electric vehicle components.

Overall, the bankruptcies of Fisker Automotive, RoboTire and EnerDel underscore the challenges faced by companies in the automotive industry. Competition is fierce, and companies must be able to adapt to changing market conditions in order to survive. While the impact of these bankruptcies may be felt in the short term, they also serve as a reminder of the importance of strategic planning and financial management in the automotive industry.