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Fisker finally files for bankruptcy, reveals creditors

Fisker Automotive finally filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection this week, some 18 months after building its last car.

Hybrid Technology LLC, which bought the automaker’s outstanding $168 million DOE loan for $25 million in October, said that the purchase of the government loan was a first step toward restarting production of the Karma. “As we continue to examine Fisker’s opportunities, we will be making decisions about the structure and footprint of the new business,” said spokeswoman Caroline Langdale.

In an interesting wrinkle, the bankruptcy filing allowed the public to get a look at Fisker’s list of creditors – some 5,000 to 10,000 of them. Some were vendors (engine supplier BMW is on the hook for $74 million, and contract manufacturer Valmet Oy got burned for $8 million), and others were investors, including venture capital firms and wealthy individuals.

GigaOM reported that there are several famous names on the list, including those of Hollywood personalities and a couple who may have connections to former and current politicians. In the past, Fisker’s foes have alleged that it received some shady political favors, so we can expect the press to pore over this list very closely, seeking signs of scandal. However, at this point it’s not clear which of these people were investors, and which were simply customers who had put down a deposit.

The really interesting question is, if so many people were willing to order a Karma and/or invest in the company, why exactly did it drive off the dock?

Tell us your theories in the comments below.

 

Source: Reuters, GigaOM, Green Car Reports

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